Vol 1 Chapter 9 – Yuuma’s House

“We have arrived. This is the residence where you will be living from today onward, Yuuma-sama. The home in which you previously resided can no longer be lived in due to security concerns. We sincerely apologize. However, everything provided in this new residence is of the highest quality, selected to suit you perfectly. If there is anything at all that you find lacking or require, please inform either myself or Sakurai immediately. We will have it prepared for you at once.”

I stepped out of the car and looked up at the building before me.

It was so tall I couldn’t even see the top floor from here.

The tallest building I saw from the hospital window.

To think that it’s my new home…

“Um… what floor am I living on?”

I asked the question timidly.

It has to be the penthouse, right?

“…What floor? This is your residence, Yuuma-sama.”

Sakurai-san replied, her head tilted in genuine confusion.

“Y-Yeah, I get that… but what floor of this building will I be living on…?”

“Ah! Are you asking about the floor you will be sleeping on? In that case, I believe the room on the top floor would be most suitable!”

I don’t know… it feels like she’s answering my question without actually answering it…

Or maybe… maybe I’m the one who’s completely missing the point…

I decided to ask about the unbelievable conclusion my brain had just reached.

“Um… this might be a long shot, but… is this entire building my house? No, that can’t be right…”

“Yes! That is precisely correct! This entire building is your residence, Yuuma-sama! You may live on whichever floor you please!”

Sakurai-san’s answer was exactly what I had predicted, yet it was still beyond all expectation.

No! Are they serious?! Me, live in a building this huge?! That’s completely insane, no matter how you look at it!

I shot back, inside my own head.

But of course, there was no way Sakurai-san could hear my internal thoughts, and she continued on with a cheerful, unwavering smile.

“Inside this building, you will find a movie theater, a Spo-cha, a pool, a gym, a hot spring, a beauty salon, and many other recreational facilities. And, of course, you may enjoy all of them free of charge. Furthermore, should you desire it, we can construct new facilities within the building as well.”

I was so shocked that words failed me.

What is this… Is this heaven?

As I stood there, dumbfounded, Tachibana-san began to speak.

But her next words only served to stun me even further.

“Now, regarding the academy you will be attending, Yuuma-sama… with the cooperation of Tenjouin-sama, the academy you previously attended has been relocated to these premises. With this, security during your commute to and from school will be flawless. Please attend the academy with peace of mind, Yuuma-sama.”

All I could do was stand there, utterly stupefied.

The Tenjouin family… what in the world are they?!

“Tch! That woman… using the power of money to get on Yuuma-sama’s good side… Still, this is advantageous for Yuuma-sama, so I suppose I’ll allow it…”

Sakurai-san muttered, her expression complicated.

“Is something the matter, Yuuma-sama?”

Seeing me standing there in a daze, Tachibana-san asked in a worried tone.

“No… it’s just, you said the academy was relocated to the premises… but where is it…?”

“The Tenjouin Academy you will be attending is the building next to this one, Yuuma-sama. It may have been difficult to see since we arrived by car, but the entire area within an approximately 4-kilometer radius of this building is your property. Naturally, the perimeter is enclosed by a wall to prevent any suspicious individuals from entering. Only academy personnel and those who see to your needs are permitted inside. Therefore, you can rest assured.”

“I… see…”

I stopped thinking.

Whatever happens, happens. I’m done.

“Yuuma-sama, you must be tired today. Therefore, let us save the detailed explanations for tomorrow. Tomorrow, we will instruct you on the rules for your life here. Also, the day after tomorrow is a school day, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us at any time.”

It seemed Tachibana-san was concerned about my condition.

And it was true. Whether from mental fatigue or shock-induced exhaustion, I felt utterly drained for some reason.

“Yes, I understand. Thank you very much.”

I conveyed my gratitude honestly.

As I did, Sakurai-san took my hand.

“Well then, allow me to guide you through the building from here! First, let’s take the elevator to the top floor!”

“Okay, thank you. I’ll be in your care.”

Though I was a little surprised by her forwardness, I let Sakurai-san lead me by the hand into the building.

Still, if you’re going to blush so much that your face turns bright red, you probably shouldn’t be holding my hand in the first place…

Even as I thought that, it never once occurred to me to pull my own hand away.