kscans

Chapter 261 - A Chain of Encounters

I had been told from the start that they were 'coming to pick me up,' so leaving the university in a hurry as soon as we exchanged greetings wasn't unexpected. The fact that they had looked into me beforehand was also to be expected.

After all, I had already provided a certain amount of personal information when I ordered [Arcadia]. I had no particular feelings about them doing a little extra background check.

At least, not as long as they didn't rudely pry into my past.

If there was anything unexpected in the developments so far, it was firstly that Chitose-san—a man of high rank, likely the number two at Yotsuya, with the title of 'Assistant Representative'—had come to pick me up personally. Secondly, I had assumed we were heading to the 'Yotsuya Development' headquarters, a building I had visited when I placed my order, but instead, it was a small office nestled quietly in a corner of the city.

And most of all—

"Is it to your liking?"

"............Yes, it's delicious."

—I was being shown to a sofa in the office, told to 'please wait a moment,' and after waiting a few minutes for Chitose-san to return, I found myself being doted on quite intensely by a maid with the most dazzling smile I had ever seen.

As promised, they had prepared delicious coffee for me, and as I was swept along and treated to it, I was putting on a grand display of awkwardness in front of a being I was encountering for the first time in my life.

Her slightly light-colored black hair was gathered up with a barrette. Her slender frame was clad in... well, I wouldn't know the specific type, but it was a very orthodox style of maid uniform.

This maid—no, the maid who introduced herself as Natsume, apparently did work that was half-secretary at Yotsuya.

What 'half' meant was a mystery. Should I think of it as a 50/50 split of secretary and maid? Her first greeting was 'My name is Natsume, a maid,' so it seemed likely that the latter portion was even larger than half.

Now, if she were just a maid (?), it would be one thing, but she was also incredibly beautiful and mysteriously forward, which made it hard to relax. With her elegant, almond-shaped eyes that weren't quite sharp, she was looking at me with great curiosity.

Behavior that would normally be considered rude to a guest was exquisitely transformed into a 'charming friendliness' through her atmosphere, tone of voice, gaze, and conversation skills, which made her impossible to deal with. Her type was different, but in the sense that she made me certain I couldn't win against her as a person, I knew someone similar—none other than my own master.

Anyway,

"—How old are you?"

"—What are your hobbies?"

"—What are your favorite things?"

"—What do you do on your days off?"

"—Do you like board games?"

"—Do you have a significant other?"

Yeah, um—could you please spare me the machine-gun-like interrogation reminiscent of a matchmaking interview? And what's with the random 'do you like board games' question thrown in there?

"Do you have a significant other?"

Why did you ask twice? Is that important?

"I do not."

"Then, have you had one in the past?"

"I have not."

As I repeatedly denied it with a sullen face, Natsume-san smiled, looking utterly pleased. Are you trying to pick a fight with an unpopular, average guy?

Besides, if she's in a 'secretary' position, she should have access to my information... right?

It wasn't quite a suspicion, but as she probably sensed my inner thoughts from the way I tilted my head, her smile changed color slightly—but she didn't offer an answer.

Without warning, she reined in her 'chatter,' and just as Natsume-san stepped back toward the wall—a knock echoed through the room.

I hadn't been paying attention, but I realized that no outside sounds could be heard in this office. The soundproofing must be exceptional... no, wait, how did she sense that beforehand? Does this person possess some kind of master skill like Aura Reading?

It wasn't a knock asking for permission to enter, but probably a consideration for me inside the room. The door opened without waiting for a reply—and a middle-aged man with black hair and black eyes appeared.

I knew in an instant, without even making eye contact. He was most likely—

"—Well, hello. A pleasure to meet you. You must be Haru Kasuga-kun."

"Y-Yes, a pleasure to meet you."

I reflexively stood up, and just as my body was about to freeze, I spurred it on to bow—only to be stopped by his 'gaze.'

Seriously, what is this? The space directly in front of me is tingling.

He was somewhat short, but the dignity he held was so immense that it would be shocking if you noticed his height. A calm gaze, a calm tone of voice, a calm demeanor... and yet, the hand he so coolly extended felt, frankly, terrifying.

I managed to shake his hand out of half fear, half defiance. Swallowing the tension that threatened to make me tremble, I extended my hand, and he smiled calmly again—

"I am Yotsuya Togo, the representative of Yotsuya Development."

"............"

As expected, the man announced the name I was anticipating and gripped my hand firmly.

"Thank you for responding to our sudden contact—I was looking forward to meeting you, Crown-kun."

As he said this, the smile he showed was confident, bold, playful, like that of a mischievous child. As I saw this slightly unexpected expression on Mr. Yotsuya, I managed to force a smile in return and said,

"In real life, I'd really appreciate it if you didn't call me that..."

—because it's embarrassing, I added, in a deliberately joking manner.

His dignity surpassed my imagination, but... thankfully, it seemed he wasn't the 'terrifying celestial being' I had arbitrarily pictured.

Mr. Yotsuya nodded at my words with a "You've got a point," and laughed in a relaxed manner.

...........................But, if I could just say one thing?

————Isn't your grip a little too strong?