Chapter 355: Extension

Kaguya's declaration shocked both Rinji and Hayasaka.

Hayasaka stared in disbelief at her lady and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe away imaginary tears.

"Finally... Kaguya-sama's grown up."

"Huh?"

"I've waited so long for this moment."

"Was I really that bad?"

Putting the handkerchief away, Hayasaka looked at Kaguya seriously. "Since you've made up your mind, let's treat the Hoshin Festival as the final battleground. I'll begin refining your confession plan immediately."

"Eh? There's a plan?"

"Of course. I've been preparing it for six months."

"Six months!?"

In truth, the moment Hayasaka sensed Kaguya's interest in Shirogane, she had started laying out a strategy. Even though Kaguya denied it at every turn, she couldn't hide it from Hayasaka.

Rinji chimed in. "To make sure everything goes smoothly, I'll provide some after-sales support."

"Hmm?"

Kaguya didn't understand what he meant by after-sales.

Rinji looked at her confused expression and simply smiled, then asked, "Shinomiya, have you ever thought about what happens if your confession succeeds and you actually become a couple with the president?"

"Well..."

Kaguya wasn't the kind of person to act on impulse without considering the future. She had thought about the complications if things went that far.

The gap in family status was a major issue. The Shinomiya main house would never allow her and Shirogane to be together. If they found out, the consequences would be severe.

So even if the confession succeeded, the best course would be to hide the relationship completely.

And after that? Take things one step at a time. On one hand, she'd need to gather leverage against the main house, and on the other, nurture the relationship carefully.

The future would be difficult.

"I can tell you clearly, Shinomiya—if you succeed, I'll handle the main house. You won't need to worry about any interference."

"Really!?"

Kaguya stood up in excitement.

If Rinji was telling the truth, then she and Shirogane could enjoy their relationship without worrying about their backgrounds.

Just like normal people in love.

"Of course."

Rinji spread his hands as if to say, it's no big deal.

"Shinomiya, you're just one confession away from a happy life. If you do it, everything will follow. Hayasaka will handle the plan. I'll handle the aftermath. Just follow the steps and happiness is within reach."

At this point, even Rinji had to admit—he had a real knack for salesmanship.

"...Fine."

"Good. A wise decision. Your future self will thank you for this choice."

"...There's just one more thing."

"Yeah?"

Kaguya had been decisive, but now unease clouded her face.

"Um..." she hesitated, "If I confess to the president... how likely is he to accept?"

This was her biggest worry—would he actually say yes?

Rinji could make all the promises in the world for what came after. But what if the confession failed?

"My gut says... ninety percent chance."

"Still a ten percent chance of rejection..."

"Even if I said ninety-nine percent, you'd fixate on that one percent. The point is, you've got to try. If you don't act, you'll have zero chance."

"...I understand."

"Finally."

Rinji couldn't help sighing.

This tsundere rich girl was even more of a handful than he thought.

"Well, that's settled. I'll—"

"Wait."

This time, it wasn't Kaguya who spoke, but Hayasaka.

She raised her hand to stop Rinji from leaving and turned to look at Kaguya.

"Kaguya-sama, your issue is resolved. Now it's time for mine."

"Huh?"

Both Kaguya and Rinji looked puzzled.

"Though I'm still working in Kaguya-sama's household, I'm technically being paid by Rinji, not the Shinomiya family. That means I'm no longer a full-time maid under them, but part-time."

"...Oh, you want a vacation, right?"

Rinji slapped his forehead, realizing what she meant.

He figured Hayasaka must be exhausted from the eighteen-hour workdays at the Shinomiya estate and wanted a more relaxed job.

"Alright then. From now on, just work as you like. Make sure you sleep at least eight hours a day."

Kaguya nodded in agreement. "I think so too. That kind of intense work really isn't healthy..."

"No, that's not what I meant."

Hayasaka shook her head and took out a schedule from her bag.

"Just follow the usual routine, except..."

As she spoke, Hayasaka made a mark on the schedule from Friday to Sunday.

"Since the one employing me is Rinji, I'll work at Kaguya-sama's place from Monday to Thursday, and from Friday to Sunday, I'll be Rinji's maid. Is that alright?"

"Ah?" said Rinji.

"...No problem," replied Kaguya, "after all, it's under your funding now."

Though it would take her some time to adjust to Hayasaka being absent three days a week, the fact that she could still have Hayasaka around after being dismissed by the main house was already a blessing. She couldn't ask for more.

Besides, Kaguya could tell what Hayasaka was aiming for.

"...Is that really okay?" Rinji asked with concern. "Going back and forth between the two places..."

"It's fine."

Hayasaka smiled.

"Then Rinji, what's your opinion?"

"...I don't mind either."

At worst, she could finish all her work beforehand. The three days at his place could count as rest.

"Then please take care of me tomorrow too, Master."

"Don't call me that, I can't get used to it." Rinji chuckled.

Speaking of which, today was Saturday, and tomorrow was Sunday. Hayasaka's new arrangement conveniently extended her stay at Rinji's place by one more day.

And every Sunday, Karura would visit Rinji's home.