Chapter 5: Haya Himuro and the Mysterious Maid
On the way back from the Kuroha house, I chatted a ton with Himari.
Pushing Rino was all Himari’s idea.
I don’t mind the outcome, but deciding stuff about Akio without me bugs me. She’s gotta loop me in next time.
“Yeah… I didn’t expect Rino-chan’s stamina to be that wild. I’ll be more careful,” Himari said, already reflecting.
With it fully dark, we headed home.
When I got there, I was shocked.
In the unlit living room, my little sister was sprawled out.
What happened!? I rushed over, and she said in a frail voice, “I’m so hungry… I can’t move…”
Apparently, she came home early from club activities and collapsed from lack of food.
Talk about misleading! I almost called an ambulance thinking she was seriously ill.
But Mom’s working late, and the fridge is empty—nothing to fill her up.
Guess I’ll go shopping.
Still, my sister’s always meddling, saying stuff like, “You’re too shy, sis! Don’t miss your chance to get lovey-dovey with your boyfriend!” Yet she pushes herself in clubs till she’s wiped out, worrying me like this. Such a handful.
“Overdoing it till she crashes like a dead battery… some things never change.”
My sister can’t cook at all. Without me or Mom, she can’t even eat properly.
“Maybe I should stick around more…”
She’d probably get mad if I said that, hitting her rebellious phase.
She’s in middle school now, getting taller. It’s about time she started doing things herself.
“Maybe I’ll teach her to cook.”
She’d probably whine, “I’m just the eating type!” but still.
That’s big-sister love—she’s gotta accept it.
Plus, seeing a guy you like enjoy your cooking? She’d be glad she learned.
“Rino was more fun than I thought. Different from school, y’know? Since she’s one of us now, maybe we should change how we call her. Hmm… Rino-chin?”
Walking the night streets, I thought back on today.
I’m not thrilled Akio’s got other girls.
But hanging out together was kinda fun. I don’t hate Himari, Erika-san, or even Rino-chin now… So I’m okay with it, I guess.
“Well, Akio loves me too, right? I’ll let it slide… for now! Heh.”
Remembering his warm, reliable embrace made my cheeks soften. I love when he holds me tight.
He loves me—I feel it in every fiber. If I’m this happy, I’ve got no complaints.
“Hm?”
Passing a park, I thought I saw someone in a maid outfit and stopped.
“Whoa, an actual maid!”
Under the streetlights, there was no mistaking it—a maid sitting on a swing.
“A real maid… Wait, is she upset?”
She stared at the ground, listlessly swinging.
Her stark white hair stood out in the dark park, making her quiet presence noticeable.
If it was some random dude, I wouldn’t care. Maybe a “tough luck” if he looked sad, but that’s it.
“Hey, something wrong? I’ll listen if you wanna talk.”
Maybe I was hyped from seeing a maid for the first time. I called out to her without thinking.
“…”
She slowly looked up at my voice.
She was like a doll—gorgeous. Her ruby-red eyes met mine, stealing my breath.
Her white hair was tied in a neat bun, giving off a clean vibe.
Up close, I realized she was super petite, smaller than Rino-chin, almost childlike.
Is she an elementary schooler? Why’s she in a maid outfit? Should I tell her to go home?
“…A real gal?” she said, shocked, eyeing my appearance.
…Okay, sure, my makeup and fashion scream gal, but that’s your first line?
I mean, gals like me are probably way more common than maids, right? But maybe in maid world, it’s the other way around?
“Um, I don’t have any money, okay?” the maid said.
“I’m not mugging you!” I shot back.
Wait, is she scared of me!?
…No, her blank expression doesn’t scream fear. Even without a change in her face, I can tell she’s curious about me.
Do gals have a rep for shaking people down or something? I’ve got my own weird assumptions about maids, so maybe we’re even.
Alright, no more stereotypes! I’m gonna talk to this girl properly and hear her out.
That’s what Akio would do—reach out to someone in trouble. Plus, getting involved like this feels like the “youth” he’s always talking about.
“I’m not some shady gal. Name’s Haya Himuro. You are?” I said, plopping onto the swing next to her with a grin.
“I… I’m nobody worth naming,” she replied.
“Isn’t that what you say when you’re doing someone a favor?” I teased.
“Fair point.”
The white-haired—er, platinum blonde?—maid nodded calmly, fumu, exuding a mature vibe despite her blank face.
“But really, I’m not worth naming. I’m just a mob character. Call me Mob Maid if you want.”
“Mob, huh…”
A mob with stark white hair and red eyes? That’s pretty eye-catching. And her deadpan vibe makes her stand out even more.
Is she dodging her name? She’s so tiny—maybe she’s been taught not to tell strangers. Fair enough. I introduced myself to ease her guard, not to pry.
“I was headed to the supermarket. Can I call you Mob-chan?” I asked.
“Yes. Mob-chan, the capable maid,” she said, puffing out her flat chest.
Does she want to be a mob or a star? What a weird kid.
“So, Mob-chan, why’re you out here alone in a park this late?”
“…I made a huge mistake at the mansion where I work,” she admitted.
A real maid working in a mansion!
But she’s so small! Maybe in maid world, they start training young. Her reaction to seeing a gal makes me think she’s out of touch with the world, so it tracks.
I cleared my throat, ahem, to hide my inner excitement.
“A mistake? Can’t you apologize and get forgiven?”
“I can’t forgive myself,” she said.
So serious for such a tiny thing. I’d totally lean on forgiveness if it were me.
“If you messed up, just try again. Do better next time and clear your name.”
“Clear my shame? Don’t you mean redeem my honor? Or maybe wipe the slate clean?” she corrected.
“Tch, that was on purpose! Just a little joke to lighten the mood!” I huffed.
I tried using big words to sound mature for this kid, and now I’m embarrassed…
“Pfft,” Mob-chan snorted.
What a cheeky little brat!
I grit my teeth, holding back my irritation, and she dropped her mocking tone.
“You’re right, Haya-san. I suppose so.”
“Oh?”
Her attitude… did my words actually get through to her?
“You’re such a dummy, Haya-san, yet you’re living your best life. I shouldn’t wallow—I should try again, right?”
“Hey! You just called me a dummy! I told you it was a joke!” I snapped.
“Sure, sure,” she brushed me off.
“Don’t just blow me off!”
What a jerk… Why did I even bother with her?
“So, what’s this big mistake that’s got you so down?” I asked.
At this point, walking away without hearing her out felt like losing, so I pressed on. But with her snarky vibe, she might not spill to a stranger.
“Well, you cheered me up, Haya-san, so I suppose I can tell you,” she said.
“Really?” I leaned in, surprised.
Guess her blank face hid it, but she was actually cheered up by me. She’s gotta be grateful, right? Maybe she even sees me as a savior, even if she won’t say it.
“You seem like you’ll forget this quickly, Haya-san. Plus, it’ll help clear my mind.”
“You definitely think I’m a dummy!” I yelled.
“I work at a certain mansion—”
“Don’t ignore me!”
Ignoring my outburst, Mob-chan started telling me about the mistake she made at the mansion.
◆ ◆ ◆
My family has served as maids for generations.
From a young age, I was trained to become an exceptional maid.
After finishing compulsory education, I began working at a certain mansion.
◆ ◆ ◆
“Whoa, whoa, hold up!” I interrupted.
“What? I’ve barely started. No need to rush—my story’s just beginning,” Mob-chan said, her blank face somehow radiating annoyance.
Even without changing her expression or tone, she conveys so much. That’s kinda impressive…
“No, I mean, you’ve finished compulsory education?”
“Of course. I’m an excellent maid,” she said matter-of-factly.
“You’re not, like, an elementary schooler?”
“Oh…” Her eyes turned icy. Uh-oh, bad move.
“Haya-san, judging people by appearances is the worst. It’s morally wrong,” she scolded.
“Sorry!” I blurted.
She’s expressionless but clearly pissed. Though, didn’t she judge me by my looks first? I kept quiet—mood’s not right for that comeback.
“I’m a grown woman. A proper lady,” she declared.
“No way! You’re older than me!?” I gasped.
“You just judged me by my chest, didn’t you?”
Gulp. Not just her chest—I thought she was tiny overall. Definitely not just her chest!
“Ow! W-What’re you—Stop!” I yelped as she grabbed my chest with surprising strength, making my eyes water.
“Don’t think rude things in front of me, Haya-san. Got it?” she said, expressionless, kneading my chest.
I couldn’t resist, completely at her mercy. She’s got my weak spot—literally. I’ve never even let Akio manhandle me like this!
“Y-Yes! I’m sorry! I won’t think rude stuff anymore! Please, let go!” I begged.
“Good,” she said, finally releasing me.
I rubbed my sore chest. It’s gotta be red now, right?
“You keep interrupting, ruining the flow. Nobody wants a dragged-out story. Listen quietly, okay?” she lectured.
Violence was the real waste of time, wasn’t it? I wanted to snap back but feared worse, so I stayed silent.
And so, Mob-chan continued her story.
◆ ◆ ◆
Even as an excellent maid, I was nervous for my first assignment.
“I’m Erika Koyama. Nice to meet you,” the young miss said, greeting me with a kind smile.
Being close in age, she often talked to me.
About her day, her thoughts, her feelings—even the little things.
Maybe because she couldn’t share those with her parents.
As I served her, I grew to care for her like a little sister.
“I… I got a fiancé,” she told me one day.
It should’ve been happy news.
But her sad expression made it impossible for me to rejoice.
The engagement was decided by her father without consulting her.
As a maid, I couldn’t speak against the master.
All I could do was hold her and share her sorrow.
Of course, that couldn’t heal her pain. In fact, she started sneaking out at night—something she’d never done.
“Miss, you didn’t get into trouble out there, did you?” I asked.
“Hehe, no problem at all♪” she replied.
But after she started going out, she was in high spirits.
She seemed brighter, like she’d grown into herself.
She must’ve had a good encounter. She got scolded by the mistress more often, but the once-obedient miss began standing up for herself.
I felt bad for the master and mistress, but I saw her change as a good thing.
“Erika… do you realize what you’ve done!?” her father shouted.
That’s why I was thrilled when Erika-sama declared she wanted to end her engagement today.
She’d finally voiced her own will. It felt like my own triumph.
She even exposed her fiancé, Takeru Saionji, as a cruel man, with video proof. That was exhilarating.
“My life’s not for you to control. I’m grateful for raising me, but if you keep trampling my heart, I don’t care if you’re my parents—I’ll cut ties,” she said.
Her words left the master and mistress speechless.
I cheered for her inwardly.
“Sorry, I need to step out. Oi, the tea’s cold. Brew a fresh one,” the master ordered.
“Yes, sir!” I replied, my voice cracking from being caught up in cheering for Erika-sama.
I’m just a hired maid. I can’t take her side openly.
“You’ve grown, Erika-sama, speaking your mind to your parents. I’m happy for you,” I whispered while pouring fresh tea, just for her.
You’ve grown up, Erika-sama… It was like watching a sister—or a daughter—spread her wings. My eyes welled up.
“Erika, it’s been a while since we’ve gathered as a family. We’ve got tea and snacks aplenty. Let’s make this a family moment,” the master said warmly.
“Sure, let’s eat,” she agreed.
The tense air eased as the talk seemed to end.
But it was a trap by the master.
He brought cookies himself. As Erika-sama reached for her tea after eating one…
“…Huh?” she murmured.
A shattering cup echoed as her body collapsed.
“Erika-sama!” I caught her before she hit the floor.
“What… what’s going on!?” the mistress demanded, voicing my own question.
“You know what’s happening! Erika’s done for. If she defies us, she’ll only bring us misery!” the master said, glaring down at her with clouded, unhinged eyes.
“Saionji-sama said if we hand over Erika, he’ll overlook this. She could’ve been his son’s fiancée, close to equal standing, but it can’t be helped.”
“B-But then Erika…” the mistress faltered.
“She’ll live as Saionji-sama’s plaything… But what choice do we have!? She’s the one who tried to break free! It’s all her fault! She’s the one ruining us!” he roared.
“…Right. If she’s become an ungrateful daughter, she can at least take responsibility by sacrificing herself for the family,” the mistress agreed, nodding.
Neither seemed sane.
They’d controlled Erika-sama, but I thought it was to raise her for her status. Yet, as she’d complained, they didn’t truly love her as a daughter.
Otherwise, they wouldn’t dream of selling her.
“Oi, hand over Erika’s phone. Her bag too,” the master ordered.
“Y-Yes,” another maid complied, handing them over as I froze.
What should I do…? Holding Erika-sama, my mind went blank.
I was raised to see my master’s orders as absolute.
Right now, that’s the master. His commands take priority over Erika-sama’s.
But I don’t want my sister-like Erika-sama to suffer…
“Lock Erika in the punishment room. Don’t let her out until Saionji-sama comes for her,” he ordered.
“Her phone alone doesn’t secure the video of Saionji-sama’s son, does it?” I asked.
“No issue. Saionji-sama will handle the rest. We just need to hand Erika over safely.”
While I hesitated, things kept moving forward.
The butler, under the master’s orders, carried Erika-sama to the punishment room. Her phone, holding the evidence video that was her weapon to break the engagement, was taken by the master.
If this continues, Erika-sama will become that filthy old man’s plaything…!
If I could, I’d trade places with her, but of course, that’s not allowed. Time just kept slipping away.
“I can’t… just stand by and do nothing!” I declared.
After wavering, I resolved to defy the master.
I don’t care about my family’s legacy as maids. I don’t care if I end up on the streets.
Serving someone dear to me with loyalty—is there a choice more righteous for a maid? No way there is!
I decided to help Erika-sama escape. I hadn’t thought beyond that.
For now, I’d get her far from that dirty old man Saionji’s reach. That’d keep her safe from immediate danger.
I tucked a maid outfit into my clothes and headed to the punishment room where Erika-sama was confined.
A butler stood guard at the door.
“I’ve brought a change of clothes for the young miss. May I go in?” I asked.
“Hm… The master ordered no one be allowed through,” he replied.
Would force be quicker? Calming my racing heart, I threw out a flimsy excuse.
“The master ordered me to ensure the young miss is presentable before being handed to Saionji-sama. Sorry, but it’ll involve some… intimate sounds and voices, so please step away for a bit.”
“I-Is that so? If it’s the master’s orders, I suppose… But I can’t just leave—”
“It’s the master’s orders,” I pressed.
“…Fine. I’ll step away for a bit and come back. Finish up by then,” he conceded.
Victory. The butler shuffled off, looking flustered. …Imagining Erika-sama in a compromising state, huh?
Lying made my heart ache, but I’m already done for anyway.
If so, I have to save Erika-sama, or this is all pointless.
“Miss? Are you awake?” I called, knocking on the door.
I sensed movement inside. She’s awake, it seems.
Checking the hallway was clear, I unlocked the door and slipped inside.
“What’s Erika-sama doing?” I asked.
In the cramped room with only a simple bed, the sheets were piled high.
“Oh… you? Why…?” Erika-sama peeked out, eyes wide, realizing it was me.
“I’m here to rescue you, Erika-sama. Are you hurt?”
“N-No… thank you…” she stammered.
Tears welled in her eyes. Before they could spill, she threw herself into my arms.
The betrayal by her parents must’ve hit her hard.
Her tears soaked my chest.
“Erika-sama, no time to cry. We’re escaping. Change into this for a disguise—”
As I reached for the maid outfit tucked away, a voice interrupted.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
Erika-sama and I froze, trembling.
Turning, I saw the master, face red with rage, veins bulging at his temples. That can’t be good for his health.
“Uh… I was preparing the young miss for Saionji-sama, to make her presentable…” I fumbled.
“I never gave such an order!” he roared, his shout shaking the punishment room.
Erika-sama stiffened, likely recalling being scolded here before.
Beyond the door stood the butler who’d been on guard. He must’ve squealed.
“I-I’m sorry! It’s just… Erika-sama’s too pitiful like this…!” I pleaded.
“Silence! A mere maid dares speak against her master!?” he bellowed.
I knew this would happen. A maid’s words mean nothing to the master.
“You were trying to help Erika escape, weren’t you? You’re fired! Tch… Now I can’t trust the other maids either. No choice—Erika, you’re going to Saionji-sama’s now!”
“Saionji…? What’s going on, Papa?” Erika-sama asked.
“Shut up! I planned to hand you over tomorrow, but I can’t afford to dawdle. I won’t fail again…!” he snapped.
No! My discovery just sped up the timeline.
“Please, wait! This was my decision alone—Erika-sama and the other maids have nothing to do with it!” I begged.
“As if I’d believe that! Who’s to say another won’t try the same? If I don’t hand Erika over, I’m… I’m…!” He clawed at his hair, strands falling like a display of his torment.
But that torment wasn’t for Erika-sama.
“It’s okay. Thank you,” Erika-sama said softly, patting my head with gratitude.
Despite her tears moments ago, she stood before the master with steely resolve.
“I’ve been sold, haven’t I?” she said.
“That’s right. It’s your fault for saying you’d cut ties with us…!” he spat.
“I see… But I’ll never grovel to you,” she declared.
“You…! Get over here!” he roared, grabbing her wrist and dragging her away.
“You, maid! You’re fired! Get out!” he shouted.
I tried to stop him, but his demonic glare froze me in place.
“You know better than to leak this household’s secrets. Break confidentiality, and your family will suffer!” he warned.
Silenced by his words, I could only watch the father and daughter disappear down the hall.
If I’d acted sooner… No, if I’d guided things better before it came to this…
Regret consumed me.
◆ ◆ ◆
“That’s my failure. I couldn’t save someone dear to me, got fired, and ended up on the streets—a foolish mob maid. So? Understand why I’m so down?” Mob-chan asked.
After her long story, I stood from the swing.
“That’s Erika-san’s story!” I shouted at the night sky.
“Quiet, Haya-san. You’ll bother the neighbors,” Mob-chan scolded.
“No way! You’re so calm!? Erika-san’s been taken—that just happened, right? This is bad…!” I panicked.
I reached for my phone to tell Akio, but my hand came up empty.
Argh! I left it at home! I almost called an ambulance and left it on the table!
I wanted to punch myself for forgetting it now, especially since I know where I left it.
“A gal like you knows Erika-sama?” Mob-chan asked.
“Know her? We’re, like, friends! …Also, why’s there so much shade toward gals?”
“I see. So she got mixed up with people like you through her nightlife…” she said, giving me a look.
I’m getting some serious side-eye here.
But who cares what Mob-chan thinks of me right now?
“I don’t get your ‘feeling down’ vibe at all,” I said.
“What? I told you, I failed to save my precious miss,” she retorted.
“That’s exactly why! If she’s really that important, you wouldn’t be wallowing in self-pity here!” I grabbed her maid outfit’s collar, yanking her to her feet.
She was lighter than I expected, like a kid. But I wasn’t letting her off. She’s an adult, after all.
“So you failed once—so what!? Erika-san’s in danger! If you do nothing, it’ll be too late!” I yelled.
“Th-That’s…” she stammered.
“Then go save her, no matter how reckless! If she’s truly important, you never let go!” I insisted.
If Akio hadn’t saved the plain middle-school me, where would I be?
Probably not here. Even if I were alive, I’d carry scars that’d never fade.
Erika-san’s already got those scars.
A life controlled by her parents—she’s already felt that crushing distortion.
And now, being sold by her own parents, knowing she’ll be a plaything? That’s too heartbreaking…
We have to save her. Before her heart breaks completely.
Akio would, without a doubt.
“You’re right… I thought I was prepared, but I wasn’t at all,” Mob-chan said, her red eyes glinting fiercely. It’s night, but that’s kinda spooky…
“My family would surely scold me: ‘Protect your precious master!’ I can’t betray my lineage’s creed as maids,” she declared.
“Well said, Mob-chan!” I let go of her collar, relieved.
No more sulking maid on a swing. I could trust her now.
“Erika-san’s at the Saionji place, right? You know where that is?” I asked.
“Of course. I can get there in a snap,” she said confidently.
She started walking, and I noticed a big motorcycle parked in the corner of the park.
“What, we’re riding that?” I asked.
“Yes. My trusty steed,” she replied.
Can her feet even reach the pedals?
I kept that thought to myself—didn’t want her grabbing my chest again.
“You’re coming too, right, Haya-san?” she asked.
“Duh,” I said.
I couldn’t contact Akio, but that didn’t matter.
I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t act now. No hesitation.
“Then put this on,” she said, pulling another maid outfit from her clothes.
“…Why?” I asked.
Seriously, why now?
“Where we’re going has even more maids than the Koyama house. Wearing a maid outfit makes you less conspicuous,” she explained.
“Oh… got it.”
The Saionji estate—an even richer mansion than Erika-san’s. Blending in with the maids could make sneaking in easier.
“Wait, isn’t that, like, illegal?” I asked.
“Now you’re chickening out? Didn’t you say never to let go of someone important?” she shot back.
“Ugh…”
She’s right. I can’t stop now.
Erika-san might be in serious trouble. That thought alone made consequences irrelevant.
Save Erika-san first. I’ll leave the rest to Akio.
◇ ◇ ◇
I changed into the maid outfit and hopped on Mob-chan’s bike.
“Whoa! Bikes are terrifying! What is this!?” I screamed.
“Nice breeze tonight, huh?” Mob-chan said calmly.
Two maids riding a bike together. Kinda feels like we’re standing out.
I was chill about it until we started moving.
The engine roared, and as Mob-chan sped up, the wind hit me hard, giving me a brutal bike baptism.
Every turn felt like my stomach was flipping. I was terrified I’d fly off, so I clung to the tiny maid’s body.
No time to admire the scenery—just praying for this to end.
“We’re here, Haya-san,” Mob-chan announced.
“Huff… huff… huff…” I panted.
It stopped? I’m… alive?
I looked around to ground myself.
“Whoa… huge mansion…” I muttered.
Before me sprawled a massive estate, unlike anything I’d seen.
The lights spilling from it in the night gave it an aura no ordinary house or apartment could match.
Why am I acting like some know-it-all? That’s not the point—Erika-san’s here.
“She’s in there, right?” I asked.
“Yes, she should be,” Mob-chan confirmed.
We dismounted, and I realized we were already inside the closed gate.
“Wait, when did we get past that gate?” I asked.
“What do you mean? We didn’t pass it—we jumped it,” she said.
“Huh…?”
When? I don’t remember that at all.
“Oh, you passed out with your eyes rolled back halfway through,” she said.
“Wait! That’s so not cute! Don’t tell anyone, okay!?” I begged.
“…Fine,” she said, pausing suspiciously.
“What was that pause!? Please, really don’t tell anyone! Look me in the eye and promise!” I pleaded.
“You’re so loud. What if we get caught? Hurry, let’s save Erika-sama,” she said, brushing me off.
Is it just me, or is Mob-chan getting snippier? Can we really work together to save Erika-san…?
She charged through the garden without hesitation, and keeping up was tough. Her speed was not elementary-school level.
And she didn’t make a sound—like a ninja.
“You’re way too confident. Do you even know where we’re going?” I asked.
“Of course. I’ve memorized the infiltration routes,” she said.
“No way, you scouted this place to save Erika-san?” I asked.
“Exactly,” she replied.
Without turning, she radiated smugness.
How do I pick up on that when her voice doesn’t change? It’s gotta be her overflowing loyalty to Erika-san.
“Erika-sama seemed to really hate her fiancé, so I looked into infiltration routes in case I needed to… assassinate someone,” she said casually.
“That’s way too intense!” I yelped.
It’s for Erika-san, but… her loyalty’s veering into scary territory!
Whatever. Her scouting’s useful now. She’s joking about assassination… right?
“That’s the back entrance. Let’s go,” she said.
“But it’s locked, isn’t it…?” I asked.
“No problem,” she replied.
Mob-chan darted forward, and I scrambled to keep up.
“Open,” she announced.
She jammed something into the back door’s keyhole and popped it open like it was nothing.
We slipped inside, careful not to make a sound. No one around—phew, that’s a relief.
“Mob-chan, if you had a key, you could’ve said so!” I whispered.
“I don’t. That was lockpicking,” she replied.
“Huh…?” I blinked.
“It’s a must-have skill for an excellent maid,” she said matter-of-factly.
No way! I held back a yell, screaming internally instead.
…Whatever. No point sweating the small stuff.
I decided I’d rather dive into danger to save a friend than watch from safety. Even if it’s a crime, I’m not backing down.
We moved through the mansion, walking side by side like we belonged, just another pair of maids.
“Still, you kept up with me pretty well, Haya-san,” Mob-chan said quietly as we walked.
“Huh? Obviously—I’m here to save Erika-san,” I replied.
“No, I mean… I’m pretty confident in my agility. When I sprinted through the garden, I planned to leave you behind.”
“Leave me behind!? What were you gonna do if that happened?” I hissed.
“I figured you’d make a good decoy,” she said bluntly.
“That’s cold!” I snapped.
If we weren’t sneaking around, I’d have let her have it.
“Most women would’ve been left in the dust, but… I underestimated you, Haya-san. I apologize for that,” she said.
“It’s fine. The priority’s saving Erika-san, right?” I said.
“…Yes. Exactly,” she agreed.
I could’ve sworn she smirked, but her face went blank again. Maybe I imagined it.
…Now that she mentions it, my body feels lighter, like moving’s easier.
My athletic skills were average at best—no sports clubs or anything. So why the sudden boost?
The only thing I can think of is all the intense time with Aki…
No way! Sure, it’s exhausting and burns a ton of energy, but that can’t make me athletic, right?
As we navigated the Saionji mansion, we passed several maids.
I braced for them to spot us, but mimicking Mob-chan’s demeanor worked—they thought we were just fellow maids, no suspicion.
Wait, is this easier than I thought? Is my maid disguise perfect?
“Don’t get cocky, Haya-san. You’re only pulling it off because I’m covering for you,” Mob-chan said.
“I-I’m not getting cocky!” I protested.
Her timing was so spot-on, it was like she read my mind. Creepy.
“It’s written all over your face. Tighten up your expression,” she scolded.
“S-Sorry…” I mumbled.
I always thought Akio’s face was an open book, but me too? Himari and Erika-san probably noticed. Gotta watch it from now on.
“Man, it’s all maids here. Haven’t seen a single guy. And they’re all gorgeous,” I noted.
“Saionji’s notorious for being a pervy old man who loves women. The maids here are probably part of his collection,” Mob-chan explained.
“Collection? Like, hiring girls he’s into? Gross for an old guy,” I said.
“Thanks to that, they haven’t noticed us. New, pretty maids come and go all the time, apparently,” she said.
I could’ve sworn she puffed out her chest, like she’s proud of her looks or something.
Guided by Mob-chan, we wandered the sprawling Saionji estate.
“This place is stupidly huge. Where are we even going?” I asked.
“You’re asking now? Relax, we’re here,” she said, pointing to a large double door.
“Is Erika-san in there?” I asked.
“Probably. The pervy old Saionji brings women to this room first, from what I’ve heard,” she said.
That made the door feel impossibly heavy. Beyond it, danger surely waited.
Mob-chan, unfazed, pressed her ear to the door.
“No signs of anyone,” she reported.
“Saionji’s out?” I asked.
“It’s late. The old man’s probably napping,” she said.
Ouch, harsh… She really hates this guy.
The son, Takeru, was bad enough, but the dad sounds worse. Buying Erika-san? Unthinkable.
“This is our chance. Let’s go. Ready, Haya-san?” she asked.
“Totally. Let’s grab Erika-san and get outta this creep show,” I said.
I thought I saw Mob-chan smile—not a mocking snort, but something warm.
I grinned back.
A gal and a maid—two worlds that shouldn’t mix. Maybe we met for this moment.
Our goal’s the same: save someone precious.
“If we save Erika-sama…” Mob-chan said, gripping the door.
“I’ll tell you my real name.”
With that, she flung the door open.
Wait, isn’t that a death flag!? I scrambled after her, heart racing.
“Nothing here,” Mob-chan said, scanning the room.
Phew, no disaster. The room was lit but empty, its walls lined with packed bookshelves.
“All these books give me the creeps…” I muttered.
“They don’t bother me. But a room full of just bookshelves is odd. Why bring a woman here?” Mob-chan wondered.
It’s not a library, so yeah, it’s weird. But some people might dig it, right?
“Hm?” I said, my eyes drawn to a bookshelf in the right corner.
“What’s up, Haya-san?” Mob-chan asked.
“Doesn’t it feel… drafty here?” I said.
“No. What kind of sense—” she started, then froze, her blank face showing a spark of realization.
She rushed to the bookshelf, peering behind the books.
“What? What’re you doing, Mob-chan?” I asked.
“Help me look, Haya-san. There might be a switch or something on this shelf,” she said.
“A switch?” I asked.
I searched as told, focusing on the higher shelves she couldn’t reach.
“Found it, Mob-chan!” I called.
“Nice work, Haya-san. Push it,” she said.
Click. Gotta love that button-pressing feeling.
Seconds later, the bookshelf rumbled—gogogo—and slid aside.
“Whoa! What’s this setup?” I gasped.
“A hidden door,” Mob-chan said.
The bookshelf vanished into the wall, revealing a new door.
“Rich people are wild…” I muttered.
“Whatever they’re hiding here can’t be good,” Mob-chan said.
She checked for signs of life beyond, then threw the door open without hesitation.
“Uhyohyohyo! More… more! Scream louder, entertain me!” a sleazy voice cackled.
“No! Stop! Akio-kun… save me, Akio-kun!” Erika-san’s scream followed.
We rushed toward the voices and found our target in a bizarre room.
There was Erika-san, her dress torn to shreds, cornered against a wall by a half-naked little man who looked ready to pounce.
“What the—!? You pervy old creep! What’re you doing to Erika-san!?” I shouted.
“Hm? A maid barging into my room without permission? Wait… did I hire a maid like you?” he said, eyeing us.
Crap. I yelled without thinking—bad move, getting spotted.
No mistaking it—this lecherous old man is Saionji, the father.
“Hmm, hmm, hmm… Uhyohyohyo! What a catch! To think I overlooked such a beauty—I must be getting old,” he leered, his creepy gaze giving me goosebumps.
“And the other one… a kid. No use to me,” he dismissed.
“!?” Mob-chan flinched, stung by his words.
Ugh, this creep knows exactly how to hit where it hurts. Truly a villainous boss.
“H-Haya-chan?” Erika-san noticed me, tears streaming down her face.
“Why are you here? I’m already…” she trailed off.
“We’re here to save you! No way we’d leave you hanging!” I shouted.
No turning back now. I’ve gotta commit.
It’s just one pervy old man. We can save Erika-san!
“Is Akio-kun here too?” she asked.
“Y-Yeah! Totally! Akio’s pumped and ready!” I lied.
He’s not here, but I couldn’t tell her that—not when she needs hope.
“So, you’re the ones who set up Takeru, huh?” Saionji sneered.
“So what? You’re the ones doing bad shit!” I shot back, glaring at the half-naked creep acting high and mighty.
He’s small for a guy, with a flabby gut—looks like he doesn’t exercise. I might be able to take him.
“This is bad, Haya-san,” Mob-chan warned.
“What’s bad? We take down this creep and save Erika-san. It’s simple,” I said.
“That’s why it’s bad—too simple,” she insisted.
I followed her pointing finger and finally got it.
“Forcing a feisty girl to submit… Uhyohyohyohyo! Is there a better scenario?” Saionji cackled.
From nowhere, a massive man appeared beside him.
He was huge, hulking, and intimidating.
“HAHAHAHA! Boss, this setup is perfect!” the giant boomed.
“A foreigner!? That’s allowed!?” I yelped.
His thick muscles bulged through his clothes, like a pro wrestler.
The old creep alone was one thing, but this guy? No way we can handle him…
“Now, how shall I tame this blonde, busty gal? My fun just doubled,” Saionji grinned.
“Boss, share some with me!” the giant said.
“Of course. Make her cry to your heart’s content,” Saionji replied.
“Sweet! You’re the best boss!” the giant cheered, pumped.
This muscle-bound foreigner was raring to go.
What do we do? Run? But Erika-san’s right there…
“Haya-san, you escape. I’ll be the decoy,” Mob-chan said.
“No way I can—” I started.
“It’s fine,” she said, her face still blank.
“I believe you’ll get help if you escape,” she added.
My breath caught.
I dragged her into this mess, yet she has no regrets.
And Erika-san… despite her own danger, she looked worried for me.
Both of them are resolved.
Then I’ll give it my all till the end.
“Seize those naughty maids!” Saionji ordered.
“On it!” the giant replied.
“Run!” Mob-chan urged.
Our voices tangled in the chaos.
Maybe it’s the danger, but my mind felt sharp, my senses heightened.
I don’t know why, but I felt it.
“Help! Akio!” I screamed.
“Yo, you called, Haya?” Akio’s voice answered.
I believed he was nearby.
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