From the Bottom to the Top

Volume 2: Chapter 4

“I humbly apologize for this, Chisaki-sama, but I believe it would be better if I’m not doing the same task as Alisa-sama.”

Ayano spoke up while her arm was raised in the air, which immediately got the attention of all the other people who were there with her.

The entire group was gathered around the lounge, having finished their breakfast and ready to start another day of work, at least until the quietest individual among them raised her arm and spoke.

Because of how quiet and reserved she is, everyone listened to her as if she was going to deliver an important oration.

…but none of them expected her to request for such a thing.

“Ayano-chan, are you sure about that?” Chisaki asked her.

“I do not wish for yesterday’s events to happen again. It would be better if we don’t share the same task,” Ayano bowed her head as if she was apologizing for a mistake she made.

A day after realizing that they were on their own, Chisaki rallied the remaining people of the group behind her and suggested that they divide a set of different tasks amongst themselves dedicated to their survival.

Each individual was to be assigned two tasks everyday. If they choose to do so, anyone can help out with another group’s duty once they accomplish their objective for the day.

Ayano and Alisa received cooking duty as one of their tasks — necessary repairs and farming being the other ones, respectively — and they have worked together ever since, suffering no problems or setbacks the whole time until yesterday.

“You do make a good point…” Chisaki hummed in agreement, before shrugging in defeat. “Well, is there someone who wants to help out Alya-chan with our meals?”

The former StuCo vice president looked towards everyone else for a possible volunteer, but no one raised their hands amongst them.

Out of everyone who was there, only Maria had the intention of helping her younger sister. In fact, she was ready to raise her hand until Masachika’s words yesterday reminded her that she should leave Alya alone, because it seemed to be what she wanted.

And so, as much as she didn’t want to do it, Maria stayed her hand and waited for what would happen next.

“Don’t bother asking, Sarashina-senpai. I can handle cooking on my own,” Alya scoffed and rolled her eyes in annoyance.

“But we decided that at least two people will work together on one task.”

“I don’t need any help, and I don’t have time to wait. Like I said, I know what I have to do, and I don’t need anyone telling me about it. ”

Alya turned around and prepared to leave for the daily surveillance of their farming beds, only for someone to grab her wrist and prevent her from going anywhere.

“...hang on.”

The girl slowly turned around with narrowed eyes, realizing who it was from his voice alone and feeling a spike of irritation because of it.

“I’ll help you,” he spoke with a look of conviction on his face. “Your task is cooking, right? You can count on me, Alya.”

Everyone else — apart from Yuki and Ayano — blinked in surprise at Masachika’s action, but none more so than Maria herself because of their interaction yesterday.

“Huh? I thought we were supposed to leave—” the girl cut her train of thought midway after realizing what Masachika was trying to do. “I see. This is Kuze-kun’s way of reaching out to Alya-chan so they can finally mend things. I hope it works then…”