Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Come To My Room At 9 PM

Starting as a maid now was far better than waiting until the weekend.  

It would give her more time to survey the layout of the Fujiwara estate.  

The more she learned now, the easier it would be to help Yuki escape later.  

But even as these thoughts ran through her mind, Sakuya didn’t answer directly. Instead, she looked up at Yuki, who was brimming with anticipation, and calmly explained:  

“But I don’t have any spare clothes. If I stay at the Master’s house for a week, my uniform will get dirty.”  

Since Yuki was standing, it was easy for her to reach out and ruffle Sakuya’s golden bangs. Her tone was sharp as she countered.

“Isn’t a maid’s job to clean and wash? Tidying rooms, laundering clothes, attending to the master’s needs—you should know how to handle these.”  

She crouched down again, peering into Sakuya’s sea-blue eyes, where her own domineering reflection stared back.  

“You don’t think I’m asking you to be a maid for some other reason, do you?”  

Sakuya shook her head. “No.”  

“Then pack your things. We’re going home.”  

“Understood, Master.”  

As she gathered the kyudo equipment, Sakuya mapped out her next steps.  

The role of a maid, born from class stratification, had evolved over time—now often associated with moe culture.  

The Shimizu family employed maids solely to handle household chores, freeing up time for work.  

Sakuya didn’t know the Fujiwara family’s customs, but judging by Yuki’s behavior, she genuinely seemed to want a maid just for cleaning and the occasional indulgence in her whims.  

That wasn’t so bad. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about Yuki doing anything too strange—nothing like the events of the Bad Ending route.  

Besides, Yuki’s birthday is coming up next month, and a grand celebration will be held…  

That would be her chance to turn things around.  

By the time they finished all school-related tasks and boarded the Fujiwara family car, it was already 5 PM.  

The car glided smoothly toward the estate.  

The soothing scent of gardenias filled the cabin, and the leather seats were plush and comfortable. Yuki, who had been reviewing documents earlier, had unknowingly dozed off.  

Sakuya sat by the opposite door, watching the passing cityscape through the tinted windows.  

Suddenly, something soft leaned against her left shoulder.  

Huh?  

She turned to find Yuki, fast asleep, nestled against her.  

Her long lashes cast delicate shadows, her brows slightly furrowed from the awkward position. Her breathing was soft and even, like a drowsy kitten.  

A peaceful Yuki really is adorable.  

Memories surfaced—of the Happy Ending route, where a drunken Yuki had repeatedly called her name in a sweet, clingy voice, demanding hugs and cuddles.  

And if Sakuya showed even a hint of reluctance, those golden eyes would welled up with tears. Too cute.  

The contrast between her usual scheming self and this sugary sweetness was enough to melt anyone’s heart.  

Lost in nostalgia, Sakuya’s maternal instincts kicked in. Gently, she guided Yuki’s head from her shoulder to her lap.  

A soft lap was far more comfortable than a bony shoulder.  

Yuki’s tense expression gradually relaxed, a faint smile playing on her lips as if she were having a pleasant dream.  

Sakuya carefully shielded Yuki’s eyes from the light with her hand.  

When the car finally passed through the twin-arched gates and entered the prestigious estate—home to generations of political elites—Sakuya felt the weight of its centuries-old legacy.  

In the past, she’d only glimpsed the opulent Western-style villa from afar, during her and Yuki’s escape.  

Under the moonlight, the cold gleam of its gilded red bricks—forged from wealth and power—had sent chills down her spine.  

Now, the mansion’s grandeur was fully visible through the car window.  

A fountain, centered around an exquisite sculpture of a beautiful woman, flowed gently. Colorful koi fish swam vibrantly in the azure pond. The flower beds were a riot of blossoms, and cherry trees lined the path, their branches heavy with spring blooms.  

The estate was both solemn and magnificent, like an impenetrable castle from a fairy tale—the kind where princes and princesses resided.  

Finally stepping into the Fujiwara estate, Sakuya’s mood grew heavy.  

This mansion was the heavy shackle weighing Yuki down, the cage that imprisoned her freedom.  

If she could truly break free from this gilded prison…  

Then the Bad Ending would never come to pass.  

The car came to a stop before the villa’s grand entrance.  

The intricately carved wooden doors were painted a gleaming white, their iron handles dusted with precious gold powder. Two towering statues—likely depicting illustrious Fujiwara ancestors—stood guard on either side.  

Sakuya gently patted Yuki, who was still asleep on her lap.  

Startled awake, Yuki’s eyes fluttered open, dazed and disoriented.  

Pure, shimmering confusion—like a lost fawn with golden eyes.  

Then, realization struck.  

Her pupils dilated as she registered that the softness beneath her head was Sakuya’s lap. Lying there, she stared up at Sakuya’s gentle expression, momentarily stunned.  

“You—” Yuki bolted upright as if electrocuted, her mouth opening and closing wordlessly.  

Adorable. But saying so would only fluster her further.  

Having fully embraced her role as a maid, Sakuya smiled sweetly and gestured outside.  

“Master, we’re home.”  

Yuki followed her gaze, taking in the familiar sight.  

Clearing her throat, she pressed her fists to her lips in a futile attempt to mask her earlier vulnerability.  

“Mm. Master knows. Don’t do that again.”  

“As you wish.” Sakuya had no intention of arguing.  

Now fully composed, Yuki regained her usual poise and issued a calm directive:  

“As discussed, I’ll take you to meet the head maid, Miss Saito. You’ll learn proper etiquette from her. Then, at 9 PM sharp, you’ll come to my room to attend to me. Understood?”  

“Yes, Master.”  

As the chauffeur opened the car door, the vibrant colors of the Fujiwara estate—previously muted by the tinted windows—burst into full view.  

Yuki smoothed her slightly disheveled hair and stepped out gracefully.  

Sakuya took a deep breath.  

Now, I’m stepping into the Fujiwara estate—a place I’ve never set foot in before.