Togawa Sakiko stood holding a canvas bag, staring blankly at the luxurious mansion beyond the iron fence.
She wasn't looking out of vanity or envy for the wealth inside. It was simply because this used to be her home. She had lived here for over ten years.
Everything in this mansion was familiar to her. Every rose bush tended by the gardener, every pristine floor tile and wall panel, was etched deeply into her memory.
"Excuse me, can I help you?"
Lost in thought, Sakiko was startled by the sudden voice beside her. She quickly turned and bowed, saying, "Good day. I'm sorry, was I bothering you by standing here?"
Toru looked at the girl in front of him. She was pretty and carried herself like a proper young lady, but her clothing was extremely modest. He silently observed and evaluated her.
She clearly hadn't received any professional training. Just an ordinary high school girl.
Her clothes and bag were unbranded and inexpensive. Yet, the poised demeanor and standard etiquette didn't match what you'd expect from an average family.
Toru quickly formed an impression of the girl.
He turned toward the mansion behind the rose bushes and recalled the estate's previous owner.
Was this the young lady of the Toyokawa Group? More precisely, the former young lady of the Toyokawa Group.
Maybe she couldn't accept falling from grace and had come back to reminisce about the past?
Many thoughts ran through his head, but he couldn't be sure yet.
Sakiko kept her head low, polite but silent, and the man in front of her didn't speak either, which made her anxious.
Toru came back to himself and smiled. "No, you weren't bothering me. I just saw someone standing at my gate and looking inside. Out of curiosity and caution, I came to ask."
Sakiko glanced up at him.
So he was the new owner of the mansion?
Looking closely, she saw he didn't seem much older than her. He was handsome and carried a calm, mature air.
This mansion was no ordinary property. He must be from a wealthy family or the heir of some major corporation.
Thinking that, Sakiko shook her head and smiled self-deprecatingly.
When did I become so shallow? The first thing I think about when meeting someone is whether they're rich?
Even though she disliked this side of herself, Sakiko missed the days when she could make friends without worrying about money.
But now, burdened by debt and the pressure of survival, she didn't have that luxury anymore.
"I'm sorry. I just thought the roses were beautiful, so I stopped to look a little longer."
She instinctively lied. She couldn't bring herself to admit that this used to be her home, that she was now a fallen noble.
Even though he was a stranger, she didn't want to be seen with pity in someone's eyes.
Toru nodded. "I see. This mansion's courtyard used to be a rose-viewing spot. It was even considered one of Tokyo's scenic locations."
"But student, this is private property now. If you really like the roses, I can allow you to come in and have a look."
Sakiko felt that this man was quite kind.
Typical rich heirs would be arrogant, never letting a stranger walk into their courtyard.
Just then, the alarm on her phone rang. Sakiko quickly pulled it out, saw what time it was, and panicked.
Oh no. If she didn't hurry, she'd miss the train. And if she missed this one, she'd be late for work.
She couldn't afford to lose this customer service job. Even if the pay was low and the work exhausting, at least it was remote, allowing her to take calls from her computer without dealing with people face-to-face.
This way, she could avoid accidentally running into old acquaintances.
Sakiko bowed repeatedly. "I'm really sorry. I have something urgent and need to leave now. I'll apologize properly next time!"
With that, she lowered her head and rushed past him.
After she turned the corner, she started blaming herself.
She had finally met the mansion's new owner, but forgot to ask about the doll that had been with her for over ten years.
All because of her pathetic pride.
But even though the doll was well-preserved, it was clearly very old. He might have just thrown it away.
She could only hope it was still there. If they met again, she'd ask.
She didn't dare turn back now. That would take too much time.
Even if the doll was a precious memory from childhood, her job was more important right now.
The once proud young lady had been worn down by harsh reality. She had lost her pride and her sharp edges.
Toru watched her disappear down the street and shook his head.
"It's easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to go from luxury to frugality."
"Especially kids raised in wealth. If their family collapses, the blow is massive."
"Most can't bear it and collapse. Only a few can grit their teeth and push through, maybe even make a comeback."
For Toru, this was just a brief detour in his day. He still had a job interview to attend at the coffee shop.
...
"Is this the place?"
Near Ikebukuro Station, a sunny-looking man with short, light blond hair and a healthy tan stood in front of a shop.
Because he was tall and handsome, with a warm smile on his face, many women passing by couldn't help but look his way.
But Rei Furuya, also known as Toru Amuro, was no smooth-talking spy like 007. He was serious and actually disliked dealing with women.
He believed that getting involved with women clouded rational judgment and led to emotional decisions. He didn't need love. His only love was his country.
"Rum sent me to go undercover here. I asked Vermouth for more details, but that woman refused to say anything. She even snapped when I pressed too much."
"Fujiwara Toru, English name Adam Spencer. What an interesting guy."
Thinking that, he stepped into the shop.
Actually spying on and monitoring Toru was impossible, but he couldn't ignore Rum's order. So he had to go through the motions.
Besides, Toru Amuro was part of the national security agency's Zero division. Toru's father, Fujiwara Yoshitaka, was the head of the National Security Committee—his direct superior.
Add to that Toru's CIA status, and in Amuro's eyes, he was one of their own.
There was no way someone like that was working for the Black Organization. He was probably just covering for others.
Still, orders were orders.
"Hello, I saw your job posting online. I'm here to apply for the coffee shop manager position."
The girl at the counter looked up and her eyes lit up when she saw him.
"Here for the interview? The boss is upstairs. I'll take you."
"Thank you."
Though Amuro had no interest in women, he knew how to use his appearance professionally.
They reached the second floor. The office door was open, and Amuro saw his target—Toru.
"Boss, someone's here for an interview," the waitress said, stepping forward to knock.
Toru glanced up and made brief eye contact with Amuro.
He didn't show any recognition, only nodded and said, "Have him wait outside. I'm still interviewing someone."
"Okay, Boss."
Toru then turned back to the black-haired high school girl sitting across from him, clearly nervous.
"Shiina Taki. First-year student at Hanasakigawa Girls' Academy?"
"Yes."
The girl, with a mole near her eye and a beautiful but serious face, sat upright.
"Relax, it's just a regular interview. No need to be nervous."
"I'm sorry!" Taki quickly bowed her head.
Toru let out a soft sigh. This girl was way too serious.
Still, he didn't mind serious people. In fact, he liked them.
"So why do you want to work here?"
"I… want to earn some pocket money. The allowance my family gives me isn't enough."
It wasn't a great reason. It made her sound wasteful. But Taki didn't like to lie, so she answered honestly.
Toru smiled. "Good answer. I like honest people."
Taki let out a tiny breath of relief.
"The shop needs student part-timers," he said.
Because student workers were cheaper.
"And Shiina, you're very good-looking. That helps attract customers too."
His comment made Taki blush and feel uneasy.
Why bring up my appearance?
Is this workplace harassment?
Toru had no idea what she was imagining.
"I only have one condition for part-timers. Be on time. Can you manage that?"
Taki quickly refocused and nodded. "No problem. I don't belong to any school clubs, so I can work every day after school."
"I can also work one weekend day."
Shops like this were busiest on weekends and after school. That was exactly the time she applied for.
"Perfect. You're hired. Come in for a trial shift tomorrow. We'll sign the contract now, okay?"
Taki's eyes lit up. This was her first job, and she'd overprepared and worried nonstop.
Turns out it wasn't that hard.
She nodded quickly. "Yes, Boss!"
She had heard the other waitresses call him that.
"Alright, Shiina. You can go. Next!"
After Taki left happily, Amuro walked in.
Unlike Taki, he looked completely relaxed, clearly someone used to the grind.
Toru glanced at the resume.
It listed a variety of part-time jobs and showed Amuro's age as 24.
Toru didn't remember the exact age, but he was sure that wasn't correct. Fake resume.
"I've read your resume. You've had a lot of part-time experience as a student. For a coffee shop manager, I think you're capable."
"But here's what I'm wondering. This is just a small place, not much of a future. With your skills, why apply here?"
Toru asked with standard HR tone.
Amuro had already prepared for this. He'd taken countless part-time jobs over the years for missions. Interviews were nothing new.
At one point, he was holding down five jobs at once. Superhuman.
"I like service jobs. And I love coffee. What I enjoy most is making coffee for others. This location is also great, saves me time on the commute…"
He kept going, smiling brightly. His words were sincere, his tone natural. He gave off a good first impression.
He figured Toru would accept him without issue.
But to his surprise, Toru shook his head.
"Sorry, Amuro. I don't want to hold you back."
"With your skills and experience, this small coffee shop would just waste your talent."
"I believe you have greater potential and will find somewhere more suited to your abilities."
Amuro froze.
What? I failed the interview?
This won't do. How was he supposed to report this to Rum?
"I failed the interview, so I can't spy on the target." That wouldn't fly.
Rum would blow his brains out. Gin might even show up to clean house.
Amuro panicked and quickly leaned forward. "Boss, please reconsider. I really want this job. I'm willing to work for half the salary!"
Toru looked surprised. He stood up and smiled warmly.
"Oh? You'll take half pay? Then I can't think of anyone more suited to the job. Your talents are exactly what we need here."
Amuro blinked.
He felt like he'd just been played.
Damn it, you said my talent was wasted here. But now that I offered to take half pay, you change your tune?
Damn capitalist!
Can I get Rum to reimburse the other half of my salary?
Amuro clenched his teeth.
This was practically paying to spy.
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
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