The Villainess Becomes a Commoner

I entered a nearby department store and bought three boxes of cookies of decent price. It’s a painful expense. I wasn’t carrying many things to begin with though, so the addition of the gifts isn’t too much of an issue.

「This body really has no stamina.」

My arms are already tired. I haven’t walked much of a distance but my legs are in pain. Just how weak am I? I’m going to have to really get into shape. I have absolutely no plans of borrowing the power of my family, so I’ll have to be able to handle things myself no matter what happens.

Fortunately, I’ve done a lot to keep my body in shape when I was alive and thanks to my friends’ tendencies of dragging me into trouble, I know a lot of how to handle things.

「I guess I’ll rest somewhere for now. I’m getting hungry too.」

Since there’s a cafe over there, I guess that’ll do. It doesn’t look too fancy and it’s interior isn’t as big as a chain store’s, but it’s still tastefully stylish. It has a calming atmosphere with the relaxing classical music playing in the background.

Frankly speaking, I really like the place.

「Welcome. Table for one?」

「Yes. Ah, I’ll order at the counter.」

「I see. Then feel free to find yourself a seat. Our menu can be found there, so tell me when you’ve decided on your order.」

「Understood.」

The one sitting behind the counter should be the shopkeeper. He’s a dandy-looking man with white hair peeking from his combed-back hair. He has the kind of face I wish I was born with. My feminine-looking face just either got me bullied or made fun of.

Now, which one is the least expensive to order? Hmm, this one I guess?

「Excuse me. One sandwich set please.」

「Got it. Still, that’s relatively stingy. Usually people would splurge a bit more for their dinner.」

「I’m seriously lacking in money. If I don’t restrain myself, I won’t have enough to last this month.」

Like, seriously.

「March just started, you know? Are you really having that hard of a time?」

「I’m living alone starting today. And I currently have about 45,000 yen on myself, so please imagine that.」

「W-wait, isn’t that too tight? You can’t keep up a normal life with that.」

「I know, right? There’s the water bill, electricity bill, and the groceries. Plus if I had to buy more stuff needed for my room, it’ll clearly exceed my budget.」

At worst, I could delay the furnishings for when I have some money saved. First I’ll have to keep a tight wallet and work hard enough to live a normal life. Yeah, I’m far from being a rich kid now.

「Here. Are you fine with your coffee black?」

「I don’t mind. Now, thank you for the meal.」

Munch, munch, crunch, crunch. Ohh, the bread is really springy and the vegetables inside are crisp. The tuna doesn’t have too strong of a taste either, just the way I like. I’m seriously starting to want to come here regularly. No money though.

Still, how should I go about a part-time job? Even if I can gather info tomorrow, I probably won’t be able to find a place that would employ me that easily. Sigh.

「Sighing while eating so deliciously, I don’t see that every day.」

「The sigh is from thinking about what I’ll have to do from now on. The food being delicious does make me feel better though.」

「It’s Saori’s cooking, so that’s natural. Still…… Hey, you want to work here?」

「Eh? Are you sure about that!?」

I’d be grateful, sure, but I’ll feel guilty if he’s only hiring me out of sympathy. This shopkeeper seems like a good person after all. Still, I can’t live if I don’t earn money.

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「It’s not out of sympathy, you know? My daughter’s busy at school or something, so she hasn’t been helping out a lot lately. We need more people.」

「If that’s the case, I’ll gladly jump to your suggestion. However, I’ll need to ask permission from my school, so would you mind waiting for a while before formally employing me?」

「Ahh, there’s that, huh. I was thinking that it wouldn’t be an issue as long as you don’t get found out though.1」

「This is a cafe, so there’s a high probability that I’d encounter people from the same school. I’d hate it if I get needlessly told off when that happens.」

「I see. You’re really thinking this through.」

「So for today, I’ll only help out. Please use this opportunity to judge whether I’m worth hiring or not.」

If I’m useless here, I won’t be able to look at myself in the mirror. I’m given this chance to be hired thanks to his kindness, so I’ll have to show that I can be useful. My existence itself could cause this place trouble, so I’ll have to contribute more than that.

「Really, you’re seriously thinking things through. It’s almost time to close up shop, so I guess I’ll have you try washing the dishes in the kitchen. While we’re at it, I’ll have to introduce you to Saori. Here, apron.」

I quickly wear the apron given to me. I’ve been making food for my whole family before I died. I’m pretty confident with my domestic skills. As I was led through the kitchen behind the counter, there was a lady there doing work.

This person should be Saori. The shopkeeper said he had a daughter, so she’s probably his wife. Her hair is cut short and is held back by a bandana. She has an adorable face, so it looks a bit out of place but strangely it really fits her.

「Saori, would you hear me out?」

「What? Who’s the young lady there?」

She looks so young that it’s hard to believe that she has a daughter, but I wonder what her age is? She looks young enough that it wouldn’t be strange if people thought we’re sisters. Or rather, she looks adorable but she speaks really bluntly.

The gap is amazing.

「I’m thinking of hiring this girl. Come to think of it, I haven’t heard your name.」

「That’s right. My name is Kisaragi Kotone. Please treat me well.」

「Hm~mh.」

Due to my line of work, I’m good at doing a proper bow. Rather, it’s what you do when apologizing as well, so if you can’t do this properly, it’ll be trouble. Or rather, I wonder why Saori’s staring at me so curiously. Even from Kotone’s memories, this should be our first time meeting.

「You seem pretty level-headed for your age. I’m Tachibana Saori. This guy’s wife. But Kisaragi, right? You’re not some rich family’s daughter, are you?」

「That can’t be. No rich family’s daughter would worry about money and consider a part-time job, you know? Ah, I’m Takato.」

「No, you’re right in thinking that. But please don’t mind this. I’m here only as myself.」

Ah, both of them have their eyes wide open. Well yeah, a daughter of a well-off family wouldn’t normally be concerned about part-time jobs. But I’m seriously in a pinch. No matter how cheap the pay is, it’ll be bad if I don’t have a job.

Besides, even if I hide this they’ll likely find out about it eventually, so rather than having them be suspicious of me, revealing it right now would be better. Even if this would take back the hiring talks.

「Eh? Seriously? You’re really that famous selfish young lady from Kisaragi?2」

「Oi, Saori!?」

「As I thought, I’m quite infamous. I won’t deny it. I certainly am the famous selfish young lady from the Kisaragi family. Although with that said, I was kicked out of the family and disowned, so please only think of me as a regular stranger.」

「You’re pretty different from the rumors. The rumors say that you were the type to abuse your family’s name and make outrageous demands. You’re practically a different person.」

「No, the rumors are true. It’s just that there was a trigger that made me change. This being the one in question.」

I show my left wrist to the two. Seeing the one scar running across it, their expressions warped. Well yeah, it’s not a pleasant thing to see. Now, will they get mad at me or will I be rejected?

「Takato, get me a wristwatch, now. Kotone, kneel!」

I was scolded a lot after this. Even with the various experiences I’ve had before I died, the scolding still scared me. Well, I understand their point. Don’t throw away your life lightly, think about your family, think about what would happen afterward, and so. I completely agree, but the problem is that Kotone didn’t have any of these in mind at all.

「Have you reflected? If you have, then put this watch on and go wash the dishes.」

「Understood!」

Seeing the wristwatch given to me, it’s an expensive-looking watch with a leather strap. If I wash the dishes with this on, it might get broken. Thinking so, I shifted my gaze to Saori but she was glaring at me as if telling me to hurry up, soI decided to wear it regardless.

What I ate earlier didn’t quite fill me up, you know? Besides, if I take every chance I have to eat, I can save up on the food expenses! The road to saving starts on these sorts of little things.

When I get home, first of all, I’ll unplug everything from the outlets.

「Now then, let’s move over to our house. Our place is right next door, so we’ll be there in no time.」

「I’ll be intruding then.」

And so, I followed them to their home and as we arrived, a girl was already there waiting by the dinner table. She’s probably their daughter. She looks like the energetic type, with her clothing suiting her personality.

Her glare at me is pretty intense. Well yeah, usually anyone would stare like that if a random stranger suddenly came to your family’s dining room with your mother.

「Kaori. This girl here is someone we hired for part-time.」

「I’m Kisaragi Kotone. Please treat me well.」

「Hah!? Eh Kisaragi Kotone, you mean that rich girl!? Why are you hiring that kind of person, Mom!」

Woah, she absolutely hates me. Well, that’s only natural but if she knows about Kotone, then she’s likely a schoolmate. Either the same year or a year older. Yeah, probably not older.

「Well, she’s pretty level-headed, unlike what the rumors say. And she doesn’t really feel like some rich kid at all.」

「I’m currently just part of the common folk after all.」

「Eh? What does that even mean?」

「I’ve been kicked out of home and I’m living alone starting today. Also, I’ve reflected on my past actions and I’m in the middle of renewing myself.」

While I say that, the renewing part is already done but explaining that is going to be complicated and there’s no way that she’d believe what I’d say anyway. First of all, I’ll have to change other people’s image of me.

Although this is definitely the most difficult part.

「I really can’t trust you though.」

「I wouldn’t trust anyone I meet for the first time myself. I won’t cause any trouble to your family’s cafe, so would you please allow me to work here?」

In these situations, the best thing would be to have people judge you after an extended observation period. If she had trusted me at first glance, I’d be the one to be suspicious instead. Still, there’s probably no one that would talk to me once the classes start and I really can’t think of any good way to improve my image.

At any rate, a show of sincerity is important. Like honestly lowering your head, as I’m doing right now.

「No, you’re definitely someone else. You don’t have that thick gaudy makeup on and you’re completely different from how that girl acts at school.」

Yeah, her thick makeup is terrible. She already looks good without anything but because of her makeup, it really gives the worst impression. What even made her think that looked good on her is a mystery. Well, I do know why though.

Incidentally, I don’t have any makeup on right now. Part of it is because I don’t know how to put makeup on but I can’t really apply makeup in the hospital. I don’t have any plans on using makeup from now on though.

「And she’s annoyingly arrogant too, she doesn’t think of other people, and she talks weird.」

「Kaori!」

「I’m really sorry.」

I’ve done none of what she’s talking about, but I have to accept and answer to everything the owner of this body has done. That’s the least I can do as respect for being given this body.

Or rather, if I don’t at least earn the trust of the whole family, it’s going to make me feel absolutely guilty. Besides, since there are people like Saori who would trust me, I need to keep their reputation from being sullied.

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「Haah, let’s just end it there. Dinner’s getting cold.」

「But dad!」

「Then let me say this as the cafe owner. It was my decision to hire Kotone. With that, I’ll take responsibility for what happens!」

「No, it’s meaningless if I don’t take responsibility.」

「The owner takes responsibility for his subordinates. That’s the rule of society.」

「That might be true, but that’s a completely different matter-」

「Argh! Enough, let’s just eat already! Saori, plates!」

What a great guy. I can’t even imagine how happy I’d be if I had a guy like him as my boss before I died. But I guess there’s no point pondering that. Come to think of it, I still need to think about the future. Like finding a full-time job or going to college.

I might even just stay kicked out of the family forever, so I really need to think about this.

「Come on, stop thinking too much and just eat.」

「Ah, I’m sorry. Well then, thank you for the meal.」

Hearing Takato’s words, I returned to reality. Before I even noticed it, there’s a plate of curry and rice before me. I guess I really was thinking a bit too much. Rather, the stare from right next to me is intense.

Shifting my attention from the gaze, I took a bite. Ooh, it’s medium-spicy but the spices really hit good. Well yeah, they do operate a cafe, so I guess it’s only natural that the food is good.

「It’s delicious. The same goes for the sandwich earlier, but Mrs. Saori, you’re really good at cooking.」

「Thank you. By the way, this curry was made by Kaori.」

「Oh, it’s good enough to put out on the cafe menu.」

「Flattery won’t get you anywhere with me. There’s enough for seconds, so just say if you want more.」

She’s a tsundere. Thanks for the meal. She’s trying her best not to smile, but it’s obvious that she’s forcing it. A kid raised by these two definitely won’t end up bad.

Man, this is nice. I’ve wanted a sister like her.

「W-what?」

「I was just thinking that you’re so cute.」

「Haah!?」

「That’s right, Kaori is so cute. Might be because of her being a tsundere.」

「Not you too, mom!」

「Kaori is cute. That’s justice!」

「You too dad, stop saying weird stuff!」

She’s the type to get easily teased, huh. Still, I guess with this sort of family, it’s natural that she’d have that sort of personality.

「Ah, seconds please.」

「Read the mood!」

Kaori’s retort was ignored. Got to eat a lot of this delicious stuff, you know? I have no idea when I’ll be able to eat again after all. Aah, thinking about saving is making me depressed.

「What are you looking all melancholic for?」

「There’s a lot of things I have to think about since I’ll have to save up while cooking my own food, you see? At worst, I might have to bear with nothing but udon in plain broth.」

「Hey, were you really rich before? Somehow, the more I hear from you, the more your image of being one crumbles. Here, seconds.」

Well yeah, the one inside is just a normal guy after all. I’d honestly pull away if I was suddenly told to return to that sort of extravagant life. Instead, I probably won’t be able to relax, so I’d rather not.

「Thank you. That’s roughly how my life is going to go from now on. With only 50,000 yen to spend on expenses, I’m going to run out quickly if I spend carelessly.」

「Eh? 50,000 yen should be a lot though.」

「If I’m careless, water and electricity bills can go around 10,000 to 20,000, and if I only eat out, I’d spend roughly the same, plus there’s the phone bill. The silver lining is that I don’t have to worry about the rent.」

「Ugh, it’s absolutely not enough. So that explains the part-time job, huh. I really wanted to try living alone too, but it’s pretty tough.」

「Or rather, that’s weirdly detailed. You haven’t had any experience living alone, right Kotone?」

「I’ve researched a bit.」

Crap, because of my previous living experience I ended up being a bit too detailed. Still, even just careless electricity usage would already cost a ton, so that really needs a lot of consideration.

Summer is hell. And aircon are luxury items. I should get an electric fan before summer hits.

「Come to think about it, you seem great with housework too. Though all I’ve seen are you washing the plates and putting stuff away, you seem unusually experienced with it.」

「Y-you too, Saori?」

S̲h̲i̲t̲, I almost slipped up. Still, it would probably be more suspicious if I cut corners to make it look like I’m not used to washing and that would’ve risked my chances of being hired. In that case, there’s no need to hide my domestic skills.

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People have even told me that I had high girl power during my lifetime. Ah, that’s a bit depressing.

「Well, isn’t that fine? On our part, it really helps after all.」

「Wait, you’re the one that caused things to end up like this to begin with, owner.」

「That reminds me, it’s getting late. If you’re fine with it, do you want to stay over?」

「I’m very grateful for the offer Mrs. Saori but it’s likely that the apartment manager has been already told that I’ll be coming today.」

「Ahh, then there’s no arguing with that. Well, I guess next time then.」

「Dad, are you serious?」

「Completely serious. These kinds of events are going to be really important for bonding with employees.」

「Ah, come to think of it, I haven’t given my number. Umm, do you have any paper or so?」

「You don’t have to write it down. I’ll enter it on my smartphone, so tell me your number.」

「Eh? Are you sure? Wouldn’t it be troublesome if it gets known that you know my number?」

「It’s fine. It’s my own decision after all. Come on, tell me already.」

Ooh, getting the first step to self-renewal on the first day, things are going well. And now the once blank phone book finally has an entry! And after Kaori, the two parents gave their numbers, increasing the entries more!

For some reason, this feels really moving.

「What are you looking so happy about?」

「I’m happy about going from a blank slate to three entries.」

「Eh!?」

Please don’t look at me with so much pity in your eyes. Though I was a loner, sure, so I really can’t rebuke that. Mrs. Saori, and Mr. Takato too, please don’t just smile at me like that!