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Andrew's clubroom was in the far-left classroom on the second floor of an abandoned school building.
Surprisingly, the room was actually pretty spacious.
When you opened the windows, you could feel the sea breeze blowing in, instantly refreshing and soothing.
Once he got the place ventilated, Andrew took on the job of moving all the stuff himself.
Since it was an abandoned building, the classroom was packed with randomly piled desks and chairs.
While Andrew was busy moving furniture, Mahiru Shiina and Kato Megumi brought towels, buckets, and cleaning supplies and started scrubbing the windows and floors.
At that moment, Mahiru had tied up her long golden hair into a high ponytail.
She was wearing an apron and arm covers borrowed from the Cooking Club, moving swiftly and efficiently as she cleaned—clearly the type who's used to this sort of work.
Kato Megumi wasn't slacking either. When it came to getting things done, she was right on par with Mahiru.
People call her "Saint Megumi," the most ideal girlfriend, and it's not for nothing.
Just like Mahiru, she's kind, dependable, and really knows how to take care of things.
By the time the afternoon rolled around, the clubroom was sparkling clean.
But since they wanted to keep the place aired out, they decided not to come back until tomorrow to officially start club activities.
As for Mahiru the angel, she had to head to work at Saionji Youko's shop, so she didn't have time to stick around for club stuff anyway.
To Mahiru, Youko was a really good boss. Asada Shino and Nanami Aoyama had worked all kinds of part-time jobs before, and they'd run into their fair share of nightmare managers.
So after chatting with Sinon and Aoyama about it, Mahiru came to appreciate just how rare it was to have a nice boss. She definitely didn't want to give up such a great part-time gig.
Finding a job is easy—finding a chill boss is not.
Youko Saionji was definitely not your typical store owner. She didn't put on airs at all. She was like a sweet, big sister type.
And apparently, she had just recently bought the place and started running it.
The shop was still short-staffed.
Mahiru didn't plan on working there long-term, but while the opportunity was there, she figured it wouldn't hurt to put in the effort and earn the title of "senpai" at the store.
That way, if she ever wanted to work there again, it'd be an easy in.
—
Afternoon rolled around.
Both Andrew and Mahiru had to go work at Youko's shop, and Kato Megumi, curious, decided to tag along.
For a girl, doing a part-time job and having a bit more pocket money sounded pretty nice.
And just like that, Saionji Youko's store gained a new... ghost employee.
Why "ghost employee"?
Well, that's because Megumi's special ability kicked in again.
One second, Youko was talking to Megumi and giving her instructions. The next second, she'd already forgotten Megumi even worked there.
But when Megumi stood next to Andrew Youko would suddenly remember—Oh right, she's that new hire Mahiru recommended.
Sitting in the break room, staring at the security footage, Youko had a weird look on her face.
"Is this Kato girl... some kind of psychic or something?"
But—whatever. She was hardworking, and hardworking girls are the cutest. They're also the ones guys fall for the most easily.
After all, who doesn't like a girl who's good at taking care of a home?
Unless a guy's a total playboy or scumbag who's always out messing around, girls like that usually end up with a happy life.
"Maybe I should ask Sekai and little Setsuna to help out tomorrow. We're really short-handed right now."
Youko definitely appreciated Andrew's strength and reliability—but the guy had school. He could only come in the afternoon. Someone had to run the store in the mornings, right?
While thinking it over, Youko couldn't help but sneak a peek at Andrew on the security camera.
"Damn, he's so handsome... and gentle, too... Why didn't I meet a guy like this when I was younger?"
If she had, her daughter Sekai would probably be named Lin Sekai by now.
But... maybe it's not too late?
Youko figured she wasn't that old yet. She was only in her 30s—prime time for a woman.
She touched her smooth, fair skin and looked at her flawless reflection in the mirror—no wrinkles in sight. Her cheeks flushed shyly.
Okay... so how the hell was she supposed to reel in a younger guy like Andrew?
If she came on too strong, wouldn't he think she was easy?
Youko was stuck in that classic "want it both ways" dilemma.
Should she play it cool and reserved, or just throw caution to the wind and go for it?
What a pain.
And on top of that, there was her daughter to think about. She's been single for years—no way Sekai would want to call someone her mom's age "dad."
Meanwhile, Andrew had no idea what was going on inside Youko's head.
If he did, he'd be shocked.
Because this woman wasn't just looking for a fling or a one-night stand—she was actually thinking about marrying him!
—
Back to Andrew. He and Takao had finished the day's tasks and were now completely free.
The delivery truck Youko called had already dropped off the goods, and he and Takao had finished moving and stacking everything neatly in the warehouse.
Which meant... Takao was now out of a job.
The shop didn't need that many staff. With security cameras in place, just a few people were enough to manage things.
But Takao wasn't upset. He had only taken the job to earn a little cash and occasionally steal a glance at the kind and lovely Saionji Youko.
Now that he'd gotten paid for today, he left feeling totally satisfied.
As for Andrew, he had some free time too. It's not like he was going to keep working here forever.
His real job was being a light novel author. And now that he had his own club, he had to start scouting talented girls to join—like that black-stockinged upperclassman with the white headband from Year 2, also at Saint Hakuhou Academy.
"Andrew, here's your pay for today."
Youko handed him an envelope with a smile, then couldn't resist making an offer.
"Andrew, would you be interested in continuing the part-time job? We don't need anyone for moving stuff anymore, but we could use one more shop clerk."
Andrew looked into her sparkling eyes... and politely turned her down.
"Sorry, Miss Youko. I'm about to make my debut as a light novel author, so I need to spend most of my time writing. I won't have time for a regular part-time job."
"But I'll still drop by now and then. If you ever need help with anything, feel free to reach out."
As he said that, his eyes naturally drifted toward Mahiru, full of gentle affection.
The moment Youko saw that, it all clicked—He's only here because of Mahiru.
He probably didn't want her working here alone.
Youko instantly felt a pang of jealousy. A guy this perfect... and he's already taken?
Though, to be fair... she did like Mahiru too.
"Alright, then I'll contact you when I need something. You better not ghost me."
Youko quickly pulled herself together, flashing a warm, mature smile. Her curves and graceful aura were absolutely stunning.
Andrewu almost changed his mind on the spot.
Yeah, turns out he wasn't exactly a saint. With a beautiful, gentle woman like her in front of him, how could he not be tempted?
But then he remembered—this woman was Sekai Saionji's mom.
Just thinking about what Sekai had done to that cheating bastard Makoto... Andrew figured it was better not to mess with mature ladies like her.
A one-night stand? Fine. No strings, all fun.
But what if she wanted marriage?
Andrew wasn't about to give up his angel Mahiru or the other amazing girls he hadn't made contracts with yet.
So... he'd wait.
Once he became even more powerful—standing at the top of the world and building his own "Andrew Empire"—even Youko Saionji wouldn't be able to escape his grasp.
To reach that peak, he figured he'd at least need to form a contract with Izumi Saginomiya—the "Priestess of Light" from the Saginomiya clan.
Now that girl had endgame-tier power.
"..."
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