I Opened a Restaurant in Honkai Chapter 23

"It seems you recognize me. You must also know my skill level. I can do anything a maid can. I've come all the way from headquarters today to apply for a kitchen helper position at the Zhao Family Restaurant."

"I'm sorry, but I have no plans to expand the store at the moment."

Zhao Bai hastily refused.

In reality, Zhao Bai was completely unsure. Having seen the story, he had some understanding of Rita's methods. If she wasn't fully prepared, Rita wouldn't have barged in so arrogantly and directly asked to be his waitress.

This wasn't normal. She was definitely prepared.

As expected, Rita seemed to have anticipated Zhao Bai's refusal. She took out a small notebook from her handbag and scribbled furiously. Then, she looked up and smiled at him, revealing only her right eye, making her thoughts unreadable.

"This is very interesting. In fact, the very spot you're standing on is Schicksal property. As the vice-captain of the Immortal Blade, I can order you to open your kitchen and reveal all the secrets you're trying to hide... However, wouldn't that be rather uncivilized?"

"Indeed. A forced house search would be undignified. That's not your style."

"I also have another piece of information: the Director of St. Freya Academy, Theresa Apocalypse, is currently living with you. This information hasn't reached European headquarters, but you can imagine what your fate would be if the Bishop knew his granddaughter was living with you before marriage."

"What do you mean 'living together before marriage'?" Zhao Bai almost jumped out of his skin. "I'm just a nanny! I make late-night snacks for the Director every day, play games with her, and help her get the headscarf from the top of the hat stand."

Rita looked surprised. "Oh... are you already an old married couple?"

"How can you slander me like that?!"

Zhao Bai's emotions had never been so out of control. It was as if the FBI was lurking at his doorstep. If he was confirmed to be a lolicon, they'd be honking their sirens and dragging him back to jail to eat pork cutlets with the judge.

Rita seemed quite satisfied. She bowed lightly again and said, "You have secrets, Lord Theresa knows, but headquarters doesn't. I'm here in the Far East under the guise of a vacation. I trust in a maid's ability to keep secrets, don't you?"

"I'm sorry, that's an agreement between Theresa and me. I can't disclose it."

"I expected as much."

Rita said softly, as if blaming herself, "Coercion and temptation... they really don't align with a maid's way of survival. This is the first and last time I'll use such methods."

"Student Zhao Bai, receive my command..."

Rita's tone carried the crispness of a soldier. "In the name of this unit's S-rank Valkyrie and the Vice-Captain of the Immortal Blade, Rita Rossweisse, I am reclaiming your operational autonomy. You will be under my direct management."

"Of course, I just want to observe you slowly as a maid. Is that okay?"

Although it was a question, Zhao Bai was left with only one answer. She was like a net woven from flowers, her fragrance and colors intoxicating, yet secretly tightening, and by the time the prey realized it, there was no retreat.

"It seems I can't refuse, and I have no reason to refuse... If anything you've said is exposed, it could lead to my immediate death. Only by agreeing can I stay alive and continue pursuing my dream of becoming a top chef... Is what you're saying true? Will you really not expose me?"

Rita smiled and replied, "It's true."

"It seems agreeing with you is the only sensible choice..."

"However, I refuse!"

Zhao Bai said decisively, stepping past Rita. The rich rose fragrance filled his nostrils, making him feel dizzy. Besides Teacher Himeko, Zhao Bai had never met a woman with such femininity.

The lunch break sign was flipped, revealing the words "OPEN FOR BUSINESS" below. Eager customers immediately flooded the store. At the same time, Rita smiled silently in the crowd, leaving the scene without a trace. When she didn't want to be seen, no one could detect Rita's departure.

"I'll wait for you to change your mind. Someday."

Zhao Bai breathed a sigh of relief. Just as he had predicted, Schicksal headquarters and its branches operated independently. Rita, as a Valkyrie from headquarters, didn't want the branch members to notice her arrival, and she could buy some time.

At times like this, of course, he should go report this to Theresa.