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As the November night rolled by, the first signs of snow began to fall. Sounds of laughter and general chatter are heard from the brightly lit hotel ballroom along with the faint tunes of a jazz band. A woman in her late 30s dressed ready for a prom started to pace back and forth in front of the hotel. Her husband equally well dressed and only a few years older, tried to comfort her.
The woman panicked with worry, "What will happen to my Bookins? When will he get here?"
Her husband could only provide words of comfort, "Don't worry. I hired the best courier service I could find."
"The best courier service you could find? But none of the companies will accept delivery of live animals."
"Please calm down. Don't get mad when I say this, but I hired the best bike courier service in the country."
The woman became enraged, "A bike courier service? Are you mad? He would take days to get here. My Bookins would get thirsty then hungry then he would need a bath and what would happen if..."
On the quiet urban road, a small light became visible and was slowly growing in size. A lone bicycle came zooming from the distance and screeched to a stop in front of a hotel. The rider, exhausted, took off his helmet and revealed his sweaty blue hair. He put on his best smile as he delivered his precious cargo.
He removed a pet carrier from the bike. The barking inside the cage became louder as the dog sniffed a familiar scent.
The woman quickly snatched the cage from the courier and opened it, revealing a Pomeranian who quickly jumped into her owner's hands.
The man overwhelmed with gratitude quickly thanked the courier, "Thanks a lot. I don't know how much longer my wife could stand without her dog."
The courier laughed, "Glad to be of service. What was with the sudden request?"
"Ah... me and my wife had to attend a party all the way north in Sapporo. I knew she couldn't stand being without her dog. I knew it was a bad idea to leave it at a pet day care centre. Wait, aren't we all the way north on Hokkaido? How did you get here so fast?"
"I guess I'm not called the fastest bike courier service for nothing."
"Getting here in a few hours? That was simply amazing. Maybe my company can sponsor you for the Tour De France."
"Tour De France? I'm afraid I'll have to refuse. I'm just a teenage kid after all."
"What a shame, I have a hunch you just might win it. Thanks anyway. Here's your pay." He handed a stack of banknotes to the courier.
The courier graciously accepted it and prepared to mount his bike.
The man halted him, "Wait! That was just an odd request, at least let us offer a bit of thanks other than your pay. You look hungry. Maybe we can offer you a good meal?"
Hayate smiled, "Sounds delicious sir, but I have to refuse. I have another part-time job waiting for me in Tokyo and the shift starts in a few hours. Have a nice day sir."
The bike accelerated into the horizon.
Hayate parked his bike in front of a three-storey apartment block. The streets were quiet and the crescent moon was in clear sight. If one were to guess the time, it would be around 2 AM.
He sighed, "Seems like I rode all the way back to Tokyo to get fired. More and more companies are catching on that I'm lying about my age and I have zero contact with my parents. At least my self-run courier service is going well. I might make just enough money for the both of us to live comfortably."
He gazed up to the apartment where he had parked his bike. There were 3 floors, each consisted of 5 equally sized rooms. The steel stairs on the left provided access the upper 2 floors. The white paint had long faded and there was chipping at many locations. Any look left or right of the building would reveal a few more of the same dull building. He had just parked in front of a dull and grey apartment building, which gave an eerie similarity to Hayate's former home. One where he lived with not-so-smart parents.
Hayate chained his bike to the railing given and secured the lock. Thieves were not uncommon around this low-cost residential area. He climbed up the steel steps to the third floor and walked past 2 rooms. He arrived at the room in the middle and knocked on the door.
There was no response.
Nevertheless he retrieved a key from his pocket and proceeded to unlock the door.
"I'm home!" he exclaimed as he removed his shoes near the door. He paused for a moment to wait for any response. None came.
None of the lights had been turned on, leaving the apartment room covered in darkness. Despite that, Hayate could still navigate his way through. The house only had 2 rooms, save the kitchen. There wasn't much in the way of furniture. The kitchen had all the bare necessities which already came with the apartment. The room located left of Hayate was located closer to the door, but it had nothing but a bed sheet for furniture.
A dim light crept from the second room further away as Hayate headed for that room. Sounds are heard, but raspy and poor in quality as if they came from a cheap TV. There were loud clicks, like someone was banging and pressing hard on a controller. A figure sat in front of the TV and was dimly lit by it. The rest of the room was in darkness, but she didn't care. She was too focused on her game.
Hayate fumbled for the switch on the wall, and eventually found it. The room was suddenly flooded with light. The figure squirmed around, like the light burned her skin, or it just broke her concentration.
Nagi screamed, "Hayate! Don't turn on the light like that!"
Hayate quickly apologized, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
She dismissed it, "Whatever. I'm playing here. Don't disturb me."
He didn't heed her warning, and walked to the console to turn it off. He said, "I'm sorry, but little girls shouldn't be awake during this hour."
Nagi said, "I don't have school anyway. Let me do what I want." She reached to open the console again.
This time Hayate reached to turn both the TV and the video game console off as he said, "It's bad for your health to be playing for so long. You should take a rest milady."
"Don't call me that!" Angered, Nagi threw the controller at Hayate. "Mistress! Milady! Don't call me that any more!"
"I'm sorry. I'm just so used to saying that."
"I'm not your mistress any more! That 150 million debt you had with me is now gone! Why are you still here? You're a free man now. Just go!"
She started to sob, "Please, just go."
He moved to sit beside the sobbing girl and embraced her to comfort her.
She tried to rub away her tears, "I've been crying a lot lately haven't I?"
"It's been a rough week, but we'll pull through. Together."
"Let me ask you nicely this time. Why are you still here Hayate?"
"Whether I have a debt to you or not does not matter. Whether you have an inheritance or not does not matter. You are Nagi Sanzenin. I am Hayate Ayasaki, your butler. I'll be here as long as you need me."
"Thanks Hayate." She asked, "Do you really think I'm spoiled?"
He answered, "When I first met you, you really seemed like a spoiled brat."
"..."
He continued, "Later I've come to accept you are you are though milady. In the end, you are a good person."
"I really should try to improve myself shouldn't I?"
"I'm sure if mistress puts her effort in, she can do anything."
She nodded, "Since my butler is working hard every day, his mistress should try equally as hard."
He nodded in agreement.
Nagi yawned, "I really should be sleeping right now."
The butler smiled, "My pleasure to help. I'll beside you, always."
John sat in quiet complementation as he flipped through the last few pages of an aged book. The room was large enough to house several families, but was home only to a desk and chair and a few other pieces of sculpture and artwork. The room was dimly lit only by the crescent moon, save for a desk light. He put the book in a pile of a few similar books on the desk.
He thought, "The only books I could find were on the early history of the Sanzenin family. And all grandfather ever did was mumble about how he 'lost what was rightfully his' and never got into the details. Speaking of him, it's only a matter of time before the geezer finds out I succeeded. It would be a shame to give all this power to him."
The phone at the desk rang. He quickly picked it up.
"Yes?"
A female voice responded, almost secretary-like, "The orchestra is ready sir. What do you have in mind?"
"I assume the soloist is there as well?"
"Yes sir."
He informed her, "Good. Let them start with Beethoven's Piano Concerto No.5"
"Right away sir. I'll broadcast it over the PA system."
"Thank you."
John relaxed as the orchestra played it's first chord. He smiled as he thought, "Ah... E-flat major, the best key for an emperor. So this is what money can do. Why ever listen to a CD when you have your own personal band?"
The female voice ranged from the phone again, "Sorry to interrupt sir."
"What is it?"
"The heads of family are here sir."
"Good, I shall make my way to the meeting room then. Also, have a few dozen people look around the libraries. Have them look for any additional books on the Sanzenin family history."
"I'll get right to that sir."
He placed the phone back on the receiver and made his way to the door, which was promptly opened by a butler standing guard. The butler made no expression or remark. Only a bow was made to the master passing through.
The whispers and murmurs of tense conversation only grew louder as John strode on his way to the meeting room. The corridor and the meeting room itself was located in the upper parts of the castle, but only was partially lit. Each antique looking light bulb was spaced out a few meters away. Given the size of the castle and the possibility of many other buildings on the mansion grounds, it was a miracle to keep the whole place cleaned and maintained. Typically, the meeting room reserved for such occasions usually remained unused for decades on end. It would require a momentous occasion to summon so many influential people to one place.
The chatter shut as the butler guarding the door announced John's arrival. Contrary to a typical meeting room with a central table and chairs, this certain meeting room was essentially one long rectangular room that stretched a great distance horizontally.
John did not see any faces, just many dozens of paper screens. A silhouette was seen on each screen, confirming that they were people behind them. The family heads were kept anonymous, save a family name or crest on the screen itself. Each person had an entourage of a trusted servant or a few. All of them sat in quiet contemplation beside the screens, waiting for any orders from their masters, if any would come.
John smiled to greet the blank faces that stared at him, "Greetings, you must be wondering why I summoned you all here?"
The voice of an elderly male shouted, "Who are you? What are you doing here? Where's Mikado?"
"Excellent question." John answered. "I have sad news. Mikado Sanzenin is no longer with us today. Unfortunately his granddaughter has been deemed unworthy, of receiving the inheritance. So I shall take that burden instead. I'm sure he would be content with that."
The man responded, "Tch. To disappear suddenly like that, it's not like Mikado to do that. Shame he only has that bratty girl for a true blood relative."
A servant quickly understood his master's wishes and unfolded the screen to allow the man out, breaking the anonymity.
The elderly man eyed John for a great period of time. "How are you related to him anyway? I don't remember seeing you anywhere."
"I'm closely related enough to receive the inheritance. I'm sure that satisfies your question."
The elderly man spat on the ground. "I'm probably even more related to him than you are. Why do you have the inheritance anyway? It better off be with someone like me."
"I guessed you would say that. Your family values blood ties above all. You best shut up now old man. You know what happens when you anger the Sanzenins."
The man gritted his teeth together, clearly trying to hold back his irritation. "Fine. I'll tolerate you, for now. I've managed to stay on Mikado's good side for all these years. I'll stay on yours for the time being."
"Thank you, and you best stay there." John said with a mocking tone.
John continued, "For those of you with some wit, I'm sure you already deduced why I summoned you all here. I am Mr. Sanzenin now, no dispute. And all of you better stay in line while I enjoy the fruit of my toils."
He prepared to turn around and leave the room, but paused for a moment to think.
John said, "That reminds me. I'm sure some of you have children or grandchildren who are friends with the former heir. This might irritate you a little, but you are to prohibit them from making any 'generous donations' to her. She needs to be taught a little lesson. I'm sure you'll comply, right?"
Nagi slowly opened her eyes as the light started to creep up her face. The room she was sleeping in only had a small single window facing east. The morning sun had finally risen over the neighbouring building and shined its rays through the window straight at the centre of the room. While the rest of the room remained in relative darkness, Nagi slept on what was now a single brightly lit spot. Annoyed, she tried her best to cover her head with the pillow only for her head to meet with a thin mattress rather than a large, comfortable bed she was used to.
After preparing food in the kitchen, Hayate the butler decided it was a good time to wake his lady up.
"Mistress, breakfast is ready." Hayate courteously announced.
Nagi only squirmed a little in bed and did not respond with words.
"You did say you wanted to improve yourself mistress? We can start by waking up a little earlier."
Giving up, Nagi finally raised her head from the pillow and thus began the now poor mistress' day. She rubbed her eyes as her hair sprang into wild, untidy curls.
Almost instinctively, she called out, "Maria! I'm going to take a bath, can you help me?"
A period of silence followed as she started to realize the maid's absence.
She shook away any feeling of sadness or attachment, "Umm... Hayate can you help..."
The butler gave an equally blank look back.
Her face turned red as she dismissed the thought of bathing with a member of the opposite sex.
"I'll... help myself." She said.
"That's good," he responded. "I took a look at the water heater. The water should be fine now."
Satisfied, Nagi grabbed a fresh change of clothes and locked the bathroom tight. Currently they did not have much in the way of clothes though. There were a few t-shirts and shorts available in Nagi's size and Hayate just had his butler uniform.
The butler went back to his morning chores, but before he could progress any further...
"Hayate! The water's cold!"
Hayate turned off the gas stove and carried a plate containing eggs and toast to the nearby table where Nagi was sitting.
"Hayate?" She asked.
"Yes Lady Nagi?" Hayate delightfully responded.
"Do you have to leave for work again?"
"Unfortunately, yes I have to in a few hours, " he frowned.
"So I'll be alone again..."
"Yes, isn't that what you've always liked?"
"I did but... things just seem different now."
"I'll come back as quickly as possible then."
"Thanks. I wonder where everyone is though? We haven't seen them yet," She asked.
"Our friends..." Hayate pondered, "We're on the other side of town right now so it's quite unlikely that they'll find us here."
"Can't we just call them? Like call Maria right now or something."
"I think we can, but not right now. Thankfully I can still remember many of our friend's phone numbers. The phone company still hasn't sorted out the phone line yet and we're quite short on cash right now. I'm not sure if we have enough spare for a mobile phone."
"We're short on cash? Even though Hayate was working so hard?"
"Well..." Hayate looked over at the video game console in the other room.
"Let's just say we bought something unnecessary," he said.
"Right..." Nagi blushed, realizing her mistake.
"Thanks anyway Hayate," she smiled.
"Thanks for what?" asked a bemused Hayate.
"Thanks for working so hard to take care of me. I'll try to repay that someday."
"There's no need. You saved me from the brink. I still have that debt to repay you," he nodded.
He continued, "Food's getting cold though. How about we try to find everyone tomorrow? I'll ask for a day off all my part time jobs."
"Sounds great!" She exclaimed.
He asked, "Lady Nagi, apple or orange juice?"
As Nagi was finishing her breakfast, a knock rang from the door.
"This is strange. We've never had guests or visitors before," he thought.
"Please stay here," warned Hayate. "I'll go answer the door."
Another knock, this time much louder. He paused for a moment to see what the person outside the door would do next.
A gruffy male voice shouted, "I know you're in there! Please open the door! Otherwise I might enter without permission!"
Hayate relented and turned the knob to the door. Three men were at the door all wearing black and brown suits. One or two had distinctive scars on their faces.
The man in the front politely greeted Hayate, "Good morning new resident. We apologize for bothering you at such an early time. Mind if we come in?"
Hayate merely stared blankly and gave no response.
"No is fine. We can talk at the door," the man continued. "Do you have a few minutes?"
Hayate shook his head.
"It won't take long," said the man in an assuring voice. "We come from a chivalrous cause. These are dangerous times. Common thieves are rife, especially in these parts and the police is not always dependable."
"I already know that and we can take care of ourselves thank you very much," said Hayate dismissively.
"That's not it. You don't see the point." The man's tone changed slightly. "You see, all we need is a little donation and then we can provide all the security you need."
"And what do you mean by 'little donation'?"
"Just 10,000 yen for a start, might increase a little next month though."
"Sorry, not interested." Hayate proceeded to slam the door shut.
A hand grabbed the closing door, preventing it from slamming shut. The man's voice became angry and threatening.
"It's not like you have much of a choice young man," he said. He pried the door open to let his two colleagues in. The two men stand in Hayate's face, clearly trying to intimidate him.
"I suggest you leave now. This is your last warning," said Hayate.
The leader made his way into the room not concerned with the warning.
He grabbed Hayate's collar, "You sure sound high and mighty for a kid your age. Do you..."
The man quickly noticed the full extent and colours of Hayate's clothing.
"Don't tell me you are..."
"Yes, I'm a butler." Hayate answered.
Violence broke out as Hayate easily overpowered all three men and tossed two of them out the door, leaving the leader at Hayate's mercy at the door way.
The butler picked the man from the ground by his coat.
"I suggest you leave now," warned Hayate.
Conceding the man began to crawl backwards, "Al right, al right. I'll contact you later."
Suddenly, Nagi appeared as she peered through the corner after she heard the sounds of conflict.
"Hayate? What's wrong?"
She gasped as she saw the man on the floor and Hayate towering over him. The door was wide open and there were two more men who were just beginning to recover.
The leader still in Hayate's grasp quickly saw the blonde girl.
Seeing a possible hostage he shouted, "A girl? Quick! Get her!"
One of the downed men quickly got up and ran past the door straight for Nagi.
No! I'm not failing her again!
A large hook landed on the man's face as he ran past Hayate, instantly knocking him out. The man flew into the nearby room wall and left a large dent on the wall.
The remaining two men were paralysed with fear and did nothing to help or save him. Hayate simply walked forward to the unconscious man, picked him up and threw him into the rest of the Mafia. They said nothing and ran away panicked out the door carrying their fallen friend with them.
Visibly frustrated, Hayate panted heavily for a few more seconds.
Nagi slowly approached him, "Are you al right Hayate?"
Hayate took one last deep breath before he responded, "I'm fine. Are you okay milady?"
"I'm unhurt thanks to you. The eggs were delicious. Mind if I ask for seconds?"
"My pleasure."
Before Hayate could grab another pair of eggs from the refrigerator, another sound rang from the doorway but this time it was a doorbell rather than a loud knock.
Hayate sighed, "Are they back for more?"
"Be careful," she warned. "They could be more of them this time."
Hayate opened the door and bluntly said, "I said we're not interested. Please go away."
The maid seemed saddened and turned away saying, "If you two are happy leaving with each other on your own, I'll find somewhere else then."
Nagi ran towards the door, delighted at the person who was there and hugged the maid. "Maria! I missed you so much!"
Maria said nothing and instead comforted the little girl.
Hayate asked, "Nice to see you Maria. How did you find us here?"
"I spent the last week finding you. It took a while," Maria responded. "I think I saw you on your bike one day in this part of town."
"You were finding us? Didn't you have a job back at the mansion?"
"Well..." Maria thought back to the not too distant past.
"Hold on for a second." John stopped a maid who was in the middle of doing housework.
"What do you need master?" Maria said.
"Your name is Maria am I correct?" he asked.
"Yes master," she answered.
"Would you mind doing me a little favour? It might be a little embarrassing."
"Of course, what is it?"
John showed Maria something that immediately horrified her. "I tried incorporating a maid uniform and a 1 piece swimsuit together. Would you try it?"
"Err..." Maria was at a lost of words.
"I've resigned..." Maria confessed to Hayate.