Atobe’s Childhood Friend, the Little Maid

You can enjoy this even if you haven't watched the anime. Because of her family's work, Tunshu is living with the staff in the Atobe mansion's residential quarters while attending the middle class at kindergarten. The next day, Tunshu meets the young master of the Atobe family, who is around her age. He's said to be fluent in several languages, treats every servant kindly, and is deeply respected. The little beauty mark beneath Young Master Atobe's right eye is so lovely, Tunshu thinks. In the study, Tunshu, a little maid who has earned her official certificate in playing house, stands to one side. She rises onto her tiptoes, reaches up to explore, and picks up the fountain pen on the desk. She unscrews the cap. “Here you go, Young Master Atobe.” Amused by her curiosity, Atobe takes the pen and rests an elbow on the desk, elegantly propping his chin on his hand. “Who told you to do all this? If you open my pen and put the cap back on for me, I'll turn into a good-for-nothing.” Looking up at him, Tunshu asks earnestly, “Then what should I do?!” “Why not plant a cosmos flower?” Atobe thinks little kids probably like playing in the dirt. Tunshu has been at the mansion for a month. Atobe used to spend most of his time training alone on the court. Now, he glances up without thinking toward the little pink chair beneath the stadium lights. His gaze stops there. That's the third time tonight he's forgotten that Tunshu has been picked up and taken home. Tunshu has been at the mansion for several months. Worried she'll hide somewhere and secretly cry again, Atobe decides that he, the great Atobe, has to stay by her side all the time. Tunshu has been at the mansion for over a decade. Atobe loses control, one-sidedly, and waits for his slow-to-catch-on childhood sweetheart to realize how she feels. Tunshu is divorced. One thing hasn't changed: she's still a little maid in the Atobe household. Tunshu sets the breakfast tray on the table, steps aside, and stares at Young Master Atobe, who now has the added title of “ex-husband.” If he gets fat, he won't be able to use that handsome, harmless face to trick other girls into marrying him. How could she think something like that?! Apart from being a lecher, Young Master Atobe has no flaws at all. She should never have said yes when Young Master Atobe proposed. ～～ Somehow, she feels like she's naked in front of Young Master Atobe now. His wife prefers standing to sitting. Atobe angles the table knife in his right hand just enough to see behind him, then glances over without changing expression. She's badmouthing me... A bunch of former members of the Hyotei tennis team come to play with Atobe. They discuss when these childhood friends are going to remarry. Mukai says quietly, “Maybe we should suggest Atobe ask his cousin Ryoma for help.” Oshitari: “Are you trying to get Atobe in trouble? Didn't his cousin say he wouldn't be surprised if someone who tricked a person into marriage got divorced?” Reader's guide 1. The story starts when they're little. Until Tunshu reaches fifth grade, the two live in London; after that, they return to Tokyo. They stay by each other's side from childhood onward, with plenty of sweet, healing stories from their younger years. The early years won't be rushed through, so readers who want to jump straight to a cute wedding can bow out here. 2. Atobe is a junior in college and Tunshu is a freshman when they marry. 3. Tunshu is slow to recognize romantic feelings and knows next to nothing about kissing or sex. After they marry, the carnivorous Atobe completely upends her worldview. 4. The tennis team ensemble cast is here for fun, and Tunshu is everyone's favorite. Theme: The person I love is an absolutely wonderful person.