Because of her deal with Akira—especially because of the words he said before she left—Hayasaka Ai no longer felt tormented by guilt whenever she faced Kaguya.
But a new kind of guilt had quietly taken root in her heart—particularly when she was confronted with that trusting and respectful smile...
"G-Good morning, Hayasaka-san!"
"…Good morning, Aoyama-san."
It was the first time she had slightly averted her gaze while greeting Nanami.
"And how was last night? Did you go out to watch the fireworks festival?"
It was also the first time she had initiated a question about Nanami's daily life.
Nanami smiled brightly as she replied, "No, I didn't. I've been busy with training and work lately, and Mr. Ogiwara kept reminding me to go to bed early.
Now that I finally have some free time, I thought I should catch up on my studies. School's about to start, after all."
It's fine. Even if you didn't go, I helped chase away the other woman for you.
She could have comforted herself that way.
But unfortunately, under Akira's request, she had not only sat in his lap to watch fireworks the night before—she'd also "stolen" the master that Nanami was meant to serve.
While Nanami was changing clothes, Hayasaka Ai stared up at the ceiling and let out a long, weary sigh.
"…Why does this guilt feel even deeper than when I'm facing the young lady…"
The only method Hayasaka Ai could think of to counter this guilt was to teach Nanami more things.
Though she couldn't claim to be an expert herself, they now had chances to practice, and she could at least teach Nanami the theory—maybe she'd understand it all with time.
She could even help her find all of Akira's sensitive spots in advance...
"No good. The guilt just got worse."
Hayasaka Ai stared blankly at the ceiling and muttered to herself.
So, when Nanami came out of the changing room and saw Hayasaka Ai for the first time, she suddenly felt that something about her seemed… broken.
"Are you feeling unwell, Hayasaka-san?"
Confronted by Nanami's pure, unknowing, and genuinely worried gaze, Hayasaka Ai's guilt only grew.
To stop herself from suddenly clinging to Nanami and confessing everything, she quickly returned to her usual cold and aloof tone and began issuing orders:
"I'll be rather busy today, so there'll be less time for lessons. However, this afternoon you'll have a practical session. Prepare in advance."
"Practical session?"
"Yes. The young lady wants to see you. So while chatting with her, you'll also be practicing tea service. You'll be responsible for preparing the tea and snacks, and cleaning up afterward."
"Ehh?! That young lady?"
Remembering how cold and piercing the young lady had been the last time they met, Nanami immediately tensed up.
Hayasaka Ai tried to reassure her.
"There's no need to worry. The young lady is only cold toward strangers. Since she's requested to speak with you today, she won't be like that."
Nanami nodded earnestly, though her expression was still far from relaxed.
Hayasaka Ai felt that this wouldn't do.
Even after repeatedly emphasizing—almost hypnotically—that she must not embarrass Akira and must stay composed when dealing with powerful people, Nanami had only managed to hold her ground when facing hostility.
She could resist and even fight back in those situations.
But when met with kindness or neutrality, her composure collapsed.
This meant she had courage, but lacked the experience and perspective to position herself with confidence.
It couldn't be helped. She was just a civilian girl—no matter how hard she tried, you couldn't magically give someone the insight and poise they'd never had.
In fact, Hayasaka Ai almost wished Nanami had that "sudden arrogance that comes with success" mindset.
It might not be morally ideal, but at least it would help her carry herself better. Unfortunately, Nanami was far too humble and upright.
"All right, Aoyama-san, try building a 'mask.'"
After some thought, Hayasaka Ai decided to teach her signature technique.
"A mask? You mean like how you act at school, Hayasaka-san?"
"Yes. To put it dramatically, you're building an entirely new persona. First, take off your current uniform."
The best way to create and switch personas was to begin with a psychological trigger.
While speaking, Hayasaka Ai gently pushed Nanami back into the room.
Under Hayasaka Ai's guidance, Nanami took off her maid uniform.
She was a little shy, but since they were both girls and Hayasaka Ai's demeanor was strictly professional, Nanami managed to shift her attention from embarrassment to the lesson at hand.
She watched Hayasaka Ai set the uniform aside and bring out another unopened outfit.
"This was custom-made for you at Mr. Ogiwara's request. I didn't give it to you earlier because you weren't yet ready to handle tasks as his personal maid.
I wanted to wait until you were more mature and confident. But now it seems… that day might be quite far off."
"Considering summer break is ending soon, and I won't have much time to train you afterward, you need to get your sense of identity straight—today."
This sudden strictness made Nanami stand straight as a board, nervously listening with full attention.
Hayasaka Ai opened the bag and took out the uniform.
Unlike the conservative, somber style of the Shinomiya family, this maid outfit had an air of elegance and grandeur.
Were it not for the classic black-and-white colors and corset design, one might not even associate it with a maid's attire.
"Look at this uniform."
Holding it in front of her, Hayasaka Ai met Nanami's gaze and said seriously:
"Before you put this on, you are Aoyama Nanami—a diligent, enthusiastic, humble, and energetic high school girl."
"But the moment you wear this, you become the perfect maid. Aside from Mr. Ogiwara, no one is above you. No one is nobler than you."
"You must not panic. You must not blush. You must not be afraid. You must not laugh, cry, or get angry.
Your face can show only one expression: calm confidence. Your heart must hold only one state: unshakable serenity."
"Even if something goes wrong, or someone says something you can't answer, it's better to remain silent and think carefully than to lose composure."
"If you make a mistake, all that's required is a calm apology—nothing more."
As Hayasaka Ai spoke, Nanami's gaze toward the uniform grew more serious—and more uneasy.
She swallowed hard. "Isn't this a bit too extreme, Hayasaka-san?"
Hayasaka Ai shrugged slightly.
"It might be. But it's necessary. Once you're familiar with it, you can tweak it to suit you. But honestly—I don't think you'll ever raise the bar. Only lower it."
No doubt—this concern was spot on.
If it were before, Hayasaka Ai wouldn't have demanded something so harsh. But after last night, her reverence for Akira had reached an all-time high—and so had her standards for Nanami.
Taking the uniform from Hayasaka Ai, Nanami felt as if she were accepting a heavy burden.
"Create a work persona. A mask. A new identity. That's your only lesson today besides afternoon tea—and that tea service will be your final exam."
"Now, begin, Aoyama-san."
Nanami swallowed again, trying to suppress all her anxiety and emotions. Piece by piece, she put on the uniform—finally slipping on the long white gloves.
"Now match my expression… right, no expression at all. Then…"
…
That afternoon, Kaguya had composed herself.
Like when she welcomed students seeking help in the student council room, she prepared to be graceful, warm, and flawless—hoping to correct the negative impression left during their last meeting due to her overreaction.
She smiled warmly as she heard the knock at the door. "Aoyama-san? Please, come in."
Then, upon seeing the noble, composed maid who stepped inside—whose indifferent gaze was all too familiar—Kaguya froze.
Hayasaka Ai followed behind and sighed softly.
"Haah… maybe I pushed her a little too hard."
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