Chapter 24 : Midori's Proposal

A congratulatory BGM rang out in Midori's head a moment later, followed by S-9898's ecstatic voice.

[Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! Midori-san, you have completed the second mission with amazing achievements! ✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧

Basic reward upon completion, 10 Life Points have been added to your account!

3 Charm Points are added to your account because you managed to improve your standing before Akiyama Kinoshita.]

A jolt of surprise coursed through Midori's veins as she witnessed Akiyama Kinoshita's commanding presence. Could this be the same young man she had dismissed as a meek appendage to his mother's authority? Perhaps she had been hasty in her judgment, underestimating the strength that lay beneath his unassuming demeanor.

Takiko Kinoshita did not share the same view.

"While your intentions are noble, Akiyama-san, such a declaration would be premature and ill-advised," she interjected, her voice laced with caution. "The matter of Midori-san's betrothal to you remains unresolved, and we must be mindful of the potential for misinformation spreading throughout the academy."

A sudden realization dawned upon Midori. The primary obstacle to her secondary objective was not Akiyama himself, but rather the critical judgment of Takiko, or perhaps even the combined judgment of Takiko and her husband. Akiyama, on the other hand, appeared to be captivated by her presence.

To impress a bride, one should first impress her parents.

If Midori planned to take Akiyama Kinoshita as her second husband, she would need to exert every ounce of her influence to secure a favorable standing in the eyes of the Kinoshita couple.

"Akiyama-san, your words honored me greatly, but I must agree with Madam Kinoshita. In fact, I came here prepared, not with mere words, but with a formal proposal."

As the words left her lips, Midori produced a pristine white envelope from her handbag and extended it towards Takiko with both hands.

"Please accept this, Madam."

Takiko grasped the envelope with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. With delicate movements, she unfolded the crisp white paper within.

As her eyes scanned the meticulously penned words, a surge of surprise washed over her. "This is...!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing with disbelief.

Her gaze darted towards Midori, her expression a blend of astonishment and admiration. "Midori-san, did you write this letter yourself?"

Akiyama, his curiosity piqued, swiftly crossed the office and positioned himself beside his mother. As his eyes fell upon the letter's contents, a gasp escaped his lips, echoing his mother's surprise. "But this... This letter is composed in English!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with astonishment.

"And not just any English," Takiko interjected, her voice laced with admiration. "The command of the language is so exceptional that one might suspect a native speaker had penned it for Midori-san."

Midori maintained a serene smile as the mother and son duo continued to stare at her, their faces etched with bewilderment. Akiyama, acutely aware of his own shortcomings in English, discreetly inquired of his mother, "Mother, what does the letter say?"

With a furrowed brow, Takiko meticulously scanned the letter's contents, deciphering each line with utmost care. After a moment of deliberation, she revealed, "Midori-san has submitted an application to become an English teacher at St. Anne's Academy. She does not seek monetary compensation but rather a place at St. Anne's Academy for the duration of her service."

In that era, the pursuit of higher education was a privilege reserved almost exclusively for men, and the opportunity to study abroad was an even rarer luxury.

As a result, English teachers, particularly those of the female persuasion, were as scarce as diamonds. Takiko, the esteemed headmistress of St. Anne's Academy, had been tirelessly searching for qualified English instructors to meet the burgeoning demand among her eager female students.

Unfortunately, the allure of lucrative opportunities in the male-dominated business world often lured men returning from their overseas studies away from the noble profession of teaching.

This dearth of competent English teachers left Takiko shouldering the immense responsibility of instructing the English classes herself. The sheer number of female students yearning to learn English was steadily overwhelming her, and she desperately sought to alleviate her burden.

With an uncanny ability to perceive Takiko's innermost thoughts, Midori gracefully interjected, "Madam Kinoshita, in this era, the mastery of the English language is a skill rarely possessed by women. I am deeply impressed by your unwavering commitment to enriching the minds of Japanese ladies with the knowledge of English. Please allow me to join your esteemed institution as a humble contributor to your noble endeavor."

Needless to say, Midori's proposal was met with unanimous approval, her exceptional English proficiency and compelling commitment to promote education for the Japanese ladies proving to be irresistible.

Takiko's eyes sparkled with delight as she grasped Midori's hands, her heart filled with gratitude for this unexpected blessing.

"In that case, Midori-san," Takiko declared, her voice brimming with enthusiasm, "please grace our academy with your presence every day from Monday to Friday, commencing at the precise hour of 8.30 AM. Today, I shall ensure your smooth transition into our esteemed teaching faculty. Tomorrow, upon the commencement of your first day, we shall delve into further details regarding your role and responsibilities."

Midori's heart swelled with appreciation as she gently squeezed Takiko's hands, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "Many thanks, Madam Kinoshita," she expressed, her voice imbued with sincerity.

Takiko's benevolent smile widened as she extended an invitation, "If you don't mind, Midori-san, I would be delighted to guide you on a tour of our academy grounds. Perhaps you might even have the pleasure of meeting some of your future students."

Akiyama's voice cut through the air, disrupting the quiet exchange between the women. "Mother, allow me to escort Midori-san around the academy," he requested, his tone laced with determination.

A hint of amusement played upon Takiko's lips, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "Why not, my son," she agreed graciously. "Just be sure to return Midori-san to the Takigawa residence safely later, and kindly convey my most respectful greetings to Master Takigawa."

S-9898's ecstatic shout exploded in Midori's head again.

[This system is Midori-san's biggest fan! (⁠灬⁠º⁠‿⁠º⁠灬⁠)⁠♡

Thanks to your brilliant move, you have unlocked the title "The Lemonade Maker".

5 Charm Points are added to your account because you managed to improve your standing before Madam Takiko Kinoshita.

10 Creativity Points are added to your account as a reward for your ingenuity in spinning the plot to your advantage!]