Reclining on the bed, Hayashi Maki was sending a few messages—maintaining his bonds with his other followers.
Being a "time-management master" wasn't easy, but he still made time to check in on the girls—like Airi and Marina.
Listen to a girl's worries, solve them effectively, leave her satisfied: that's how you deepen a bond, and build trust.
Airi, for instance, told him she'd been feeling "itchy" lately and wanted him to "come take a look." Itchy, huh? That was definitely a naughty hint. No problem—scheduled. He planned to go first thing tomorrow and help the cute blonde twin-tails with her "problem."
Of course he wouldn't forget Shino. And Yukino-chan—he told her to wait at home tomorrow. As for Nibutani Shinka, he sent just one line:
"Want to be a magical girl? Want to know the truth of the world? Then make a contract with me and become Mori Summer!"
Shinka stomped her foot, flustered. That awful guy—tempting her again! And bringing up her black-history title "Mori Summer." And "make a contract"… wasn't that just his excuse to get her body? She wasn't interested in that…!
After grumbling fiercely in her head, she flopped on the bed with drooping shoulders. Fine—she was interested. After all, they'd already kissed—and more than once he'd held her close. She was a girl in her curious teen years; naturally she had an interest in what happens between men and women.
After teasing Shinka, Hayashi Maki called Haruno.
"Haruno-nee, are you free?"
"Sure—I'm at Yukino-chan's right now. What's up?"
Hayashi Maki smiled. "I need a favor. I'm coming over."
He blinked in instantly—and swallowed. Haruno and Yukino were soaking together in the tub, white foam covering pale skin—pure and inviting. Haruno was on the phone; Yukino yelped at the sight of him and instinctively flung a nearby garment at him.
Hayashi Maki caught it cleanly and slipped out of the bathroom in a flash. Not that he didn't want to go in; the intimacy level just wasn't there yet. Some things take time to unlock.
A little later, Yukino came out in a white dress, gave him a withering look, and muttered as she passed, "Pervert~"
Hayashi Maki's temper flared; he swept her up and silenced her with a kiss.
"Mmph! Ugh… weren't you here for my sister?"
She pushed, but he was immovable; she could only glare in shy protest. He cocked a brow and carried her to the bedroom.
"I should discipline you first, Yukino-chan—calling me a pervert."
"Hmph, you are a pervert… popping in without a sound and scaring me."
"Yep—and now the big pervert is going to bully you. What're you going to do?"
"I… I… do what you want."
Face blazing, she shut her eyes. A while later, after tucking her in, he left the room.
Haruno—arms folded, same white dress as Yukino, smiling with a glint—was waiting at the door. Hayashi Maki gave a sheepish grin. "Evening, Haruno-nee."
"Hmph, weren't you here for me? And you start by bullying Yukino-chan?"
She gave him a plaintive look and held out her arms. "Hold me—or I won't forgive you."
What else could he do? He scooped her up and headed to the other room.
…
A while later, the storm passed. Haruno looked content; Hayashi Maki got to business.
"Haruno-nee, help me buy the building my apartment's in."
"Sure—but I don't have that much free cash. Planning to live off me, Maki-kun?"
"Aren't I already?" He grinned, then turned serious. "But I'm a man—how can I let you pay it all? I've got 20 million yen. If it's not enough, I'll trouble you to front the rest."
"20 million? Rob a bank?" Haruno stared.
Hayashi Maki's face darkened. "Please. I'm a law-abiding citizen. The 20 million is from my light novel—a tip from an ojou-sama. Sanzenin family—ever heard of them?"
"Of course! Super famous! Sanzenin… hiss—don't tell me you've already made a move on her and are living off her?"
Her gaze heated—no jealousy, just expectation. He was her man; she wanted him to keep leveling up—then she and Yukino would rise with him. If he could live off the Sanzenins, he'd never worry about money again—and the Yukinoshita family could leverage that to grow.
He shook his head helplessly. "No. What are you thinking? She just liked my book and tipped me. Honestly, I wish good people like that would send me money every day."
"Eh—no move yet? What a shame. Will you, later?"
"We'll talk later. For now—the house." He pinched her cheek to stop the daydream.
Haruno pouted, then bargained: "Kiss me again and give me 15 million. I'll have it done tomorrow."
"Mmph!"
He didn't hesitate; he kissed her. He was powerless against Miss Haruno. With her satisfied, the ojou-sama was happy to play fixer and promised to wrap it up by morning.
Truth was, she didn't need 15 million; having a legislator for a father helped, and she wasn't afraid of a landlord trying to gouge. Any leftover funds would go straight into investments. Haruno was ambitious—the Yukinoshita heir, with undeniable business talent. Trust her.
Hayashi Maki didn't argue. He kept 5 million for his own expenses and handed the rest to Haruno. Inside and out, she was his; he trusted her.
As for Sanzenin Nagi—sure, he was tempted by the Sanzenin fortune and the idea of living easy—but he hadn't made a move on the ojou-sama yet. Giving the cash to Haruno so money could make more money was the best choice.
Besides, he wasn't going to lack for cash; to a demon, money is just a number. If it gave Haruno room to practice and made her happy—thus making him happy—why not?