The Japanese Tutor (PART I-II) [ONGOING]

XVI: Christmas in Buckinghamshire

The outdoor gardens outside the Steinfeld manor were covered with snow, the trees were completely naked, skies were cloudy, and temperatures dropped below zero—but that didn't stop the house staff inside the big residence to prepare for the annual celebration. The preparation even began two days before the Christmas celebration when Jeanne left the residence for an urgent meeting with her husband and the Steinfeld residence.

If you ever wondered who was in charge of the hectic planning, Hiroto Kujo was the answer, but he believed that Cesira did this in purpose as Jeanne left the residence. As the small practice to his soon-to-be ownership of the residences that his grandparents owned, he had to step up with the help of Aya, who was considered as the temporary member of the family—albeit the recent events.

While the entire house was preparing, Hiroto returned to his room with heavy breath after roaming this big place. Walking to the tall chair near his messy desk, the candlestick telephone placed at the corner of the desk rang. He sat down and picked it up.

"Hello? This is Hiroto Kujo speaking," he spoke in suave English.

"This is your grandmother, Cesira," the caller responded. Hiroto nodded, "how's your Christmas work?"

"It's fine. The Buckinghamshire manor works well," he replied, "but walking around to inspect ached my legs. I think you did this intentionally, right?"

Cesira chuckled, "good. You have to bear the pain to be the new master of the house!"

Hiroto sighed. Why was she calling him anyway?

"Hiroto, you have to be aware. This year is very different as we have a special guest from Japan."

"Special guest?" Hiroto mentally guessed it's his father, but he would never make unexpected surprises especially in the Christmas season, "from Japan?"

"Correct. She used to be one of us fifteen years ago," Cesira teased, "she and your mother were friends. Also had great relations with your father and Mr. Yamaguchi too."

He grinned, "she's an interesting guest. I will ensure to prepare the manor in no time despite my Japanese lessons with Ms. Yamaguchi."

Cesira silenced for a few seconds, then mocked him, "you truly turn into a grown man, Hiroto. I can't wait to see you around. Goodbye!"

"Goodbye, grandma," Hiroto put down the candlestick phone and sighed. Her gibberish tone frowned the young man.

Two days passed very quickly, and this was the first time for Hiroto to feel an urge to return to his bedroom. He commanded the house servants left and right to take care of the meals and fix the decorations. Afterward, he would inspect their progress and ensure that everything was all set. When he had nothing to do, he would return to the living room to rest his sore feet. These two days were a lesson for him regarding to the main purpose of head servants—positioned in various places. There were various webs and departments in this official residence, tiring the young man.

Once he believed everything was all set, he retreated to his seat where next to it was a beautiful Christmas tree placed beside the fireplace. As he touched the fake branches, there were nostalgic thoughts that lingered him as it was still the same tree his family used during his lifetime, made him realize something—this was his first Christmas with Ayako after more than a decade.

What did I gift her back then? Hiroto cursed himself for having vague memories of that day, but he remembered his small hands had a neatly wrapped small present. He set aside this curiosity when the grandfather clock ticked. He analyzed the hands of the clock and hypothesized that his mother and grandparents would come anytime soon.