The Only Home

The air in the living room seemed to solidify the moment Karuizawa Kei's words fell.

Chisato Nishikigi, Runa Inoue, and Walnut, who had initially been watching with scrutiny and vigilance, all displayed a subtle shift in their expressions.

They watched the hands with which Karuizawa Kei tightly gripped Mazumi Mami's arm, and the tears and obsession shimmering in those violet eyes; for a moment, no one could bring themselves to interrupt.

The emotions revealed in those words were so heavy and so sincere that even Chisato Nishikigi, who loved to joke around, put away her playful expression.

Mazumi Mami looked down at the hands Karuizawa Kei had clamped onto his arm—her knuckles were white from the exertion, and her fingertips trembled slightly, as if she were clutching something precious that might vanish at any moment.

He remained silent for a moment, then reached out with his other hand and gently covered the back of hers.

"Kei," his voice was calm and gentle, carrying a soothing power, "could you loosen your grip a little? You're hurting me."

Karuizawa Kei blinked, only then realizing she had been too agitated and had applied force without thinking.

She hurriedly eased her grip, though she didn't let go entirely, still clutching his sleeve as if afraid he would disappear again the moment she released him.

Mazumi Mami didn't pull his hand away, letting her hold on as he gazed at her with a gentle look: "I didn't realize you had been looking for me in this way all this time."

"I searched for you for such a long, long time..."

Karuizawa Kei's voice trembled, her eyes turning slightly red. "You left without a word back then, and I didn't even know your name. I asked everyone around me, but no one knew you."

"I even doubted if you were just a character I'd imagined... but I knew you weren't, because the people who bullied me really did disappear, and my life really did get better."

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice: "So I kept thinking that I had to see you again, that I had to thank you in person—and then, stay by your side."

"Because you are my only reliance now."

Karuizawa Kei said.

"Though it might be impolite to ask, what about your parents..."

Mazumi Mami didn't finish the sentence, but his meaning was clear.

"They separated. There was no arguing, no warning. One afternoon when I came home from school, my father told me he would pay child support until I reached adulthood—until I graduated high school—and from then on, we would be finished with each other."

"As for my mother, she packed her things and left long ago. I don't know where she went, but I do know the car that came to pick her up was very luxurious."

"From the moment I stepped into this school, I've had no home to return to."

"So please, let me stay by your side, whether as a maid or in any other capacity. If even you abandon me, I really..."

Before Karuizawa Kei could finish, Mazumi Mami interrupted her, patting the girl's head.

"Of course you can, but as a maid?"

Mazumi Mami raised an eyebrow, "Are you serious?"

"I'm serious."

Karuizawa Kei nodded without hesitation, her gaze as firm as if a flame were burning within it.

"I've looked into this school, and I know those three young ladies follow you as maids. If they can do it, so can I. I'm willing to do anything, to endure any hardship—as long as I can stay by your side."

"Hey, hey, hey, wait a second."

Chisato Nishikigi finally couldn't help but interject. She stood up, hands on her hips, her tone laced with dissatisfaction and provocation.

"You think you can just decide to be a maid? Do you know what qualities are required to be the Young Master's maid? Protection skills, intelligence gathering, household management—these aren't things you can just achieve with passion alone!"

"I can learn."

Karuizawa Kei met Chisato Nishikigi's gaze without backing down. "Whatever you can do, I will work hard to do as well. I won't be inferior to anyone."

"Oh? That's a pretty big claim."

Chisato Nishikigi narrowed her eyes, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Alright then, let me ask you—can you fight? If someone tries to hurt the Young Master, can you step up and protect him?"

Karuizawa Kei's momentum faltered for a split second, but she gritted her teeth and pressed on: "I... I can learn combat! As long as you teach me, I will definitely learn!"

"What about intelligence gathering? Can you analyze useful information from someone's stray remarks?"

"I... I can learn..."

"And household management? Do you know what the Young Master likes to eat, what he dislikes, his daily routine, or what he's allergic to?"

"I... I will memorize them from now on..."

Karuizawa Kei's momentum grew weaker and her voice grew quieter, but her gaze never wavered.

It was a stubbornness that said, "I know I can't do it now, but I will."

Watching her—speechless yet refusing to admit defeat—Chisato Nishikigi suddenly burst into a laugh.

"Fine, fine, I'll admit it—you've got at least one qualification."

"Huh?"

Karuizawa Kei was stunned.

"That stubborn streak of yours, it's actually quite to my liking."

Chisato Nishikigi crossed her arms over her chest and tilted her head, her tone carrying a rare note of approval. "Even if you don't know how to do anything yet, at least your attitude is sincere. Unlike some people who talk a big game but run faster than anyone the moment they're actually asked to do something."

She turned her head to look at Mazumi Mami: "Young Master, what do you think?"

Mazumi Mami pondered for a moment.

He looked down at Karuizawa Kei once more—at those violet eyes filled with nervousness and anticipation, at the hands clutching his sleeve as if it were a final lifeline, and at the girl who had disguised herself and searched through crowds for countless days and nights just to find him.

He sighed softly.

"Kei, you must understand—staying by my side is no easy task. Those around me face danger at any moment. I am not merely an ordinary student; my enemies are far more numerous and far more terrifying than you could imagine."

"I'm not afraid."

Karuizawa Kei spoke without a moment's hesitation, "As long as I can stay by your side—I fear nothing."

"Even if it might mean death?"

Karuizawa Kei's body trembled slightly, but she bit her lip and nodded firmly, "Even if it might mean death."

Mazumi Mami watched her for a long time before slowly breaking into a smile.

"Very well—I will give you a trial period."

Karuizawa Kei's eyes lit up instantly.

"If you can prove your resolve and capability to me and my maids over the coming period—then I will seriously consider letting you become one of us."

"And you look just fine as you are. Do what you want to do; there is no need to change your image to suit my wishes," Mazumi Mami added.

"Really?! That's wonderful! I will definitely do my best!"

Karuizawa Kei was so excited she nearly jumped, her hands still gripping Mazumi Mami's sleeve tightly as the tears in her eyes transformed into a glow of joy.

"However—"

Chisato Nishikigi leaned in, patting Karuizawa Kei on the shoulder with a beaming smile, "The trial period won't be easy, you know. I'm very strict, and if you don't make the cut, I won't hesitate to kick you out."

"I am as well," Runa Inoue nodded calmly.

"I will be monitoring your performance data continuously," Walnut nodded, "If your efficiency is low, I will record it accurately and report it."

Karuizawa Kei looked at the three distinct "senior maids" before her, took a deep breath, and nodded solemnly, "Please look after me! I will not let you down!"

The afternoon sun filtered through the gaps in the curtains, spilling into the living room and bathing the four girls and one boy in its light.

A new story was quietly beginning to unfold.