Chapter 144

"Talent!"

Aoyama Nanami, who was trying to pull Shiina Mashiro up from the sofa, heard his voice and quickly maintained her maid stance before reporting to him.

"Mashiro said she hasn't seen you for several days and absolutely wants to see you today, so she's staying here instead of going back..."

"Then let her stay there, what's wrong with that?"

"That's true, but I don't know if you'll be here today." Aoyama Nanami looked at her master with a complicated expression, a hint of resentment in her eyes.

Although she knew some of the inside story as his Personal Maid, she couldn't tell Shiina Mashiro the truth—this was out of a maid's professional ethics.

Not to mention, that kind of thing is so... it would be bad for the owner's reputation if it got out.

Ah, I see. Sakurakoji Talent finally realized.

To make it easier for him to go to school, he has spent most of the week at the Sakura Mansion, except for the night before last. It's normal that Aoyama Nanami can't confirm it.

"It's a holiday today, so I thought I'd wait here for Talent to come back. If not today, then tomorrow or the day after," Shiina Mashiro added quietly, holding a tablet on the sofa.

"Oh, I see... I'm sorry, Mashiro, I haven't been staying here much lately." His brows furrowed with apology.

"Hmm~" Shiina Mashiro shook her head. "Anyway, I've seen the Talent now, so it's fine."

"Well, so what do you want to see me about?" He walked over and sat down on the sofa.

"This." Shiina Mashiro held up the tablet in her hand.

"This is..."

He took it; it contained a vibrant and colorful three-view illustration of a character, seemingly one of her recent works.

Shiina Mashiro usually uses a graphics tablet and computer monitor to draw, but because she draws black and white comics, she doesn't use much color.

After spending more time with Eriri recently, and considering that game art design work requires color, she started trying to learn about that area.

"You've already started designing the characters?" Sakurakoji Talent exclaimed in surprise.

Since he hasn't been paying much attention to this area lately, he's not entirely clear on their progress.

P. S.: Well, how should I put it? If I said it was because of the rain today that I wasn't in a good mood and it affected my brain's processing speed, would you all scold me? Waaah~~~

But today, no words are appearing! I apologize!

I'll try to make up for the missed chapters later. I'll just post two chapters today for now. I also want to take some time to think about the later plot in Kawasaki. See you tomorrow (feeling guilty).

Volume 1: The Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies: Chapter 184 I Really Don't Want to Go to Germany

"Well, Eriri said you were too slow, so she asked me to design it myself based on the script. We each took charge of one part," Shiina Mashiro explained.

"Although there are still many parts that haven't been drawn, Eriri said she wanted to change her mood, and since it might affect the later stages of the creation, it's better to decide on the main character first."

Upon hearing this, Sakurakoji Talent broke into beads of sweat, a sign of shame.

Previously, due to insufficient staff and his perfunctory attitude, they could only be responsible for creating some background CGs and supporting character illustrations.

However, as the project progresses, especially with the addition of these two talented illustrators, the progress may be even faster than he imagined.

Regarding the main character, the original plan was for him to find an opportunity to take a photo of Touma Kazusa and Kogisora Yukina, and then have them face the design.

Now it seems that it's no longer necessary.

"So you chose the black-haired girl next to you?" Sakurakoji Talent, looking at the girl on the tablet—a girl with long, Shiina Mashiro Black Long Straight Hair, dressed naturally, wearing a tie, with simple lines yet full of details, bright colors, and a cool expression, very much in the style of Shiina Mashiro.

Hmm... Although you can hardly see any resemblance to Touma Kazusa anymore, you have to admit that the key aspects of her character design have been retained.

"Hmm," she nodded first, then shook her head, "It wasn't my choice. Eriri said she would never design a character with Black Long Straight Hair, so she chose the girl with a few pigtails."

"Oh, I see..." His expression became subtle.

But no matter what, Kogisora Yukina's twin tails are completely different from hers. Could it be that seeing Black Long Straight Hair reminds her of Kasumigaoka Utaha, so she rejected it?

Hajiri, you rascal...

It seems he'll need to check her design drafts later. If she dares to draw the character's hair in the same blonde twin tails as herself, he'll have to punish her severely!

"Can I use this? Talent?" Shiina Mashiro pressed.

"Hmm?" Sakurakoji Talent looked at the character image on the tablet more carefully, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Hmm, I think it's okay."

"However, we still need to coordinate the overall style with Eriri's; at least it should be in the same art style."

"I understand, I will do that."

"Yes, thank you for your help."

His gaze lingered on the glowing electronic panel, lost in thought. Perhaps because the prototype was Touma Kazusa, he felt a little strange looking at the image. But someone seeing it for the first time probably wouldn't feel that way, right?

Shiina Mashiro's drawing skills are excellent. As long as it doesn't involve the plot, drawing this kind of character is basically a game-changer, not to mention that the character has a rather aloof personality with little expression.

Although the plot was slightly altered, the three artists' drawing skills more than made up for it, and the music and voice acting were not issues either.

Speaking of this...

"Nanami, how are things between you and Mashiro lately? Are you getting used to Filia's studies?" He put down the electronic screen and asked the question he should have asked a few days ago.

"Huh?" Aoyama Nanami was taken aback at first, then quickly replied, "Yes! I feel very fulfilled!"

"Although Filia's lectures are progressing rather quickly, I'm still able to keep up because the Young Master gave me the teaching materials in advance."

"The students are very enthusiastic, and the overall atmosphere is excellent! Thank you so much, Young Master!"

"That's good." He nodded with satisfaction. "If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to speak up."

Filia is a prestigious school with a strong faculty and a fast pace of classes. Many students without a foundation will find it difficult to keep up when they first enter, let alone Aoyama Nanami, who is a second-year transfer student.

He was more worried about her than Shiina Mashiro, but thankfully the outcome was alright.

"I understand!" Aoyama Nanami's gaze and voice were gentle, her pretty face slightly flushed.

"And Mashiro you, Masashimi?"

"No problem, I can keep up!" Though she wasn't good at making complicated expressions, a hint of confidence and enthusiasm could be seen in her eyes. "But in academic classes... umm~ it's nothing!"

Seemingly having thought of something, she looked troubled again, but quickly shook her head.

Sakurakoji Talent, who was fairly familiar with her situation, understood the current state of affairs based on those few words.

"Not good at academic subjects?"

"...Um." She nodded shyly.

"Hmm... it should be fine. Filia is the type who focuses more on professional course training. If it really doesn't work out, I can just memorize the answers beforehand for the makeup exam."

Although he had considered teaching Shiina Mashiro, it was common knowledge that:

Humans can only teach humans to learn. For pets that haven't yet developed their cognitive abilities, teaching them to learn is no less difficult than teaching a baby to speak and write from scratch!

"Young Master, this won't do!" Aoyama Nanami objected. "We are students after all. We should at least maintain our academic performance!"

"Instead of pinning your hopes on a makeup exam, it's better to study hard during the regular semester!"

"Leave Mashiro to me! I'll make sure she catches up on her compulsory courses!"

Being naturally serious, she seemed unlikely to allow such laziness to occur.

"I see..." Sakurakoji Talent looked at her with pity. It's good that she's motivated, but... never mind, let her run into some obstacles and she'll know how difficult it is.

A good leader should not hinder his subordinates' enthusiasm for working hard.

"I understand, then I'll leave it to you. But you don't have to force yourself, since Mashiro's goal is simply to learn about manga and anime."

"Please rest assured that you can entrust this task to me!" Aoyama Nanami said confidently, bowing deeply.

He stammered, hoping she would continue like this.

This child has been with Shiina Mashiro for so long, how come she still doesn't know how to be more mindful?

Although he could understand, after all, Aoyama Nanami's grades were also very good, she probably felt that teaching others was not difficult for her.

"And in terms of daily life, are you alright?" he continued to inquire about Shiina Mashiro.

"Yes, Nanami has been a great help to me, it hasn't been inconvenient at all." Shiina Mashiro smiled happily. "She even paid for my breakfast this morning, and she'll be taking me to lunch with Ashiri. Thank you, Nanami!"

"I don't even know what you're thanking for..." Aoyama Nanami sighed with a complicated expression. "If you really want to express gratitude, then don't eat things from a convenience store without paying. I've told you that so many times, haven't I?"

"And you should thank Talent Young Master and Miss Ashiri for the lunch. Thanks to them, we were able to go to the special self-service cafeteria for our class."

"Yes, the food in the cafeteria is delicious. Thank you, Talent!" Shiina Mashiro nodded in deep agreement and thanked him sincerely.

"You're welcome..." Sakurakoji Talent grinned, speechless. So the reason he was being thanked was because of lunch?

However, Filia's self-service cafeteria certainly lives up to its reputation.

Not only are all the dishes prepared by professional instructors from the Culinary Academy, but the variety is also extremely rich, covering almost everything from meat and seafood to fruits and vegetables, from Japanese cuisine to Western cuisine.

It was specifically open to wealthy students and faculty members in special classes, and he had thought about going there to freeload before the semester started.

And it wasn't just the students themselves; even the students from the regular classes who were with them could go in. He had spoken to Ashiri beforehand, asking her to take good care of them at school, and it seemed to have worked.

Of course, this is also made possible by the high meal fees paid by the students in the specially organized classes.

"Oh, right, Young Master!" At this point, Ashiri Aoyama Nanami remembered something important, "Miss Asuri said before that if she saw you in the next couple of days, she would ask if you had time to meet you."

"Ashiri?" A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes; he hadn't expected her to want to see him.

However, they have been seeing each other less often lately, and although a lot has happened recently, they haven't had a proper chat. It's time for a close brother-sister conversation.

"I understand, I'll go to her room in a bit." He agreed. "No, let's go now. If we go any later, it might disturb their bathing and resting."

Considering the current time, he immediately changed his mind.

After all, a bad ending like being killed in the bathroom is enough for a game.

Although he speaks German very well, he really doesn't want to go to Germany right now. Just having so many people around is already troublesome enough, really.

"I understand, have a safe journey." Aoyama Nanami, unaware of the crucial details, smiled and saw them off, still cherishing the warm sibling bond between them.

He waved goodbye with his back turned and headed towards the stairwell.

Sakurakoji Ashiri's room was on the 65th floor, just below his, so taking the stairs was much faster than waiting for the elevator.

It only took him a minute to reach her door. He knocked first out of habit, then, remembering he should ring the doorbell, he rang it.

Not long after, the door opened from the inside.

The door was opened by a young maid with crimson hair, clear emerald eyes, wearing Maid Outfit from the Sakurakoji Family, and a white headband.

She looked younger than Aoyama Nanami, and her cute and gentle face reinforced this impression. However, considering her length of service, Aoyama Nanami should call her a senior.

"Ah, Young Master!" Upon seeing it was him, the girl gasped softly, covering her mouth in surprise.

"Hey, Kuyachiyo, long time no see. Is Ashiri inside?" Sakurakoji Talent greeted her warmly.

The other party was none other than Yamabuki Kuyachiyo, who had returned to Japan with him and Ashiri, and was also Sakurakoji Ashiri's Personal Maid.

Her aunt, Yamabuki Yachiyo, was the first head maid under Sakurakoji Luna. Even the legendary "maid" —Ogura Asahi —was once under her command.

Because of this relationship, and their similar ages, Yamabuki Kuyachiyo became the personal maid of the Sakurakoji Family master at a young age.

Image: "Yamabuki Kuyachiyo", Location: "Images/1760964518-100446961-113993632. jpg"

Volume 1: The Daily Life of Attracting Bees and Butterflies: Chapter 185 I'm Very Worried About the Young Lady's Future

"Ah, hi! Long time no see, Talent Young Master!"

"The young lady is inside, please come in!"

Yamabuki Kuyachiyo quickly stepped aside to make way for him and bowed to invite him into the house.

His gentle and dazzling smile had just touched her delicate, endearing face, causing a blush to unconsciously spread across her cheeks, a blush similar to her hair color—perhaps she was bending over to conceal this emotion.

"Thank you." Sakurakoji Talent pretended not to notice and walked straight in.

It should be said that it is only natural, although it is too late to say it now. Everyone around should be able to see it, but the girl in front of him, Kuyachiyo, is actually interested in him, just like Yōkadō Sakuri.

However, unlike Yōkadō Sakuri's love at first sight at the banquet with an unknown identity, Kuyachiyo's poetic girlish feelings may also contain some feelings that grow over time.

He sighed inwardly.

What should I say? Should I say that everyone in this world is obsessed with looks, or should I say that his body is truly inhuman?

To quote a fox: Beauty is also a sin!

Fortunately, this isn't a palace intrigue storyline set in a wealthy family; otherwise, if she had already captured her own sister's personal maid, what would she have been able to do!