"Congratulations, host, you've received 30 million yen."
"Congratulations, host, you've received 70 million yen."
"Congratulations, host, you've received 100 million yen."
Bronze Treasure Chest: 9
Three bronze chests, totaling 200 million yen.
Takumi Yuuya stared at the number of times the chest had been opened.
Ten times? A hundred times? Surely the chest would upgrade in quality at some point.
200 million yen was more than enough for now.
He remembered that the game's development cost wasn't high—50 million yen would probably suffice.
He pulled out his laptop and began gathering all the necessary information.
This would come in handy for tomorrow's discussion with Eriri Zaimura.
Weekend, 7 a.m.
Yawning, Takumi stepped out of his room.
"Good morning, Takumi-kun," Saki Kawasaki greeted as she got up.
"Good morning, Kawasaki-san," Takumi replied, noticing she was still wearing yesterday's clothes.
Saki brought out a bento box.
"This is breakfast from my home… if you don't mind…"
"Of course I don't mind. I'll just wash up first," Takumi said, heading to the bathroom.
A few minutes later, he sat down at the table.
Rice, grilled fish, thick omelet, and miso soup—an ideal, traditional Japanese breakfast.
Saki's cooking was impressive.
"If you like, I can bring you a breakfast like this every day," Saki said, her eyes fixed on him.
"Weekends only, please. Monday to Friday, just keep it simple," he admitted.
Rice for breakfast in the morning still felt a little strange to him.
After finishing breakfast, Takumi checked the time.
"Guests will be coming soon—girls from our school. Change into the maid outfit and make a small transformation."
"Yes," Saki responded, slightly stunned.
She placed the bento box in the kitchen and went to Takumi's room to change.
Not long after, she reappeared.
A full standard maid outfit.
Her ponytail had become a braided style, and she now wore glasses.
With this transformation, anyone unfamiliar would never recognize her.
Takumi nodded.
"Good. This will do."
Ding dong.
The doorbell rang.
Saki walked over and opened the door.
She saw Eriri Zaimura and was slightly surprised—but as a maid, she knew her behavior had to match the role.
Saki handed her a new pair of slippers.
"Please."
Eriri glanced at her and stepped inside, puzzled that there was a maid in Takumi's home.
After changing into the slippers, she followed Takumi to the living room.
Takumi bowed in front of her.
"Zaimura-san, I truly apologize."
"It's… it's fine. As long as you don't make any more unreasonable demands, I'll forgive you."
"You're very kind, Zaimura-san."
"Where's the game project you mentioned? I want to see it and get started right away."
Seeing Takumi genuinely bow in apology slightly lifted Eriri's mood.
Takumi stood and looked her over.
Her golden twin tails remained the same.
The white dress made her look extremely cute.
"Please come with me. I organized the materials and character designs last night," he said.
Eriri didn't refuse and followed him to his room.
With a maid in the house and knowing he was aware of her identity, she didn't worry about any ulterior motives.
Inside Takumi's room, Eriri sat at the low table, studying the materials and character sheets he had prepared.
"Ship personification?"
"Yes. It's a game with both training and combat elements. If the character designs are good enough, it's already halfway to success."
"Your character designs are detailed, and the references are solid. If gameplay and management go smoothly, the game should succeed."
"Thank you, Zaimura-san. If it succeeds, you'll deserve at least half the credit."
"Which characters are primary? I'll start drawing them so you can approve the art style."
"Make the style similar to Eriri Kashiwagi's work."
Once the discussion ended, Eriri started drawing.
She had simple tools, but her focus was absolute.
Takumi watched her.
Setting her figure aside, she truly was adorable—like a perfectly crafted doll.
Eriri noticed him looking and lifted her gaze.
Takumi smiled faintly.
"Zaimura-san, your serious expression while drawing looks really good."
"I remember you said you weren't interested in me before. Are you complimenting me just for work?"
"I wasn't lying. My earlier disinterest and my compliment now don't conflict. I wasn't interested in your appearance as a girlfriend. You're cute, but if I had to choose a girlfriend, I'd pick someone like the maid instead."
"Do all guys think like that?"
"As Eriri Kashiwagi, you should understand our mindset."
"All pathetic men," she muttered, returning to her work.
Takumi thought for a moment.
"If you want, I can help you understand what Riki Aki likes."
"Affection from Eriri Zaimura +10"
"That… that's your business," she said, acting a little tsundere.
"Not interested? That's fine then."
"I… I want to know."
"Know what?"
"What type he likes."
Takumi grinned and stood up.
"Tomorrow, I'll give you an answer."
From 8 a.m. until lunchtime, they worked steadily.
Takumi confirmed that the art style and character designs were perfect.
After lunch, Eriri left with the materials and character sheets.
Over a hundred characters—this would take her at least a week.
Cost-wise, it totaled several hundred thousand yen.
If additional skins were added later, they would be charged at full price.
Takumi sat on the sofa, noticing Saki coming out of the kitchen. He had a small request.
"Saki-san, could I… use your lap for a pillow?"
"Yes," she replied after a slight hesitation.
She sat on the sofa, adjusted her maid outfit, and looked at him.
Takumi didn't hesitate and lay down.
He gazed at Saki.
Saki turned her head.
Takumi's gaze drifted slightly downward.
A few seconds passed.
Saki suddenly lowered her eyes.
They locked eyes.
Takumi closed his eyes.
After a long moment, he opened them.
No virtual notification appeared.
Saki hadn't gained any disgust points.
Impossible.
Takumi wasn't satisfied and kept watching.
Saki's face began to flush.
Still, no notification appeared.
He persisted.
Finally, Saki spoke.
"The lap pillow's fine… but can you not keep staring at me?"
Her words were gentle.
Without hesitation, Takumi replied:
"Even if it makes you dislike me, I'll keep looking at you."