Please enjoy reading and please review. All thoughts, criticism, suggestions, questions are welcome. Thanks to geororo for beta-reading and discussion, and for a small idea of his I've used.
When the moon was in clear sight, it became obvious that the hour was growing late into the late hours of twilight. Only a small portion of the moonlight was able to shine through the small, slit windows. The atmosphere was dark, and damp. Many of the bookshelves and the books in them had not seen daylight for a very long time.
John sat near an antique, hardwood desk. The chair he attempted to recline on was equally stained and aged. With a strong blow, he attempted to remove most of the dust that had accumulated on the manuscript he was holding. A cloud of dust sprung up which quickly brought a rough cough. Flipping through it, the pages were wrinkled with various shades of yellow and brown.
The master brushed off some of the dust that settled on his pyajamas. With a sharp frown, John denied, "No, this is not it."
He placed the old book among a pile of many on the desk. A fate that awaited all of them were many years of being forgotten and unread in a dark corner of the study.
Three loud knocks echoed from the other end of the study. John shouted at the top of his lungs in an attempt to get his voice across the heavy oak door, "Yes? Come in!"
The dull brass doorknob turned slowly. An aged male face poked his head through the gap. An elderly butler stepped through the door. A large bald spot among a mess of white, short hair distinguished him from other elderly butlers in the Sanzenin's service. A colleague of Klaus' perhaps.
He bowed sincerely for the potential disruption, "My apologies Master John for disturbing you in the middle of your own important matters."
"Yes, yes," John wiped his hand over his face. His tone told a small tale of being bored with all the sincerities. "Why are you here?"
The elderly butler bowed in apology again before speaking, "I believe I have found what you are looking for sir."
He handed John a small book. There are very few signs of dust or grime on it. Perhaps it had been cleaned off before being presented to his master. The pages were much more white and new compared to the antique manuscripts that lie on the desk.
"What is this?" John inquired. The cover was only adorned with red leather and there were no letters or words to indicate a title.
"Recent family history," the butler proudly answered. "I found this locked up in a desk in a random room. I must say your orders to search everywhere have paid off."
"Thank you for your service," John's eyes lit up as he snatched the book from the butler. "You may go."
"There is one more thing sir," the butler added, sincere tone still intact. "I believe a certain someone you may know called. He claims to be your grandfather."
"My what?" John questioned with disbelief.
"Your grandfather sir. I was not sure either," the butler replied. "Currently I have him on hold. Shall I redirect the call to your phone sir?"
John's mind raced as he tried to quick of his next action. He thought, "My grandfather? He can't possibly have discovered that I got the inheritance so quickly. I'm not ready to lose all this luxury yet! But I can't just hang up either."
John agreed with a sigh, "Yes, redirect the call to my phone please."
"Of course sir," the butler nodded. "If I may, I would like to leave you to your personal conversation."
The large oaken door closed with a loud thud. In a dilemma, John's hand shook as he slowly tried to move his mobile phone to his ear.
He could only speak with a weak voice as he gathered his courage, "Hello?"
"Johnny!"
The voice that responded over the receiver was much warmer with a clear tone of affection.
"Grandpa?"
"How long it's been? Do you like Japan?"
"It's been 5 months and 23 days since I took the plane. Japan is very nice."
"How's school then? Did you make any friends?"
"Hakou is very nice. I made a few friends."
"That reminds me of my days in school. School was not even compulsory and I was a bit of a delinquent. Did I tell you the story when I tried to run away from school?"
"Yes, you told me that."
"I remember you can be quite a bit of a spender Johnny. Is your allowance enough?"
"It's plenty grandpa."
"If only I had a lot more money that we have right now. That reminds me of another story. Did I tell you the story when..."
"Yes you did. Love you grandpa."
John promptly pushed the end call button and silenced the phone. He did not desire any other disturbances and annoyances even less.
He took a brief look at the book the butler gave him as he flipped through the pages. All of the text was handwritten. That suggested it was some kind of journal of some sort, intended for personal use or reference. The blue ink strokes indicated a quill pen, such a rarity today. He stopped when the ink ended and blank pages were all that remained.
He read what the final written page had to say, "_ Sanzenin had two sons. The elder was a brat and generally worthless. The younger was much more dependable. However, the inheritance was still set to be given to the elder. The younger brother did not stand for it..."
"Are you sure Hayate?" Maria asked, "You already cooked breakfast yesterday. Why must you be obliged to cook this morning too?"
Maria's question was slightly muffled by the sound of the sizzling of the frying pan and the oil, but Hayate was able to understand clearly it enough. He carefully turned off the gas stove before he answered, "I just felt like it this morning after checking the stock in the refrigerator. You can cook Lady Nagi's breakfast tomorrow Maria."
"Nagi's breakfast is another matter." Maria commented, "But you're cooking my breakfast as well?"
"Hayate," Nagi inquired, eyebrows raised in deep suspicion. She put down the manga she was reading. "Why would you be cooking for Maria?"
"A maid needs her morning energy to serve well mistress," Hayate answered. "A good breakfast is part of that. Don't fret about it. There is no way that I can neglect your breakfast as well."
He graciously served Nagi the breakfast he was cooking earlier. She quickly peered her gaze over the plate to see what her butler thought was the most suitable breakfast for that morning.
"Only one fried egg?" Nagi noticed and quickly made a point out of it. "I thought you would always serve me two. Maria also makes two fried eggs if she's serving me it."
Hayate startled for a moment at Nagi's question. He made many uncomfortable-looking faces as he searched for the best possible answer.
"You know..." Hayate stammered, "I thought mistress was on a diet, so I thought I might reduce portion sizes a little."
"Reduce portions a little?" Nagi said bluntly, "Reducing 2 eggs to 1 is a 50 percent reduction, which would be far from a little. That is not the point though. I am not on a diet either. My current weight is a satisfactory and healthy weight."
"Really?" Hayate tried to make his best fake surprised face. He continued to try to convince Nagi, "How stupid of me to just suddenly assume that Mistress Nagi was on a diet."
"People can be wrong sometimes," Nagi pointed out. She picked up the plate and handed it back to Hayate, "Can I have a second egg please?"
"No," Hayate shook his head. "I'm afraid not mistress."
"Why not?"
"I'm afraid we're out of chicken eggs."
"Why didn't you buy more then?" Nagi asked. "I remember in the past you did not hesitate to go to the closest supermarket to buy more if something was out of stock."
"The supermarket was closed mistress," Hayate kept answering no.
"Many supermarkets nowadays are open 24/7."
"I just couldn't. I really couldn't."
"Why then?" Nagi asked, "Please stop lying Hayate. It's very obvious that you are. Your facial expressions are disagreeing with you."
Hayate let out a deep, mournful sigh. "I guess there's no point keeping it from you any longer then." He gathered his courage and admitted, "We're out of money."
"What?" Nagi looked surprised. "What happened to savings?"
"Why you did not tell me either Hayate?" Maria added.
"They're all gone," Hayate said. "Seems it really is difficult supporting 3 people at once. I should have listened more to you. The money I earn is on a day-to-day basis and I was fired from a job yesterday. I have not found one to replace it yet, so the money I earn daily is reduced a lot."
"Well that's bad," Nagi frowned. "How much do we have left?"
Hayate peered into his pocket. The only thing that greeted him was the sound of a few coins jingling. He replied, "Only 12 yen left."
"I think it's about time we seek help Hayate," Nagi suggested. "I have a few friends I might be able to borrow from."
"I'm not sure if relying on others will be a good thing," Hayate disagreed. "That would only create more debt in the future."
"Forget about it. You know my friends Hayate," Nagi said, "I'm sure a few of them won't mind if they don't see the money returned."
"That's some wishful thinking mistress. Let's think ahead about a scenario where we cannot borrow any money."
"That's not difficult to handle either. I'll just work part-time to help you."
"School girls should just focus on their studies mistress. Please leave the working to people who don't have school."
"Why are you so stubborn about this?" Nagi moaned.
"Well...I..." Hayate stammered for a proper answer.
"Forget about it. What about Maria?" Nagi suggested, "Can she be of any help?"
"Now that I think of it," Hayate pondered. "I've spoken about this with Maria yesterday. She would be happy to help a bit with the income."
A doorbell. The student council president was on time as she should be. What a good example.
Hayate handed Nagi her school bag as he prepared to say goodbye to her until the evening. "I'll talk this with Maria. Your lunch should also be your bag. Mistress should just focus on what is ahead and concentrate on paying attention in class."
After Nagi left through the door, Hayate turned clean up the table and the dishes on it. After doing so the table should be blank, save for the manga book that Nagi was reading. He told himself as he picked it up to put it back among Nagi's new small, but growing manga collection.
Instead, he took a seat himself and started to read from page one.
Maria questioned Hayate. "Don't you have a job to go to in the morning?"
"Let's see..." Hayate said. "Today is a Tuesday. I work part-time so my shifts are irregular. No one has requested my courier service today or this week either. I was fired from the regular job that was supposed to occupy the afternoon as well. When I think about it, it turns out that I have nothing today. I would like to get job-hunting today, if our financial situation doesn't resolve."
Maria discussed, "Wasn't Nagi's first suggestion to borrow money from others?"
"Yes? What about it?" Hayate inquired.
"I kind of agree with her."
"I'm reluctant to agree, but I'll go along with it since you are agreeing with it Maria."
"I'm glad we don't have to argue," the maid smiled at Hayate's positive agreement.
"The first and only people that come to mind are Nagi's friends." Hayate pondered with Maria. "How should be get in touch with them? Phone maybe?"
"They should be commuting to Hakou and their respective schools I think. They should be hurrying. Better not bother them at that time."
"That's true. Does anything come to mind? Do you want to wait until they finish school?"
"I already finished the few household chores this morning. I'm not up for waiting like a NEET all morning and afternoon. Say Hayate..." Maria's expression suddenly lit up with enthusiasm, "Are you up for a visit to Hakou?"
"Eh?" Hayate was confused at the suggestion. "Where are you going with this? Can we even enter?"
"I see no problems," Maria pointed out. "You should still be enrolled. I'm a graduate, former student council president and I finished as a valedictorian as well. Of course I'm welcome at all times..."
Abruptly Maria's train of thought was stopped cold when she thought of the last time she gave Hakou Academy a visit. She had attracted quite a large portion of the student body even with a good disguise. Good thing she did not run into any teachers who might have recognized her back then. "There's the matter of attracting attention though," she sighed.
"You speak almost as if you've visited Hakou recently." Hayate said. "When I think back now, I met someone like who looked very much like you one day. Or did I actually meet you..."
"Stop it right there!" Maria shouted, fully intending to stop Hayate from remembering their encounter in the elevator. "How about we consider something else?"
"But your suggestion to go to Hakou was very good." Hayate stayed on the same subject and was not swayed at Maria's urge to move on to something else. "At least it's a good place to start. I can already think of a few people I could ask."
"And you intend to barge into school as yourself?" Maria still tried to persuade Hayate otherwise. "No disguises or anything? You should have been missing for a week, what if someone notices you and bashes you about it?"
"I have no concerns. I skipped school out of necessity. If I meet any staff, I can explain everything with no fear. I'm sure they'll understand."
"Seems I cannot soften that kind of resolve," Maria gave up. "So you fully intend to march right in?"
"Of course," Hayate confirmed, "I'll wait until lunch and I'll ask the people I need to. Are you coming with me?"
"I'm already set for leaving the house. So I guess I should. Do you want to go dressed as a butler?"
"I do have a set of causal clothes now. Butlers are a common sight in Hakou though. I won't stand out. What about you Maria?"
"I think I might have thought of something brilliant," Maria grinned mischievously. "Unlike you, I did bring most of my clothing when I left the mansion. Good thing I brought that, I knew I would have to use it again. Please wait a few moments."
Hayate was left to ponder for a few minutes. Finally the sound of the door latch unlocking signalled that Maria was finished. She emerged from the closed door dressed in the Hakou female uniform. The swirly nerd glasses completed the 'disguise'.
Hayate came to a sudden realization, "I remember now! I did meet you back at Hakou! So you really like cosplaying."
"I don't!" Maria denied, "I'm a young healthy seventeen year-old. I was a Hakou student! I'm not pretending to be something I'm not!"
The two arrived at the entrance to Hakou. They had spent a small amount of time deliberating how to go to Hakou. Taxi would have costed a lot. By bus would take a long time. Walking was out of the question. In the end, Hayate had his bike parked in front of the apartment. Usually it would be a very normal thing to ride a bike to Hakou with Nagi in tow on the passenger's seat. However, the ride with Maria was much more awkward and filled with silence.
After he had secured the bike properly to a parking spot, Hayate gazed at the school gate. "It hasn't been a month since I last came here," Hayate thought. "I already miss this place so much and I'm already looking at it with nostalgia. It would be nice to spend another normal school day with Nagi here."
He noticed something. The entrance was void of any security or staff. No one else expect him and Maria were within a hundred meters of it. Other students could be seen far away inside the school, but nothing except the entrance itself could be seen. It lacked it's usual guardian.
"I've got you!" A shrill battle cry came from above.
Instinctively Hayate rolled to the side. Against normal physics, the kendo sword cracked the pavement and left a small, smouldering crater on the ground. Yukiji, Hinagiku's elder sister and Hakou's gate guardian climbed out of the hole she had made.
"Not bad Hayate, you haven't lost it." Yukiji complimented.
"Are you trying to kill me?" Hayate brushed off the dust that had clung to his clothing, "What if that hit?"
"Knowing you, I didn't think it would." She confidently rubbed her nose. "How did you dodge that in time?"
"Next time, please don't scream or announce your attack beforehand. Actually, please do."
"Heh," Yukiji chuckled. She got back to her more regular duties of questioning people who were entering, "What's up Hayate? I haven't seen you for more than a week. I know it is a habit of Nagi to skip school. Has she spread it to her butler?"
"Long story if I were to explain everything." Hayate said, "You can ask your sister later if you wanted to know."
"Al right, go right in," Yukiji gestured to Hayate. She turned her attention to the second visitor who was at the gate. After a long, hard detailed look, she asked, "Who are you? You look like a student, but why are you here so late? Let me guess, did you temporarily leave school mid-day because you had some business to attend to and you are returning now?"
"She's with me," Hayate said who had not moved a step towards the school yet. "Can we enter?"
"Huh?" Yukiji seemed even more confused. "You... came here together? Hayate, why must you date so many girls at once?"
All Hayate could say was, "Many... girls?"
"Yeah," Yukiji listed. "I don't mind if you are dating my sister which I think you are. I've also spoken to Nagi. She says you and her are on the way to dating. There's also Ayumu or was it Hamster that I heard about. I heard you two spent the last Valentine's day together. And now her, the girl you came with. Hayate, what is your secret?"
"Wait!" Hayate quickly shook his head in denial, "You got it all wrong!"
An anger was building inside of Maria, "Hayate... I know you are friends with many women, but to date them all simultaneously... That is just unacceptable! You are just toying with their feelings at that point!"
Hayate tried to move from the subject as soon as possible."If you don't mind," he started to shuffle away from the people who were demanding answers from him. "I want to enter the school right now."
"Sure, I already know you well so go on right in." Yukiji turned to the Maria in disguise, "Did you come with the butler? I should have no problem. I'd just like to see your ID first though."
"Of course," Maria responded half-heartedly as she attempted to search her belongings for an ID card that might not even exist. "I wonder if I can still use this," she pondered to herself.
She presented an ID card to Yukiji. It showed great signs of age, but otherwise was clean and looked very cared for.
"Why is the picture of a cute 13 year old?" Yukiji examined it. The picture in the ID card itself and the face of the person who presented to her disagreed with each other.
"That would be me," Maria attempted to explain.
"There is a great similarity I can see," Yukiji said as she tried to take another detailed look. She flipped the ID card sideways and around. She realized that she was only looking at the portrait in the ID and looking at the other information like the name of the person could be more useful. "Maybe," she came to a sudden revelation, "Is your name Maria?"
"Yes," Maria nodded positively.
"It rings a bell. Isn't that the name of a student four years ago who graduated with honours and was probably the youngest student council president ever?"
"That would be me," Maria smiled.
"I can't really be sure if it is you or not," Yukiji said. "The glasses are obscuring your face."
"These?" Maria realized the geek glasses she was wearing. "It's past of the disguise," she said as she took them off.
"It is you! It's such an honour meeting you," Yukiji suddenly bowed in rapid succession in respect. "Do you remember me?"
"Of course I do. That demeanour and green hair, there's no mistaking you. You're Yukiji Katsura aren't you, the world history teacher."
"Haha," Yukiji chuckled. "I'm glad you remember. I must really thank you for helping me back then. I was just starting to teach and new to the job. While I was struggling guess who came to help, the student council president herself. It's a little embarrassing when a student comes to the aid of a teacher, but I wouldn't have made it without your help."
"Don't thank me so much. It's was just part of my duty as a student council president to help those in need at Hakou."
"There you go saying that it was part of your duty again," Yukiji said. "For me it's very personal, if you need any help in the future you can always ask me. I heard that you are working for Nagi and the Sanzenin household. Why are you here with the debt-ridden butler?"
"I won't forget your offer then when the need arises. Hayate is a little short of money right now so he needs..."
Hayate pulled Maria out of the conversation. He quickly stated the reason why, "Please don't mention money in front of her. I'm sure she can't help us with this anyway."
Hayate finally stopped dragging Maria when he thought they were a safe distance away from the gate. It would seem they calculated the time that they would take to travel a little wrong. There were a few steel posts along the walkway with an analogue clock on them. All of them including the clock tower in the distance told the time was half past eleven, a few dozens minute before lunch break. A few small groups of students were seen wandering around. It was probably a period that they had no lessons. Otherwise, it was far from the usual commotion that lunch hour would see. In effect, it is highly unlikely that Hayate would find Nagi and her other friends. If memory served, they should be in lessons at that moment as well.
Amongst the general quietness, it took a moment for Maria to come to the realization that Hayate was gripping her hand. She immediately pulled her hand away, and tried her best to hide the slight fluster on her face.
"Oh my," she realized. "Did we come too early? It's not even noon yet."
"Seems so," Hayate agreed.
"Why did you pull me away?" Maria asked, "I was going to be nice and help you a little by asking her. After all she is a teacher, I was sure she could help."
"Let's just say that money tends to slip through her hands like sand, and she would do almost anything to earn some more." Hayate gazed towards the clock tower in the distance, "It's highly unlikely that we'll be able to find mistress and her friends right now. I have someone in mind to ask to pass the time."
"Ding!" The elevator made it's usual chime as it opened it's doors.
"So if I ask about the person you had in mind earlier," Maria asked with a hint of annoyance. "You were thinking of her again?"
"Her?" Hayate inquired further, not understanding the question at first. "Who do you mean?"
"Who else would be in the clock tower at this time?" Maria reiterated.
"The student council president? Hinagiku? Of course I was thinking about her." Hayate stated as he walked into the elevator itself, prompting Maria to follow.
"So why her?" Maria pressed Hayate further as the elevators closed shut.
"Well..." Hayate paused as he pressed the button to the top floor. He stopped to think of an answer, "She is really helpful and dependable. I really don't want to bother her, but it's just that she was the logical choice at the time. Why are you asking me these kind of questions here again?"
Maria grinned as she grew more mischievous, "Since we are around this subject I should ask this. If these are mere rumours then please help me dispel them. Ms. Katsura was talking about you dating girls. Is there any hint of truth to this?"
"Those are all baseless claims," Hayate was quick to counter. "I don't even have the money or finance to support a girlfriend if I really wanted to have one."
"So you aren't dating anyone right now. I still wonder what did you do during the hours where you were away from the mansion in the past." Maria continued. "I don't think this is as baseless as claims that you were dating someone. Please don't lie Hayate, because your face and expression don't. Even if you couldn't date someone, you can't hide your attraction and longing for them. Tell me, who do you like?"
"There's... no one I like really." Hayate avoided eye contact with the eyes he was sure could read his mind.
As a response, Maria only angled her face slightly with a cutesy, "Really?"
That alone was enough to press more results and the truth from Hayate.
He stammered, "Well... I can't really think of Lady Nagi that way yet, but maybe in a few years. I really shouldn't even be pondering that thought."
"Go on," Maria coaxed Hayate for more answers as she knew that Hayate would give more anyway.
"I know Nishizawa-san likes me and all... If I had remained at my old school and she kept asking me, there might have been a point where I could not refuse any longer..."
"I think there's one more person in your mind."
"Hinagiku is very nice, but she's the student council president. Her life is very busy and I don't want to impact it with any unnecessary relationships. There's no way she would like me either."
"I'm glad we can share our thoughts here," Maria giggled, satisfied with what she has pulled out of Hayate.
"There's also you as well," Hayate turned to Maria, as he stopped to avoid to face her.
"Me?" Maria looked perplexed at the sudden statement.
"You're a good person and you're always in the background cleaning up after everyone. If we met under different circumstances and we're not under a working relationship, I can't say what might happen."
"You really think of me that way? I..."
The elevator shook violently, knocking both of them off their feet.
Hinagiku hummed to herself as she took a look at the next document from the pile. Alas, why must everything be bogged down in a system of bureaucracy especially with something that would be seen as trivial like a school club asking for a raise of monthly funds. Amidst the general quiet and peace of the large personal office, a sudden rumble disrupted her work. A familiar chime directed her to the elevator doors directly ahead of her. The large wooden doors were open and allowed her to see a glimpse of the elevator.
"The elevator's cranking up again? Who is it?" Hinagiku asked, projecting her voice to the elevator.
What she saw was not very pleasing to the eye.
Hayate lay on top of Maria, who was flat down on the flooring of the elevator. Their faces were too close for comfort.
"Deja-vu?" Hinagiku thought, the entire scene and chain of events were familiar.
"What are you doing Hayate?" She scolded. This time she made sure to hold down the button for the elevator panel. He was not going to escape without an explanation again.
The two promptly got off each other and brushed off their clothes for any dust that might have stuck to their clothing. They pretended to not be acquainted with each other and nothing has happened.
"Who's that?" Hinagiku said with a displeased tone, and pointed to the person standing next to Hayate.
"Ah...well... she's..." Hayate was left searching for words.
"I believe we met before, Miss President." Maria stated as she remembered the cumbersome geek glasses she had on and removed them.
"Miss Maria?" Hinagiku looked very delighted to see her, "There had been some rumours a few months ago, but let's not count that. It has been forever since a former council president has paid the school a visit. Usually, I'm a guest at Nagi's mansion and the hospitably was superb as always, but today you're my guest. What would you like? Tea? Coffee?"
"No thank you," Maria smiled back as a response.
"I see," Hinagiku said. "So why did you choose to visit us today? Looked like you attempted to come here in a disguise to deter any attention, good choice. Actually... why are you here with Hayate?"
"Well, I'm in a bit of a rough situation," Hayate attempted to explain. "In short, I'm out of money."
"Is this literally a deja vu?" Hinagiku commented, "Are you going to ask to stay over at my house because Nagi kicked you out or something?"
"Actually, if you remember our situation, we're both kicked out of our homes." Hayate answered, "All three of us actually."
"I'm sorry for being insensitive, I've just realized again. I would like to offer help, but I'm not sure if there's space for three in my sister's room."
"No, no. We were kicked out of the mansion. Our current home, the apartment is fine. We're just out of money."
"Nagi said nothing about that during the bike ride here this morning, I guess I just didn't ask. Have you considered a loan of some kind?"
"I have. It is highly unlikely I'll be able to get one though. Currently I'm just a minor with no regular job. There is no way that I can foll the banks either. Knowing you and your family, I'm not going to ask you to borrow money from you directly. All that I'm asking is if there are any jobs available at Hakou?"
"There are a few. You know this school very well though. Do you have any credentials or qualifications?"
"No, I'm afraid," Hayate sighed.
"In that case, it would be very difficult for me to arrange anything for you." Hinagiku stated. "Go ask other people first. If there was really no other choice, come back to me. You can start with these three." She shouted her voice to a corner of the room, "You three can come out now. I know you're there."
Whenever three people are mentioned as a group, the first people that comes to mind are the Hakou Three Amiga. As expected, Izumi, Miki, and Risa emerge from behind a large, comfy sofa.
"You found us," Izumi said.
"And I thought something interesting was going to happen," Miki added.
"What a shame," Risa said to round it off.
"Do you guys have any amount of money you can lend to Hayate?" Hinagiku asked the group.
"We heard your conversation and we learned about your current situation. So we pity you, Hayata." Izumi said.
"I'm not sure if I want to be pitied by you three..." Hayate stated.
"It's al right. We'll feel sorry for you instead." Miki said.
"I don't think that's any different," Hayate tried to point out.
"Here," Risa took out a few banknotes from her wallet. "Here's 1000 yen. It's only a small part of my weekly allowance.
"2000," Miki gave her portion. "Just because I have more allowance."
"10000!" Izumi happily gave Hayate a stack of money. "My father was feeling generous this week."
Again Hayate underestimated the general wealth of the Hakou. "I can't accept this," Hayate handed the money back to them. "I just haven't earned it."
"Must you really make things more difficult for yourself?" Hinagiku told Hayate.
"There's not much point asking you either, is there?" Hinagiku turned and asked Chiharu. The Secretary was attempting to ignore the conversation and leave through the door and down the elevator unnoticed.
"No there isn't," Chiharu kept her cold stare and adjusted her glasses. "My father's company is bankrupt, so I don't have anything to offer or give to you. If you'll excuse me, I'll be heading home after lunch."
"Why so early?" Hinagiku asked.
"I'm done with classes," Chiharu answered, "My portion of the work that needed to be done as secretary is finished as well."
"If you have nothing left to do," Hinagiku said. " Then why can't you stay ? We haven't chatted as friends for some time now."
"It would be nice but," Chiharu prepared to leave the room. "I have matters to attend to."
"Suit yourself," Hinagiku let out a sigh.
A loud ominous click echoed through the room and the clock tower itself, like some large object suddenly fell into it's place or latch. Brass bells came soon after, 12 chimes in total to signal noon. When a few minutes have passed, if one peered outside the window many groups of students could be seen. All of them were eager to converse with friends and have a nice lunch with them.
Hayate excused himself from the president, "Please excuse me. I was waiting for noon to arrive. I'll go ask Nagi's friends. I think they can offer more help."
"Sure," Hinagiku waved goodbye for the time being. "Don't forget to come back if you can't find help elsewhere."
"What are you doing in school Hayate? Don't you have work?" Nagi asked.
"I believe we talked about this." Hayate answered, "We decided to follow your advice. There was nothing to do this afternoon, so we decided to pay the school a visit to settle the matter today."
By a stroke of luck almost, Hayate and Maria found Nagi and most of her friends had already grouped together. The current topic before Hayate intruded on their conversation was where to have lunch.
"I'm aware that your current financial situation isn't great, would it be possible for you to offer me something?" Hayate asked Wataru, who was alone at Hakou. His maid, Saki, stayed behind to watch his store. "Say like a part-time job?"
"No," Wataru shook his head. His gaze shifted often to Isumi while speaking, "A large portion of my profits are going to Saki's salary. I have hardly any left to hire someone else. I'm sorry, go ask other people first. If there are no other ways, then you can come back to me."
"What about you Isumi?" Hayate turned to the kimono-wearing girl. "Do you have any money I can borrow?"
"Me?" Isumi replied very slowly and with her usual air-head tone. "I think I might some, but I seem to have misplaced my purse. I shall go find it."
Only a few blinks of the eye have passed, and Isumi has again managed to disappear from plain sight. Where she has warped to or when she will reappear, no one knew.
"There she goes again," Sakuya observed. "Wataru, you really should put some sort of tracking device so you can chase her efficiently."
"Why would I want to chase her in the first place?" Wataru blurted in defence.
Nagi commented on Sakuya's presence, "Why are you here anyway Sakuya? Aren't you supposed to be at your school?"
"I should be," Sakuya said, as she recalled the events of her morning. "Some cooking class had an accident and the school caught fire. Therefore it's closed for the day. I didn't want to go home, so I came here."
"Sounds like you caused the fire yourself," Hayate pointed out.
"I'm not into that kind of comedy!" Sakuya slapped Hayate on the back of her head with her paper fan.
"Ow!" Hayate reared from the pain, but recovered soon after to ask her anyway. "I'm sure you heard our conversation. Do you have anything to offer?"
"Money?" Sakuya answered. "I can't help you with that. For some reason father said he would cut my allowance in half if I give someone a large sum of money."
"So there is no one who can help me?" Hayate sulked.
"I think I might have a brilliant idea though," Sakuya grinned. "I was going to pay my maid café a visit today, and we're in need of one or two more employees as well. Why don't you come along?"
"Maid café?" Hayate already had an ominous feeling of what will come. "I'm afraid I must pass on that."
"You are already catching on to what I have in mind?" Sakuya said. She thought of what to say next for a moment, and then leaned to whisper in Hayate's ear. "For you, I can set the hourly wage at..."
"That much!" Hayate shot up in surprise.
"If you insist on refusing though. That's fine. I'll just..."
"I'll come..." Hayate gave up.
"What's a maid café?" Maria asked, her knowledge of the outside world was very limited.
"I don't think you want to know. I'll let you find out yourself," Hayate said. "Please play along for now."
"What's with the whole sneaking thing?" Hayate asked Sakuya, who was crouched very low to the ground.
"Ssh!" Sakuya hushed Hayate, and tugged on his arm to prompt him to stay prone on the ground as well. Maria soon followed suit.
"Why are walking around like thieves, in broad daylight? You aren't somehow trying to break into your own business?"
The group had been walking normally until they arrived close to the maid café itself. Then suddenly the conditions changed to be like a stealth mission. Crouched and hunched over. Small, delicate steps to avoid noise as they slipped from the main portion of the pavement and into an alleyway. They came around to the back of the building, where an entrance probably used by staff, maintenance, and loading awaited.
Sakuya gently tapped the door for assurance. The level of caution shown would seem as if the door was booby-trapped with lethal ordinance. Her hand moved to the doorknob and it was tapped as well. Then the whole atmosphere of tension and covert ops went up in the air as Sakuya casually stood up and opened the already unlocked door. She gestured the other two inside when they stood there watching blankly, confused at the purpose of the earlier sneaking.
"So what was that about?" Hayate questioned.
"It would be a disaster if someone saw a male entering the staff entrance of a maid café." Sakuya gave a sigh of relief.
"Are people really dense enough to detect something suspicious from seeing something like that?"
"You might never know," Sakuya warned. "If a man enters after a woman into the back entrance of a maid café, people can suspect a stalker."
"What if the cook and any other kitchen employees were male?"
"Good point. Most of the kitchen staff are male."
"So what was that for?"
Sakuya completely ignored Hayate's statement and question. "Let's move on. Now that we're here, you two should get started."
"I believe we're not on the same page here," Hayate said.
Maria was looking equally blank.
"Why are you two so dense?" Sakuya's hand met her face. "This is a maid café. We're in need of two more maids. It's obvious what you need to do."
"I'm not liking where this is going," Hayate moaned in his mind.
Sakuya continued, pointing at Maria. "She's good to go. The uniform is a bit different, but I think it's fine. Unless you want to change of course."
"I'll pass on that," Maria said, fake smile and all.
"There's a problem with you though," Sakuya's finger changed direction to point towards Hayate.
"What problem?" Hayate asked.
"You're a butler." Sakuya pointed out.
"Is there a problem with that?"
"It's a maid café," Sakuya explained. "There are no butlers in a maid café. Unless you're keen on not working, get changed.
"Get changed?" Hayate felt uncomfortable. Something he disliked strongly was coming.
"Of course, there's plenty of maid uniforms in the dressing room. There's sure to be one your size. Get changed in there."
"Go die," Hayate growled, with a killer intent.
"Now Hayate," Maria tried to calm down Hayate.
Hayate continued, having resumed his usual persona. "Isn't there some other way? Maybe I could work in the kitchen."
"Sorry, it's full." Sakuya shook her head. "Look, I'm not forcing you or anything. If you want to refuse, you can walk out the door and stay poor."
"Such misfortune," Hayate sighed.
"Don't worry." Sakuya assured. "I'm aware of the fear of embarrassment that many girls have of being discovered that they work in a maid café. So we come well equipped to hide their identities if they wish to do so. Just go into the dressing room, there should be plenty of wigs and stuff like that."
"Shall we... rather you, get changed?" Maria asked, who was still very cheerful.
"Erm..." A maid tapped gently on Sakuya's shoulder.
"Hm?" Sakuya turned around. She saw someone who she did not recognize at first. "What's the problem? Is some customer harassing you?"
"It's me...Hayate..." The maid said as her voice became slightly less feminine.
Upon realizing it, Sakuya burst into laughter.
"What's so funny?" Hayate said.
"Nothing," Sakuya wiped a tear from her eye. "I couldn't recognize you at all. Now that I look more closely, I can see it's still you from your facial features."
When it came to cross-dressing of any magnitude, Maria did a good job even if it involved changing someone's identity. The new maid suddenly had flowing long brown hair, not too different in shade from Maria's. Her eyes were also brown, but in a much lighter shade due to contacts.
"You look beautiful Hayate," Maria complimented and was mesmerized with her own work.
"I don't want to be beautiful in that sense!" Hayate cried out.
"Let's not waste any time then," Sakuya said. "Your shift should be around 4 hours. I think you would like to be done with it as quickly as possible."
"Yes please," Hayate said in a low,monotone voice.
"Haru!" Sakuya shouted for someone, "The two new maids are here!"
"Good afternoon." Haru cheerfully smiled, "I'm Haru, Miss Sakuya's personal maid. Nice to meet you both."
"Haru, I'm sure you can take things from here. I'll go for some ice cream."
"Of course mistress," Haru gracefully bowed. "You can rest easy."
Sakuya waved goodbye and good luck to the group as she exited through the back door.
"Please excuse the expression," Haru apologized. "Have I met you before?"
"Me?" Hayate shot up in surprise.
"I believe we met before," Maria said, before Hayate did anything stupid.
"Have we? You look familiar," Haru asked.
"Your mistress visited the Sanzenin mansion one day and brought you along. I believe we saw each other then."
"Oh yes, thank you for reminding me." Haru said. "
"I'm Maria," She introduced herself. "I must thank your mistress for giving an opportunity to work outside of the Sanzenin estate."
"I shouldn't have to worry about you then," Haru turned to Hayate. "And you are..."
"I'm... I'm..." Hayate had to think of a fake female name on the fly. He looked towards any names he had randomly came across throughout the day for inspiration. He settled on one that had come up randomly in his mind. "Please... call me Sakura."
"Sakura?" Haru tilted her head. "Sakura..."
"Sakura Kinomoto," he said.
"Where have I heard that name before..." Haru pondered out loud. "It seems almost like I have seen it in a certain popular manga."
"Why did I use that name?" Hayate screamed in his mind.
"Sorry, Sakura Konomoto," he corrected himself.
"I see. A little slip of a the tongue. For a second I almost thought you share the same name with a very popular manga character," Haru said. "So why are you here Sakura-san?"
"She's a friend of mine," Maria explained. "There were two vacant positions, so I brought her along. She's very shy, so please bear with it."
"Shyness?" Haru said. "I'm sure this would be a great opportunity to help you overcome it. For confidence, we always put up a fake smile. Please try it. Smile."
"Smile," Maria flashed a grin of her own.
"Perfect Maria-san," Haru applauded.
"Smile..." Hayate tried one of his own, but he was still too uncomfortable with the whole notion of cross-dressing.
"Getting there," Haru commented. "But don't you feel more confident already?"
"Not really..." Hayate replied in his head.
"Maria is a qualified maid and your friend," Haru said. "Maybe it would be better if she guided you."
"If I talk to only Maria, then there's no chance that someone else will discover me," Hayate thought.
"I think that's for the best," He replied.
"I'd rather not get bogged down with the tedious stuff," Haru said. "So let's skip ahead. The café is quite empty currently, perfect for someone new. Why don't you try working on the floor straight away?"
A voice shouted from the kitchen, "Order for table 10! Serve it please!"
Haru nudged Hayate towards the general direction of the kitchen. Her smile and a 'you can do it' expression on her face did not do much to comfort Hayate.
Kotetsu sat at a table with her twin sister Izumi. He shuffled around being restless before he asked his sister, "Why are we here?"
"I wanted to help you restore your confidence in women," Izumi answered. "What better place than a maid café?"
"You're right but..." Kotetsu said. "No one looks interesting to me. I don't know why but..."
A long brown-haired maid approached the table there were sitting on. She carried a teapot and two teacups and they rattled loudly as she shook while walking.
"Is this table 10?" She asked.
"I take that back," Kotetsu said to her sister before turning to the maid.
"Yes, this is table 10." He flirted, "I say, you look absolutely fabulous today."
"Well... thank you..." The maid smiled sheepishly back.
"I can smell the aroma of the tea already," Kotetsu took a deep breath. "I must ask, what is your name kind maid?"
"We don't share personal information with customers." The maid apologized. "Let's keep the relationship professional. Please just sit there and shut up."
"Shut up? My, we have some strong spirit there." Kotetsu got even more riled up, "Makes me want to defy you even more."
"Then you won't mind doing the same then," the maid lifted the teapot she was holding. "Here's your tea master."
The maid poured hot, boiling tea directly over Kotetsu's head and hair.
Screams of pain followed, "It burns! It burns so bad! I wanted to know what would happen if boiling water was poured over someone's head! But not like this! At least now I know! But I hurts so much!"
A butler bowed deeply as he approached his master, "Master John. I believe we have a visitor."
"What time is it?" John asked. "I lost sense of time during my nap."
"It is currently 34 minutes past 4 sir."
"It's getting close to the evening already? What is the purpose of his visit?"
"I believe he simply wishes to see you sir."
"Just for a chat? Deny him entrance then. I want to watch TV."
John picked up the remote that was embedded in the couch and pressed the large red button.
"As you wish sir," the butler bowed as he went to carry out the whims of his master.
He returned a few dozen minutes later, this time he did not appear as calm.
"I believe we have a problem sir," the butler apologized again.
"What happened?" John asked as he turned down the volume of the television.
"He has.. He jumped over the front gate and destroyed any security robots that tried to stop him. He also took down most of the secret police on dusty as well. He is currently knocking on the front door sir."
"Has he? There's little reason for more violence then. Let him in."
"I must thank you for the little warm up your security gave me." The man said, "I did not have the chance to exercise earlier this morning."
"Don't mention it," John replied.
John attempted to recline on the couch in the reception room. The man who John was speaking with sat in a similar seating in front of him across the table.
The man already towered John while he was sitting. In proportion, he must be quite a giant for the Japanese like a foreigner would. The ethnicity itself was unclear. The man had dark blonde hair with a moustache of the same shade to fit it. In contrast to the usual black,grey and browns of formal attire the man was dressed in a dark, red suit.
"And you are..." John asked.
"Of course," the man chuckled. "How rude of me to not introduce myself. Please call me Mr. Regal."
"Regal huh? And I am..."
"You are Mr. John of course. Such a common name. What is uncommon is that it appears you've inherited quite a vast fortune."
"Vast would be an understatement, Mr. Regal."
"Then I expect only the best of wines from you then." Regal lifted the wine glass from the table. A butler had fetched a bottle and poured a glass for them both earlier.
"Bordeaux? The aroma is very mellow, but I like it." The man sipped the wine. "I'd much prefer Burgundy though."
"I could have someone fetch a bottle of that if you want."
"There's no need," Regal shook his head. "It is not to my tastes, but the wine is very nice."
"So what is the purpose of your visit?" John inquired. "Please state a good reason for the material damage you have caused. I don't care for the cost to replace, but it is rather unsightly to behold."
"You can consider me a good friend of yours truly. I just wanted to say hello and chat a little." Regal answered. "From your age, you should still be in school. Or do you work already?"
"You probably know my business Mr. Regal." John said, "It is nothing. A man with so much money need not work. What is yours?"
"Let's say..." Regal placed the glass back down. "I engage in things the common man would not. A noble business if you will."
"An ambiguous answer? That's perfect." John said, "And good friend?"
"I'm sure you know your own grandfather Mr. John." Regal switched seats to take a seat alongside John. Perhaps a little too rudely and a violation of personal space. "I'm a real good friend of his. So you can consider me an uncle of sorts."
"And how does that change things?" John asked.
"It changes a lot of things Mr. John." Regal replied. "It is easy to take the money and fortune you own for granted. However, it can easily disappear one day."
"I fail to see how that can happen."
"Of course. That is what little Miss Sanzenin thought as well, and look what happened."
"So what is your point?"
"If I were you, I would be very careful not to cross me. I cannot guarantee that something will not happen to you and your money. Instead, we should be good friends and help each other. You might not realize it, but your grip on your fortune is very loose right now. I can help you secure it."
"I'm not liking this," John gritted his teeth as he thought.
"I get your point." John said "I would rather keep 'business' between us to a minimum."
"Minimum?" Regal laughed as he stood up. "We'll see about that, but I must take my leave. Busy man, busy schedule. We'll see each other again soon."