While Akira was busy bluffing eager students, Nanami was still being a model pupil.
She had a solid foundation in cooking and didn't fumble clumsily when learning, which made her pleasant to teach.
She was diligent, polite, and serious—the kind of student any teacher would be happy to guide.
That's how Hayasaka Ai got roped in the first time, after all.
The chefs of the Shinomiya household also had a good impression of her. They taught her with sincerity, and thanks to her prior experience, Nanami progressed quickly.
After lunch break, under Hayasaka Ai's instruction, she let out a sharp "Ha!" as she threw a punch.
"Yes, that's about the right angle. Aim for the opponent's chin whenever possible."
Hayasaka Ai nodded expressionlessly, explaining in detail:
"Even if you hit someone in the stomach, a strong-willed person might endure the pain and fight back.
And if your punch isn't strong enough and they tense their abs, you may not even deal much damage."
"But the chin is different. A hit to the chin causes vibrations that transmit directly to the back of the head, which can momentarily knock someone out.
During that brief window, you can choose to run, wait, or follow up with another strike depending on the situation."
Nanami, being a good girl, originally learned this in case someone tried to tackle her and cause embarrassment to Akira.
But once she gained a little confidence in her punching power and speed, she started worrying about the people she might hit.
"If I hit someone's chin while they're not ready, wouldn't they bite their tongue? What if it causes a serious injury… or they bite it off?" Nanami asked hesitantly.
"You shouldn't worry about that when dealing with someone rude enough to attack you—or a real enemy," Hayasaka Ai said seriously.
"Anyone who dares provoke the maid of Mr. Ogiwara deserves what they get. Besides, it would be a counterattack made in self-defense.
Whether as Mr. Ogiwara's maid or simply as a girl, your top priority should always be protecting yourself."
Aside from topics related to her master, Hayasaka Ai rarely took a strict tone in her lessons. And once she heard that justification, Nanami stopped hesitating.
With a stance that suggested she wouldn't regret shattering someone's chin, she threw another fierce punch.
Hayasaka Ai's eye twitched slightly.
Just mentioning Akira and her spirit immediately leveled up…
So why hasn't she made a move yet? Has she been too proper with the etiquette training recently?
Hayasaka Ai began pondering whether to incorporate some "proper-looking but actually provocative" movements into the training regimen.
Fortunately, a sudden interruption pulled her away from that twisted train of thought.
"Hayasaka ! Hayasaka ! Help me, quick…"
With that urgent cry, the door was flung open.
Nanami instinctively turned to see a girl slightly shorter than herself.
Though she was a bit smaller in stature, the girl's even colder expression—one that went a step beyond Hayasaka Ai's calm demeanor—and her naturally noble air, along with her well-tailored clothes, made it immediately clear that she came from an extraordinary background.
And that frosty expression—especially those crimson eyes so reminiscent of Utaha's, radiating a chilling light—was particularly intense…
Hayasaka Ai gave a slight bow. "My lady."
Once she saw Hayasaka Ai's reaction and realized this was the head of the household—the young lady of the Shinomiya family—Nanami quickly bowed in accordance with what she had been taught.
However, just as she began to lower herself, Hayasaka Ai shot her hands out in a blur, stopping her chin and shoulders with two sharp slaps.
The move was so fast it stung.
"That's enough of a bow. Only your torso should incline—your head should dip just slightly, as per etiquette standards.
Any deeper would imply subservience. Remember this pose and hold it until I return."
With that, Hayasaka Ai let go and stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her.
The posture was tiring, but Nanami, used to part-time work, could manage.
More than anything, her mind was on the lady outside the door—noble and icy like a glacier, yet oddly enough, had just called out to Hayasaka in a voice that sounded… almost like a spoiled child?
Could that really have come from her?
…
"Miss Kaguya, you do know I have guests, right? Good thing your reflexes were impressive just now—comparable to a professional quick-change performer."
Out in the hallway, Hayasaka Ai spoke in a low voice.
Kaguya clutched her chest, panting heavily, her face filled with panic.
She had only remembered there was someone in the room after she flung open Hayasaka Ai's door and saw someone else inside.
Startled, she immediately reverted to her old icy persona—an automatic response, even colder than her usual demeanor due to shock.
Why did she react like that?
Simple—being seen by another household's maid in such a state would've severely damaged the dignity of the Shinomiya family's young lady. It was, frankly, disgraceful.
"So that was Mr. Ogiwara's maid," Kaguya said nervously. "I… I didn't look too terrifying just now, right? I didn't give her any strange looks, did I?"
Aside from Hayasaka Ai, Kaguya was also aware of Nanami's identity. After all, if she hadn't approved it, the chefs wouldn't have agreed to assist in training.
She had agreed to help because Hayasaka Ai told her Akira had once helped her. Though the details were unclear, Kaguya didn't mind lending a hand for such a small favor.
Hayasaka Ai shook her head. "It's fine. Miss Aoyama likely didn't think much of it. What I want to know is, why were you in such a rush?"
Kaguya let out a breath and explained, "I suddenly remembered I haven't picked an outfit for the fireworks festival. I wanted to talk to you about it, but I just woke up and forgot you had a guest."
Hayasaka Ai sighed with slight exasperation.
"The fireworks festival is still three days away. We already have plenty of yukata at home. There's no need to plan so far in advance, is there?"
"Hayasaka ! It's the fireworks festival! How can you take it so lightly?"
"Alright, alright. It's a very important festival. I understand your excitement.
But Miss Aoyama still has over an hour left and is currently holding a taxing posture. Can we help you pick your outfit a bit later?"
Though her words were accommodating, her tone and expression were nearly dismissive, which made Kaguya quite upset.
"Fine! But once Miss Aoyama leaves, you better come right away." She huffed and turned away, grumbling under her breath, "Whose maid are you, anyway…"
A faint, nearly imperceptible smile flickered across Hayasaka Ai's face, filled with what might have been affection.
Then she returned to the room and allowed Nanami to rest.
"The fireworks festival is in a few days. Do you think Mr. Ogiwara will attend?" she asked casually.
"The fireworks festival…" Nanami thought for a moment. "Mr. Ogiwara is so lazy—he probably won't go."
"Maybe it's not laziness. Maybe it's just that no one's going with him. What do you think, Miss Aoyama?"
"Eh?"
Nanami froze, slowly realizing the meaning behind the words. Her face began to flush.
"Are you… suggesting I invite Mr. Ogiwara? But… I… I'm just a maid, and inviting someone to a fireworks festival…"
Seeing her reaction, Hayasaka Ai sighed internally, unsure whether to be glad things weren't developing romantically… or if she should give Miss Aoyama a little push in the right direction.
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No no Nanami.
A personal maid who doesn't target her master is not a qualified maid!
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