Although the trip to the maid cafe did not yield a satisfactory result, it wasn't a complete waste of time either.
At the very least, they eliminated one wrong answer, tasted some decent coffee and snacks, and got a photo with the limited-edition Maid Yukinoshita.
How could such a precious memory not be preserved with a photograph? Furthermore, with Yukinoshita Yukino's personality, it was hard to say if she would ever wear a maid outfit again in the future.
As mentioned before, there were a total of two establishments in the Chiba area with 'Angel' in their name that were open until dawn. One was the maid cafe they had already visited, and the other was the bar [Angel's Ladder] on the top floor of the Hotel Okura Royal near Kaihin-Makuhari.
Due to the bar's dress code requirements for its patrons, the four of them did not head there immediately after investigating the maid cafe, but decided to arrange another time.
Since it happened to be the weekend, they simply set the time for Sunday, the following day.
It was worth noting that Sunday was also the day the normie group had organized their study session. Yuigahama had already promised Miura Yumiko, so she couldn't break her promise. Fortunately, the study session would end in the afternoon, and the time the Service Club had agreed upon was in the evening, so there was no need to worry about a time conflict forcing her to choose between the two.
Huh? Why does this suddenly feel like having to take care of an ex's feelings while also managing her current life?
"Hey, Yui, after the study session, want to come over to my place? I recently bought some new clothes and wanted you to help me check them out," Miura Yumiko invited her.
"I guess I can, but I can't stay for too long..." Yuigahama thought about it and didn't refuse.
After all, after the study session ended, there was still a gap of a few hours before the time they had agreed to meet, so there was plenty of time.
"Is it the Service Club again?" Hearing Yuigahama's words, Miura immediately guessed the reason she couldn't stay long.
After all, if it were family matters, she would usually say so directly. If she didn't state the reason, it was most likely related to the Service Club.
"Yeah, we're planning to go to a bar tonight."
"?"
Miura Yumiko suspected she had misheard. She rested one hand on her forehead and gestured with the other for Yuigahama to slow down. "Wait, hold on, did I hear that right? Yukinoshita and the others invited you to a bar?"
"Yeah. It's supposed to be a pretty high-class bar, and you have to wear formal attire to get in." Speaking of this, Yuigahama felt a little troubled. What kind of outfit would be considered formal?
Her school uniform?
Actually, she could borrow a formal dress from her mom, but the problem was she didn't have a suitable reason. She couldn't just say, 'I'm going to a bar that requires a formal dress, please lend me one,' could she?
The Yuigahama who would dare say that to her mom would get a thumbs-up. The mom who wouldn't break her legs would get a thumbs-down.
"That sounds decent enough," Miura Yumiko said with a sigh of relief. If her friend were being dragged to some shady bar, she would have stopped her no matter what.
Come to think of it, with that Yukinoshita's personality, how could she possibly go to a shady bar? The fact that she was going to a bar at all was already surprising enough.
"Why is your Service Club suddenly going to a bar?" she asked curiously.
"It's for a request. I can't tell you the details; it's still in the investigation stage," Yuigahama said, strictly adhering to the confidentiality agreement.
Miura Yumiko pondered for a moment, then asked, "By the way, have you thought about what you're going to wear?"
"Hmm... a short jacket with an off-the-shoulder top, and skinny hot pants with high-heeled sandals on the bottom?"
This was the most formal-looking combination she could come up with at the moment. After all, the only thing in her wardrobe that could be considered formal was her school uniform.
As expected, upon hearing her words, Miura Yumiko sighed and rested her head in her hand. "How is that formal attire?"
"Mmm..." Yuigahama lowered her head. So it really wouldn't work?
Seeing her pitiful look, Miura's mother hen instincts kicked in again. She looked her up and down, compared her figure to her own, and after some consideration, said, "We have about the same body shape. Come to my place, and I'll put together a presentable formal outfit for you."
"Eh? Really?"
"It's just a few clothes. As long as you don't mind, it's fine. By the way, what's the name of the bar you're going to? Different bars have different dress code requirements. You can check that on their official website," Miura said.
"Bars have official websites?" Yuigahama was surprised.
"Normal ones usually don't, but a high-class bar like the one you mentioned definitely would. They cater to a different clientele. Plus, having a website sounds more high-end and fits the bar's vibe. Any decent-sized bar would have one."
"Yumiko, you know so much! The name of the bar is [Angel's Ladder], it's at..." Yuigahama suddenly couldn't remember the specific location. She was about to take out her phone to check and tell her.
But unexpectedly, Miura Yumiko finished her sentence. "The one on the top floor of the Hotel Okura Royal?"
Looking at the address on her phone, which was exactly as Miura had said, Yuigahama asked curiously, "Yumiko, you know it?"
"I know a little. My father often goes to that bar for business entertainment. If you're going there, I might be able to offer some help," Miura said after a thought.
[Angel's Ladder] was a high-end quiet bar. It was less of a bar and more of a social venue, mainly serving high-net-worth individuals, providing them with a less formal social setting. Sometimes it also hosted business gatherings.
After all, when it comes to business, some things are too formal to be discussed in a meeting room, and going to a karaoke box is too frivolous. Thus, bars like [Angel's Ladder] were born.
Thanks to the relaxing atmosphere created by its exquisite decor, many people also liked to go there for a small gathering with friends after work.
As for why Miura knew so much, it was because her father's company had held a party there once. Out of curiosity, she had begged him to take her to see it. Of course, it was just to see. She was still underage at the time. After satisfying her curiosity, her mother had dragged her downstairs to the hotel spa.
Additionally, her father was a high-level member of that bar and a friend of the owner. With this connection, she could provide some convenience if they needed to ask any questions.
Of course, there was another reason. Miura also wanted to visit that bar again. Previously, she had only been able to look around because she was underage. Now that she was of age, she naturally wanted to experience it. Not to mention, her good friend Yuigahama Yui would be going with her.
And then there was Yukinoshita. Miura Yumiko felt that with her 'home field advantage,' she might be able to win one back!
Yuigahama relayed this to Mori Shinra and the others via her phone. After getting their approval, Miura Yumiko joined the team.