By being kind to people, I became the boss of a criminal organization. - Chapter 17: Maid dismissal
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- By being kind to people, I became the boss of a criminal organization.
- Chapter 17: Maid dismissal
“Arisu…!”
It’s been a while since I’ve seen Arisu in something other than a maid outfit.
I felt a sense of discomfort, probably because I was so used to seeing her in it.
“Master… sama…?”
“Yes, it’s Sakata. Can we talk?”
She looks so frail that it’s worrisome. Is she okay?
Why am I even worried about a criminal?
“I’m sorry, Master… The maid outfit you gave me is all worn out…”
I should at least pretend to be concerned, or it might seem suspicious.
“I can provide as many maid outfits as you need. I’m just glad that Arisu is safe…”
In situations like this, being overly concerned is less suspicious.
Arisu’s face seems strained, but I’ll ignore it.
“Are you able to move?”
“I’m fine. More importantly, I would like to know about our current situation.”
Well, it’s unlikely we’ll meet again.
I told her everything honestly.
“Master, for my sake, you… the organization…”
She didn’t change her expression at all to my words.
Maybe she’s just too stunned to say anything.
“I will be joining Sugiyama-san’s organization now. So, I’ll leave the organization matters to you.”
“I understand…”
I expected her to say something, but she didn’t.
Maybe she had given up from the start.
Arisu is clutching her left elbow, looking down.
“…”
Watching her like this, I think to myself.
If there’s one thing I can praise Arisu for, her delicious cooking.
But then again, the meat used in that café’s dishes tasted similar to Arisu’s cooking. Could it be…? No, she couldn’t be that deranged.
She’s someone who shows no interest in others…
“I’m sorry to interrupt this emotional reunion, but now that we’ve confirmed the maid’s safety, it’s time for her to leave.”
“Understood…”
As I was thinking about this, Sugiyama-san signaled me to part ways.
The time has come to dismiss the self-proclaimed maid.
Thank you for everything. Please atone for your sins over there.
“Master, if anything happens, please contact me without fail.”
“I understand. Take care, Arisu.”
I was worried she might resist at the end, but she left quietly.
Did she sense the difference in our strengths?
Arisu was one of the most capable people I’ve ever encountered.
But fighting multiple people alone is a different story.
I’m relieved.
I let out a sigh of relief.
◇◇◇
“Now then, Sakata-san, it’s time for you to start your studies.”
Study, huh? It feels nostalgic since my student days.
With these thoughts, I follow Sugiyama-san.
“Here we are, the study venue!”
I’m led to a small meeting space with a monitor and whiteboard at the front and a few desks and chairs neatly arranged. The area is impeccably tidy.
“Wait, isn’t that…?”
Sitting alone in the front seat is a familiar figure.
“You’re late! How long did you intend to keep me waiting?”
A beautiful girl in a pure white dress with shoulder-length silver hair shows a hint of irritation. She’s the condemner.
“I’m sorry. It took longer than I thought. I kept you waiting.”
“No, it’s not Sugiyama-san’s fault. The maid hired by that man behind is to blame…”
“I feel somewhat responsible…”
The condemner looks disgruntled.
“You must be the newbie. You are… Sakata, right?”
“Yes, pleased to meet you.”
She extends her hand, and I reach out to shake it.
— Ouch!?
She grips my hand with a force that seems to crush it, smiling silently. Is this her normal strength? It’s overpoweringly strong. I try to match her grip, but I’m no match.
“Alright, let’s start the meeting,” Sugiyama-san claps his hands to gather attention.
As soon as he does, the condemner retracts her hand and sits down. I’m honestly relieved; I didn’t think she would let go.
“Sugiyama-san, why is she here?”
“What, is it wrong for me to be here?”
“That’s not what I mean…”
It seems I’ve angered the condemner. Am I going to be killed? Her fierce temperament makes me question if this is an organization of justice.
“Condemner, don’t trouble Sakata-san anymore, okay? He’s a new member of our team, so get along.”
“If Sugiyama-san says so…”
The condemner obediently follows Sugiyama-san’s words. He seems to know how to handle her.
“Let’s start the briefing. Sakata-san, if you please.”
“Yes, thank you.”
The condemner beside me seems reluctant.
“Today, the condemner is here to support. Both of you will be working together, so please get along.”
“Alright, understood.”
With that, Sugiyama-san’s briefing begins.
◇◇◇
“That concludes our briefing. Thank you for listening.”
During the recap, Sugiyama-san finished his explanation. The condemner next to me claps, looking satisfied.
“Sakata-san, do you have any questions?”
Honestly, I didn’t fully understand half of it…
“I don’t have any questions. It was very clear, thank you.”
I try to get by with a safe answer.
“Really? You seemed distracted halfway through.”
“No, that’s not true.”
She’s spot-on…
“I was captivated by Sugiyama-san’s voice…”
What am I even saying? That just makes me sound creepy. I glance at Sugiyama-san, who’s blushing.
“That’s…! My voice is just an old woman’s!”
I don’t think so, but the condemner looks at me like she’s seen something unbelievable.
“Let’s end the formal talk here and move on to introducing our facilities!”
Sugiyama-san stands up, signaling for me to follow.
“A tour of the facility?”
“Yes, the condemner will join us too.”
“I will… huh…”
And so, the condemner and I start following Sugiyama-san.
◇◇◇
In a certain airport.
A girl sits on a bench, holding a coffee in one hand and looking at her cell phone.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
A tall man in a jet-black suit approaches her.
“No, you’re right on time for the meeting. No need to apologize.”
The girl lifts her gaze from her phone screen to look at the man.
“Then, let’s go. We’re getting close to the flight time.”
“Understood.”
“Hirata” and “Mayuzumi” start walking side by side. Thirty minutes remain until their flight.
“I have a question. You’re dressed differently than usual today.”
Mayuzumi comments on Hirata’s attire. Instead of her usual black suit, she’s wearing a black dress with lace details.
“I wore this thinking it’s more suitable for traveling… Does it not suit me?”
She grabs and spreads the hem of her dress, resembling a charming girl.
“No, you look very beautiful today.”
“Thank you. I’ll take that as a sincere compliment.”
Hirata smiles brightly, then speaks up after a moment of thought.
“Just to confirm, you’ll remove the limiter’ when we’re there. Are you okay with that?”
“That’s quite sudden… But I exist for that very purpose. Please, don’t hesitate to instruct me.”
Mayuzumi says this with a serious look in her eyes.
“The authority to remove the limiter has always been with the boss, so I’m hesitant.”
“I understand how you feel.”
Hirata lets out a bitter laugh.
As she speaks, the airport check-in comes into view.
“Ah, I’ll be right back.”
She heads towards the staff entrance of the check-in counter. Mayuzumi decides to wait in the lobby.
“Alright… I need to get psyched up for this.”
He imagines what he’s about to do. The limiter removal has only been done a few times in the past. The impact it could have on the people around it is unpredictable. However, the boss needs a power that might even blow him away. That’s why he’s been tasked with this mission. And he has a strong resolve.
He lets out a slow breath.
“Well, the boss is over there, so it should be fine…”
He murmurs, then hears a woman’s voice nearby. It’s Hirata, returning with a smile.
“Sorry for the wait. Shall we go?”
“Are you all set?”
“Yeah, I made sure to say proper goodbyes.”
Hirata responds to Mayuzumi’s question with a clear and bright expression.
“Hokkaido, huh? I’m looking forward to it.”
In her words, there seemed to be a hint of madness.