Five wins and two losses—in the eyes of Class A first-years, the recently concluded Special Exam wasn't a failure at all.
Thus, no one paid attention to Sakayanagi Arisu's two consecutive defeats at the end, nor did it spark any discussion.
Even Totsuka Yahiko, a staunch Katsuragi supporter, didn't criticize Sakayanagi Arisu.
The graduation ceremony, the first-year's conclusion, Spring Break, and the upcoming second-year life were the main focuses of everyone's attention.
It wasn't until Kaoru took the stage as president that Sakayanagi Arisu would hear a word or two of discussion about herself.
It seemed she hadn't left a deep enough impression on these people.
Heh, that's true.
No one knows about her bet with Kaoru, so naturally no one would care about the details of a Special Exam, let alone understand what kind of blow Ichinose Honami dealt her at the last moment.
Sakayanagi Arisu couldn't accept this outcome.
She knew winning seven matches was difficult—perhaps even Kaoru couldn't achieve it—which was why he allowed her to act freely.
For instance, while she could take over the Chess game at any time, Kaoru could have secretly helped Kanzaki Ryuji expand his advantage.
But he didn't do that.
Sakayanagi Arisu couldn't help but suspect he was pitying her.
This situation—where he clearly had the ability to interfere but chose not to—was infuriating, as if he were offering her charity.
Putting that aside, even if she lost to him in the end, Sakayanagi Arisu could have accepted it, given his undeniable skill.
But why didn't he intervene? Why was it Ichinose Honami who faced her moves?
Losing to Ichinose Honami was unacceptable to Sakayanagi Arisu, especially knowing that in games like Sketching and Texas Hold'em, she could have won with a little more effort.
And even if she had lost, why did Kaoru comfort her?
At the time, it seemed like he was bullying Sakayanagi Arisu, but she knew full well he was just trying to lift her spirits.
Once she realized this, her chest tightened with frustration—she didn't want this kind of consolation.
She would have preferred Kaoru Conditioning her rather than treating her like this, as if she couldn't handle defeat.
...
'What's wrong? Surprised to see Honami here?'
Kaoru looked at the girl before him.
The moment she entered, her body seemed to freeze in place.
'I just thought I might see something I shouldn't.'
Sakayanagi Arisu shifted her gaze away from Ichinose Honami.
The other girl was dressed neatly, so they probably hadn't done anything.
'What do you want me to do?'
Kaoru examined her current appearance. She had changed into casual clothes—her petite figure, a chest that swelled like two small buns, a slender waist exuding youthful vitality.
Yet, she leaned on a cane, looking incredibly fragile.
No wonder some called her an elementary schooler.
Her skirt couldn't quite conceal the slight curve of her hips, and her lovely calves beneath the hem radiated a delicate, tender glow.
His gaze was undisguised, so Sakayanagi Arisu knew what he was looking at.
She felt no disgust, only a faint hostility toward Ichinose Honami beside him.
What was Ichinose Honami doing here?
From the moment she arrived, the other girl had remained silent, making Sakayanagi Arisu frown with growing unease and dark suspicions.
"Come here."
Kaoru beckoned her as if calling a small dog.
Sakayanagi Arisu walked expressionlessly to stand before him, then heard another command.
"Sit."
Though mobility was difficult, it didn't stop her from sitting in front of Kaoru—and in a seiza-like pose.
However, once seated, the position made Sakayanagi Arisu feel as if she were kneeling at Kaoru's feet, having to tilt her head up slightly to see his face.
"Not bad."
Kaoru reached out and lifted her chin. "Have you entered maid mode already?"
"Are you asking me to serve you in front of her?"
Sakayanagi Arisu said coldly, "A bet is a bet. Just get on with whatever you want to do."
Ichinose Honami glanced at Kaoru, then at Sakayanagi Arisu, hesitating to speak.
Kaoru smiled faintly, "No rush. Do you know what a maid's duties are?"
"If you're expecting domestic skills from me, you'll be disappointed."
Sakayanagi Arisu thought for a moment, "Though if it's about making boxed lunches, I wouldn't mind you trying."
"What about misbehaving?" Kaoru asked.
Sakayanagi Arisu showed a slight smile as if she had anticipated this, almost taunting.
"Preferring my underdeveloped figure over more voluptuous women - I'm almost flattered, Kaoru-kun."
Ichinose Honami knew she was referring to herself, but surprisingly felt no panic, earning a hint of admiration from Ichinose.
"Just flattered?"
Kaoru said, "Since you know what I like, take off your clothes now."
Sakayanagi Arisu stiffened slightly.
She stared directly at Kaoru, forcing a smile as she gritted her teeth.
"If that's your command..."
"From today on, call me Master."
Kaoru interrupted her, firmly gripping her jaw, "Master is my everything. Master's words are my commands. My only master is Kaoru."
It hurt somewhat. Sakayanagi Arisu's breathing gradually quickened as she met Kaoru's gaze, an inexplicable fear welling up inside her.
"Every night before sleep and every morning after waking, you'll repeat this to me one hundred times over the phone."
"I... I understand..."
Sakayanagi Arisu spoke haltingly. He soon released her, allowing her to catch her breath.
"Now say it once for me."
Hearing his cold voice, Sakayanagi Arisu bit her lower lip.
If they were alone, this conditioning might have been acceptable.
However, Sakayanagi Arisu could feel Ichinose Honami's gaze.
Not long ago, she had spoken those words to Ichinose Honami, yet now she was receiving Kaoru's conditioning right here.
Just thinking about this made Sakayanagi Arisu feel blood rushing throughout her body, her cheeks burning with heat as something called humiliation began dominating her heart.
"Kaoru, maybe we should stop. She looks..."
Perhaps unable to bear watching any longer, Ichinose Honami decided to intervene, but this immediately triggered an extreme reaction from Sakayanagi Arisu.
"I'll say it!"
The girl gritted her teeth, "M-Master is my everything... Master... Master's words are my commands. My only master is... is Kaoru... is Kaoru."
Ichinose Honami looked somewhat stunned, making the girl even more ashamed.
After she finished, Kaoru reached out to stroke her cheek and said calmly.
"Who told you to use that tone? Be more resolute, more fervent in your eyes. Treat me as your god, the master who can grant you everything, desperate enough to lick my toes. Can you do that?"
Anger flashed in Sakayanagi Arisu's eyes as she sneered.
"Heh, it seems you're quite experienced in playing with women."
"Can't say it?"
Kaoru withdrew his hand, "It appears your so-called 'a bet is a bet' doesn't amount to much. Let's end the wager here."
Sakayanagi Arisu looked at him for a moment before saying coldly: "Reverse psychology doesn't work on me."
"It's not a provocation. Compared to you, I prefer Honami and the others. With better options available, why should I fixate on you?"
Kaoru glanced at her small chest. "I don't have any particular preferences. Whether you become this maid or not makes no difference to me. Besides, when it comes to maids, I already have Kikyo."
Sakayanagi Arisu stiffened.
She tried to detect any trace of deception in Kaoru's expression but could only see a calm demeanor.
"You went through all that trouble to make me your maid, and now you don't want me anymore?"
Sakayanagi Arisu wasn't flustered; she didn't believe him. "Heh, is that really what you think?"
"Because you don't want to. Why should I force someone who's unwilling?"
Kaoru said, "I never had high expectations for this bet to begin with."
She had nothing special about her, and he had no reason to particularly care about her.
Sakayanagi Arisu understood this implication, her smile growing more strained.
"No... I never said I was unwilling..."
The girl took a deep breath. "This is a bet between us. I will be your maid until this agreement expires."
"Good. Take off your clothes and say it again, then I'll let you continue."
Kaoru didn't hold back, as if failing to do this would make him send Sakayanagi Arisu back.
Sakayanagi Arisu remained silent for a moment before beginning to undo the buttons on her clothes.