Chapter 348: So This Is a ‘Maid’

About an hour earlier—

Hayasaka had returned to the Shinomiya residence as usual with Kaguya.

Inside Kaguya's room, she placed both hands on Hayasaka's shoulders and said seriously, "Hayasaka, you're about to go."

"Kaguya-sama, the way you're saying that sounds like I'm marching to my death," Hayasaka replied with her usual flat expression. "It's just being Rinji's maid for a day."

"You're going to be a maid for a very dangerous person..."

"He's not dangerous to me."

"In any case, protect yourself." Kaguya looked genuinely worried. "Didn't you once say that boys are creatures ruled by desire? If he loses control and attacks you—"

"Then I'll just enjoy it."

"Huh?"

"Kaguya-sama, haven't you noticed from all the time you've spent with him in the student council office?" Hayasaka asked. "Does Rinji really seem like someone ruled by his desires?"

"Well…"

In truth, Kaguya was probably just overthinking things.

Rinji had always acted like the abstinent type. Even after dating his girlfriend for half a year, the only thing that had happened was a kiss—and nothing else.

Totally giving off 'SEX? No thanks!' energy.

"So basically..."

Kaguya seemed to realize something.

"This is actually an opportunity for you?"

"Exactly."

"Are you serious? He asked you to be a maid, you know."

"Kaguya-sama."

Hayasaka's gaze turned sharp.

"A maid is a bonus attribute!"

"Huh?"

Maid.

Before home appliances, there was a great need for domestic workers. Upper-class nobility, being a labor-free class, relied on servants to maintain their luxurious lives.

In the 19th century, industrial development allowed the middle class to become wealthy. To show off their status, they began hiring servants too, leading to a spike in demand for maids. In 1777, Britain taxed households that hired male servants and gave female maids more flexibility in duties, further increasing demand.

In other words, in the past, only the elite could afford maids.

In modern times, with the rise of ACGN culture, the image of a maid has taken on a special cultural significance—what's called "moe."

"Kaguya-sama, where do you think a maid's charm lies?"

"Um… the outfit?"

"Wrong!"

Hayasaka's eyes sharpened.

"It's the work ethic and intellect. Without those two things, wearing a maid outfit is just a hollow shell."

"That's…"

"I've served you for ten years, Kaguya-sama. A maid's qualities are already ingrained into me. I am the real deal."

"...That actually sounds impressive."

"Exactly. That's why I can't go to Rinji's place just to play around. I have to be a maid."

"I get it now—you want Rinji to fully understand how attractive a professional maid can be, right?" Kaguya clapped her hands, understanding Hayasaka's intent.

"I'm glad you get it. Then I'll head out—"

"Wait, Hayasaka…"

"Hmm?"

Hayasaka turned around and saw Kaguya sitting on the bed, looking awkward, like she had something she couldn't say.

"A maid… really attracts boys?"

"I believe so…"

Halfway through her response, Hayasaka realized what Kaguya was getting at.

She probably wanted to find some new way to make Shirogane confess. This time she was eyeing the 'maid' attribute.

"Forgive me for being blunt, Kaguya-sama, but even if you play the part of a maid, you'd only capture the look, not the essence."

"I… I never said I'd dress up as one!"

'I can tell exactly what you're thinking.'

"I'll get going now, Kaguya-sama." Hayasaka picked up a small bag and headed for the door. "Oh right, President Shirogane's family lives in the same building as Rinji. They sometimes visit. If there's a chance, I'll do a little recon for you."

"Eh!? Cough… It's not a big deal or anything… just do what you can…" Kaguya blushed and stammered.

"Sure, sure. I'll give it my all."

---

This time visiting Rinji's place, Hayasaka truly intended to work seriously—to fully showcase her appeal as a professional maid.

That was the plan.

"Hayasaka, drinks are over here."

"Need me to get you more rice?"

"I made some dessert earlier. We'll have it after dinner."

Hayasaka: "…"

For some reason, all the qualities a maid should have seemed to exist in this guy.

It was baffling.

As she pondered where things went wrong, she sat there emotionless, eating the meal Rinji had made.

She had to admit—it was delicious.

"…Am I really here to be a maid?"

She began to doubt it.

After a lifetime of taking care of others, this was the first time someone was taking care of her.

---

After dinner, Hayasaka sat on the sofa deep in thought, while at that moment, Rinji...

...was washing the dishes.

"Oh no!"

Having grown unaccustomed to being taken care of, Hayasaka momentarily forgot the purpose of her visit. She quickly stood and ran to the kitchen.

"Let me wash those."

"Oh, but I already finished."

Rinji pointed to the plates on the side, already so clean they gleamed.

"…"

Being taken care of—how did it feel? Of course, it felt amazing.

But that wasn't Hayasaka's goal.

"Rinji, do you have any other chores that need doing?"

"Doesn't seem like it."

"…"

Hayasaka collapsed back onto the sofa, looking a little defeated.

"It kinda feels like… the pride I had as a maid has been stripped away."

Rinji: "???"

"So, why did you ask me to come over, Rinji?"

"To be a maid, of course."

"And the work?"

"Well," Rinji said with a grin, "I heard you work hard as a maid under Shinomiya, so I invited you here to..."

"To what?"

"To be a relaxed maid."

"…"

That was probably Rinji's own brand of twisted concern.

"Sigh…"

Hayasaka exhaled and sat upright on the sofa.

"Even a relaxed maid still needs to work. Doing nothing at all just makes me feel guilty, so..."

"Hm?"

As she spoke, she gently patted her lap, covered by her long maid skirt.

"Lie down."

"Huh?"

"This is something I can do, at least."

Before Rinji could react, Hayasaka grabbed his shoulder and pulled him toward her.

Rinji's head landed squarely on her lap.

"Huh? This is..."

"Don't move."

Hayasaka took an ear pick from her pocket and gently inserted it into Rinji's ear.