My clone already told me I'm a protagonist, and my title only reinforced that notion, but it's now that this realization is truly taking root.
"Attention, please. I know it's two weeks until the end of the semester, but I want you to welcome our new transfer student. Please enter."
At the teacher's command, I opened the sliding door and stepped into the room, ensuring that my gait conveyed a mature and charming demeanor. Thanks to my level 99 in Charisma.
"My name is Masachika Kuze. I spent a few years in Kyoto before returning here, to the place where I was born. I'm a fan of anime, and sometimes I play badminton. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
Unlike how such situations are typically portrayed in anime, the class didn't erupt in excitement—a testament to the maturity of the students at Seirei Private Academy. However, I did notice the sighs from the male students and the excited whispers from the female students.
"Now for your seat… the only one available is next to Kujou-san."
Acknowledging the implicit order, I walked over and took the seat right next to a beautiful girl with silver hair. From her appearance, it was clear that, despite her surname, she is not fully Japanese.
She glanced at me but didn't do anything else beyond that. The rest of the day proceeded like a typical school day: five hours of classes, with some students stopping by to ask a question or two during the brief breaks between periods.
During lunch, more people tried to inquire about my hobbies, my grades, and what Kyoto was like. Since I wasn't the usual introverted protagonist devoid of a social life, I began making acquaintances among my classmates, or rather, temporary classmates, since the school year would finish in two weeks, and it's unclear whether we would be in the same class next year.
Throughout all of this, I made one thing clear: I wasn't a typical person and that I had more knowledge and 'quirks' than others. They didn't take it seriously, viewing it almost as a joke. I noticed a disapproving gaze from my silver-haired classmate next to me, but I continued speaking.
The conversation then shifted to a new event that was being organized for the first time this year. The school has a tradition of preparing a bonfire for dancing at the autumn festival, but the school council decided to hold one on the last day of the exams instead. This seems like something Yuki might have suggested, especially since she is part of the student council. Although she stepped down from her position as president last year, she is now the secretary of general affairs.
Tomorrow will be the day we start organizing for the event. It's not just a dance; clubs and classrooms can also participate. Today is dedicated to reviewing ideas, and as a proactive member of the group, I took the initiative to make some decisions, thanks to my [Eloquence] from the Swindler Sequence Potion and my [Silver Tongue]'s prestiged form: [Tongue Twister].
I presented my arguments clearly. Since the dance is scheduled during our finals, we can't use our classroom as if it were a typical festival. Additionally, we can't spend time on the clichéd maid café concept. Instead, I proposed something more efficient that wouldn't require excessive time, space, or resources.
We will set up a stand to sell or give away handmade masks for the evening, and we'll add a unique theme to the dance to distinguish it from a standard one. I outlined what we would need: a permit for using space in the courtyard, access to school funds for purchasing inexpensive carnival masks and various decorations, and help from two or three members of the tailoring club to guide everyone. Furthermore, I suggested that instead of making identical masks, we create unique designs for each one.
While the decision isn't officially finalized, I have effectively won everyone over with my idea.
After some afternoon classes, we all headed home. As we parted ways, my silver-haired classmate gave me an impressed glance, clearly appreciative of my presentation and efforts, before continuing on her path. Unfortunately, Yuki wasn't present as she had work commitments and asked me not to wait for her, so I had to return home.
---
Half an hour later, I entered my apartment. Well, not just an apartment, but a penthouse in the higher-end area nearby. It was a spacious place, more than 300 square meters—essentially the entire last two floors of the building. The lower floor featured a large kitchen, two bathrooms, a living room, three standard bedrooms, a game room equipped with a pool table and other gaming amenities. On the upper floor, there were two additional bedrooms, including the master bedroom with its bathroom and a walk-in closet, two more bathrooms, an office, a small workout room, an indoor swimming pool, and a terrace with an incredible view.
I acquired this luxurious home for just 1 million yen and eight gold bars, with the cash primarily covering the paperwork for a quick transfer. I had found the gold bars while raiding wealthy homes in the [High School of the Dead] setting, during my work on the Marauder acting process. I kept 23 other bars in my inventory, not wanting to sell them in the [Shop] since their value was low.
I also utilized some legal expertise to secure tax reductions for my company as part of this advantageous exchange. Now, on my third day in the penthouse, I aimed to tackle my last significant issue—aside from not having all the furniture I wanted. I needed a maid; cleaning this large space alone would be a nightmare.
How would I solve this? I have to thank my five-year-old mentality. A decade ago, I had been quite curious about my [Setting Creation] skill, and one of the settings I made was refreshingly simple. There were no specific instructions or 'manga' or 'game'- based requests; I simply wanted to encounter a maid.
While the gate I previously interacted with was from that original setting I created ten years ago, I made a new one a few years back inside the [White Hallway]. Additionally, upon reaching level 20, I received the option to permanently link one setting I created to myself, meaning there was no longer a gate—just a connection I could access anytime, anywhere. Naturally, I chose the [White Hallway] as my future hub for multidimensional travel.
Without further ado, I traveled to the hallway and entered the setting I had devised. I stood fifty meters past a rail crossing, and in the distance, I spotted a figure moving toward me.
As I approached, I realized it was a maid—sad and carrying a large briefcase. She appeared to be in her twenties, stunningly beautiful and taller than the average Japanese woman, with black hair and dark eyes that looked almost lifeless. She seemed to be looking down when she softly murmured, "…Where should I go now?"
That felt almost like a scene from an anime. Since it had that vibe, I knew I had to seize the moment.
"Hey, you!" I called out.
She startled slightly, glancing left and right, then pointed to herself, her body language questioning whether I was indeed speaking to her.
"Yes, you! Are you looking for work?"
"...Yes. The person I went to didn't need a maid, and I'm not sure what to do..." she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I need a maid. Would you like to work for me?"
She appeared surprised before responding as seriously as she could muster. "Yes. I would be honored to receive such an opportunity."
I sensed something unusual about her—thanks to my [Cold Reading] skill—but I chose to ignore it and asked the critical question. "Before you accept, I want to know: do you have any problem working for someone who is supernaturally different and in another world?"
"No. I don't mind," she answered.
"Perfect. Now, take my hand, and let's go back."
As she reached for my hand, I didn't hesitate; I instantly transported us back to the [White Hallway]. However, just before we left, I caught a glimpse of a figure with dirty yellow hair approaching us in my peripheral vision. Something told me I had made the right decision by hastily returning.
[Luk: 32->33]