Riu Kujou

I arrive at the Mahjong Soul Shrine early on the day Chiori Mikami and I agreed to play mahjong together.

!!!

?

Was that Riu Kujou who just ran by quickly with a broom in her hands?

Riu got here a long time ago, nyaa. She said that Chiori can't come because she has too much homework to do and that a professional maid like her can't be late for an appointment that she is attending on behalf of Chiori, nyaa.

Oh, thanks for telling me that. Now I have another question for you.

...Why have your eyes lost their usual luster?

Ichihime and Wanjirou are hugging themselves tightly while hiding in a dark corner, and I probably wouldn't have noticed them if Ichihime hasn't said something to me just now.

Riu says she can't stand how dirty and messy it is here, nyaa...

So she decided to personally clean and tidy the mahjong room before the shrine is open to the public today...

Dirty! Messy! Vile! I can almost see these giant hostile words crushing down on Ichihime and Wanjirou's spines.

Well, that's not very fair. Many people come to the Mahjong Soul Shrine every day because it's the largest shrine in One Han City. The environment is quite well maintained, and I think the mahjong room has always been very clean!

Really, nyaa? Is that what you really think, nyaa?

Have I ever lied to you before? I'm certain that Riu has exaggerated things.

I pat their heads to console them, then I walk righteously and nonchalantly into the mahjong room that Riu Kujou has reorganized.

...

Is this even the same room? It's so much cleaner than before!!!

Ahem, well, I guess I can only say that I thought it was clean until I saw what she did with the place.

*sobs--*

Alas, given how incredible Riu Kujou's cleaning abilities are as a professional maid, it's probably better to let Ichihime and Wanjirou shut themselves off from the rest of the world in the corner for a little longer.

Sigh...

Wait a minute, Riu, why are you also sighing?

The shrine is opening soon, but I still haven't finished cleaning!

What are you saying? It already looks really clean.

Well, it's only clean here.

Hmm?

I was only going to clean one mahjong table, but cleaning it made the other tables look even messier, so I started to clean the other tables. After I cleaned all the tables, the floor, windows, ceiling... and even the corridor outside the mahjong room started to look dirty and messy to me...

So I cleaned the entire mahjong room, and now I want to clean everything!

I-I see...

I understand the pain of being forced to stop cleaning before you're finished, so I support you if you want to do more cleaning.

But it's almost time for the shrine to open, and it'll be inconvenient for me to continue cleaning after people start coming in. Moreover, I'm here to play mahjong with you on behalf of Miss Chiori today.

We can play mahjong any day. Ichihime, Wanjirou... why don't we give mahjong a break for one day and clean the Mahjong Soul Shrine today instead? All our problems will be solved, and you guys can stop feeling depressed, right?

I get to clean the shrine with you, Master? I can do that, nyaa!

I second that, woof.

In that case, leave the Mahjong Soul Shrine to me! I'll do my best to clean this place!

I'll also put my life on the line, nyaa!

Hey, don't use idioms randomly!

That's how we started cleaning the Mahjong Soul Shrine.

Under Riu Kujou's leadership, the cleaning progressed faster than expected, and we completed a lot of work in just a few hours.

Riu is incredible, nyaa... She can do more work than ten of me combined, nyaa...

Although I've always known that Miss Kujou is amazing, she seems even more incredible than when I first met her, woof. She is already a professional cleaner and organizer.

Of course! I aspire to become the world's best maid, so it's a given that I need to keep learning various skills!

I'm getting motivated, nyaa! I've decided, nyaa!

Have you decided to keep learning more things like Riu?

I've decided to train you into the best master in the world, nyaa!

...I guess you know a thing or two about that, right?

Riu has been working really hard, nyaa, so you can take care of the pile of garbage that was just removed from the kitchen, storage room, reception room, mahjong room, and other places, nyaa!

Sometimes, I feel like I don't want to be your master... Wanjirou! Stop running away!

My waist injury hasn't recovered yet, woof. My friend, you'll definitely become the world's best friend, woof.

How can you run away so quickly if you haven't recovered yet? Shouldn't you try to pretend at least?!

Phew! That's the last bag! It's all done!

After disposing of the bags of garbage of various sizes, I stretch my body, which has started to creak after all that hard work.

I can't believe I took care of everything in the end. As expected, Riu really is efficient. One morning is all she needs to clean up the living area of the shrine, and I also learned lots of storage and cleaning tips from her.

Speaking of which, Riu only graduated from high school last year, but she already has such an impressive presence when she tells people what to do. She reminds me of my homeroom teacher in high school...

She seems like someone who would suddenly peek inside a classroom's window to see if students are paying attention during class or who would walk quietly behind a student who is daydreaming and pat them on the shoulder while acting casual...

Hi.

AHHHH!

Someone suddenly pats me on the shoulder while I'm talking to myself. I turn around and see that the person who patted my shoulder is a gentle-looking middle-aged man who has sharp eyes. If I had to describe him, I would say he looks like a homeroom teacher.

I'm sorry for startling you.

Wh-Who are you?

I'm Makiki, a teacher from St. Tina's Girls' School, and Riu Kujou was my student. Is she here at Mahjong Soul Shrine today?

Huh?

I'm back.

What? You've thrown out all the trash already? You're fitter than I expected.

I've brought over some snacks, so go and have some first. I'll wipe these mahjong tiles again before I start cooking. Since you've done so well today, tell me what you want to eat, and I'll make it.

As Riu Kujou is completely focused on wiping mahjong tiles when I get back, she speaks to me without looking up, so she naturally doesn't notice that there's another person beside me.

Ahem, Riu, your teacher is here.

Hmm?

Riu Kujou finally raises her head after hearing this.

...Mr. Makiki?

Hmm, Kujou... Eh? Where are you going? Stop right there!

Riu Kujou drops the mahjong tiles in her hands and runs away swiftly, then Mr. Makiki starts running after her.

Seeing them run off into the distance, Ichihime comes up to me and asks me a question.

Master, what's going on, nyaa?

Well... to put it simply, that person is Riu's high school teacher. Riu didn't go to college after graduating from high school last year, so her teacher has come to persuade her to go to college.

I recall the conversation I just had with Mr. Makiki and summarize the situation for Ichihime. At this time, Riu Kujou and Mr. Makiki have run a full circle around the place and come back to us. After that, they start arguing while running around us.

Why have you come here to look for me? How did you know that I'm here?

Hmph! I'm your teacher after all. Did you think I wouldn't be able to find you if you stopped taking my calls?

I already told you that I won't go to college! Stop trying to persuade me!

Riu Kujou, you placed among the top ten in the college entrance examination last year! Don't you think it's unreasonable for you to not apply for college?

It's not like you have to go to college if you have good grades. I have something more important to do!

Do you think cleaning and cooking are more important than going to college? Don't you think that doing such simple things is a waste of your talent?

Mr. Makiki is devastated, and his tone conveys his disappointment in her for failing to meet his expectations.

These tasks are part of a great maid's work! They aren't simple at all! No matter what you think, I'm definitely not going to college.

Geez, child... stop running. I'm not here to argue with you today. Since we don't see eye to eye on this matter, why don't we decide it with a contest?

Riu Kujou stops running after hearing his words.

...What contest?

We'll compete in the work skills you just mentioned. Didn't you just say that they aren't simple at all? I want to see what makes them special. If you lose to me, you'll retake the college examinations.

Okay, I accept your challenge. If you lose, you'll stop bugging me about going to college.

It's a deal.

A contest? Woohoo! In that case, Ichihime, Master, and Wanjirou will be your judges, nyaa. Don't worry, we'll definitely be ruthless!

I already told you to stop misusing words like this!

That's how the cleaning of the Mahjong Soul Shrine became a contest in the chaos.

The first professional maid skills contest of Mahjong Soul Shrine has officially started! Let's invite the contestants into the venue now.

Ichihime plays some exciting music in the background while Riu Kujou and Mr. Makiki walk into the contest venue, the courtyard of the Mahjong Soul Shrine, with their heads held high.

Our first contestant is Riu Kujou, the 19-year-old genius maid who is a rising star in the cleaning sector, woof.

Our other contestant is Mr. Makiki of St. Tina's Girls' School who has been a teacher for most of his life and doubles as a cleaning expert, woof...

Mr. Makiki, please enlighten me.

Kujou, please show me your skills.

The first round is Super Sweeper, nyaa!

In this event, both contestants have the same amount of time to clean an equally large area of the courtyard, and the contestant who manages to clean their area better wins! Now, let the contest begin, nyaa!

My friend, does Ichihime's introduction sound familiar to you too, woof?

Yes, maybe she has watched something strange recently.

While we chat, Riu Kujou and Mr. Makiki start cleaning quickly.

The competition between the two contestants is very fierce now, nyaa! The maid is sweeping up the fallen leaves at a terrifying speed, nyaa!

The teacher isn't to be outdone though. His graceful yet meticulous movements seem to be very rhythmic.

Master, it's time for you to make a comment, nyaa!

I think you're right.

However, you can still see the difference between them. Although Mr. Makiki is cleaning very seriously, Riu Kujou's cleaning is more skillful, methodical, and faster. I think the winner of this round is obvious.

Time's up!

The outcome is obvious. Although Mr. Makiki's area is very clean, there isn't a single fallen leaf in the area Riu Kujou cleaned. In addition... she has even given the bonsai a makeover.

Although I've only passed the junior horticulturist certificate examination, I'll continue to study and get better at it.

Horticulturist? Why haven't you mentioned that you're also studying something like that to me?

Gardening is an essential skill for a maid. I didn't have time to learn this while I was at school, but I haven't wasted a single day after graduating from high school.

Mr. Makiki looks deep in thought.

Okay, you win this round, but I won't give up so easily. I'm confident that I'll win the next round.

Let's move on to the second round now, nyaa!

According to my superficial understanding, a major part of a maid's job is to make tea for her master. Do you agree that it's fair for me to challenge you to a tea-making contest?

Of course. Please enlighten me.

After both contestants finish saying their simple and friendly pre-contest greetings, they both start preparing for this round. In this round, Ichihime, Wanjirou, and I will all taste the tea they make and choose the one we like more.

What a fragrant aroma! Look, Riu has added milk to the black tea she is making!

She's making milk tea? Well, the rules don't state that the contestants must make a traditional type of tea, woof. It looks like Miss Kujou has already won Ichihime's vote, woof.

Riu Kujou makes her signature Da Hong Pao milk tea and looks extremely confident. I turn to look at Mr. Makiki.

Burn incense to create a peaceful and solemn atmosphere... Scald the clean glass with boiling water to cleanse the tea cup and make it spotless... Pour boiling water into a pot and keep it there until the temperature drops to the optimal level...

Mr. Makiki burns incense, cleanses the tea, and accurately controls the water temperature while talking melodiously. Every step is in line with the tea ceremony etiquette, giving us a perfect tea ceremony performance.

The fragrant smell of tea wafts over and lingers in the air. Immersed in this atmosphere, I feel the urge to sit up straighter.

This is just too elegant, woof! My vote is definitely going to Mr. Makiki, woof.

Before long, Riu's Da Hong Pao milk tea and Mr. Makiki's Longjing tea are both served. Ichihime votes for her favorite milk tea, while Wanjirou votes for Mr. Makiki.

As they both have one vote, Riu Kujou and Mr. Makiki both look at me. Being the last to vote means that it's my responsibility to take the blame for offending others. I understand that...

I'm sorry, Riu. I agree with what Wanjirou said, so I'm going to vote for Mr. Makiki.

Thank you.

Okay, so I lose this round.

It's a one-to-one tie now, nyaa! Let's move on to the final round! I'm going to the kitchen to get things ready, nyaa!

She's so proactive and shows so much initiative, woof.

The last round of the contest is a cooking competition, which is naturally what Ichihime is looking forward to the most. In fact, I'm also looking forward to it because I've had dinner at Chiori Mikami's house before, and I was lucky enough to taste Riu Kujou's cooking. If I were to comment on her cooking, I would say that she is a woman who can conquer Chiori Mikami's stomach.

But I swear that I didn't vote for Mr. Makiki just now because I wanted to drag out the contest until the last round!

Riu?

I scratch my head and want to explain why I voted for Mr. Makiki to Riu Kujou, only to find that she had made her way to him when I wasn't paying attention and is now sitting opposite him, looking thoughtfully at the tea set he just used.

So there's also so much to learn about making and drinking tea. I really do have a lot to learn.

If you're interested, would you like to learn the orthodox tea ceremony from me?

Based on what I know about you, the next thing you'll say is, "if you want to learn this from me, you'll need to go to college first." Am I right?

Haha, that really is what I had planned...

Oh no, nyaa--{var:Shake}

Ichihime suddenly runs back in a panic.

The expired ingredients that I told Master to throw away are still in the kitchen, but all the fresh ingredients are gone, nyaa!

...Wait a minute. Are you telling me that the garbage I worked really hard to throw away outside just now actually isn't rubbish?

I mixed them up, nyaa...

Oh well, the apologetic look in her eyes tells me that she must be feeling guilty about this. I should just forgive her.

Nyaa... This is such a rare opportunity to eat a meal cooked by Riu. This is terrible, nyaa!

!!! I knew it!!!

Let's all calm down. The scheduled third round can't proceed now. The first professional maid skills contest of Mahjong Soul Shrine is going to fall apart, woof.

It's alright. If we can't have a cooking contest, we can compete in something else, right?

Riu Kujou raises her finger indifferently.

Fashion design, nutrition, financial management, flower arrangement art, home first aid... Mr. Makiki, you can challenge me in any of these.

Hahaha, I don't think it's necessary.

Mr. Makiki smiles with relief when he sees Riu Kujou's confident expression.

I admit defeat.

Hmm?

I was so anxious before because I was worried that you would make a bad life decision due to a lack of proper consideration, but our interactions today have shown me that I've been too narrow-minded.

Although you won't be continuing your studies in college, you have a better idea of what you want to do with your life than your peers. Since you've managed to teach yourself so many skills, you've already shown that you're more motivated and self-disciplined than most people.

I'm sorry. I had some misunderstandings about your career. I won't interfere with your decisions anymore. Just do whatever you want.

Mr. Makiki...

Riu Kujou looks a little touched.

I won't let you down. Please drink some tea.

However, just as Riu Kujou is about to pour him some tea, Mr. Makiki suddenly stands up.

No, not that one.

Hmm?

Mr. Makiki stands and walks over to the milk tea Riu Kujou made.

Speaking of which, I don't think I've really tried drinking hot milk tea like this. I think the students of today quite like this. Can I try some too?

Of course you can. I'll pour you a cup now!

The two look at each other and smile. Everything they need to say to make up with each other is conveyed in this cup of tea.

After tasting the milk tea, Mr. Makiki says he has something else to do and says goodbye to us. After that, rain falls suddenly, sweeping away the mugginess of summer and doing our outdoor cleaning work for us, which means our cleaning session is now over.

This is great! To be honest, I'm already a little sleepy, woof. My friend, please make yourself at home here with Miss Kujou, woof.

Ichihime is already so tired that she has fallen asleep, and Wanjirou keeps yawning as he goes back inside.

Because we're bored, Riu Kujou and I polish the mahjong tiles in the reception room while we wait for the rain to stop so we can go back home.

Thanks for everything today.

Hmm?

Riu Kujou suddenly thanks me.

Stop pretending. It was your idea to have today's contest, right?

...Eh? How did you know?

Is it supposed to be hard to guess? You're the only one who would come up with a strange idea like that.

Haha, okay. You got me.

Riu Kujou has guessed right. When I met Mr. Makiki outside the shrine several hours ago, I already asked him why he had come and gave him some advice.

...So did Chiori tell you that Riu is here?

Yes. I had some contact with the lady Kujou served during the three years that she was in high school. I know that they grew up together and that Kujou doesn't want to leave her, but Chiori Mikami hopes that Kujou can go to college and give herself more options in the future.

...But given Riu's personality, she wouldn't agree to leave Chiori even if Chiori encouraged her to do so herself.

That's right, but because I was her homeroom teacher, I want to try one more time.

Thank you for caring about her.

Do you think you can help me persuade her?

Mr. Makiki, I know that you have good intentions, but neither you, me, nor Chiori can make decisions for Riu in regard to what she wants to do or what kind of person she wants to be in the future.

So that's what you think... Sigh, am I the one who is wrong?

How about I set up a channel for you two to communicate and find a method that you can both accept to help you understand each other's thoughts better? Maybe you'll both learn something that you didn't know about each other. What do you think?

A different way of communicating... What do you have in mind?

That's what happened. See? I didn't actually do anything. The main reason is that you and Mr. Makiki had a misunderstanding. He wanted you to be the best version of yourself, and that's also what you want from yourself. You just have a different idea of how you'll achieve that.

Going to college isn't just about learning certain professional skills. It's also an environment and platform for young people who have just become adults to train themselves, broaden their horizons, and meet many good friends...

Okay, that's enough. Are you possessed by Mr. Makiki or something...? I know all that.

I don't actually hate college, but Miss Chiori is still in middle school, and this is a time when she really needs someone to be with her. Mr. and Mrs. Mikami are both busy with work and can't keep her company. If I'm also gone, how lonely would Miss Chiori be...?

When she says this, Riu Kujou looks a little downcast, which is uncharacteristic of her. Suddenly, I realize that this conundrum can only be resolved by the person at the center of it.

Riu, have you considered that Chiori will need to go to college one day?

...

...?

...!!! {var:Shake}

Riu Kujou comes to a sudden realization.

You're right! As a professional maid, I will have failed my duties if I don't have a full understanding of that in advance!!!

So will you consider finding out what it's like for yourself first? Some of my good friends are at the National University of Fuuchi. Why don't we play mahjong with them one day so you can take the opportunity to ask them what it's like on the campus...? Hey, why are you looking at me like that?

{var:player_nickname}, I'm starting to understand why Miss Chiori treats you differently.

But what will happen to Miss Chiori? If I really go to college...

I'm still here, aren't I? I can play with her... Argh!

Before I can finish speaking, Riu Kujou's iron fist is flying right at me.

I cover my head in fear. Riu Kujou's fists crackle loudly while she clenches them, making it clear that her fighting spirit has been rekindled.

Haha, I almost fell for your trick! You said all that because you have designs on Miss Chiori!

No, I don't! Riu, let me explain!

Save your breath. Take this punch!

In any case, from that day on, Riu Kujou began to seriously consider the feasibility of going to college. This is a good start.

You've already done a great job, but it'll be a little difficult for the few of us to clean the entire Mahjong Soul Shrine. I'll arrange to do that on another day, so shall we concentrate on enjoying mahjong today?

Hmm... you're right. After all, my main objective is to complete the mission Miss Chiori gave me!

Robbing a Kan!

Pure Straight!

Full Flush!

Double Yakuman!

...Riu, you're not usually this fierce when you play mahjong, right?

The faces of the Jyanshi who move before and after her turn pale, and they quickly try to escape while I look at Riu Kujou in disbelief.

Oh, that's because Miss Chiori was present, so I needed to consider the mood of her opponents.

Thanks for the game. Let's call it a day.

What? You want to stop now after winning the entire morning?

I'm only here to play on behalf of Miss Chiori in the morning. Do you have a problem with that?

After that day, I had a new understanding of Riu Kujou's mahjong abilities.

I'm sorry, Mr. Makiki. I agree with Ichihime, so I'm going to vote for Riu.

Riu has won two rounds now, nyaa.

It's best out of three, so Miss Kujou is the winner, woof.

Sigh, okay then. I guess I really don't understand the preferences of you young people. You win, Kujou.

...

Unexpectedly, Riu Kujou doesn't look very happy after winning.

Although I won based on the number of votes I got, I didn't realize that there's still so much to learn about the art of making tea. Mr. Makiki, I've still got a lot to learn.

Haha, since you have this awareness, it means that I haven't come here in vain today. Well, I'm a man of my word, so I won't try to persuade you to go to college again since I lost.

But no matter what you do, I hope you can look further ahead and keep learning to keep improving.

Riu Kujou considers his words and nods seriously.

Thank you, I'll do that.

Mr. Makiki says he has other matters to attend to and needs to leave, so Riu Kujou and I accompany him all the way until we are outside the shrine.

On our way back inside after a brief goodbye, Riu Kujou makes a worried expression. She stops and looks back at Mr. Makiki's seemingly lonely back behind us.

{var:player_nickname}, do you think I've made Mr. Makiki sad?

At this moment, we hear Mr. Makiki stop and make a phone call.

Hello, it's me, Mr. Makiki... Hello? ...What!? Skipping classes and failing tests, and now you're hanging up on me! I'm going to teach you a good lesson!

Mr. Makiki, who seemed a little sad before, hangs up the phone and suddenly seems to be motivated again. He angrily scans a QR code to hire a rental bicycle and rushes off.

I pat Riu Kujou's shoulder.

What can I say? It looks like you're not the worst student out there.

I thought that Riu Kujou would punch me after I said this, but to my surprise, she pushes my hand away and continues walking inside.

Of course not. Although he doesn't understand my decision right now, I'm confident that I'll become a student he'll be proud of from the bottom of his heart in the future. Come on, cleaning the Mahjong Soul Shrine is just the beginning! Let's clean the outdoor areas in the afternoon!

What? More cleaning? Aren't you tired?

Haha, you're underestimating me. Follow me now!

Wait up...

On this day, under the leadership of the amazing Riu Kujou, the Mahjong Soul Shrine became incredibly clean and tidy thanks to our efforts. But at the same time, my arms got so sore that I couldn't play mahjong for an entire week... How terrible!

I'm Riu Kujou. As you can see, I'm a maid.

I'm 19 years old.

...My hobbies? ...Do I have to say that? Umm... this is really awkward...

Hey, {var:player_nickname}... Can we skip this part?

Riu Kujou rubs her stiff face and shifts her gaze from the lens pointing right at her and looks irritably at me filming her with the action camera.

Great, the tenth filming attempt is now also a failure.

Don't rush, don't rush... Filming a video is different from playing mahjong--it's not a big deal to start over since there are no point limitations... I comfort myself as I put down the action camera and point at the interview outline that I've almost torn to pieces after flipping through it so many times.

I'm afraid we can't, Riu. Your self-introduction is a crucial part of this interview. On that day, Chihori Terasaki specifically indicated that this part must be completed or else it won't count.

Sigh... geez... I must have lost my mind... Why did I agree to something like this...?

Why did she agree to this? To find out, we'll need to revisit what happened three days ago.

...An interview?

Yes.

Have you made a mistake? I'm not a celebrity. I'm just a maid.

I'm doing a special report on modern professional maids this time. I've heard a lot about you from {var:player_nickname}, who tells me you're an exceptional maid.

Chihori Terasaki looks at me next to her as she says this, and I nod in response.

Riu really is the most amazing maid I've ever met.

I've come because I want to interview you. What do you say?

Thanks, but it'll probably disrupt the daily schedule that Miss Chiori and I follow... You should ask someone else.

I won't make you do this for free. This will be your pay.

As if she already expected that she would be rejected, Chihori Terasaki calmly takes out a photo of a plushie and pushes it in front of Riu Kujou.

Oh my!!! Isn't this...

I've heard that you have a habit of collecting teddy bears. Although this teddy is no longer available on the market, my friend just gave me one. It'll be yours if you agree to do the interview.

...

Riu Kujou makes an extremely tempted expression.

...What do I need to do for the interview?

Haha, you won't need to do anything difficult. I mainly want to know what the life of a maid is really like, so I want my reporter to follow you around for one day.

Don't worry, we'll make sure to hide anything that will give away your address and location, and all materials will be used with your consent.

Wow... that sounds sooo reassuring.

But just the idea of being followed and filmed by a stranger for one day is a little...

Hmm... it's unsettling just thinking about it...

I understand.

Well, this wouldn't be a problem if the reporter who follows you is someone who you and Miss Mikami already know, right?

Someone we already know...?

I see! If you know the person doing the filming, it won't be awkward anymore since it isn't a stranger... Huh? Why are you both looking at me?

Wait! Hold on! Are you both thinking what I'm thinking?

...Huh?!

In the end, I was given the important task of following and filming Riu Kujou for one day.

Correspondingly, since Chihori Terasaki wouldn't be able to get one of her reporters to follow and film Riu Kujou, she proposed that she would decide whether to give Riu Kujou the teddy bear after reviewing the quality of the filmed content.

Sigh... I thought it would be really easy, but there's actually such a formal interview element to complete.

Yes...

Looking back at the past few failed recording sessions, the first time was because Riu Kujou spoke too softly, the second time was because she didn't remember the interview questions and kept looking at the little card in her hand, and the third time was because she got too nervous and said she wasn't nervous... Without realizing it, we had already spent an hour on the opening self-introduction.

Everything is difficult at the beginning. Stick with it for the teddy bear, Riu!

You're right... it's not like me at all to be so depressed. Ahem, I'm ready. Let's try again!

Okay!

I adjust the machine and start filming again.

I'm Riu Kujou. As you can see, I'm a... ARGHH! It's not working!

...This isn't working... When I look at the lens, I feel like someone is controlling my body, then I forget the lines I've prepared, and my mind goes blank...

Riu Kujou's face is still bright red, so we can't continue filming anymore, and my head starts to hurt when I look at the lines prepared for the interview. How should I go about this now?

We won't get anywhere if we keep wasting time like this. We should try something else if this isn't working.

Let's film this part later.

Phew... I'm so happy to hear that.

Riu Kujou breathes an obvious sigh of relief and glances at the time.

I was starting to worry that we would spend the entire morning doing this and wouldn't be able to complete the work I had scheduled.

If we do that, we really will lose sight of everything else for this. Just pretend that I don't exist from now on and focus on what you need to do. I'll be responsible for filming some good stuff.

I understand. Then... I'll leave it to you.

Riu Kujou pats my shoulder sincerely and earnestly.

Umm, I'll just be filming you. It's not hard work. Please start doing your work now.

The first thing she'll do is the laundry for her lady? Exceptional cleaning abilities are a key trait of a good maid, so I must film this.

Next up is... opening parcels and sorting letters? ...Wow, she's really fast. I need to film this from various angles too...

Done...! Huh? Is she going to vacuum the whole house without taking a break first...? Well, this is a big occasion that can't be missed.

The living room is done... The bedrooms are done... Phew... the garden is also done... This is great. I've filmed everything... I can finally sit down and rest now, right... What? You're going out?

Yes, I need to buy some household things from the supermarket... Are you still okay?

Riu Kujou looks worriedly at me who is about to put down the action camera and sit down.

...Of course I'm okay! Don't underestimate my stamina!

Phew...

Half an hour later, I'm leaning against a shelf in a supermarket with a full shopping cart, while Riu Kujou is still picking products not far from me. I put down the action camera and rub my sore arms.

A maid's work is really busy. I can't believe you have so many things to do in the morning... Are you sure you won't get worn out...?

That's what I felt the first time I met Miss Kujou, but she seems to be managing things well over these years.

...Huh? Sawako Kitami?

I turn my head and see Sawako Kitami standing next to me behind a shopping cart, and she is looking at us with raised eyebrows. I have no idea when she got here.

It's such a coincidence. I came over to say hi because I saw Miss Kujou and wasn't expecting to see you here.

Oh yes... speaking of it, I remember that you live around here, Ms. Sawako. So you and Riu know each other?

Yes, we got to know each other because we often go to the same supermarket, choose foods together, and share recipes with each other.

I see.

I must admit that One Han City is a really small place sometimes.

So what are you filming? Something like a vlog?

About this...

I tell her what we're doing.

Pfft... I get it now. Someone as cute as Miss Kujou does deserve her own story. Ah, an idea just came to me. Why don't you add something like friends' stories of her to your interview?

Hmm? I can't wait.

Haha, not long after I first met Miss Kujou, she saw a photo of an animal-shaped sushi I posted on 「CatChat」, and she said she wanted to come to my place to learn how to make it...

When she finally gave it to the children to try, they pointed at the bear sushi that she spent a lot of time making and said, "These piglets are so cute." Miss Kujou was depressed for quite some time after that.

Pfft, so there was a time when her cooking skills were like that...

I know, right? You have no idea how cute she looked when she practiced making sushi so seriously... Oh, there's one more thing! Not long ago...

...? M-Ms. Kitami!

Oh, there you are, Miss Kujou. I was just telling {var:player_nickname} cute stories about you. Your interview will definitely be a smashing success.

Haha... thanks... Oh yes, they just brought out some salmon over there, and they look really fresh. Do you want to take a look with me?

Hmm? Okay, let's go.

Eh, I haven't heard enough yet...

Hmm?

Ahaha... don't worry about it... Go and check out the salmon...

After receiving a sharp glare from Riu Kujou, I put away my dangerous curiosity.

I-I can't eat anymore...

No, you have to eat everything.

But isn't this too much food?

I look at the two large plates of salmon in front of me that are basically untouched as I complain weakly.

I ended up buying so much food to attract Ms. Kitami's attention because you were filming all sorts of strange things in the supermarket just now. That's why you have to eat everything while it's fresh.

...Sigh... okay then...

I rub my bulging belly and find myself really missing Ichihime right now. Sigh, I should have brought her with me today.

Anyway, I'm leaving all of this to you. Let's stop filming for today.

Huh...? Aren't we doing any filming in the afternoon?

Well... if there's nothing I need to do urgently in the afternoon, I usually use that time to take care of some personal matters that have nothing to do with my job as a maid. So it's okay if we don't record this.

You can find a place to play mahjong in the afternoon. You can come over and film the self-introduction later.

I see...

I take some time to look at the interview outline, and it really doesn't say that we need to film Riu's personal activities. On that day, all Chihori Terasaki said was that we should film content that viewers would be interested in watching.

Well then, the next thing is...

Although the interview outline doesn't provide clear guidelines on what we should film, I remember that Chihori Terasaki said we should think about what viewers would be interested in watching when we choose what to film... With this thought in mind, I suddenly know what to do.

Riu, can I keep you company during your personal time in the afternoon?

Huh? Are you sure you want to film me when I'm not working as a maid? The interview guidelines don't say anything about that though. I already feel bad about making you help me, so isn't it better to avoid unnecessary work?

No... the guidelines don't say anything about this, but I want to do it.

I don't know about anyone else, but if I'm a reader, if I'm watching this interview, I'll be watching it because I want to know what Riu Kujou is like when she isn't working as a maid.

...What I'm like... when I'm not working as a maid?

Yes, after all, a maid's work is pretty routine, so more vivid things like what Miss Riu Kujou is like during her own time, why she chose this job, and how she balances her career with her personal life are more interesting, right?

At least that's what I think.

...Okay then. I don't really mind as long as you don't think it's too much work... In that case, let's go. I'll show you what I do during my personal time.

Sure!

The first thing I do after finishing my work is to do some daily physical exercise here.

...Your idea of daily exercise is a spar between Taekwondo black belt martial artists?

To my surprise, the first place Riu Kujou takes me to is a Taekwondo dojo, and I'm completely astonished to see a photo of Riu Kujou wearing a Taekwondo dobok and beating her opponent to the ground on the wall of the dojo.

I just have a third-dan black belt. I started learning it in case I would need it to stop someone from bullying Miss Chiori, but I stopped taking the exams later.

In other words, you're stronger than your dan indicates, right...

To my joy, I realize that Riu Kujou has actually been going easy on me all the time...

After doing some physical exercise, I usually take a stroll and buy whatever catches my eye along the way.

Yes, I thought so because most girls like to go shopping.

For example, I might go to the tailor shop to buy fabric to make a beautiful dress for Miss Chiori, I might go to a household goods store to look for new housekeeping tools, or I might go to the bookstore to search for more useful schedule planners, new cookbooks, recent best-selling organization guides, etc.

Most girls don't go shopping for these things!

Now that I've visited these stores and bought the things I want...

Fully satisfied with a bag full of fabrics, daily necessities, and books, Riu Kujou suddenly stops walking.

Hmm? Is it time to go back?

Well, that's what I used to do, but I've started doing one more thing I like recently--coming here to rest.

I follow Riu Kujou's gaze and see a tea house next to a road.

Oh... a tea house?

Well, I only learned how to make tea before because it's a basic skill of a maid. I only started to really pay attention to the tea ceremony after chatting with my teacher about the tea ceremony at the Mahjong Soul Shrine last time.

After learning the tea ceremony, I feel calm and refreshed whenever I make tea... Huh? Why are you looking at me like that?

Nothing... I'm just thinking that doing this interview has given me the chance to learn about so many different sides of you. I'm really happy after hearing so much from you.

R-Really? You get happy over such strange things... Let's go. I'll take you there for a cup of tea. You've worked really hard today to film everything.

Haha, thanks!

Ah, my bag! Help! There's a thief!

Suddenly, an urgent shout stops us in our tracks, and a figure runs past us quickly. Before I can react, Riu Kujou's bursting shopping bag suddenly appears in my hand, and she is already chasing after the figure.

I quickly grab my action camera and chase after them. After passing an intersection, I arrive just in time to see Riu Kujou kick the thief to the ground with a horizontal kick.

There are gasps of surprise all around us.

Wow... she's so cool! This looks like something from a movie!

Amazing... Is she a police officer? Why is she wearing a maid outfit?

Is she a cosplayer? Or does she work at a maid café? I really want her contact details...

While the passers-by are chatting excitedly amongst themselves, Riu Kujou takes the bag back from the thief and hands it to the owner who catches up to us quickly.

Here you go. Let's call the police so they can take the thief to the police station.

Thanks a lot! Thank you so much...

Umm... What's your name? How can I contact you later?

Oh... I just helped out since I was here. You don't need to know my name. I'm just an ordinary maid.

A-A maid... Wait up!

Riu Kujou hurries over to me and pats my shoulder.

Let's run!

Huh?

As she speaks, Riu Kujou runs off into the distance like an arrow. Suddenly, I find myself surrounded by a large crowd.

Are you her companion?

Argh! Who is she? Can you tell me?

Are you filming something? Is she a star? Or is she an Internet celebrity? Please tell me her name!

Umm... Sorry... sorry... she really is just a maid... Excuse me... umm... stop crowding around me... Ahhh! Ri... Miss Maid! Wait for me!!!

On that day, Riu Kujou and I managed to successfully complete the filming mission that Chihori Terasaki assigned to us... Riu Kujou got the teddy bear she wanted, and I got something even more precious--I got to see sides of Riu Kujou that make her more real and vivid to me than ever.

We've already filmed a lot in the morning, and it's probably not that convenient for me to film her during her own time.

You're right. In that case, go and do what you want to do, Riu. I'll go to the Mahjong Soul Shrine to play some mahjong. I'll see you later... Huh? When did you pack all this?

During the brief time I was thinking, Riu Kujou actually sorted the delicacies on the table neatly and packed them into a bento box for me.

Take this. I'll see you in the evening.

...Okay.

Sigh, it's such a shame that I didn't manage to film the special packing technique she used.

It is already evening by the time I finish feeding Ichihime and return to Chiori's house with a big bag of snacks that Ichihime insisted I bring with me.

I don't know where Riu Kujou went when she was enjoying herself, but she looks a lot more relaxed, and we manage to film her self-introduction successfully.

But...

Hmm... this won't do.

Huh? Isn't this good enough?

Well, I can say that the content is unremarkable. These are all things the audience will immediately think of when they see the theme. Although her various skills are amazing, they don't stand out enough when compared with what you can find on the Internet nowadays.

I don't think there's a need to publish this content at all. Sorry, I don't really mince my words.

However, when we meet Chihori Terasaki again at the Mahjong Soul Shrine, she makes some very sharp comments after seeing the material.

I see...

Riu Kujou lowers her head silently and is very disappointed with the result. Feeling bad for her, I ask Chihori Terasaki a question.

...Umm, if you give us another chance to film this...

It's too late for that. We don't get much time to choose a theme for the special report, so I've already prepared something else instead.

Oh...

{var:player_nickname}, based on what you told me about Miss Kujou, I got the impression that she's very interesting as a person. It's a shame that you didn't manage to capture the things that make her shine.

But I know you two worked very hard. Since I asked Miss Kujou to help me, I'll give her that teddy bear.

?!

...Huh? Really? That's wonderful! Thank you so much! But I can pay you back for it. Do you want me to pay you back by card or by cash? I don't mind!

Riu Kujou comes back to life immediately after hearing that she will still get the teddy bear, which makes me feel less uneasy.

However, I still have some regrets when I think about Chihori Terasaki's words. I guess it's true that not everyone can be a reporter. I'll have to capture Riu Kujou's brilliance slowly and privately in the future.

Shall we try again after you get more familiar with the lines?

Okay...

After that, Riu Kujou prepared for a while before we started filming again.

Phew, I finally managed to say all my lines completely this time...

How was it?

Well...

Huh? Is it bad? Let me see.

I don't know what to say when I'm watching the playback. Riu Kujou takes the action camera from me and presses the play button.

...

...

I'm... this person who is stiff all over and smiling falsely?

Ahem, it's not as bad as you make it sound...

Argh! No! As the best maid, I'll be humiliated if this video of me looking so stiff is released! No, I can't let this happen!

Huh? Huh? Don't press the delete button. We tried so many times before we managed to film this!!!

In the end, Riu Kujou lost her confidence to complete the filming after seeing her terrible performance.

I see... it's okay. I thought this might happen.

As for whether I won't have anything to publish in the magazine... Haha, you don't need to worry about that because I have a backup plan. But since she didn't finish the interview, please help me tell her that I can't give her the teddy bear.

Yes, I understand.

I sigh out loud after saying goodbye to Chihori Terasaki.

I knew it. The role of a temporary reporter was too difficult for a Jyanshi like me after all. I couldn't help Riu Kujou get the teddy bear, so all I can do now is to play mahjong with her more often to cheer her up.

...Riu is sick?

Yes, you heard right. Riu is sick. Hmph, I wouldn't be calling you right now if I didn't have to be at school today!

Anyway, Riu needs your care right now. If you are willing to take care of her, come here immediately! It's extremely urgent!

While I was still sleeping early in the morning, I suddenly received an urgent call from Chiori Mikami to tell me that Riu Kujou is sick. Although I still haven't gotten my head around the situation, I voluntarily get up and leave my home when I think of Riu Kujou needing my help.

I wonder how she's doing right now... Riu Kujou has always been full of energy whether she is doing her beloved maid work or playing mahjong with her friends. She's especially energetic when she's with Chiori Mikami, and she's always the one who lights up the atmosphere...

You can do it! Don't be nervous! Miss Chiori, you'll definitely conquer the audience today like always!!!

...Yes, that sounds like something she would say... Wait a minute, is that who I think it is?

Don't shout so loudly at the front door. It's not a big deal. I'm just giving a speech as the student representative at the end-of-term ceremony.

Uh-huh. Miss Chiori is as amazing as ever. You're so calm and composed!

You're exaggerating things!

When I walk up to the door of Chiori Mikami's house, I see Riu Kujou standing at the entrance, smiling as she talks to Chiori Mikami who is carrying a schoolbag on her back. Seeing the energetic look on her face, I can't say that what Chiori Mikami told me on the phone is completely inaccurate, but let's just say that Riu Kujou seems like a completely different person. It's also obvious that she was the one who shouted earlier.

Oh? {var:player_nickname}, you're here already. You're quite efficient and on time today.

...

Good morning, Riu and Chiori.

I'm going to leave Riu in your care now. Riu, you need to rest properly today.

Yeah...

Sure, leave everything to me.

Do your best, Miss Chiori--

As the car carrying Chiori Mikami gradually disappears from our sight, Riu Kujou lowers her hands that were waving around vigorously.

Sigh...

In an instant, she becomes visibly depressed like a deflated balloon.

(Stare--)

!

When she suddenly notices me staring at her, Riu Kujou quickly hides her fatigue.

What are you looking at...? Forget it. I'm sorry that you came here for nothing. Now that Miss Chiori has gone to school, you can return home and go back to sleep.

No way. Chiori said you're sick and need somebody to take care of you.

Miss Chiori is just worrying too much. Do I look so sick that I need someone to take care of me...? Achoo!

...

Thanks for that unconvincing explanation. So were you acting so energetically just now because you didn't want Chiori to worry about you?

...What do you mean by acting? I just have a minor cold. It's not serious enough that I need someone to take care of me.

Hurry home. I'm completely fine.

Riu Kujou smiles brightly at me and speaks with a relaxed tone.

However, the sniffles she takes indicate that she is clearly feeling under the weather.

All right, but I'm already here, so why don't you invite me in to sit down for a while? I rushed here without even having breakfast.

Although she looks like she's doing OK now, Chiori Mikami isn't someone who would ask others for help easily. I should find a way to stay here so I can confirm whether she really is okay first.

...Okay then. Since you're a guest, you're welcome to come in.

I'll be bothering you for a while then.

Here, have some snacks first while I make you some tea.

That's okay, you don't need to make me tea.

The more important the guest, the better they should be treated. That's how a maid should receive guests.

Soon after we start chatting, I can hear that her voice sounds a little nasal compared to her usual voice, but I can't tell if she has other symptoms yet.

Could Chiori Mikami really have overreacted because she is too worried?

Do you want to have traditional milk tea or the new salted black tea I've invented?

There's nothing that soothes the soul more than a cup of hot milk tea in the morning.

Thanks, I'll have milk tea.

Okay.

The aroma of tea coming from the kitchen awakens my dormant sense of smell... I walk over to the kitchen with a piece of a snack in my mouth. Watching Riu Kujou adding milk to the tea and then stirring the tea smoothly is a delight to the eyes.

The fragrance of milk tea gets stronger and stronger, but the tea mixture seems to be getting thicker and thicker. Is she making it stronger for me because she saw me dozing off earlier?

...Riu Kujou is staring at the pot of tea with a very serious expression. She must have a reason for cooking it for so long.

She might have a reason... but isn't she cooking it for too long... Hmm? I think I can smell something burning...

...Huh? Is something wrong with today's tea? Why can't I smell anything after brewing it for so long?

...Huh?

...Huh???

Umm, turn off the stove now--

After turning the stove off in a hurry, Riu Kujou pats her chest lightly and lets out a sigh of relief when she looks at the coffee-colored milk tea she just made.

Phew... so I just lost my sense of smell because of my cold. I'm so happy there's nothing wrong with my tea-brewing skills.

Salted milk tea. I must try it since it's a new flavor that you've invented.

Okay.

Here you go. The salt gives the tea an unforgettable unique taste.

Thank you.

I take the cup and sip it eagerly. A strong salty taste instantly fills my mouth.

...Ugh! This taste really is unforgettable... Why is it so salty?

...Huh? Let me have a taste.

...How are you able to keep a straight face?

I knew it.

?

After adding salt the first time, I poured myself a cup to taste it and found it to be quite bland. Thinking I hadn't added enough, I decided to add more.

It looks like my mind is still wide awake even though I have a headache. I'm so glad there's just something wrong with my sense of taste.

??

Is it right to use "just" and "I'm so glad" in this situation?

I'm sorry, I'll make you a new pot of tea.

Wait up, that's not important. I think your cold is quite serious. Have you taken any medicine yet?

I don't need to take any since I just have some insignificant symptoms. I've got a lot of work to do today, and I think I'll get drowsy if I take cold medicine.

But Chiori said you need to rest properly.

I will rest. I was thinking of mopping all the floors in the house twice today.

What about now?

I'll only mop them once.

That's not called resting properly!!!

I don't think that's appropriate.

Hmm? What isn't appropriate? Are you telling me to do nothing at all? Are you questioning my ability?

Don't put words in my mouth. That's not what I mean.

Fine, just you wait and see. A minor cold like this won't affect me at all!

That's really not what I meant!!!

It's too late to explain now because Riu Kujou's fighting spirit has already been ignited.

I watch silently as Riu Kujou mops the floor slowly and resist the urge to speak.

Phew... It feels like the house is particularly big today.

Maybe it's because you're more tired than usual.

...

Umm, let me do it for you.

I take the mop from Riu Kujou.

I watch silently as Riu Kujou waters the flowers and resist the urge to speak.

This is strange. Why is this pot already wet?

Maybe it's because you've already watered the plants in this row already.

?!

Don't go over there. I've already watered the row you forgot to water earlier.

"Ding-dong!" The person delivering the ingredients Riu Kujou ordered online glances at us strangely and leaves after wiping off some sweat. Riu Kujou and I are stunned as we look at the bags of ingredients of various sizes on the ground because there are enough ingredients to cook up a massive feast.

Although I'm glad you invited me to stay for lunch, don't you think there's too much food?

Ahem... I think I entered the wrong quantity when I was ordering...

Riu Kujou's face turns red.

Sigh, that's why I said you should rest properly.

That's not necessary. I'll be okay.

I step forward to stop Riu Kujou when I see her bite her lower lip and start to carry the ingredients to the kitchen.

Riu, I think you can't go on like this...

No, you need to take some medicine and then rest. Leave lunch to me.

No way, that would be too rude of me.

I'm your guest, but I'm also your friend. Isn't that more important?

I can't do something like make my friend run around busily for me when they are sick.

...

Riu Kujou's face becomes redder. I walk up and place my hand against her forehead gently.

! {var:Shake}

I knew it. You have a fever.

...*coughs*... Aren't you worried about catching my cold if you get so close?

I'm already here. Do you think I'm going to worry about that?

Riu, you need to rest properly when you're sick. You can't overcome it by just enduring it.

You don't need to keep acting like you can do everything in front of me. At the very least, we're the only two people here, so you can relax a little.

Umm... okay then.

Riu Kujou finally agrees to listen to me and returns to her bedroom to rest after taking cold medicine. After that, I go to the kitchen to start cooking.

The door of Riu Kujou's room is slightly open, so I can see her lying on the bed, seemingly asleep.

Ichihime always tells me that cats need to eat to live, and that there's no sickness that a delicious meal can't cure. It's better to eat nutritious food in time when you're sick, so I decide to wake Riu Kujou to eat.

Riu, it's time to have lunch.

*coughs*... Please come in.

In the brightly lit room, Riu Kujou has changed into more comfortable home clothes. She is leaning against the bed with a blanket around her, and her face is still a little flushed.

I'm used to seeing the usual Riu Kujou, so I become a little absent-minded when I see her looking so weak.

I just took some medicine and was sweating... so I changed my clothes.

Oh, do you feel better now?

Yes, my body doesn't feel so hot now...

That's great. Come and have something to eat. I made congee.

...Congee?

I place the tray I'm carrying on the table and transfer the congee and some simple side dishes onto it.

Isn't there anything else to eat?

Nope. You shouldn't eat food that is too greasy when you're sick. This is what happens when you don't take good care of yourself, so this is not negotiable.

You are so strict... Fine then.

Riu Kujou shakes her head while she compromises, then she picks up the spoon and tastes the congee after blowing on it.

...

That expression on your face... Does it taste bad?

No... I just suddenly remembered the congee my mom made for me when I was sick at home as a child...

Riu Kujou lowers her head, her long eyelashes concealing her emotions at this time. She stirs the bowl gently with the white porcelain spoon in her hand and seems a little sad. All of a sudden, I realize that although she has been taking care of Chiori Mikami by herself for so many years now, she is still just 19 years old...

Of course. My mom's congee tastes much better than yours.

...

Riu Kujou's words successfully help me escape the slightly sentimental atmosphere just now.

Okay then, I believe that's an objective evaluation.

Haha, I'm just joking. You've already done very well, but I don't want you to get too proud. You need to leave yourself some room for improvement, right?

Well, I humbly accept your evaluation.

Although she praised the lunch I made for her, Riu Kujou puts down the spoon after having just a few bites.

Do you have no appetite?

Riu Kujou nods, then she shakes her head after seeming to remember something.

...I'm not feeling unwell physically. I just remembered that Miss Chiori's end-of-term ceremony is being held today.

I was planning on going to her school to record this day for her, but I never expected that I would get sick at the last minute after preparing for so long. When I think about how I'm missing such an important moment... I can't bear to eat anything.

I see.

It seems that while Riu Kujou didn't express this regret in the morning because she didn't want to distract Chiori Mikami, she must have been secretly sad.

So that's why you insisted on doing all those things in the morning to keep yourself busy. You wanted to distract yourself, right?

Sigh, now that I think about it, it's such a stupid method and didn't work at all.

It's okay. Your mind isn't as sharp when you're sick. I understand.

...Do you think I can't punch you just because I'm sick?

I look at the time.

Haha, I'm just joking. By the way, approximately when is Chiori's speech?

Based on the previous rehearsals, her speech should be in another hour.

I understand... We might still make it.

Hmm?

Some of my friends are students at Dewdrop Middle School. Although you can't go there in person, maybe we can watch the speech by streaming it live.

!

Really?!

Of course... But you have to promise me one thing if you want me to help you.

It's a deal!

I still haven't told you what it is yet... Aren't you afraid it might be too ridiculous?

Hmm? If you were someone like that, Miss Chiori and I would never have become friends with you.

Damn, you've placed me on a moral pedestal. Fine then, I want you to finish eating your lunch now.

...Haha, okay then. I'll do what you say.

A friend from the old school building told me that I have to watch the end-of-term ceremony today because something nice will happen... So this is why... Hehe... I'm really happy that I can help {var:player_nickname}... I'll do my best.

Thanks a lot, Ayako.

After Ayako Morikawa adjusts the direction of her mobile phone's camera, the stage of the end-of-term ceremony appears on the screen. Amidst the applause, a blond girl walks up to the podium standing tall and straight. The camera zooms in, giving us a clear view of Chiori Mikami.

Chiori Mikami nods slightly to greet the audience, then she confidently begins her unscripted speech.

Dear teachers, parents, and classmates, good afternoon. I'm Chiori Mikami, a second-year student in junior high school, and I'm honored to give this speech as the student representative today...

Riu Kujou holds the mobile phone and stares at the screen seriously. To her surprise, just before the speech ends, Chiori Mikami suddenly looks through the audience and keenly notices Ayako Morikawa's camera.

Last of all, I want to say...

Eh? Miss Chiori is looking this way?

Oh, I'm sorry... My phone is about to die...

At this moment, the video connection is lost just as we hear Ayako Morikawa's panicked voice.

Huh?

Feeling nervous, I call her again and hear a cold voice saying: "The number you dialed is currently unavailable."

It looks like her mobile phone is dead...

Yes...

It's okay. I'm already very satisfied that I was able to watch so much of Miss Chiori's speech today. Thanks for arranging that for me.

You're welcome, h-haha...

...No, you don't know what this means!

Earlier, after contacting Ayako Morikawa, I contacted Chiori Mikami, who was preparing for her speech backstage, and told her about Riu Kujou's situation and what I was arranging.

...You want to stream my speech so Riu can see it?

Hmph, that's considerate of you! I'll reward you well for taking care of Riu after I get back today.

But since we're going to do this, I have to do something for her too! At the very least, when it comes to caring about Riu, I definitely won't lose to a fool like you.

I'm not going to tell you what I'll do, but you have to get Riu to watch until the very end!

Haha, that's great! Riu will definitely get better sooner with your surprise, Chiori. Let's both give Riu an unforgettable live stream.

Sigh, this is bad...

Hmm? What's wrong?

Chiori Mikami calls us sooner than I expected. I haven't even thought of what to tell her yet.

Is it Miss Chiori?

With Riu Kujou urging me, I bite the bullet and turn on the speaker.

Riu, are you really happy right now?

Of course! Miss Chiori's speech was so touching. I'm sure you conquered everyone there!

I'm talking about the last part where I was talking to you, Riu, not the speech!

The last part? What happened at the end?

...Hmm? You didn't see what happened at the end? {var:player_nickname}???

Chiori Mikami's voice suddenly gets dramatically louder.

Umm... something unexpected happened at the end.

What? Didn't you say that nothing would go wrong? That's the reason I went all out and said such embarrassing things... ARGHH! {var:player_nickname}! You're dead meat!

I can feel Chiori Mikami's rage radiating through the mobile phone, so I guiltily turn down the volume. Just as I'm thinking of what to say to appease Chiori Mikami, a pair of warm hands reaches over and takes the mobile phone from me gently.

It is Riu Kujou.

There, there, don't be angry.

Although it's a shame that I didn't get to hear what you said to me today, Miss Chiori, I can guess what you were thinking. You didn't need to give me a special surprise, because I feel like I've received a lot of support just by being able to see you.

Riu, you're such a fool. It's not the same...

With just a few words, Riu manages to instantly calm Chiori Mikami down from her furious state.

Miss Chiori, the truth is that you're not really angry, right? I remember that you called {var:player_nickname}'s number without hesitation when you said you wanted to find a trusted friend to take care of me.

Although I was still against the idea of having someone take care of me at that time...

Riu Kujou pauses and glances at me quickly before continuing seriously.

I now think that you were right, Miss Chiori.

It's just like what you said, Miss Chiori. I also think that {var:player_nickname} is an extremely trustworthy and reliable person now. {var:player_nickname} also completed today's task of taking care of me very well.

...Argh! Riu, you must have a really bad fever! I never said anything like that!

Beep... Beep... Beep...

...Hello? Miss Chiori?

Umm, she hung up on us.

Oh, I see. But you have nothing to worry about. Based on my understanding of Miss Chiori, she just got caught up in the heat of the moment and won't really do anything to you.

Actually... compared to that, I'm more concerned about what you just said.

Hmm?

I didn't come here today because Chiori asked me to.

I came because I heard that you were sick and was worried about you. That's all.

I'm very happy to hear you say that I'm a trustworthy person, but if I am to be rewarded... the only thing I want is for you, Riu, to keep trusting and relying on me in the future.

It's because I'm willing to support you at any time, not just when you're sick.

Huh?!

...

Wh-What are you saying all of a sudden...?

Riu Kujou looks at me blankly for a moment. After coming to her senses, she suddenly hides under her blanket in a panic with her back to me, revealing only her ears that have turned red.

I'm a little sleepy and need to rest now. Y-You should go now.

So that's a yes?

I'm going to assume that you agree with me if you don't say anything.

That's great! By the way, are you starting to burn up again, Riu? Your ear looks very red.

...You!

As if her embarrassment has turned to anger, Riu Kujou stands up instantly and punches me on the shoulder, but it is soft and has no deterrent effect at all.

If you don't leave now, I'll punch you after I get better, and it won't be this soft!

Okay, okay.

It's a good thing that Riu Kujou has fully recovered from her cold after several days, and she becomes energetic and lively again.

As someone whom Riu Kujou can trust and rely on, in addition to playing mahjong with her, I've naturally become that special person with whom she can try more fun things and share all her happiness, anger, sorrow, and joy.

Since she is finally willing to rest, I should let her sleep well. I close the door and walk softly down the stairs.

Huh?

Because I woke up too early today, I also got drowsy and even fell asleep on the sofa without realizing it... By the time I wake up and check on Riu Kujou, I'm glad that her fever has gone away.

I'm coming!

Riu Kujou has fully recovered from her cold after several days, and she becomes energetic and lively again.

She no longer comes to me to play mahjong just because Chiori Mikami asked her to. She has started to play mahjong with me by herself in her private time as well.

Tsk, why is your room so messy? Get up quickly. I'll take care of the floor while you tidy up the table.

What are you waiting for?

Although it doesn't seem like much has changed in terms of how we get along, from time to time, I get the feeling that she wants to tell me something she has been hiding from me.

...Forget it, I'm actually here to give you this today... I made some new snacks. Take them and have a taste.

Did you bring them especially for me?

Eh? ...Hehehe, do you want to know? Are you sure you want to know?

I shake my head silently when I see her wave her fist around.

That's right. It doesn't matter as long as they are delicious, right? By the way, which mahjong dojo should we go to later?

Seeing her try so hard to change the topic... I decide to let it go since she doesn't have to tell me if she doesn't want to. Anyway, as a Jyanshi, I'm already really happy to have a fun friend to play mahjong with.

The best way to persuade Riu Kujou is to mention Chiori Mikami.

Riu, Chiori asked me to take care of you today. She's really worried about your health. If your health worsens due to over exhaustion, she'll definitely feel sad when she comes back.

But...

If you're sicker than now by the time Chiori comes back, you won't be able to take care of her.

Fine then. You make a good point.

After I dissuade her, Riu Kujou puts down the bag of ingredients silently.

After that, I make her a simple bowl of congee usually made for people who are sick. After Riu Kujou eats it, she returns to her room to rest.

Riu Kujou's fever subsides after resting properly throughout the day. I stop worrying about her, and I prepare to go home after Chiori Mikami returns home.

You've completed your mission well. Don't worry, I'll reward you handsomely for it.

We're friends, so it doesn't really matter.

Thank you for taking care of me today. I'll cook you a meal after I get better.

It's not a big deal... Can I preorder which dishes I want to eat?

You...

While joking around, I return home happily with great expectations.

It's a good thing that Riu Kujou has fully recovered from her cold after several days.

Hello... Riu... What? You want to cook me a meal today?

Can we make it another day...? I... *coughs*... I think... I'm sick... *coughs*...

What? ...Sigh, time doesn't wait for anyone. I'll get Ichihime to eat the food I was going to make for you this time. I'll bring you some congee now. Wait for me!

... Wait... What...? Hey...!

Sigh... I don't have such great expectations anymore.