Chapter 14
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Chapter 14: Maid Outfits Are Best With Long Skirts And Lace-Up Boots I
Maybe because I had trouble falling asleep, my head is still hazy. When I’m feeling worried and staying in a dark room, all sorts of thoughts come to mind, and I can’t relax at all. In the morning, when I woke up to the sound of birds chirping, I didn’t even have the energy to head to the dojo.
Even so, after commuting for over half a month, I won’t make a mistake on the way to school. So, if there were something clearly out of place along the way, I’d notice it right away. For instance, if an unusually large, pitch-black luxury car were parked on the roadside.
“What’s wrong? You look sleepy.”
“Good morning, Rei-sama.”
I couldn’t even muster the energy to ask, “What’s wrong?”
So, I just greeted her absentmindedly. But Rei-sama continued talking without any concern for that.
“You’re not in any clubs, but you’re up surprisingly early.”
“My family all wakes up early.”
Rather, I’m just matching my grandpa’s routine. Actually, I overslept today. I’m ten minutes later than usual heading to school. Rei-sama must have realized that too, since she was waiting here for me.
Wait. Why is Rei-sama even here in the first place? Our schools are in completely different directions, and there’s no reason for her to come see me this early in the morning. My hazy mind began waking up quickly, and I looked around to find a way out of this potentially dangerous situation.
“What’s wrong?”
With a fearless smile, Rei-sama took a step closer to me. I had a bad feeling about this. It’s probably accurate. To my left, the edge of the road is bordered by a drainage canal, in front of me stands Rei-sama, and now, though it’s too late, I notice Kanshou behind me and Bakuya to my right, both set to prevent my escape.
Surrounded. There’s no way I can escape.
Resigned, I gave up on running and decided to listen to Rei-sama.
“So, what’s going on?”
“Nao, you’ll be coming with me for a bit.”
“Uh, I’m headed to school, though.”
I tried to resist, but it’s probably pointless. In fact, Kanshou and Bakuya both took a step closer to corner me. There’s no need to be so cautious—I’ve already given up.
“One day won’t make a difference. I’ll make an excuse for you.”
“That’s not really the issue, though.”
I’m not boasting, but my grades are around the upper-middle. But still, if I skip school on a whim right after starting high school, I’ll be on the fast track to becoming a failing student.
“Stop whining! You’re my doll, so just follow me quietly!”
Rei-sama grabbed my hand roughly and dragged me toward the car. I didn’t have any intention of resisting from the start, so I moved to my usual seat and sat down. The car’s high ceiling made it easy for me to move without having to bend down, considering my height.
“Are you going to make me change again?”
“If you understand, then get ready.”
Acceptance and resignation are two very different things, though. Without saying that out loud, I just stared at Rei-sama, who couldn’t contain her excitement, hoping I’d at least return home safely.
I thought I was going to be taken to Rei-sama’s house again, but it seemed like we were heading into the city this time. Is she planning to buy more clothes again? Last time, there was only one shopkeeper and no other customers, but it’s too embarrassing to shop when other people are around.
Without caring about my worries, the car continued down the road. After driving for several dozen minutes from the countryside to a major highway, the road became neatly paved with asphalt, and gray concrete filled most of my view. The blue sky seemed cramped, only peeking through the gaps between the buildings.
Kanshou was driving, so there was no chance of getting lost. The car pulled into an underground parking lot beneath one of the buildings, stopped, and we took the elevator up. Rei-sama pressed the button for the fourth floor.
“This place has a rental studio.”
I muttered, reading the sign inside the elevator, but I had never been here before, nor had I even heard of the place. I thought studios like this only existed in TV stations or publishing houses.
Inside the studio, with its spotless white wallpaper, various equipment was set up. There were three large lights, with even more stacked against the walls. Reflectors that bounced light were also placed around, and a camera fixed to a tripod was aimed at the studio.
“What are we doing here?”
After taking a quick look around the studio, I realized it was a place for taking pictures. That much was clear. But I still didn’t understand why I had been brought here. I doubt Rei-sama suddenly decided to become a photographer.
“We’re practicing drawing, obviously.”
“But isn’t this a photography studio?”
“Yes, and that’s why there are so many tools for making things look nice. That store was too dim.”
The kimono shop yesterday may have been a bit dark, but this studio was the exact opposite. It’s like there’s no balance—it’s extreme. Well, that’s very typical of Rei-sama.
“So, today’s task for you, Nao, is that.”
Rei-sama pointed toward the studio entrance, where Bakuya was bringing in clothes on a movable hanger rack one after another. There had to be at least twenty outfits.
“Just to confirm, am I supposed to…”
“You’re going to wear all of them, of course.”
“Of course.”
From normal, coordinated casual outfits to costumes I’ve never seen before, much like Haruka-nee, where on earth do they get this stuff from? I guess my height makes it easy to find clothes for me.
“Well, whatever happens, happens,” I thought, as I resigned myself and walked toward Bakuya, who was beckoning me over.