Chapter 104

Yukina had heard some 'stories' before, such as: in the Old Era, noble ladies in certain countries often had maids dressed in such elegant clothes by their side; or sometimes they would take maid training courses to cultivate their manners and upbringing... These were stories that were taken from some storybooks or historical miscellaneous records left over from the Old Era, the authenticity of which was hard to verify.

In short, whether these claims are true or not is another matter. Given the current state of humanity, it is neither possible to verify them all, nor is there the time or energy to distinguish and refute them. However, such "culture" is indeed quite attractive to girls today.

Spending time and money to enjoy a fleeting "rich girl" lifestyle, even if it's fake, is a fresh and unique experience for them.

Another reason is simply to enjoy the atmosphere, the cultural legacy of the Old Era, or simply find it interesting.

These people are the main customers of this maid cafe.

("And there are also people who come there specifically to play the role of a maid.")

Hanazono Kanade Kotone and on about the culture of "maid cafes," saying this.

("Is this how the Kanade Kotone?")

Yukina asked, and received a string of emoticons in response, but in the end, Kanade Kotone did not deny it.

("If you just want to try it on, I actually have some uniforms from there here. You can try them on if you don't mind.")

("That would be too much trouble for you, and you'd need it yourself anyway... so it's not necessary.")

("It's okay, I don't need it now anyway.")

Kanade Kotone's arm was injured; although not seriously, it wasn't a time when she could continue working as a waitress.

("Now that you need to find a part-time job, right? They say you can find out if you'll like it just by standing in front of a mirror.")

This saves more time, and... it's probably easier to accept a maid outfit if you try it on at home first, right?

It's much better than wearing it directly in front of others; at least you can be mentally prepared.

Yukina was somewhat tempted.

"Wouldn't it be troublesome to take out the uniforms from the store?"

("This is mine, so it's okay.")

Kanade Kotone said.

147. Night

("In that case... let me give it a try, thank you!")

("I'll send it to you this afternoon.")

("So soon? No need, I can get it myself...")

Speaking of which, Yukina has never been to Kanade Kotone's house, and similarly, Kanade Kotone has never been to Yukina's house.

Although they have a very good relationship and are the only friends who can get along quite well and have a great conversation, in reality, Yukina and Kanade Kotone don't spend much time together, and they don't often make plans to go somewhere to kill time during holidays.

At least they don't really know each other completely.

In a sense, it's like "when you first enter high school, you don't know anyone well, so you just happen to meet someone you like and can talk to, so you stand together." But this doesn't create a desire to pry into the other person's deeper inner world or their life behind the scenes. Even when you show concern for the other person, it's just a casual act of thoughtfulness.

This is completely different from how Yukina feels about Efnir.

Sometimes, Yukina would wonder if she was perhaps a rather cold person.

("It's okay, consider it a return gift from last time. Besides, I'm quite free on weekends.")

("In that case... I'll trouble you then, thank you very much.")

After thinking for a moment, Yukina sent the address to Kanade Kotone.

After chatting with Kanade Kotone for a while, Yukina kept all of Kanade Kotone's suggestions in mind. Yukina made an appointment with Kanade Kotone to accompany her to check out the so-called maid restaurant when she had time, and then make a further decision.

In short, even if a job sounds acceptable, you should always visit it in person before making a decision. Otherwise, you'll regret it later and waste your time and enthusiasm.

By the time Yukina put down her phone, it was already eleven o'clock.

It's almost time to prepare lunch.

The things I learned in home economics class were fragmented, but they always revolved around cooking.

Yukina deftly put on her apron, and soon after, the clatter of pots and pans echoed from the kitchen. Then, a table full of brightly colored dishes was served.

Efnir tried it, and it tasted really good. Having gotten used to her own cooking and the food in those restaurants, it was quite refreshing to try her sister's unique dishes. Most importantly, it was prepared by Yukina, who was wearing an apron and had put Efnir heart into it. More than the enjoyment of the taste buds, Efnir was more satisfied with the feeling of happiness from the bottom of her heart.

And so it went until the afternoon when Kanade Kotone brought over two tote bags.

They met at an afternoon tea shop across the street from the apartment complex.

Yukina went out under the pretense of "buying ingredients" without telling Efnir. As soon as she met Kanade Kotone, Yukina noticed that Kanade Kotone seemed to be in a strange state. She looked unusually tired, and even with makeup on, her friend's dark circles were still visible.

"Um, Kanade..."

"I stayed up late last night to catch up on my studies, do I look like I have really heavy bags under my eyes?"

Seemingly knowing what Yukina was going to ask, Kanade Kotone tilted her head and giggled, stuffing the handbag beside her into Yukina's arms, thus silencing Yukina.

"Well, I brought the shoes along too. This pair has never been worn; you can try them on if they fit."

Kanade Kotone said.

Yukina invited Kanade Kotone to her home, but Hanako politely declined.

Although it might sound a bit strange, Kanade Kotone didn't want Yanase- san to see her looking so disheveled. Trying to cover her dark circles with immature eye makeup probably wouldn't leave a good impression, right?

"See you at school then," Kanade Kotone stood up, waved to Yukina, and smiled meaningfully. "Oh, and remember to wear white over-the-knee socks with that outfit~"

"Hmm..."

After parting ways with Kanade Kotone, Yukina went to buy some fruit, ingredients, and seasonings to take home. Compared to the seasonings she already had at home, Yukina took some canned ingredients that she usually used for adding to dishes and making sauces in her cooking class. With these, she was more confident in making better-tasting food.

These were taken as evidence of "going to buy groceries," but I also "casually" grabbed a pair of white over-the-knee socks and put them in my handbag.

I'm back.

When Yukina returned home nervously, a familiar soft murmur came from the living room.

Naoko's voice was clear and melodious, reminiscent of a wind chime welcoming autumn leaves alone at the tail end of summer.

Whether it was because she was bored or because she remembered something interesting, Naoko seemed to be in a good mood, humming a song that "magical girls" often sang, a song that Yukina was very familiar with.

Compared to her somewhat immature voice when she was "Efnir," Naoko's rendition of this song has a completely different and unique style.

It sounds great, as always.

But when Yukina returned, the humming immediately stopped.

"Ah, welcome home~"

Naoko's gaze didn't seem to be fixed on the handbag in her hand, which reassured Yukina somewhat.

If Naoko finds out about my plan to take a part-time job, she might discover something amiss, and the surprise I've prepared for Naoko might not be so successful.

However, even though she wanted to manage her emotions well and not give herself away unintentionally, Yukina was somewhat absent-minded all afternoon.

Or rather, one's mind wanders.

One thing kept lingering in her mind.

As soon as Yukina got home, she went to her room, took out the maid outfit, glanced at it, and tried it on in front of the mirror, showing off her figure.

It must be said, that was a very stylish maid outfit.

Overall, it features navy blue and white as its main colors, and the materials used are quite sophisticated, giving it a premium look without any hint of cheapness. It also feels quite comfortable to the touch. Because it is designed for "maid cafe waitresses," the outfit has some areas with less fabric, perfectly balancing the level of suggestiveness with absolute safety.

The shoes were brand new Mary Janes, a simple yet vibrant glossy black that shimmered like Crystal.

The size difference between Kanade Kotone and Yukina wasn't significant. Yukina stretched out her arm and compared it to the clothes. This maid outfit was a little loose on Yukina, but Yukina is a typical "all-around clothes hanger" who looks good in anything, so it didn't look strange.

Yukina decided to find an opportunity to wear it and see how it actually looked.

Although she probably still felt some shame, what truly made Yukina waver wasn't that, but rather...

--Her older sister, lying unsuspectingly on the sofa.

Yukina realized almost instantly that the maid outfit would be a bit loose on her, but for Naoko, it would be tailor-made.

Once she thought about this, Yukina's mind could no longer find peace.

While reviewing her lessons, Yukina's mind was filled with all sorts of thoughts.

What would it be like if Naoko wore a maid outfit?

Is she the same poker face as always, putting on a cold and aloof demeanor, yet at the same time being expected to respectfully serve him and address him as "master"?

Or was it because of an overwhelming sense of shame that her image collapsed, her face flushed red and she looked like she was about to cry, clutching the hem of her skirt and pitifully begging for mercy?

Or perhaps...

The images in her mind were fermenting, like flames rising, the thick smoke smoldering in Yukina's heart.

Her heart started racing.

Undoubtedly, Efnir, as a "magical girl," tried many different styles of clothing for the sake of her performances, but that was Efnir in her "Exile Form," not just her older sister Naoko.

Compared to her radiant and dazzling stage presence, Efnir is a more serious person in Naoko daily life, which can be seen from her everyday clothing.

Forget about the flashy dresses on stage, Efnir's everyday clothes are almost entirely black and white.

While it doesn't exactly give off a cold impression, it's far from being "sparkling".

Humans are animals whose greed can easily swell. Just seeing another side of Naoko during Naoko wasn't enough for Yukina; she wanted to see more of Naoko's hidden side.

But here's the problem—how can I get Naoko to willingly wear a maid outfit without revealing my birthday gift plan?

Yukina thought for a long time but couldn't find a solution, until evening, when suddenly a turning point came—

Efnir spent her first day at home after being discharged from the hospital.

During the afternoon, taking advantage of the half hour of phone time that Yukina strictly controlled, she asked Shinomiyami Nami for some places that girls like to go these days and made a simple plan for tomorrow's itinerary.

She kept repeating the promise she made five days ago, "A date this weekend."

As night deepened, Efnir put down her phone and lay down on the bed.

At that moment, Yukina pushed open her door.

"Sister, I want to sleep with you."

"That..."

Yukina, clutching her pillow, threw it on the bed and turned off the light before Efnir could answer.

Thud—the shoes landed on the floor, the thick mattress shook, and a smooth, delicate touch brushed against my face, carrying a faint fragrance of hair. In the darkness, Yukina, like a docile kitten, crawled over Efnir and burrowed to the inside of the bed.

Because only Efnir's left hand was uninjured, Yukina could only sleep on Efnir 'Efnir left side to avoid accidentally touching her wound while sleeping.

But from Efnir's perspective, the only way for Yukina to get to her was through her body. The feeling of being pinned down by Yukina a few nights ago surged into her heart again, causing her to unconsciously turn her face to the side.

A soft warmth emanated from my side, and the fabric's gentle touch rubbed against my skin.

In the darkness, Yukina leaned in and buried her face in Efnir's neck, her hair tickling Efnir.

A little embarrassed, Efnir whispered, "Don't do that... I haven't showered for three days..."

Actually, after the first day, Efnir was a little reluctant to let Yukina sleep with her.

She was worried that she would smell bad.

After all, it was really inconvenient for her to wash herself right now, so Yukina had been helping her wipe herself with a towel.

If someone you like smells an unpleasant body odor...

For girls, it's undoubtedly a nightmare.