"Huh? Do you know each other, Subaru?" my dad asked innocently, and I felt the eyes of the entire room full of VASE executives staring at me.
Oh, no! Was she really the chairwoman? The same girl from yesterday? Out of all the people, it had to be her. I'm screwed. My mind raced as I tried to come up with an answer that wouldn't get me kicked out of the room. I couldn't tell my dad the truth and say that she was the difficult woman I complained about yesterday, but I also couldn't just say she was a friend. If anything, I would rather call her my enemy than a friend. The thought of being friend-zoned by the beautiful blonde was just too painful. And apparently, her name was Priscilla too. What a beautiful name.
However, I needed to think of something fast.
"Uh, no dad... but I was just surprised by how beautiful the chairwoman is," I said with a forced smile, hoping they wouldn't see through my lie. Most of the VASE Corp executives looked shocked, while my dad had a smug smile on his face. Our team, however, looked like they wanted to crawl into a hole and die. I had definitely messed up big time.
I turned my attention back to the chairwoman, and as I looked at her face, I couldn't help but notice how stunning she still was, even in this awkward situation. Her face had turned red, but I couldn't tell if she was blushing or angry. However, she did seem quite furious, and I couldn't help but feel a little amused by the situation. She's gorgeous even when she's mad. I could stare at her face all day.
Suddenly, her expression shifted from one of surprise and anger to one that was mocking and... seductive? Like she flipped a switch! Oh no, this was worse than when we ran into each other at the coffee shop. She walked towards me with an air of grace and confidence, causing me to gulp nervously.
As she approached, I could see her stunning red eyes, which seemed to swallow me whole. Despite my racing thoughts, I tried my best to maintain a smile. Finally, she was standing just inches away from me, and I could smell her sweet and pleasant fragrance. This was the closest I had ever been to a woman, let alone one as beautiful as her.
But I couldn't help but wonder, what would she do? Would she slap me or embarrass me in front of everyone? Have me kicked out? However, her next actions were nothing like what I expected.
She kissed my cheek and wrapped her hands around my left arm.
"It's nice to meet you again, Mr. Subaru Natsuki," she said in a sultry voice. As the chairwoman pressed her body against mine, I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment. My hands were shaking, and my heart was beating so fast that I thought it might burst out of my chest.
This was definitely worse than what happened in the library. The woman seemed to notice my discomfort and smiled seductively at me. Her breasts were so large that I could feel them pressing against my arm, and I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to touch them.
"Oh my, you really do know each other," my dad exclaimed happily. "I knew you were lying, son!" "Yes. Your son is quite charming, Mr. Natsuki. He certainly has a way with words," Priscilla said with a cheerful but sarcastic tone.
"Well, he's my son, after all," my dad replied, grinning from ear to ear.
The girl turned her attention to my dad and asked, "I assume he's a new member of your team?"
"Yes, Miss Priscilla," my dad replied before I could say anything. "I was going to introduce him to you, but it seems you already know his name."
Priscilla pondered for a moment before making her decision. "Alright then, let's proceed with the presentation," she declared, her voice clear and confident.
As she strode to the end of the table and took her seat, I couldn't help but feel admiration for her poise and self-assurance despite the awkward tension between us.
My dad nudged me, interrupting my thoughts. "Hey, subs! It's your turn. Do your thing," he reminded me.
"Alright, old man! Got it," I replied and stood up from my seat.
Feeling a knot form in my stomach, I made my way to the front of the conference table, my laptop, and projector in hand. As I began to speak, I stumbled over my words a few times, but I managed to push through the nerves and complete the presentation.
Throughout my talk, I couldn't help but notice Priscilla's gaze, which made it difficult to concentrate. Every time I caught her eye, I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body. It was as if she had some sort of power over me.
Despite my best efforts to stay focused, my hands shook, and my voice wavered as I flipped through the slides. I was convinced I was going to mess up at any moment.
When I finally finished, I turned to face Priscilla, hoping for some feedback. Her eyes locked onto mine, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. She gave me a small smile, and I felt my cheeks flush.
"Does that cover everything you needed to know about the Kira group?" I asked, trying to sound confident.
"Yes, very good, Mr. Natsuki," Priscilla purred, her voice dripping with seduction. "You certainly know how to impress."
I felt my knees weaken as I struggled to maintain my composure. How could someone have such an effect on me with just a few words?
As the meeting progressed, I found myself trying to avoid Priscilla's gaze, but it was impossible. I couldn't resist stealing glances at her from time to time. She was irresistible, and I was completely under her spell.
By the time the meeting concluded, I was mentally and physically exhausted. All I wanted to do was go home and collapse into bed. But as I made my way out of the conference room, I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"I hope to see more of you in the future," Priscilla whispered before turning and walking away.
My mind was racing. What did she mean by that? Was she interested in me? Or was she just playing games? I couldn't shake the feeling that something was going on between us. Hmmm, maybe she wanted revenge after what I did to her yesterday?
Out of nowhere, Priscilla's voice once again cut through my thoughts as she addressed my dad,
"Mr. Kenichi, may I have a moment of your time in my office? I need to discuss something with you." Her tone was polished and businesslike.
My dad quickly responded, "Sure thing," and started following her.
What on earth could she want now? Was she going to spill the beans about what happened yesterday?
"Well, I'm in deep trouble now!" I said to myself.
As I sat in my cubicle at the VASE Building, surrounded by employees from the Kira Group that my father had bought from Japan, I couldn't help but feel anxious about what was to come next. Even though my boldness was not appreciated in our traditional Japanese culture, I couldn't blame my colleagues for thinking that I was crazy for my actions.
The Chairwoman's office was on my mind, as I wondered what she and my dad were discussing. Will she tell him about my rudeness from yesterday? Was she going to demand that I be removed from my dad's team? If that happened, my first job would have lasted less than a day, and I would feel like a complete loser.
But I tried not to dwell on it too much, figuring that I would cross that bridge when I got there. I couldn't help but wonder why the Chairwoman had acted so differently today compared to yesterday when she had been bratty and bitchy. It reminded me of what my late cousin Kazuma had said, "girls are weird."
To keep myself occupied while waiting for my dad, I turned on my computer and started browsing the web. But soon, my dad walked in, and I immediately jumped up to greet him. To my surprise, he was smiling.
"Hey, Dad! What happened?" I asked eagerly.
"What do you mean? And why are you all jumpy?" he replied, amused.
"The meeting, Dad! Your meeting with Priscilla. And no, I'm not jumpy," I said, scratching my head.
"It was all right. She promised a speedy merger process, but she did ask me a favor," my dad said, still smiling.
My eyebrows twitched at that. What favor could she have asked for?
"What favor could that be, Dad?" I asked anxiously.
"Whoa, you're getting worked up, subs. Relax. Come, let's go to our cubicle away from the people here," he said, motioning for me to follow him.
Once we were alone in my dad's cubicle, he asked everyone to leave us for a while. Then he got straight to the point.
"Okay, subs, be honest with me, alright? No BS," he said sternly.
I nodded, waiting for him to continue.
"What is your relationship with Priscilla Vollachia?" he asked, looking me straight in the eye.
"Huh? That's her surname?" I replied, surprised by the new information.
"Yes, now answer me. What is your relationship with her?" my dad asked again.
I contemplated whether or not to lie to my dad, but deep down, I knew he would see right through me. I was never good at lying anyway, so I mustered up the courage to tell him the truth.
"Dad, about that girl I mentioned last night..." I began, hoping he would catch on.
He nodded, indicating that he was listening.
"Well, it's actually her," I said, scratching my nose and feeling a sense of relief that the truth was out.
"I see," my dad said, his posture relaxing in his chair.
My heart started racing as I asked, "What did she tell you? Did she spill the beans?"
"No, she didn't say anything about what happened," my dad replied, pausing for a moment. "We discussed the merger timeline, and..."
"And what?" I interrupted, eager to hear the rest.
"She actually requested that you work for her," my dad said, raising his eyebrows.
"What do you think, son? Honestly, the way you two act around each other, I think it could work. Plus, having you on her team would speed up the merger process, and we could all go home earlier. But I want to know your opinion about it. It's your call."
To be honest, I was nervous about the idea of working with her. Her bratty attitude always got on my nerves, but at the same time, the thought of being by her side every day was strangely appealing.
I took a deep breath and replied, "If it's what's best for our firm, then I'll do it."
"Excellent! I'll let one of her assistants know that you said yes," my dad said as he stood up.
"Wait, did she mention what kind of job I'll be doing?" I asked before my dad could leave.
"She said it's a job that would suit your skills, and you'll be compensated handsomely," my dad replied before walking away, leaving me alone in my cubicle.
My stomach rumbled loudly, interrupting my train of thought. "Well, there goes my stomach again. Time for me to grab some lunch," I muttered to myself, pushing my chair back and standing up from my cubicle.
I stretched my arms above my head and yawned, feeling the weight of the morning dragging me down.
As I walked towards the elevator, I couldn't help but wonder what I should eat for lunch. According to Dad, the cafeteria had a wide variety of options, from Indian to English to Chinese and French food hmmm. Maybe I could grab a salad or a sandwich? I shrugged my shoulders, figuring I would decide once I got there.
My mind was still hazy from this morning. I couldn't stop thinking about her kiss on my cheek. It wasn't just a friendly gesture IT CAN'T BE! It felt like more... Did she have any ulterior motives? And what did she think about what happened yesterday? I hoped she wouldn't hold a grudge against me.
Finally reaching the elevator, I pressed the button and waited. As I rode down to the ground floor, I overheard a couple of my VASE employees discussing the latest office gossip. I couldn't help but listen in, curious about what they were saying.
"Did you hear what happened in the conference room this morning?" said one of the employees, a British white woman.
"Yeah, I heard! The chairwoman kissed someone! How scandalous is that? I've never seen her do something like that before," replied the second employee, an African-Brit chick.
"Do you know what's even crazier? She kissed one of the Kira employees, a Japanese guy! How cool is that?" exclaimed the third employee, a British Chinese gal.
The trio giggled amongst themselves, clearly amused by the juicy gossip they had stumbled upon. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at their frivolous chatter. Didn't they have work to do?
Fortunately, the wait for the elevator was not too long, and soon enough, the doors opened, and I quickly stepped outside and quickly made my way straight to the company cafeteria.
I immediately stood in line to order to order my lunch, I couldn't help but overhear the people in front of me discussing the recent merger. It seems like everyone's buzzing about it.
Finally, it was my turn to order. I decided to go for a bacon and butter sandwich, A pretzel bag, and a Ribena soda. It may not be the healthiest option, but it's what I was in the mood for, plus I want something new.
I found a table by the window and sat down, taking a bite of my sandwich. As I ate, my thoughts turned to my new job. I wondered what it would be like to work for that bratty girl... but sweet girl. I couldn't help but daydream.
As I was enjoying my bacon and butter sandwich, I heard a voice to my left, causing me to turn my head. I was surprised to see a woman standing there, tall and alluring with a thin and fit physique. Her most striking feature was her slit blue eyes, which gave off a languid yet sharp look that could captivate anyone. She had blonde hair that was almost white, and it was cut short.
"Can I sit?" she asked, holding a plate of English full breakfast.
"Huh? Yeah, please," I replied, trying to be polite.
Without hesitation, she made her way to the empty seat beside me and sat down. As she did, I felt her shoulders rub against mine, and I couldn't help but feel a bit flustered.
So, you're Subaru, right?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Whoa, how did she know my name? Oh right, gossip spreads hard. Oh well.
I nodded, taking a bite of my bacon and butter sandwich. "Yes, that's me. And you are?"
She smiled at me, showing off a set of pearly whites. "Looks like my daughter has taken a liking to you," she said sweetly.
"Huh? What do you mean?" I asked, feeling a bit confused by her words.
"Call me 'Mama', alright?" she said, placing a hand on my back and giving it a gentle squeeze. And with that, she stood up and walked away, leaving me feeling a bit bewildered by the encounter.
As I watched her disappear from view, I couldn't help but wonder what she meant by her comment.
"Daughter? Who on earth was she talking about?" I muttered to myself, feeling completely bewildered by the strange encounter.
Lost in thought, I finished my sandwich and left the cafeteria to go back to work and put the strange encounter out of my mind. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the woman's words than met the eye.
As we wrapped up our work for the day, I struck up a conversation with one of our Japanese colleagues, Kazuya.
"Have we presented our plants in Yokohama? Do they meet the standards?" I asked him, as we walked towards the elevator.
"No, not yet. Your dad mentioned that we need to upgrade the plant before we can showcase it there," he replied.
It was only my first day at the Kira Group in London, and I had already gained a good understanding of how things worked here. However, I knew that my learning journey was far from over.
Suddenly, my dad emerged from his office and joined us in the elevator.
"Good news, Subaru! I have informed the chairwoman that you'll be reporting to her tomorrow morning," he exclaimed.
"Wow, that was fast!? But where do I report to?" I asked, puzzled.
"Oh, wait a sec" my dad replied, producing a card from his pocket with the chairwoman's address. "Starting tomorrow morning, you will be reporting directly to her residence. Good luck, Baruboy!" he said, patting me on the back so hard that I coughed.
"Hey, what was that for? And how are you still so strong despite your age?" I protested, rubbing my back.
"Don't worry about it. You have a big day tomorrow, so focus on that," he replied with a sly grin.
I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness at the thought of serving under the chairwoman. This was obviously an opportunity of a lifetime, and I was determined to make the most of it.
*Next day*
On the morning of my first day working for the chairwoman, I woke up early to prepare. Living in Barnet, I had to travel a considerable distance to reach Chelsea, so I gave myself plenty of time. After quickly getting dressed and packing my bag, I said goodbye to my mom and left.
"See you later, Mom," I said as I headed out the door.
"Okay, be careful, Subaru," she replied, looking concerned.
I walked to the nearest underground station, which was close to my apartment, and boarded the train heading towards central London. The journey involved several stops and line transfers, and the crowd of commuters and the sound of trains rushing through tunnels made it overwhelming.
However, I remained focused on reaching my destination. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally arrived at South Kensington station. As I stepped out of the station, I found myself in a district full of luxurious homes. It was clear that this was where London's wealthy residents lived, so it wasn't surprising that the chairwoman's home was located there.
It took me about 20 minutes to walk to the house, and by the time I arrived, I was exhausted.
"Damn, that was tiring," I muttered to myself as I wiped the sweat from my forehead in front of the house.
The house was large, with three stories and a white exterior. It had elegant pillars and a spacious driveway.
"Huh, not a bad choice for a house," I remarked to myself as I approached the front door. I knocked a few times, and a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a bathrobe, opened the door.
"Oh, it's you!" she exclaimed sweetly.
"Whoa!" I replied, taken aback.
This woman was the same one who approached me in the cafeteria yesterday! What was she doing here? Was I in the wrong house? Maybe she was the chairwoman's secretary?
"Um, are you the... The chairwoman's secretary?" I asked tentatively.
"Hehehe, you're a funny guy, Subaru. How could mommy be a secretary?" she replied, further confusing me.
"...Huh?" I muttered, completely befuddled.
Before I could say anything more, she grabbed me by the arm and pulled me inside, shutting the door behind us. Suddenly, she embraced me tightly, burying my face in her ample bosom. I was powerless to resist, my entire face smothered by her bosom...until I heard a voice.
"Mother! What are you doing with my manservant?" a voice boomed, interrupting the awkward embrace. Startled, I looked up and saw a woman standing before us.
It was none other than the chairwoman herself, Priscilla. She was wearing very short casual shorts and a white sexy tank top, showcasing her cleavage, which made me blush.
My heart began to race as I realized the situation. I was standing inside the chairwoman's house, in her mother's embrace, and she had just caught us in the act... wait! This was the chairwoman's mom?!
"Priscilla, darling, it's not what it looks like, I'm just having fun," her mother protested jokingly, attempting to extricate herself from the embrace and immediately releasing my face, giving me some breathing space.
Priscilla then looked at me, her face unimpressed and glaring. Oh man, did I blow it again?
"I-I'm here for my first day of work, ma'am," I stammered, my face turning red with embarrassment. Priscilla eyed me skeptically for a moment before nodding her head.
"Very well. Come with me, Subaru."
With that, she turned on her heel and strode down the hallway, leaving me to follow in her wake.
"Have fun with my daughter Subaru," her mother remarked as we walked out of the living room. As we walked down the hallway, I tried to compose myself and focus on the task at hand.
This was my first day at work, and I wanted to make a good impression. I followed Priscilla into her office, taking in my surroundings as I did so. The office was spacious and tastefully decorated, with a large mahogany desk and comfortable-looking chairs.
The walls were adorned with various certificates and awards, and a large window provided a stunning view of the city skyline. Priscilla sat down at her desk and gestured for me to take a seat across from her.
"Let's get started, shall we?" she said, her voice firm and snarky. I nodded eagerly, ready to begin.
"First, let me properly introduce myself. My name is Priscilla Vollachia, and I am the chairwoman of Vollachia Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Incorporated, also known as the VASE GROUP," she said I nodded again, taking note of her words.
"Now, as my male servant, your job is to do whatever I ask of you," she said authoritatively.
"Hold on, does this mean I will do something illegal?" I replied as I was taken aback by her statement.
As soon as I posed my question, Priscilla's eyes rolled so far back in her head that I was surprised they didn't get stuck there. I couldn't help but smirk - at least I knew where I stood with her now.
"No, you won't stupid," she said with a smirk of her own. "But I do expect a lot from you. The world after all is solely made for my convenience," she added with an air of confidence that made me want to roll my own eyes.
It was clear that this girl was arrogant, but for some reason, I found it endearing. Maybe it was because she was so sure of herself, or maybe it was because she was just so darn attractive. Either way, I decided to play along and humor her.
"Oh, really Priscilla?" I said with a hint of mockery. "Well then, I will serve you with the utmost loyalty and dedication."
"Good!" she replied, clearly pleased with my response. "As a peasant like you should act!" Whoa, I couldn't believe she had just said that. Who did she think she was? But before I could protest, she continued.
"Whatever... Once again, your job as my male servant is simple. You will drive me wherever I want to go, you will be my personal assistant, and you will be my bodyguard. Sounds alright?"
I couldn't help but feel a little bit insulted at the way she was talking to me, but at the same time, I knew I was more than capable of doing everything she had just listed. I had learned how to drive from my dad four years ago, and being a personal assistant and bodyguard didn't sound too challenging.
"Yeah, that sounds fair I guess," I replied.
"Good," she said with a nod.
"So... where do we go today?" I was ready to jump in the car and go wherever she wanted, but her next words caught me off, guard.
"Nowhere, just stay put. I'll call you when I need you."
I couldn't believe it. Was she serious? I had been expecting to do something, but it looked like I was going to be sitting around all day waiting for her to call. As frustrating as it was, I knew I didn't have much of a choice.
"Ugh, this is awful," I groaned, flipping through the channels on the television set.
As I continued my search for something interesting to watch, I couldn't help but yawn. The couch in Priscilla's living room was less than comfortable, and after sitting for hours waiting for her call, my body was feeling it.
I attempted to distract myself by browsing through various channels, but everything was either in French or British, and I couldn't understand anything. I even tried reading a book from the shelf, but they were all written in foreign languages.
Frustrated, I leaned back on the couch, wondering how my first day as Priscilla's manservant could be so uneventful. I had been excited about working for her, but I hadn't anticipated waiting for hours.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps interrupted my thoughts. Priscilla's mother walked into the room, dressed casually but still radiating an alluring presence that caught me off, guard.
"How's your first day here, Subaru?" she asked, sitting down beside me.
"It's been kind of boring," I replied, scratching my head.
"Hehe, you'll get used to it. Prisca is always like that, especially on Saturdays. All she wants to do is laze around and read books," she said with a cheerful smile.
"Prisca?" I repeated, surprised.
"Yes, that's her real name. Prisca. But her dad changed it to Priscilla because he thought it sounded more British," her mom explained.
"That's a lovely name," I commented.
"Thank you, sweetie. I gave her the name myself," she said, beaming.
Suddenly, I remembered that I hadn't asked her name yet. "By the way, what's your name?" I asked her.
"Sandra, Sandra Benedict. But call me Mommy," she said with a grin.
I was taken aback. Did she just ask me to call her 'mommy' again? This was getting weirder by the second. Wait... Sandra?
"Uh, but do you happen to know my mom?" I asked her with curiosity. After all, my mother had mentioned her just two days ago.
"Naoko? Kenichi's wife? Yes, I met her at the office two days ago and now we're besties," she replied with a confident voice.
"But you two just met two days ago?" I replied, confused.
"So what? My daughter just met you two days ago as well and now you two are closer than ever," she responded with a grin.
"I don't think so. I think she dislikes me," I replied, making a sad face.
"Nonsense! Mother knows best! Do you know how to cook?" she asked me happily.
"Uh, yeah, kinda. Why do you ask?" I questioned, feeling puzzled.
"The way to a woman's heart is through her stomach. Come," her mother Sandra suddenly stood up and motioned for me to follow her.
"Whoa, why are you doing this? I mean, she's your daughter after all, and you're playing matchmaker?" I inquired as I followed her to the kitchen.
"Why? Don't you fancy my daughter?" she said seriously as we arrived at the kitchen.
"Huh? I'm sorry, I don't understand," I replied, feeling a little taken aback.
"Please! The way you look at her, it's like you want to devour her entirely, like a child wanting to devour a cake. No pun intended. And what did you say to her at the coffee shop?" she grinned before continuing.
"What's that again? Oh, right! 'When I saw you back at the library, to be honest, I was imagining us together, a future, maybe even a family of our own!' Aww, you're so sweet, Subaru!" she said with a giggle, like a teenager.
"SHE TOLD YOU THAT?" " I asked, my face turning bright red like a tomato as Sandra continued to laugh.
"Yep, that and everything," she spoke while laughing.
"Oh, man!" I said, covering my face with my hands, hoping to disappear.
"To be honest, I found it sweet. And to be fair, I like what you did to put her in her place. After all, she becomes too bratty sometimes. However..." she said, and her face turned cold and scary. "Should you break my daughter's heart..." She then gave me a glare that chilled my spine.
I gulped nervously. "I swear, I won't," I replied. Man, this woman is scary.
"Good! If that's the case, then you have my approval. Now, come on! Help mommy cook lunch," she said and went to the counter to begin cooking.
As I helped her in the kitchen, I couldn't help but think about her words. Did I look at her daughter that way? Did I want to devour her like a cake? And most importantly, did I imagine a future with her? I couldn't deny that I was attracted to Priscilla, but I didn't think it was that obvious. However, her mother seemed to have a different opinion.
As we opened the fridge, I was surprised to see a variety of ingredients inside. "Wow, you have everything here," I said, feeling impressed.
Sandra chuckled and replied with a smile, "Well, I try to keep it well-stocked."
Feeling a bit nervous, I finally gathered the courage to suggest cooking Japanese food, given my familiarity with the cuisine.
"How about we prepare some tonkatsu with cabbage salad?" I suggested, hoping that she would agree.
"Tonkatsu, huh? I think I have some frozen meat and breading that we can use. Plus, we have Japanese condiments, thanks to Priscilla's Japanese best friend who visits us every weekend. Sounds like a great idea to me!" Sandra said, nodding her head in agreement.
After a grueling 40 minutes of cooking, we finally finished preparing the dishes and setting up the table with plates and utensils. The clock had already ticked past 1 pm, but I couldn't help feeling a sense of pride in what we had accomplished.
Sandra's voice boomed through the house, "Prisca dear! Lunch is ready!"
We both sat down at the dining table, eagerly waiting for Prisca to join us. As we waited, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of nervousness about how she would react to my cooking.
It wasn't long before the sound of footsteps echoed down the stairs and a stunning blonde, Prisca, appeared, her long hair swaying elegantly.
As she approached the table, she looked at the food with curiosity and commented, "Such exquisite food, Mother."
Sandra beamed with pride and replied, "I know right? Come on, dig in!"
Prisca picked up her fork and knife and began eating my homemade tonkatsu, and I watched her intently, hoping she would enjoy it.
After the first bite, her eyes widened in surprise and delight, "Mother! This is a lot better than what Kiya does," she exclaimed happily, gobbling the food with abandon, forgetting her usual grace and sophistication.
"I told you! And Subaru cooked these. He's going to be a good husband, right? What do you think?" Sandra teasingly interjected.
I blushed at the mention of the word "husband." But to my surprise, Prisca blushed too. Did... she feel the same way?
"MOTHER, STOP TEASING ME!" Prisca exclaimed like a child, but I couldn't help finding it incredibly endearing.
"Hehehehe, alright alright!" Sandra relented, and the rest of lunch went uneventfully.
As I sat across from Prisca, I couldn't help but feel an indescribable feeling in the pit of my stomach. It was like a mix of nervousness, excitement, and anticipation all rolled into one. Was this what they called "butterflies in the stomach"? I tried to brush it off and focus on the conversation, but my gaze kept wandering back to Prisca.
I caught her stealing glances at me too, and every time our eyes met, I could feel a rush of warmth spreading throughout my body. Was it possible that she felt the same way I did? Or was I just reading too much into things?
As we finished our meal, Sandra excused herself to take care of some errands, leaving Prisca and me alone in the house. I could feel my nerves kicking in, wondering how to break the silence and start a conversation.
Prisca suddenly spoke up,
"Hey, manservant!" she spoke coldly, but I could feel something there.
"Yes, Prisca?" I answered back.
"Hey! How did you know my name - oh right mother," she said rolling her eyes.
I smiled, happy that Prisca was starting a conversation with me. "By the way, you have my thanks man- subaru thank you for cooking today. It was delicious," she replied not looking at me...
"You're welcome prisca-tan!" I replied cheerfully giving her a sweet smile.
"Tan? What kind of foolish pet name is that manservant?" she then asked her face and tone a hint of annoyance.
"Oh, back in Japan, "Tan" means to regard someone affectionately," I replied.
"Don't push your luck, peasant," she replied clearly not impressed.
I chuckled at her response, and feeling a little more at ease, I tried to make light of the situation.
"Meh, I take my chances," I muttered under my breath, which she probably didn't hear.
"Hey, will you drive me to the shopping mall at the Wharf? I need to pick up a few things," she said.
"Say no more," I replied happily.
*ARRIVING AT THE MALL*
"Do you even know how to park?" she exclaimed. She was clearly agitated by my driving as I attempted to park her car.
"Of course! I've been driving for almost four years now," I retorted, as I try to park the car in the mall's basement.
"Well, what's the problem then peasant?" she demanded, still irritated.
"Well, for one, I'm used to driving a Subaru r1, which is a lot smaller than this Benz." I tried to explain my frustration,
Prisca facepalmed, which surprised me. I had never seen her do that before.
"Fine Hand it over to me," she demanded,
"What do you mean?" I responded Perplexed.
"Just hand it over to me, and I'll park the car myself!" she exclaimed, Frustrated and irritated.
Surprised and caught off guard, I couldn't help but wonder.
"NOPE! I refuse to let my pride be diminished by the thought of relying on my mistress to park a car. I mean, seriously, am I that incompetent?" I exclaimed.
So rather than succumbing to defeat, I persevered and persisted until I successfully parked the car on my own after a few attempts.
"Yes!" I exclaimed.
"Did that raise your self-esteem?" she teased, raising her brows and fluttering her beautiful eyelashes.
"Yeah, kinda," I admitted, which just made her roll her eyes yet again.
As I stepped out of the car, I then went to the front passenger seat, and with a gracious gesture, I opened the door for Prisca and waited for her to step out of the car.
As we made our way towards the mall's entrance. The atmosphere was bustling with activity, and the sound of chatter and footsteps echoed throughout the halls.
As I walked by Prisca's side, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her beauty. Her red dress hugged her curves in all the right places, and her white scarf added a touch of elegance to her outfit. Her heels clicked against the ground with each step, drawing attention from those around us.
"You look stunning," I commented, admiring her appearance.
Prisca smiled, "Thank you, Subaru."
I looked down at my own outfit, feeling a bit underdressed compared to her only wearing my usual tracksuit but this time black and white. "I think I should have dressed up a bit more," I said sheepishly under my breath without her hearing it.
As we walked through the bustling mall, Prisca and I took our time exploring the various shops and boutiques. Prisca was in her element, examining the latest fashion trends and trying on different outfits. I couldn't help but admire her taste and style as I watched her gracefully glide from store to store.
Meanwhile, I was tasked with carrying all of her shopping bags, which seemed to multiply with each new store we visited. It was a lot of work, but I didn't mind. Seeing Priscilla so happy and content made it all worth it.
while we shop a lot of guys would look in our direction, their faces filled with amazement and lust toward my companion. and disdain and envy at me. She really is that beautiful huh?
After a couple of hours of shopping, Priscilla finally decided she had found everything she was looking for. But before we left the mall,
"Subaru, I think you need a new suit," she said and pointed to a rack of suits, pants, ties, and shoes.
"I don't think I can afford this, Prisca-tan," I said. as I looked at the price tag
Prisca rolled her eyes. "I can afford it. Just pick out what you like."
"Really?" I asked her once more.
"Yes, my manservant! we will not leave the mall until you pick a set," she said in a serious tone.
"welp guess I have no choice," I spoke and began to choose from the entire set.
after trying a bunch of them and with the help from Prisca herself I chose a dark blue suit with a white dress shirt and a red tie. Prisca paid for it without batting an eye.
As we walked out of the store, I carried all of our shopping bags. Prisca looked pleased with her purchases, but I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed.
"You know, you didn't have to buy all of this stuff for me," I said, struggling to keep the bags from slipping out of my hands.
Prisca chuckled. "Relax, my male servant. It's my pleasure to spoil you a little."
I smiled gratefully at her. "Thank you, Prisca. I appreciate it."
We continued to walk around the mall, browsing through various stores and window shopping. Prisca would occasionally point out something she liked, but for the most part, we just enjoyed each other's company.
As we were walking out of the mall, I was surprised to see that it was already dark outside.
"Wow, time really flies when you're having fun," I said. "Huh?"
Suddenly, I saw her shiver beside me and wrap her arms around herself. "I'm cold!" she exclaimed, looking up at me with a pout.
Without hesitation, I gently placed the shopping bags on the ground and took off my tracksuit jacket. I walked over to her and wrapped it around her, making sure she was warm and comfortable.
"You should have brought a jacket with you," I said, worried about her getting sick.
She blushed and nodded in response, looking up at me with her beautiful eyes. I couldn't help but tease her,
"Aww, you're so cute, Pris-tan!"
"Hmph! Whatever, bring me home, male servant." She rolled her eyes at me and said to me.
"Hey, wait!"
I picked up the shopping bags again and followed her as she made her way towards the car. I opened the passenger seat for her and helped her inside before closing the door. Then, I went to the trunk and carefully placed all the shopping bags inside.
As I got behind the wheel and turned on the car, Prisca leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes apparently sleeping.
"Looks like all that shopping has left you exhausted, Pris-tan. Don't worry I'll get us home in no time," I whispered reassuringly as I maneuvered the car out of the parking lot and onto the bustling streets of London.
Upon arriving at her driveway, I parked the car in one of the available spots and turned off the engine. As I turned to my left, I noticed that Pris is still fast asleep.
"Looks like we're here, Pris-tan," I announced to my slumbering companion, although she remained sound asleep.
I debated whether or not to rouse her from her peaceful slumber, but ultimately decided against it since she looked so serene and rested.
As a result, I climbed out of the driver's seat and walked around to the passenger side of the car. I opened the door and scooped her up into a princess carry, being mindful not to disturb her rest.
Luckily, I inherited some strength from my Natsuki genes and my dad's physical training in Japan, so I was able to carry her with relative ease. Upon arriving at her doorstep, I rang the doorbell a couple of times and waited for someone to answer.
When Pristan's mom, Sandra, opened the door, she was surprised to see me carrying her daughter in my arms.
"Subaru, what happened?" she exclaimed her face confused.
"Pris was exhausted after a long afternoon of shopping, so I didn't want to wake her up. I figured I could carry her upstairs to her room." I explained with a grin.
"Well done, good initiative!" Sandra commended me. "Come on, let's take her to her room."
Following Sandra's lead, I carried Pristan up the stairs to her bedroom, making sure to tread softly so as not to disturb her slumber. Once we reached her room, I carefully laid her down on her bed and covered her with a blanket.
After ensuring that Pris-tan was settled in her room, I made my way back down to the car to retrieve the shopping bags. I picked up the bags and brought them up to Pristan's room, setting them down near her closet.
Once the task was completed, I descended the stairs once more to meet Sandra, who was waiting for me in the living room.
"Thanks for carrying Prisca upstairs, Subaru. You're such a gentleman." she complimented me with a warm smile.
"It was my pleasure, Sandra," I replied with a polite smile.
"Mommy!" Sandra corrected me, wanting me to address her as such.
I looked at her in surprise before correcting myself,
"Oh yeah, Mommy, I'm sorry about that," I responded awkwardly.
Realizing that it was getting late, I informed Sandra that I needed to leave,
"By the way, it's almost 6 o'clock and I need to help my mom with dinner."
"Alright, take the car with you, sweetie," Sandra offered.
"Huh?" I was taken aback by her sudden offer.
"Take the car with you and come back on Monday morning. It's your day off tomorrow, after all," Sandra explained with a smile.
"But why?" I asked, feeling confused.
"Your house is far from here, right? We can't expect you to commute here every day," Sandra pointed out.
"I see your point, but what about Prisca?" I asked, feeling hesitant.
"It's fine, Subaru. We have plenty of cars in the driveway. I'll just let her know that I decided to lend you one of the cars when she wakes up," Sandra reassured me.
"But-" I started to protest, but Sandra cut me off.
"No questions asked! Go, your mom is waiting for you," Sandra spoke firmly, indicating that the discussion was over.
Grateful and slightly bewildered, I expressed my thanks to Sandra once more before making my way to the car. I was eager to return home and assist my mother with dinner. However, just as I was about to leave, Sandra stopped me and handed me a piece of paper with her daughter's phone number on it. She winked at me as she did so and said,
"Here, Subaru, this is my daughter's number. Enjoy!"
I took the paper and thanked her once again, exited Prisca's house, and made my way to the car. As I settled into the driver's seat of the car Sandra had generously lent me, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was amiss.
While navigating the city streets, my thoughts lingered on the family I had just left. Although they were pleasant, there was an inexplicable feeling that I couldn't quite pinpoint. As I tried to decipher the cause of my discomfort, I muttered to myself,
"What a weird family."
As we sat down for dinner, it was already night, and I expected my parents to ask me about my first day at work or how I found my workplace. However, they surprised me with an unexpected question.
"Subaru?" my dad inquired as we ate at the dining table.
"Yes, Dad," I responded between mouthfuls of my mother's delicious cooking.
"Why is there a Mercedes-Benz parked in our driveway?" my dad, Kenichi, questioned further.
"Oh, that? Pris-tan's mother lent it to me," I casually replied, still enjoying my meal.
"What?!" both my mom and dad exclaimed in shock.
*NEXT MORNING*
On Sunday, I woke up feeling sluggish and unenthusiastic, knowing that it was my day off. I made up my mind to stay in bed and spend the entire day playing Fortnite, scrolling through social media while the game loaded.
Suddenly, I recalled the piece of paper that Sandra-san had given me the night before, which had Prisca's number on it. I had saved it on my phone but hadn't contacted her yet. I thought to myself,
"Why not check in on her?"
So, I sent her a message,
"Good morning, Prisca-tan! How are you? This is your knight in shining armor, Subaru. Don't forget to eat well!" I hoped she would appreciate it.
To my disappointment, there was no response. I kept playing Fortnite, occasionally glancing at my phone to check if she had replied. Around 10 A.m., I sent another message with a crying emoji,
"What are you doing, pris-tan? Miss you already!"
Eventually, she replied with a harsh message,
"Stop pestering me, peasant!" I was taken aback by her response and felt a bit hurt. But I didn't want to annoy her any further, so I simply replied with a brief apology,
"Sorry," and returned to my game.
As the day went on, I lost track of time while engrossed in my game. Then, in the evening, my phone buzzed with a new message.
"Huh?" I muttered as I reached for my phone. It was from Prisca. I was a bit confused. Hadn't she already told me to stop pestering her?
I opened the message and read the contents. "What is so important in your foolish time that you're not texting myself?" it said.
I was a bit taken aback by her message. What did she want from me now?
"Well, you told me to stop pestering you, remember?" I replied, feeling a bit frustrated.
"Hmmph! Foolish Subaru!" came her reply.
I was puzzled by her response, wondering what could have caused her sudden change in attitude. And then it hit me - she was just being a bratty tsundere.
I couldn't help but burst out laughing at the realization. "What a gal, my Prisca," I thought to myself, amused by her behavior.
Under the radiant sun, amidst the symphony of wildlife and chirping insects, three individuals gathered by a serene lake. Among them stood a man with emerald locks, donned in striking black and red robes akin to those of a monk.
The other two were women. One, a middle-aged elf with a toned frame and short, glistening silver hair. Her captivating violet sanpaku eyes, typical of her kind, held an almond shape. Adorning her locks was a silver hairpin fashioned like a four-petaled flower.
The second woman was a charming elven child, her flowing silver tresses cascading down, complemented by her captivating purple-blue eyes. She sported a white and purple ensemble, with a delicate white flower adorning her hair. Her elfin ears, although less pointed than the middle-aged woman's, still bore their distinctive shape.
The trio reveled in a picnic, with a basket brimming with delectable treats and a large cloth spread out on the grassy expanse, nestled within the embrace of a deep forest near the tranquil lake. Laughter and joy resonated as they savored each moment.
"Guese, will you venture beyond the forest once more tomorrow?" inquired the middle-aged elven woman, her name being Fortuna.
"Indeed, Fortuna. The fellowship has an obligation in Ganaks for the next five days," responded the man with green hair.
"Hmph! So, you won't be present for our anniversary, huh?" grumbled Fortuna, her voice laced with annoyance as she pouted.
"Fear not, Fortuna. I solemnly swear to be there," the man assured her, tenderly clasping her hand with both of his.
"Father Guese, why must you leave again?" chimed in the young elven child, Lady Emilia this time, her voice filled with concern.
"Worry not, Lady Emilia. I shall return before Sunday, I promise," replied the green-haired man, gently patting the child's head, which brought her great delight.
"Remember, promises hold immense significance to us elves," emphasized the adult elven woman.
"I swear on my very existence, I will be there for both of you," he affirmed, pulling the elven woman into a warm embrace.
"Yay! Father Guese, Mother Fortuna, and I shall go on another woonderful picnic again!" exclaimed the young elven girl, joining their heartfelt embrace.
Thus, the three of them remained intertwined, reveling in the blissful togetherness, savoring their meal while cherishing one another's company.
Out of the azure sky, Emilia, the young elven child, spoke up with eyes brimming with innocence and wonder.
"Mother Fortuna, when will I encounter my very own prince and knight in shining armor, just like the ones I read about in the books? Similar to the bond you share with Father Geuse," she inquired, her voice laced with a sweet mixture of curiosity and hope, her smile radiating warmth.
A gentle flush colored the cheeks of Fortuna and Guese as they exchanged a glance, caught off guard by the sudden question. Geuse cleared his throat softly before responding, his voice carrying a touch of tenderness.
"Ah, my Lady Emilia, those tales you've delved into are usually meant for those older and wiser. You, my dear, are still young and have a world of delightful adventures ahead of you."
Fortuna added her voice, a blend of reassurance and affection. "Indeed, Emilia, it is crucial to relish the joy of childhood, to relish your time being a child, and to nurture your dreams. When the right time arrives, love and companionship will find their way to you."
the small Emilia tilted her head, thoughtfully contemplating their words, before her smile reemerged, brighter than ever. "I understand, Mother Fortuna. But will I reaaaally find such a companion?" she inquired once more, her excitement evident.
Fortuna paused for a moment, a glimmer of excitement shining in her eyes. "Well, my dear, there is a prophecy that hails from the ancient oracle of our village. Would you like to hear it?" she offered.
"Really? Oh, please, please, pleaaseee!" Emilia eagerly exclaimed, her elven features glowing with anticipation.
"Very well," Fortuna acquiesced.
"The prophecy foretells of a magnificent man, possessing unimaginable courage, valor, and wisdom. He will emerge from beyond the great waterfall, a paragon of honor, and he will be destined to serve as your prince and knight in shining armor. Over time, he will grow to love you, and you, in turn, will grow to love him," Fortuna whispered softly, her hand gently caressing the young elven child.
"Wow! Tell me more! Tell me more!" Emilia urged, captivated by the unfolding tale.
And so, immersed in the enchantment of storytelling, the three continued to weave narratives, their hearts intertwined in a world where destinies and dreams intertwined.
As time passed, the story gradually came to an end, and the young child grew restless, yearning for more amusement.
"Mother Fortuna, may I chase after the butterflies over there?" Emilia asked, her finger pointing towards a distant flutter of wings.
"Very well, Emilia, but remember not to wander too far," Fortuna replied, her voice filled with a mix of caution and trust.
"Okay!" Emilia exclaimed; her excitement palpable as she darted off toward the colorful creatures.
Once Emilia was far enough away to be out of earshot, Guese, the green-haired man, spoke up with a hint of pain and concern in his voice.
"Fortuna, why didn't you share with her the rest of the prophecy?" he questioned.
"I couldn't, Guese. Emilia is still a child, and that part of the prophecy is too heart-wrenching," Fortuna replied, her voice trembling with emotion as she contemplated the potential pain the future might hold.
Geuse wanted to argue further, but deep down, he understood the fragility of the young elven child's spirit, brimming with hope, dreams, and unbridled joy. He chose to remain silent, realizing that protecting her innocent heart was paramount.
Yet, unbeknownst to them, the path ahead had already been shaped by the Stars, with all its design and unforeseen twists.
(To be continued)