"It seems you really do know me. You must also know my skill level. I can do everything a maid can do. I came all the way from headquarters today to apply for a kitchen assistant position at Zhao Family Restaurant."
"Sorry, but I have no plans to expand the restaurant for now."
Zhao Bai hurriedly refused.
In truth, Zhao Bai had no idea what to do. Having seen the story, he knew something of Rita's way of doing things. Without thorough preparations, Rita would never have barged in so brazenly and directly demanded to become his server.
This was not normal. She definitely had something prepared.
Sure enough, as if she had expected Zhao Bai to refuse, Rita took a small notebook from her handbag and scribbled away. Then she looked up at him with a smile, only her right eye visible, her thoughts impossible to read.
"Now this is interesting. In fact, even the ground beneath your feet belongs to Schicksal. As the vice-captain of the Immortal Blade, I could order you to open the kitchen door and take a look at every secret you are trying to hide... But wouldn't that be rather inelegant?"
"Indeed. Forcibly raiding someone's home would be beneath your dignity."
"I also have a piece of information. The principal of St. Freya Academy, Theresa Apocalypse, is currently living with you. This news has not reached European headquarters, but feel free to imagine what would happen to you if Lord Bishop learned that his granddaughter was cohabiting with you before marriage."
"What do you mean, cohabiting before marriage?" Zhao Bai nearly jumped in fright. "I'm just a housekeeper! Every day, I make late-night snacks for the principal, play games with her, and help her get the scarves she can't reach on the coat rack."
Rita said in surprise, "So... you are already like an old married couple?"
"How can you slander my innocence out of thin air?!"
Zhao Bai had never been so emotionally out of control. It was as though the FBI were lying in wait outside the door, ready to drag him off to prison with sirens blaring the moment it was confirmed that he was a lolicon, where he would eat pork cutlet rice with the inquisitors.
Rita seemed quite satisfied. She gave another small bow and said, "You have secrets. Lady Theresa knows them, but headquarters does not. I came to the Far East under the pretense of a vacation. Trust in a maid's ability to keep secrets."
"Sorry, but this is an agreement between Theresa and me. I cannot reveal it."
"I expected as much."
Rita seemed somewhat remorseful as she softly said, "Threats and inducements truly do not suit a maid's way of life. This is the first time, and also the last time, that I will use such methods."
"Student Zhao Bai, receive your orders..."
Rita's tone carried a soldier's crisp efficiency. "In the name of Rita Roswita, S-rank Valkyrie of headquarters and vice-captain of the Immortal Blade, I hereby revoke your right to operate independently. You are now under my direct management."
"Of course, I merely wish to observe you slowly as a maid. Is that acceptable?"
Though it was phrased as a question, Zhao Bai had only one possible answer. She was like a net woven from flowers, its fragrance and colors intoxicating, yet secretly tightening around him. By the time the prey noticed, there would be nowhere left to retreat.
"It seems I cannot refuse, nor do I have any reason to... If any of the things you mentioned were exposed, I might die on the spot. Only by agreeing to you can I survive and continue pursuing my dream of becoming a special-grade chef... Is what you said true? You really will not expose me?"
Rita answered with a smile, "It's true."
"It seems agreeing to you is the only wise choice..."
"But I refuse!"
Zhao Bai declared resolutely. He sidestepped past Rita, and the rich scent of roses rushed into his nose, leaving him a little lightheaded. Aside from Teacher Himeko, Zhao Bai had never seen a woman so utterly feminine.
The lunch-break sign flipped over, revealing the words "Open for Business" beneath it. Customers who had been eagerly waiting immediately flooded into the restaurant. At the same time, Rita smiled silently amid the crowd and slipped away without drawing attention. When she did not wish to be seen, no one could notice Rita's departure.
"I'll wait for you to change your mind. One day."
Zhao Bai let out a sigh of relief. Just as he had expected, Schicksal headquarters and its branches operated independently. As a Valkyrie from headquarters, Rita did not want the branch personnel to notice her arrival. He could still stall for a little while.
At a time like this, of course he had to go tattle to Theresa.
Before you continue