Asuma Toki, a shadow member of C&C, serves as Rio's personal maid and bodyguard.
Although her initial approach toward me was by Rio's assignment, it seems that in the process, she was won over by my personal charm and has since fallen deeply in love with me.
However, Toki's feelings, thanks to someone's stubborn interference, have yet to be expressed to me, which is rather pitiable.
After taking our seats, I looked at the girl in front of me and remarked.
"It's been a few months since we last met, hasn't it?"
"Yes," Toki said flatly. "Ever since the conflict between you and Rio-sama, she immediately withdrew the assignment to 'get closer to sensei.' Rio-sama didn't want to see you either, and you didn't approach her. So, since then, we haven't met."
How should I put it… it kind of feels like a cold-war between a separated couple with a child caught innocently in the middle.
And…
"So..." I said, trying to suppress the twitch at the corner of my mouth, "Until I discovered your true identity and the official conflict with Rio began, the assignment… actually remained active all that time?"
Toki didn't answer directly.
"I am not at liberty to disclose Rio-sama's specific decisions," she said.
Toki might lack a sense of humor, but somehow she really is kind of funny.
"Anyway, let's leave the small talk for later."
I got straight to the point. "By your account, meeting me today is also under Rio's orders, right?"
"Yes," Toki nodded. "Rio-sama had something she wanted me to convey to you."
"Oh?" I sat up straight, suddenly intrigued. "Is it… reconciliation?"
Even someone as proud as Rio finally reached her limit, huh!
"Not exactly."
"…Oh."
"'For the sake of Millennium and Kivotos' peace, we hope sensei can set aside past disagreements and assist us,' that's what Rio-sama said."
Toki paused, then added.
"Originally, this message should have been delivered by the person fully entrusted with handling the matter. But when Rio-sama suggested leveraging Schale's power…"
"'Hehe~ if you want sensei's help, go ask him yourself, ah, is the great BIG SISTER really too proud to speak to him directly, yet asks for help?' That's how she was scolded. So I became responsible."
Hearing this, I almost laughed out loud~
Within all of Millennium, there's really only one person who could talk to Rio like that.
Sigh, Himari, why are you attacking Rio again?
And Toki… not only mimics the tone perfectly, but repeats Rio's words verbatim?
And poor Rio, after being called out like that, still refuses to meet me personally and insists Toki act as an intermediary. Himari would have a field day if she knew.
"Willing, yes…"
I took a deep breath to prevent laughing mid-sentence, then asked curiously.
"So… what exactly does she want me to do?"
"Hmm. Only if you agree," Toki said.
"Because the matter is delicate, it's not suitable to discuss here."
Indeed, our meeting place is just an ordinary café near Millennium.
Even though it wasn't crowded, if it were truly important, caution and a different location would be prudent.
"Also," Toki continued, "I am not allowed to disclose the details. Someone else will meet you at Millennium to give you the full information later."
"Why someone else?"
Clearly, Rio is meddling again.
I asked, but already guessed the reason, muttering.
"What a troublesome person…"
Toki's tone remained serious.
"I am not at liberty to express personal opinions, but to ensure the mission's success, I hold a highly approving view of you."
Isn't that basically an opinion about Rio!?
She's a little cute sometimes.
"Well then," I invited, "shall we have a drink and sit a while before that?"
"Is that part of the mission too?"
"Of course."
Toki immediately picked up the menu, saying.
"It seems I have no choice but to agree. It's a rare opportunity, since we're at a café, I'd like to try coffee."
"Huh?" I said in surprise. "If I remember correctly, you don't usually drink coffee, do you?"
I recall the first time we met, her coffee, which she only took one sip of, I ended up finishing for her.
Could it be she wants to kiss me indirectly again? That would be awfully straightforward!
Toki, however, explained.
"To be a maid worthy of C&C's name, I cannot fear such minor challenges. I'm simply not used to coffee, having never tried it before, so last time I chose the most challenging dark roast. This time, I'll start with something easier, and I'd like sensei's recommendation."
In some ways, Toki seems to lack certain common-sense knowledge.
"…Wait a second," I said, realizing something. "If I remember correctly, you normally handle Rio's daily life, right?"
"Yes." Though expressionless, Toki's upright posture radiated confidence. "I am Millennium's finest maid."
"Then may I ask, what kinds of drinks do you usually encounter?"
"Sweetened beverages."
I clicked my tongue in surprise.
Lacking common sense in drink preferences, her exposure must have been mainly to… Rio's choices?
Unexpectedly, Toki isn't a coffee person, but likely a sweets-drink person. Given the intensity of the seminar work, perhaps her palate simply cannot handle bitterness.
Feeling a little thrill at discovering Rio's secret, I prepared to pick a suitable coffee for Toki, when suddenly a momotalk message arrived.
It was from a Millennium student I usually keep in contact with, saying something important had come up and requesting an immediate meeting at Millennium.
The only member of the Super Phenomenon Task Force, directly under the seminar organization Rio personally founded...
Izumimoto Eimi.
Although only a first-year, her strength was extreme, comparable even to Kei.
She was clearly the "someone else" Toki had mentioned.
After finishing my drink, I hurriedly bid Toki farewell and made my way to Millennium.
Toki showed no intention of leaving her seat for the moment.
A few minutes later, a girl in black and white with touches of red finally emerged from the corner of the café and sat opposite the blonde girl.
"Rio-sama," Toki asked eagerly, "a rare opportunity, would you like to try a cappuccino? It's not as difficult as you might imagine."
"…No, I'll have tea."
"Very well."
Feeling the lingering warmth beneath her, Rio let out a light sigh and closed her eyes.