"Understood! Head Maid-sama! I will work hard!"
After listening to Shion's admonishment, Sayo subconsciously clenched her small fists, her pretty face flushed, eyes firm, and she seriously nodded her head.
Ruri-sama saved her from harassment by her superior, didn't even mind the misfortune she carried on her body, and gave her a job to bring back home.
As long as Ruri-sama didn't drive her away, she would definitely work hard and do the maid job well.
Of course, hopefully the misfortune on her body had already dissipated, otherwise if her misfortune brought suffering to Ruri-sama, then it would be better if she left early.
"Yes, Head Maid," With a calm expression, Midorikawa Akira heard the hint that she and the others might see many things they shouldn't, but her face didn't show much emotion, she only lightly nodded her head.
Seeing that both of them understood what they should do, Shion revealed a satisfied smile.
These two unexpectedly recruited new maids, one lively and outgoing, the other quiet and not talkative, had very good aptitude, and should both value emotions more. Unfortunately, their time in the Rurikawa household was too short. Otherwise, she could have just let them accompany her in properly serving Master Hikigaya.
After a while, Shion's expression shifted slightly. She pulled out a phone from the hidden pocket of her maid apron, glanced at it, then turned and headed for the mansion's main gate.
"Go pick up Master Hikigaya, the convoy will be back soon. Welcoming team, attention."
Sayo and Midorikawa Akira, upon hearing this, hurriedly followed after Shion.
———
The Rurikawa mansion's main gate opened, and the escort convoy slowly drove into the estate, stopping before the large fountain garden.
"Welcome home, Master~"
Shion, together with Sayo, Midorikawa Akira, and the other maids, stepped forward to open the car doors. Hachiman, along with the helplessly-faced Vignette, Gabriel, and others, got off the cars. The neatly lined two rows of maids folded their hands over their abdomens, bowed, and shouted in unison.
Iris and Lala, these princesses who had been accustomed to being served since childhood, didn't feel much of anything. Even Elio and the few mermaid songstresses didn't think there was anything particularly special.
But Kitagawa Marin, Yuina, Minami, and others who had been invited over to take cosplay photos, this was their first time personally witnessing real nobles and political families. They couldn't help widening their beautiful eyes in shock as they looked at the maids bowing and greeting before them.
So amazing, this was Rurikawa's class rep's mansion? Even the maids of a noble family were this excellent and beautiful.
Two neat rows of maids, all of them very good-looking at a glance, especially the few in the front. It felt like they were even more beautiful than many popular magazine models. Super pretty.
"I just brought some people over to hang out a bit, Shion, you don't need to make it so grand," Hachiman glanced around, then looked at Shion who was respectfully bowing her head waiting for his command, and gave a helpless smile.
He had clearly said he was just here to take some photos, treating it as a gathering among classmates and friends, not some kind of inspection.
"With the closeness between you and the young lady, Master, you are their master as well. For your first time returning home, it is only natural to welcome you with some formality. It's just that since the situation came suddenly, we weren't well prepared, so the welcoming ceremony is rather simple," Shion still spoke respectfully, even though her relationship with Master Hikigaya was already very good, and she could serve him together with the young lady at any time.
But official business was official business, and private was private. Playing master-servant games wildly in private didn't matter, but when there were outsiders present, of course they had to properly fulfill the maid's duty, and bring honor and brilliance to the master's face.
"Since it's the first time, just let it be. In the future, keep it simpler when I come," Hachiman waved his hand at Shion.
Although being called "Master" by so many maids at once was pretty nice, this wasn't some blush-inducing heart-throbbing game. He still wasn't very used to this overly serious master-servant relationship.
"Yes, Shion hears your words, Master."
Hearing Hachiman say he would come again in the future, Shion's face didn't change, and she answered respectfully.
She already knew that after resolving the Poiman family, this was the first time Master Hikigaya had come to the Rurikawa house, and he didn't like noble formalities much.
If things were done too grandly like this, later when Master Hikigaya didn't want to face such situations, whenever he wanted to come play at the Rurikawa house, he might directly teleport to the young lady's side.
'Mm… best would be directly teleporting onto the young lady's bed.'
"Shion, where's Tsubaki? Don't tell me she's busy and can't come?"
Kaede looked at Shion, the maid who was good at fawning over Hachiman at all times, pursed her lips, glanced around without finding her friend Rurikawa Tsubaki, and asked curiously.
Tsubaki arranged for so many maids to flatteringly welcome Hachiman, but didn't show up herself?
"The young lady is preparing a surprise. Miss Kaede, please follow Master Hikigaya to the changing room to change clothes first. Once you're done changing, the young lady should also be ready," Shion lowered her head and respectfully explained.
"A surprise…", Suzu's eyes flickered. Her intuition told her this surprise definitely wasn't ordinary.
Because she herself liked playing with such surprises. Only she usually tricked Kaede into giving Hachiman the surprise.
Who could Tsubaki trick into giving Hachiman a surprise? Could it be that there was some trap in the changing room later?
Suzu instantly raised her guard.
"Then let's go change clothes first. Right, I have a few elf clansmen who haven't arrived yet. Later, Shion, please open the gate for them."
Seeing everyone had said enough, Iris smiled as she spoke.
Although the high walls of such a mansion posed no obstacle to elves, they could jump in without magic, since they were here as guests, it was more polite to enter openly.
"I've already arranged for maids to receive them at the gate. If they arrive, I will immediately bring them before you, Princess Iris."
Hearing the elf princess Iris, who theoretically had the highest status and position among the group, speak, Shion lowered her head even further and answered respectfully.
"No need to bring them to me, just bring them to the President."
Iris smiled, narrowed her eyes, winked at Hachiman, and her words almost openly hinted that the reason she had her fellow elves come over was obvious.
Dragged here by both Hachiman and Iris, Vignette and Gabriel looked at the troublemaking Iris, exchanged glances, their faces full of helplessness.
With their extensive experience, they didn't even need to think to know Iris wanted Hachiman to aid those elves.
But aid was aid, they weren't stopping Hachiman from giving aid.
Why drag them along? There were already so many girls here. What was the point of dragging them into it?
They had only promised Iris that they wouldn't let others disrupt the aid, never promised to personally participate in it!
Those who were close to Hachiman and familiar with Iris's aid matter all understood and tacitly kept quiet.
Only Kitagawa Marin, who only had a slight acquaintance with Hachiman, didn't notice so many details.
Shion led the way in front. Kitagawa Marin, carrying her bag, walked beside the youngest elf princess Lumilia. Her pretty face flushed with excitement, she kept looking around the mansion's architecture and the maids moving about as if preparing something.
"Totally didn't expect we'd come to Rurikawa class rep's home. I always thought Hikigaya-kun and Rurikawa class rep didn't get along that well."
"This mansion is too big, feels like it's even larger than the school grounds. Rurikawa class rep really deserves to be a noble young lady."
"Too bad Yumiko said she was busy and refused to come, and Nijika had to rehearse with the band so she couldn't come either. If only they could have come too."
Whether before or now, Rurikawa class rep hadn't spoken much with Hikigaya-kun. Everyone had thought the vice president Rurikawa class rep and the student council president's childhood friend Hikigaya-kun had a bad relationship.
But now, seeing the silver-haired maid being so respectful toward Hikigaya-kun, she realized everyone had misunderstood just like her.
"Next time, just call them along. Sister Tsubaki and the Savior-sama are close. You are also the Savior-sama's friends. Coming here often to play is no problem."
Lumilia, who once held hands tightly with Rurikawa Tsubaki and shared an incredibly close comrade bond, blushed slightly and quietly reminded Kitagawa Marin.
"That may be true, and Rurikawa class rep probably wouldn't mind… mm… but since we don't normally have much of a relationship with her, coming to visit Rurikawa class rep specifically without any reason doesn't feel right."
Kitagawa Marin shook her head. She only felt it was a pity that everyone came today except Yumiko and Nijika, not that she really wanted to come often to Rurikawa's house.
"Ehehe, you never know~ If you come a few more times, Marin, you'll quickly get closer to Rurikawa class rep."
"Let's talk about that later. For now, let's go change clothes and take some pretty photos."
"Marin, let us help you take cosplay photos. Guaranteed that when little Hiki sees them, he won't be able to stop drooling!"
"Eh, Yuina, don't misunderstand! I don't have that kind of feeling for Hikigaya-kun. It's Yumiko who likes Hikigaya-kun!"
Yuina, Minami, and Rin exchanged glances, then laughed mischievously as they pulled Kitagawa Marin and Lumilia along to follow Shion toward the changing rooms, starting a cosplay operation.
Since Yumiko wasn't here today, and even Nijika wasn't here, but Gabriel and Vignette were, they had to try their best to pull Marin onto their side.
Later, with little Hiki's side, they could use the band to grab Nijika as well. Then Yumiko's close sisters would all be taken. For the sake of continuing to be friends with her good friends, Yumiko would definitely have to give in too.
———
"This side is the girls' changing room. Master Hikigaya, your changing room is over there. Sayo, Akira, you two take the Master to his changing room to change clothes."
Shion led Kaede, Suzu, and the others to pick outfits for photos. Before leaving, she instructed Sayo and Midorikawa Akira to take Hachiman away.
"Master, please follow me this way."
Sayo and Midorikawa Akira stepped out from behind Shion, hands folded over their abdomens, and bowed in salute.
"I have to change too? Then I'll go see what outfits were prepared for me."
Hachiman, a bit surprised, followed Sayo and Midorikawa Akira to his exclusive changing room.
He had thought that the others would play cosplay, and he only needed to watch everyone show off their figures and beauty, at most playing the role of photographer.
Didn't expect Shion had even prepared clothes for him.
Iris glanced at Shion, who was in charge of leading them to the changing rooms. Shion's face showed no unusual expression. She just smiled and said nothing.
The President being taken away separately, eight or nine times out of ten it was related to Tsubaki's absence.
But this little scheme she wouldn't expose.
Although Tsubaki herself willingly became the President's lover, had her family serve as his spokesperson, and provided all his living expenses and consumption, without demanding anything else. Still, Tsubaki couldn't be treated like a mere tool person, she had to occasionally be given some sweet reward.
Kaede also obviously knew that Tsubaki's absence meant something, but she just pretended not to.
"So many clothes! Were these specially prepared for us?!"
"Sailor uniforms, nurse uniforms, maid outfits, gym clothes, swimsuits, bunny girl suits… these fabrics feel a bit special too, not disposable ones?"
"There are even cosplay costumes! Twin maids, black and white bunny girls… isn't that Shizuku Kuroe's? I've always wanted to cosplay this, but I couldn't because I didn't have a properly made outfit."
"They even have Sobu High uniforms? But they look shorter than what we usually wear, and the style is tighter and more form-fitting."
Gabriel, Yuina, Kitagawa Marin, and the group followed Shion into the massive clothing room, and were instantly stunned by the racks of outfits filling the space.
Kaede looked at the rows upon rows of clothes hanging on racks all around the room, with only the wall with a large mirror not crammed with outfits, and couldn't help glancing at Shion.
"Shion, just how long have you been preparing this? Didn't Hachiman suddenly say he wanted to come over and play?"
Ordinary sailor uniforms or nurse uniforms were whatever, those could be bought anywhere on short notice.
But this cosplay outfit was obviously prepared specifically for Kitagawa Marin, right?
Outfits requiring reproduction of source details couldn't possibly be prepared so quickly. Clearly, they were made long in advance.
She didn't believe Tsubaki herself had any interest in cosplay. Tsubaki was always very proper. Only recently had Hachiman spoiled her a little.
"As a maid, naturally I must prepare everything in advance for the Master."
Stared at by Kaede's sharp gaze, Shion slightly lowered her head and answered unhurriedly.
"These clothes can generally be divided into categories of trendy fashion, professional specialty uniforms, racial specialty outfits, and character cosplay. For example, catgirl or succubus outfits are placed in the racial specialty area. Everyone can freely choose whichever they like."
Actually, those cosplay costumes weren't specifically prepared for Kitagawa Marin. The young lady wasn't familiar with her, why would she want to help her rival?
It was just that after learning there were these close classmates of Master Hikigaya, and that Kitagawa Marin loved cosplay, she researched related information and prepared popular anime character cosplays just in case.
"All these outfits can be freely used. Don't worry if they get damaged. Most of them have various sizes available. But like the Shizuku cosplay Marin mentioned, there's only one, and the size may not fit."
"Is that so… then I'll just cosplay an elf instead. If the costume doesn't fit, it won't look good."
With Shion's explanation, the originally excited Kitagawa Marin instantly felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her. She regretfully looked at the exquisitely made, highly accurate Shizuku Kuroe cosplay. Her gaze lingered on its black gauze headdress, low-cut top, frilled skirt, patterned fishnet stockings, and slave chains.
Although she really, really wanted to cosplay Shizuku Kuroe, if she couldn't perfectly present the character and embody the figure she imagined, she felt it would be better not to.
Kitagawa Marin regretfully eyed the cosplay's one imperfection, the low-cut top. Raising her hand to compare, Shizuku Kuroe's figure should be better, but this size clearly didn't match.
This cosplay was probably made according to Rurikawa class rep's measurements. With Marin's figure, no matter what, she wouldn't be able to fit in.
Kitagawa Marin's philosophy in cosplay had always been like this—she would rather not cosplay at all than cosplay a character that didn't suit her. Playing cosplay was purely out of love, not for popularity or money.
"Excuse me, are these clothes really free to use? I actually know a bit of tailoring. If I had the tools, I could make it a bit bigger…"
Seeing Marin's regretful face, Vignette suddenly spoke up.
"You can really make it bigger?"
The dejected Marin suddenly lifted her head, her face overjoyed, grasping both of Vignette's hands tightly.
She had been about to give up, ready to make her own Shizuku Kuroe cosplay again. But what luck, Gabriel's friend Vignette was skilled at sewing!
"Making it a little bigger is no problem. I looked at it, the seam allowance left two centimeters, and the fabric is fairly elastic. After altering, you'll be able to wear it. But since the seam allowance is so small, the outfit might split apart easily."
[T/N: 🔥A new book is up— "Emiya in Honkai: Star Rail". I am releasing it from my second account(Ambitious_Guy) as I can't publish more books from this account(Max is 20). Make sure to check it out and support. Have a great read~🙇]
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