Horikita Suzune's Compromise

Horikita Suzune didn't believe a word Ryuuen said.

She couldn't bring herself to drink the cappuccino. Horikita Suzune picked up the warm coffee, then set it back down.

Horikita Suzune couldn't understand what Ryuuen was trying to achieve with such a long-term scheme and such an elaborate trap.

Was he trying to crush Class D? In its current state, Class D posed no threat whatsoever to Class C. Ryuuen's true competitor should be Class B.

Unable to comprehend his motives, Horikita Suzune decided to adapt to the situation. Since Ryuuen had approached her directly, he must want something from her, or need her to do something for him.

"Stop smiling at me, it's disgusting," Horikita Suzune said, staring at the coffee in her hand from across the table from Ryuuen.

"Staring at me?"

"Your words are even more disgusting than you are. Just shut up."

"Are you sure you want me to shut up? If I don't speak, you won't get the Points you need to help those useless members of your Class D."

"Then say fewer disgusting things and just tell me what you want."

"That's not how you ask for a favor, but who am I to complain? I'm just a naturally forgiving person. I forgive you."

"Narcissist," Horikita Suzune muttered, stirring her coffee with a spoon until the latte art disappeared.

Ryuuen remained unfazed. The more defiant the kitten, the stronger the desire to tame it.

"Horikita, become mine," Ryuuen said, no longer hiding his intentions.

"What do you mean?" Horikita Suzune felt there were many interpretations of that sentence and wasn't sure which Ryuuen intended, but she wasn't in a hurry to refuse. She wanted to see what he would do next.

"Exactly what it sounds like."

"I don't believe you like me, and this kind of pursuit is despicable, something to be scoffed at." Horikita Suzune took a sip of coffee. The temperature was just right, but it wasn't to her taste.

"I admire you. I hope you can work for me in the future."

"Impossible," Horikita Suzune refused firmly.

"No room for negotiation?"

"No room. If Points require me to sacrifice myself in exchange, then the cost is too great. I won't do it."

"Even if it means your Class D will never make it to Class A?"

Horikita Suzune hesitated but still shook her head. "If I agreed to you, then Class D would truly have no hope."

"You call me a narcissist, but Horikita, you're quite narcissistic yourself, thinking you're so important." Ryuuen naturally knew Horikita Suzune wouldn't sacrifice herself for the class.

Ichinose Honami might do it, but Horikita Suzune wouldn't.

"Do you remember our previous agreement? If I don't lend you Points and those idiots end up dropping out, your class will receive zero Points next month. According to the terms of the contract, if you don't repay on time, you'll have to do my housework," Ryuuen said, acting as if he had Horikita Suzune completely cornered.

"Hmph, it's just cleaning. You might not know, but my home economics grades in junior high were always perfect."

Although it didn't taste good, a thirsty Horikita Suzune still drank half a cup of coffee.

Ryuuen smiled. He kindly reminded Horikita Suzune, "It's not just cleaning. Housework, also known as home economics, includes the seven necessities: firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea. It also includes mending old clothes and sewing new ones, washing and changing, raising livestock and poultry, house repairs, purchasing, storing, and using furniture, having children, getting married, educating children, visiting elders and relatives, attending happy and sad occasions, arranging life during holidays, and resolving conflicts among family members, and so on."

Seeing Horikita Suzune's shocked expression, Ryuuen added, "That's the dictionary definition, word for word. If you don't believe me, you can look it up yourself."

Horikita Suzune's face turned grim. She certainly didn't want to have children with Ryuuen because of a piece of paper. "I'll borrow the Points and return them to you on time."

"Borrow from whom? From your brother? You probably don't know this yet, but the proposal for this test reform came from your brother."

Horikita Suzune found it hard to believe that even her brother was on Ryuuen's side.

Being too aggressive could backfire. The saying "don't pursue a cornered enemy" applied here. Ryuuen didn't want to push Horikita Suzune too hard; it wouldn't be good if she was driven to desperation and decided to go down with him.

"I actually don't have many demands for you. I can lend you one million Points. In return, you'll be responsible for all three of my meals and cleaning my dorm room until you repay this debt," Ryuuen said slowly.

"That's it?" Horikita Suzune found it hard to believe it was so simple. After all, she had just been tricked, so she was more distrustful now.

"Of course not. I have an additional request: in my dorm room, you'll dress according to my preferences. If I want to see a maid today, you'll wear a maid outfit." Ryuuen seemed certain Horikita Suzune would accept his terms.

"I don't have money to buy those clothes."

"I'll prepare them for you."

Horikita Suzune fell silent, feeling an oppressive helplessness, as if she were completely at his mercy.

Ryuuen took out a new contract. Horikita Suzune inspected its contents three times before daring to sign, afraid Ryuuen would play word games with her again.

One million Points were transferred directly to Horikita Suzune's account, which she then immediately transferred to Ayanokoji. Afterward, she followed Ryuuen back to his dorm to prepare his dinner.

On the way, Horikita Suzune felt something was off. She thought, If Ryuuen likes outfits like a naked apron, then according to the contract, I'd have to satisfy him. A belated fear crept over her.

Sure enough, the maid outfit Ryuuen had prepared for Horikita Suzune wasn't an ordinary one. However, compared to a naked apron, Horikita Suzune could still accept the cat-eared maid costume.

Horikita Suzune wore a black maid outfit. The dress had a simple yet elegant design, with a fitted cut and contrasting white collar, cuffs, and waistband that highlighted her slender figure. The ruffled hem gave her movements a lively grace.

On her head, she wore a pair of black cat ears, complementing the overall look. The inside of the cat ears had white fur, emphasizing their soft and cute nature. A black bow was tied behind the cat ears, adding a playful touch.

She wore white gloves that were fingerless, making it easy for her to do housework. The edges of the gloves were adorned with lace, adding a touch of elegance.

On her feet, she wore black high-heeled leather shoes, making her look tall and graceful. The shoes had sequins or beads embedded in the details, adding a touch of glamour to the entire outfit.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," Ryuuen said, clapping his hands in approval. "Truly beautiful."

Not wanting to engage with Ryuuen, Horikita Suzune just wanted to quickly prepare dinner and leave. Wearing this outfit was incredibly embarrassing.

Horikita Suzune wasn't surprised at all that Ryuuen knew her measurements and weight; anyone could buy that information from the teachers if they were willing to spend the points.

In the kitchen, Horikita Suzune took off her gloves and put on an apron. This white apron was one Kikyo had bought previously, but now it had become Horikita Suzune's gear. Fate sometimes enjoyed playing tricks on people.

Horikita Suzune wasn't exaggerating when she said she excelled at home economics. Her cooking truly satisfied Ryuuen. The meticulously prepared meal even had some garnishes, making it look very appetizing.

"Tell me, what could I do to make you my maid forever?" Ryuuen teased Horikita Suzune while eating the salad she had made.

"Dream on!"

Horikita Suzune also stayed to eat; this wasn't at Ryuuen's request but her own decision. In Horikita Suzune's opinion, since she had made dinner, making an extra portion was no big deal. Besides, she didn't have many points, so eating with Ryuuen would save her some. She just felt a bit annoyed.

Ryuuen, of course, understood Horikita Suzune's thoughts. Eating together was quite nice. Ryuuen was naturally happy to have a beautiful girl accompanying him, and Horikita Suzune would put more effort into cooking, knowing she'd be eating it herself. Ryuuen couldn't help but admire Horikita Suzune. To adapt so quickly under such circumstances and find a way that benefited her, without letting her emotions lead to poor judgment, was truly rare.