Flushed with that hefty tip, Hayashi Maki was in a fantastic mood.
Turns out "eating ojou-sama's soft rice" really is the fastest path to financial freedom.
And with different ojou-samas, playing to their tastes was exactly his edge. After all, if he wanted to form pacts with "familiars," how could he not understand them?
He was about to buy some treats to share his joy with the girls when a friend request popped up on his phone, with a note:
"Kurosora Twilight-sensei, I'm your fan, Sanzenin Nagi (she cheekily wrote it as Sanzen 'Yen' Nagi). I'm very bullish on your items—may I add you?"
Hayashi Maki could only smile wryly at the pun, but he accepted immediately. Drawing the ojou-sama's attention through a novel was part of his plan anyway.
He messaged right away.
Kurosora Twilight: "Hello, Nagi-san. That tip was from you, right? To be honest, it scared me."
Sanzen 'Yen' Nagi: "That's right—it was my tip. It's encouragement for Sensei. I'm not short on money; I'm short on excellent items to read. So please keep it up and create great works. The tips won't be small."
Kurosora Twilight: "Received! I'll work hard. I already have a new idea."
Sanzen 'Yen' Nagi: "Oh? A new idea? Can you tell me?"
Kurosora Twilight: "Of course. I'm going to write a magical-girl light novel—but not the usual kind. On transforming, she muscles up, grows taller, and has overwhelming strength…"
At that, Nagi practically squealed. That was her exact manga idea. Plot, though, she had none; when she'd posted drafts, people had slammed them. But with a professional light-novel author on board, maybe her work could rise to the next level?
They dove into plotting a magical-girl series. When the chat ended, Hayashi Maki's bank app pinged—another ¥10,000,000 tip.
When an ojou-sama acts, she acts lavishly.
He took a long breath, then exhaled slowly to calm down. Who wouldn't be hyped about money-from-the-sky?
If Kawasaki Saki—still sweating every yen—learned he'd pocketed ten million just for a few messages, would she cry from envy?
Sanzen 'Yen' Nagi: "Thank you so much for your guidance. I'm drawing manga now—if you publish that magical-girl story, may I adapt it into a same-title manga with you?"
Kurosora Twilight: "Absolutely! Nagi-san, you're too generous—no one could refuse. I'll send you the outline tomorrow. You think about the visuals, and let's create a magical-girl myth together!"
Sanzen 'Yen' Nagi: "Deal!"
Kurosora Twilight: "Also, could we meet in person? Some creative points are best discussed face-to-face."
Sanzen 'Yen' Nagi: "Of course. How about Sunday afternoon this week?"
Kurosora Twilight: "OK—settled!"
…
After the chat, Nagi rolled around on her bed, cheeks flushed with excitement. As an ojou-sama, the thing that thrilled her most was her own manga. What creator doesn't want their work recognized? She wanted to succeed on merit and create something famous—the sense of accomplishment would be immense.
She chose the weekend because she knew Kurosora Twilight-sensei was a student at her school; weekends were the only times he'd be free. In high spirits, she told maid Maria as the latter came to help her change.
Maria, a beauty in a maid outfit with brown hair and eyes, was startled:
"Eh—Milady is going out to meet someone? And it's a man? Is that alright? Should I accompany you?"
Her eyes brimmed with concern.
Nagi puffed her chest and tried to sound calm.
"What could go wrong? It's just a meeting. I checked—he's a Hakuō Academy student like me. And I already tipped him—what, is he going to kidnap me?"
"…Milady, that's not unheard of," Maria sighed, eyes pained.
Nagi's body trembled. True—there had been an incident. A "friend" from school invited her out and colluded with others to kidnap her for ransom. After that, school scared her; she stopped going out and became a shut-in.
She inhaled deeply, then smiled with renewed confidence.
"It'll be fine. The editor says Kurosora Twilight is an easygoing boy. I want to try."
"If collaborating with him pushes my work into the limelight, that's a huge win."
"And I'm not a child. I can handle myself—you don't need to come, Maria."
"…As you wish, Milady." Maria said the words—but planned to secretly follow.
…
Hayashi Maki, meanwhile, was pleasantly surprised. Getting to meet an ojou-sama was a happy accident. If Nagi stayed holed up at home, he'd have had no excuse to approach her.
This world wasn't simple—angels and demons existed, and Hayate the Combat Butler elements were woven in.
Above the power ceiling stood the Miko of Light, Saginomiya Isumi—and Gabriel's sister, the Archangel Zelel. In the finale of the original story, Isumi even released the gods of the Royal Garden, removing the royal family's power from the world. That implied a hidden force—the Royal Garden and Deities.
Which made Isumi his top target for a contract. And the best way to reach Isumi was through her best friend, Nagi. Isumi was always dropping by to hang out with Nagi. Win Nagi over, and Isumi would come on her own.
Give it time and proximity, and bonds form—opening the door for him to make his move.
Thinking of Sunday, Hayashi Maki could hardly wait.
~~~
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