"Sakiko, you're here."
In the living room, Toru saw the arriving Sakiko and greeted her with a smile.
Sakiko glanced at Hayasaka, who was sitting on the sofa with a slightly nervous expression, and asked, "Do you need me to step out?"
Sakiko did not know what Toru was doing, but she assumed it was something important.
Toru waved his hand and said, "No need to step out. This matter happens to involve you as well."
Sakiko was puzzled. She sat down obediently, not knowing what Toru intended.
Toru pondered for a moment, then spoke frankly, "Sakiko, how are the preparations for your band going?"
Hearing this, Sakiko's expression brightened. Suppressing her joy, she said, "I've already found the members, and they've agreed to join the band."
"Boss, I came this time to let you know that you can interview them now."
This time, Sakiko had completely understood. She no longer viewed her hobbies as something sacred. Rather, she had grown and matured, realizing that a mere hobby could not sustain her. In the end, this world requires money.
Therefore, the band she formed this time was quite practical, with the goal of debuting as quickly as possible and earning money as soon as possible as their guiding principle.
She was no longer the middle school girl she once was, and what she was forming was no longer a girl band just for fun.
What she wanted to create was a real band that could perform at the Budokan and hold concerts at the Tokyo Dome.
This was the galactic battleship in her heart.
However, no matter how much of a galactic battleship it was, she was only the initiator of the band. The investor was Toru, the true big boss behind her.
Therefore, no matter how satisfied Sakiko was with the members, and no matter how much she trusted their abilities, it still required Toru's approval.
"No need for interviews. Since you think they're fine, I trust your judgment more."
Toru waved his hand.
Unexpectedly, Sakiko said seriously, "No, you've invested millions of dollars into this project."
"I'm very grateful that you trust me, but with such a large investment, I would feel uneasy if you didn't personally review them."
Looking at the serious Sakiko, Toru thought for a moment and said, "Alright, then I'll make time to meet your members."
"We'll discuss this in detail later. Right now, there's something related to you."
Sakiko was puzzled. Related to her? Could it be related to this girl?
Sakiko looked at Hayasaka, deep in thought.
Toru said, "Sakiko, you'll be managing the band next, so you probably won't have much time to work here anymore."
"Ms. Hayasaka will take over from you and become the full-time maid of the house."
As Toru's words fell, Hayasaka looked nervously at Sakiko.
So the beautiful girl in front of her was the one who previously worked as a maid in Young Master Fujiwara's house?
Now it was suddenly her turn, which meant she had taken someone else's job. What if Sakiko disliked her?
Hayasaka felt uneasy.
If she were more cold-hearted, she probably would not care about taking someone else's job.
But her natural kindness made her feel a sense of guilt.
It could only be said that Hayasaka had always worked in the Shinomiya family and had not truly experienced society. She did not understand that a good job is something to be fought for, and there is no room for hesitation.
Sakiko remained calm.
She was no longer the Sakiko of the past. Her weak self had long since disappeared.
After working as a customer service representative for half a year, she was not so easily shaken anymore.
The difficult customers she had faced were far more frustrating than the current situation.
She said calmly, "I was just about to talk to you about this. I planned to resign."
"The band's work will require a lot of my energy. I have to handle the lyrics and composition myself. I can no longer continue working here."
"I am deeply grateful for the care you've shown me these past few days, Boss."
As she spoke, Sakiko stood up. With her hands clasped in front of her abdomen, she performed a standard bow to Toru.
Her words came from the heart. Toward Toru, she felt deep gratitude.
If it were not for him, she would probably still be living in that dilapidated shack, facing her father's cold words after drinking, and dealing with debt collectors and harassment from thugs.
It was Toru's appearance, like a ray of light in her life, that saved her from those dire circumstances and allowed her dark life to see light again.
Moreover, because of him, Sakiko had the chance to pursue her dreams once more.
Hayasaka was somewhat stunned. Having grown up in the Shinomiya family, she was very familiar with etiquette.
The Sakiko in front of her, whether in demeanor or elegance, felt similar to Kaguya. Which family's young lady was she?
But if she was truly a young lady, why would she be doing work like a maid?
Wait, Togawa, could it be that Togawa?
Hayasaka suddenly recalled hearing about some events involving the Togawa family while she was in the Shinomiya household.
It had nothing to do with her, so she had only heard about it and never looked into it further.
She did not expect to meet someone from the Togawa family here.
Toru said helplessly, "Sakiko, don't be so formal, it's not like we'll never see each other again."
"Even if you're not doing cleaning work anymore, you don't have any income right now, and you probably don't have a place to live either."
"For the time being, just continue living here. The bedroom that belongs to you will always be kept for you."
If it were the Sakiko of the past, she would have refused for the sake of her pride.
But now, she no longer had the conflicted heart of a child. She nodded and said, "Then I will continue to trouble you for the time being."
Toru then looked at Hayasaka and asked, "Hayasaka, what are your plans? This job doesn't require you to stay here full-time. You can come only when you're working."
"However, you can also live here. The mansion is large enough, it doesn't matter if a few more people stay."
Hayasaka blurted out, "I want to live here with Young Master Fujiwara."
As soon as she said it, she realized she had spoken too hastily and quickly explained, "…My house is quite far, and commuting takes too much time."
"Also, when I used to take care of Kaguya-sama, I was her personal maid. I'm more used to working this way. Living here would be more convenient, so I hope Young Master Fujiwara can understand."
Haibara watched everything coldly.
She raised her head and looked toward the second floor of the mansion, suddenly feeling a bit annoyed that it was too big.
Even if both Hayasaka and Sakiko moved in, there were still many empty rooms.
Could it be that every room would eventually have someone living in it?
(To be continued.)