<Huh?

Shizuku, you're back already?>

That was quick.

Were the baths not open yet?

No, they were...

But there's something I need to discuss with all of you.

<Did something happen just now?>

Yes, so...

I see...

Saito's grandmother is okay with her granddaughter not taking over because she wants her to be happy.

Then, doesn't that give Saito the green light to start pursuing her dream?

But... She still said she was gonna take over even after she heard what her grandmother had to say.

Exactly. Which is why...I'm not sure as to what to do right now.

This is a family matter, so we don't really have any right to butt in... But if she goes through with this, I feel that neither she nor her family will end up benefitting.

Right...

<But I'm still confused as to why she's so set on taking over running this inn.>

<Hmm... Saito's mother did say she's looking forward to her becoming the next proprietress. Maybe she doesn't want to let her down?>

<I think that's only a part of it.

I'm guessing that she feels a sense of duty.>

<Remember what she said when we first got here...? She said, “I'm an only child...”>

Expectations... Duty...

I think I understand how she feels.

Huh...?

Because when I was still in Cheerful * Days, I felt that I couldn't disappoint anyone and that I had a duty to fulfill.

<Oh...>

Before I became an idol, I wasn't nearly as good a speaker as Airi was, and it always took me so long to make any decisions...

Because of that, I couldn't accept myself like I do now.

But my friends submitted an application to audition for me, and I somehow ended up winning the Grand Prix...

When I did, I finally came to the belief that even someone like me could help others by being an idol.

<Shizuku...>

That's why I felt that I couldn't disappoint anyone back then...

After that, I was chosen to become the lead, which gave me a strong sense of needing to fulfill my duty. And while those feelings did fuel me for a time...

As you all know, they weren't enough to keep me going.

<Right...>

I don't want Saito to suffer the same fate.

So, if it's going to make everyone happy in the end, then I want Saito to pursue her real dreams...

<Why don't you tell her what you just said?>

What...?

I agree...

I think she'd respond really well to what you just said.

I mean, Shizuku, I feel like you're the only one who can make all that clear to Saito. So I think you should go talk to her.

Only I can...?

Right.

Then, I'll try talking to her.

Oh, it's already this late...?

(Wait, do we still have enough beer in stock? I need to check the inventory list after I'm done taking my break.)

(Then, I have to start prepping for breakfast. We're supposed to serve salmon tomorrow, so I'm sure Minori won't know what to do with herself, and...)

(My mind keeps wandering every chance it gets.)

I thought I'd gotten over all that yesterday...

...

(Until just a little while ago, my event job partly felt almost like a hobby.)

(I gained such a huge interest in that line of work after shaking hands with Shizuku...)

(I knew that I'd have to take over here someday, so I figured even a part-time job in the industry would do. But...)

(Seeing everyone shine on stage and the way the crowd reacted... I wanted to make more of that happen. I was willing to give it everything I had.)

(I even started learning about how to be a manager. But I began taking things so seriously that I started forgetting about this place...)

(No, I didn't forget.

I kept myself from remembering.)

Now I'm paying the price for that...

(I kept doing what I wanted to while pushing aside my obligations...)

(I knew that wouldn't last...

I knew this time would come sooner or later.)

(But I have to forget about all that now. After all, I'm an only child...)

(I can't let my whims cause it to go out of business. And Mom's looking forward to me taking over.)

(So...I'm okay with my decision.

I mean, I don't want this inn to close down.)

(Yes. This is fine.)

(Or... It should be...)

Wait, Daddy, we're going home tomorrow?!

Yes, honey. We're only here until tomorrow morning. After that, we'll be taking the car home.

No, I don't wanna go!

I wanna stay here forever!

The food's so yummy! And the bathwater feels all weird and slippery! I really like it here! I don't wanna go!

Haha. You're putting me in a tough spot. But we can always come again next year. Who knows? Maybe they'll serve something even more yummy and delicious then!

Wait....really?!

Then, we should come back again next year!

*Sigh*

I should get back to work.

I need to check on our inventory and start prepping for breakfast while I still have—

Saito!

Huh...?

Do you have a minute to talk?

Shizuku...?