—Hayasaka... wuwu... the president saw me naked... wuwu...
In the parlor, Shinomiya Kaguya burst into tears and sobbed to Hayasaka Ai, who was accompanying her.
—Yes, yes, it's alright, miss. Anyway, your figure isn't anything special. Perhaps Master Natsukawa won't care and will forget it in an instant—Hayasaka Ai replied indifferently.
Based on her understanding of her lady, she knew that consoling her directly was useless. Only by diverting the topic to something that mattered to her could she calm her down. And Kaguya has always been especially sensitive about her figure.
—The number... is nothing...
Kaguya murmured, immediately thinking of Fujiwara Chika. That night she slept with her, she almost suffocated. She's the same height, but weighs much more. It must be all that useless fat, both in front and behind.
—Wow!
This depressed her even more. She wished big breasts would disappear from the world.
Hayasaka held her forehead and tried another approach.
—If you keep making so much noise, I'm afraid that when Master Natsukawa passes by, he'll think some resentful woman has escaped and want to come in for a look.
—Don't do that at all!
This time, Kaguya reacted for real. Having private photos exposed is one thing, but if the president saw her crying... he'd think she loves him.
Just seeing the pajama photos already makes her unbearable. And if the president said she looked cute...
She must never hear that.
—Hey, Hayasaka, do you have a device that can make someone forget their memories for a while?
—Miss Kaguya, I'm an ordinary maid, not a man in black with alien technology. Please don't make it difficult for me.
Hayasaka Ai felt her patience running out.
—It's just a pajama photo. It's not a traumatic experience. Besides, only Master Natsukawa has seen it. Maybe it'll even spark his fantasies about you.
The photos were carefully selected. They showed youthful charm without revealing too much. They were perfect.
Although her tone was sarcastic, Hayasaka carefully observed Kaguya. Although embarrassed, she didn't seem angry. She wasn't really opposed to the matter, she just couldn't accept Kanade seeing her like that.
That wasn't so bad. It made her feel more at ease. She wouldn't be ashamed of having given that advice to her lady or of having exposed her.
—Easy for you to say. It's not like you've been seen naked!
—Only you care about that. I wouldn't hesitate for a second.
Hayasaka didn't mind if Kanade saw her. Anyway, it was impossible for her to look as useless as Kaguya.
Kaguya curled her lips, unconvinced.
In the end, Hayasaka only talked. Last time she promised to help her talk to the president, but nothing happened. She even took several days off afterward. She no longer knew how to approach Kanade.
Hayasaka is the worst.
Even though she's clumsy and incompetent, Kaguya cares about her. She helped her overcome her blocks, but she doesn't know what impact reality will have.
—Hayasaka, do you think the president would think I'm that type of frivolous girl who flirts with everyone?
—Don't worry, miss. Master Natsukawa will think you're an idiot who doesn't even know how to use a smartphone.
Kaguya is a disaster with technology, and Kanade knows that well.
She switched her old flip phone for a smartphone just to add Kanade's line. Hayasaka taught her the basics and warned her not to touch anything else.
Hayasaka had it all clear. That's why she could plan it. She even anticipated both of their reactions.
She knew that if she didn't take drastic measures, given Kaguya's pace, they wouldn't achieve a real relationship even after graduation.
And since she discovered that the person Kanade liked was her—not Kaguya—that idea became even stronger.
Fortunately, she is a diligent and responsible maid. She won't leave before fulfilling her duty and winning her lady's affection.
For Hayasaka Ai, Kaguya Shinomiya is not only her master and object of loyalty, but also like a sister. Until she finds happiness, she can't let go of her heart or seek it for herself.
But every time she realizes that helping her conquer Kanade means pushing him away from the one he truly likes, her stomach hurts.
She doesn't know how much longer she can endure it. Before, when she didn't know the truth, she could cooperate without reservation. Now, whatever she does, she feels sorry for Kanade.
But she has no choice. Kaguya is the one she wants to help. She has to do everything for her. Unless... unless Kaguya fails again and again. Then she'll have no choice but to act on her own.
—Hayasaka? Are you listening?
—Ah? Yes, I'm here. What do you wish, miss?
—You look a little strange. Maybe you didn't rest enough...
Kaguya changed the subject.
—Now that I think about it, Hayasaka, how did you know what just happened? I don't think I told you...
—I saw the photo on your phone when I went to pick you up. I guessed it.
—And what about that photo of mine?
—It was caused by an incorrect operation.
—Really?
—Yes, I'm completely sure.
Kaguya looked at her doubtfully. Was she deceiving her?
But she trusts Hayasaka one hundred percent. She believes she would never betray her. No matter what happens, she has to leave her cowardice behind and keep attacking the president.
One day, she'll make Kanade confess his love to her with a face full of tenderness.
Hehehe...