"Mother, nothing happened at the club. It's just that Hikigaya-kun ran into demons outside and was delayed for quite a while before coming back. Touka and I waited together for a bit. I was also talking with Shion, the head maid of the Rurikawa family, to learn more about the specific situation regarding the confrontation between the demi-human and human factions inside the club."
Seeing how eager her mother was to understand the situation at the Service Club, Yukinoshita Haruno did not hesitate. As she placed the bag containing the wristbands on the table, she knelt down and explained the reason she had come back late.
"The wristbands in this bag are benefits for new members of the Service Club. They have a lot of black-tech functions and can be given in advance to allies we want to recruit."
Cold, elegant, dignified, and authoritative, her mother was the unquestioned authority of the Yukinoshita family. Haruno rarely saw her mother look so unsettled.
But she understood it as well. This opportunity was very likely a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the Yukinoshita family. If they seized it, it would be enough for their family to leap classes, and even replacing the current four major financial conglomerates was not impossible.
Otherwise, there would not be so many people trying to rely on the elf princess and cling to her leg.
"Demons?", Yukinoshita Kiyuki froze slightly, doubting whether she had heard correctly.
The last time Haruno came back, she was still talking about magical girls. Now demons had appeared too?
"Yes, Mother, you heard correctly," Yukinoshita Haruno nodded seriously and told her everything she knew.
"Two demons joined the Service Club tonight. According to them, one of them inherited the power of a fallen Demon King and will grow into a Demon King–level existence in the future."
"It's just that they're being hunted by demons from the current Demon King's faction. They've now joined the Service Club and are under its protection. They haven't officially joined yet and are still considering it, but I think they probably won't leave."
A lot had happened tonight, but the most important and attention-grabbing things, in Yukinoshita Haruno's view, were still the magical girls, goddess angels, and the future Demon King sisters Naruse Mio and Naruse Maria.
The hidden side of the world was slowly lifting its veil before them, allowing ordinary people like them to glimpse its true appearance.
"Magical girls, goddess angels, and even legendary demons?"
After hearing Yukinoshita Haruno's explanation, Yukinoshita Kiyuki frowned slightly, a trace of worry appearing on her dignified and solemn face.
Not just peace-loving elves and merfolk, but even human supernaturals and demons from myth and legend were involved.
She had originally thought it was a good thing for Haruno to become vice president of the Service Club, but now it seemed the club's power was too great. As an ordinary person, Haruno might not be able to control it.
"Mother, is there something you wanted to tell me?"
Seeing Yukinoshita Kiyuki fall into thought and stop speaking, Yukinoshita Haruno hesitated, then after a while asked softly.
She had already told her mother about the Service Club tonight. She had only just teleported back there again. Her mother would not have waited until late at night for no reason.
"I just received news that one of the four speakers of the International Demi-Human Alliance, the head of the Aoe family, Aoe Mai, is preparing to transfer her daughter, Aoe Kuon, to Sobu High. She will also be bringing several snow maidens and the Kiriya family's vampires to live in the renovated demi-human dormitory at Sobu High."
Yukinoshita Kiyuki came back to her senses. Looking at Yukinoshita Haruno sitting across from her, she pondered for a moment before speaking slowly.
On the human side, trying to arrange for someone to transfer into Sobu High would be blocked and refused. On the demi-human side, however, the restrictions were not that strict, especially since the Aoe family was relatively powerful among the demi-humans.
"The Aoe family? Snow maidens and vampires? I remember last time you said that the Aoe family's young lady hadn't awakened her bloodline, and the Kiriya family members seemed to have some issues as well," Yukinoshita Haruno said hesitantly, not entirely certain.
There were not many demi-human forces openly present in human society, but demi-humans with backing had formed the Demi-Human Alliance.
She had also learned about the alliance. Elves, merfolk, vampires, snow maidens, dragons, oni, and others were all part of it. The Aoe family represented the snow maiden race.
However, like many demi-humans who had not awakened their bloodlines and gained power, although Aoe Mai had awakened her bloodline and obtained power, her daughter Aoe Kuon was still just an ordinary demi-human without supernatural strength, at most having better looks and temperament than most.
"Yes. Aoe Kuon seems to be a half-blood between vampires and snow maidens. Like the oni family's young lady Origamine Ouka, who has already transferred to Sobu High, she is also a demi-human who has not awakened her bloodline."
"The Kiriya family's vampires are said to have incomplete bloodline awakenings, with obvious defects. They once refused the military's request to study their bloodlines and only escaped being researched thanks to the protection of other demi-humans. They are not as friendly toward humans as the elf race," Yukinoshita Kiyuki nodded gravely.
"But they are still demi-humans, and the Aoe family also has its own industries. They are not as easy to approach as the elf princess."
"You said there are faction divisions between demi-humans and humans inside the club. If conflicts break out, how will you handle it?"
"They'll probably join the Service Club too. No wonder they made you vice president… this vice president position won't be easy."
In modern society, demi-humans had not completely hidden themselves. Ordinary people simply did not encounter them often, and the Yukinoshita family had not deliberately interacted with snow maidens and the like.
That was because those demi-humans would not be supported by their race as representatives the way those who relied on an otherworldly elf princess would be.
Compared to demi-humans who relied on bloodline awakening for power, which might not even awaken at all, elves who mastered systematic magic and advocated peace were far more attractive as representatives. Even though learning magic required talent, the risks were much lower.
"Uh… there are faction divisions and internal struggles in the club, but it's not as serious as you're imagining, Mother. The elf princess won't get angry over it. In fact, if the human side wins, she'll even be happy."
Seeing Yukinoshita Kiyuki already worrying about her situation, Yukinoshita Haruno hesitated. Not knowing how to explain the Service Club's 'service wars,' she could only answer vaguely, her face slightly red.
"You could say it's internal, healthy competition. It's just that with so many demi-humans joining at once, the human faction might fall into a disadvantage again."
The Kiriya family seemed to have six sisters. Add to that the snow maiden group led by Aoe Kuon. Humans already had weaker physiques and slower recovery than demi-humans. How many more people would the human side need to recruit to win?
Thinking about it carefully, it was no wonder Rurikawa Tsubaki formed a maid corps and Ichinose Ayano pulled her close friends in, using every possible method to recruit people.
"If the human faction wins, the elf princess will still be happy? As expected of the peace-loving, gentle, pure and flawless elf race."
Yukinoshita Kiyuki did not realize that the so-called internal competition of the Service Club meant parties. Hearing that the elf princess would not be angry but would instead be pleased, she immediately had an idea.
"It's fine. I'll help you contact allies. I'll definitely help you secure your position as vice president."
"The Rurikawa family has already benefited so much. As long as you produce results and help the Service Club develop, I believe the elf princess will also give us sufficient returns."
She had not originally planned to pull allies into the Service Club so soon and wanted to consider it carefully first.
But now the demi-humans were strong. To stabilize Haruno's position as vice president, she had to contact allies as soon as possible.
Since the human faction lacked people, she would try to contact families with twins, triplets, or many daughters. One family could count as several!
"Thank you, Mother. I'll definitely seize this opportunity properly!"
Facing her mother Yukinoshita Kiyuki personally stepping in to give her full support, Yukinoshita Haruno naturally could not say anything in opposition. She even made up her mind to grasp the future of the Yukinoshita family.
Even though she knew the situation inside the Service Club, and that allies who joined had a high chance of being pulled into Hachiman's bed by Shion and the others.
But from what she understood and observed, all the girls in the Service Club were acting of their own free will. No one had ever been forced.
Those girls even seemed to have no obvious financial relationships with Hachiman.
Childhood friends Kaede and Suzu could be said to be bound by emotions. Rurikawa Tsubaki and Ichinose Ayano could be said to be trying to get closer to and please the elf princess. But what about the many other girls?
The disciplinary committee, the girls' competitive swimming club, the gyaru group in class...
Not to mention demi-humans whose values might be completely different from humans, and not even considering supernaturals like magical girls, even among ordinary people there were so many girls throwing themselves in without asking for anything in return?
Although she also could not quite understand how Hachiman was so capable, so different from what she had initially imagined, judging from the current situation, she could at least ensure that if the allies her mother brought in did not want to please Hachiman, they would not have to worry about being forced into anything.
Of course, to avoid Hachiman thinking that she was useless as vice president, she still had to carefully screen allies together with her mother and choose those who were willing to give.
Little Yukino had made no progress in the school Service Club. Now that she had joined the Service Club outside school, there was no need to wait for little Yukino anymore.
Perhaps it was precisely because of little Yukino that she, an outsider, had no interest entanglements with either the human or demi-human factions inside the Service Club, and that was why Hachiman had chosen her to be vice president.
Yukinoshita Haruno suddenly realized that little Yukino being 'excluded' might not be entirely a bad thing.
"It's getting late today. Haruno, go rest first. Tomorrow I'll contact allies we can trust and see if they're willing to join the Service Club."
Yukinoshita Kiyuki did not have mind-reading abilities and did not know Haruno's complicated feelings at the moment. But after realizing that her younger daughter Yukino was not suitable, she naturally chose to place the Yukinoshita family's hopes on her elder daughter Haruno.
After all, more and more supernatural forces were revealing themselves these days, and many ordinary families and conglomerates were also seeking opportunities to rise into supernatural ranks.
If the Yukinoshita family wanted to avoid falling behind and becoming disposable cannon fodder, they had to seize this opportunity with everything they had. Otherwise, a single supernatural accident could reduce all the Yukinoshita family's long years of effort to ashes.
"Yes, Mother."
"Wait. You said these wristbands are club benefits?"
Just as Yukinoshita Haruno was about to leave, Yukinoshita Kiyuki, who had picked up a pink wristband from the bag, called out to her again.
"Yes. These wristbands are exclusive benefits of the Service Club, and you could also say they're identity markers. I observed that basically all the club members wear them."
Looking at Yukinoshita Kiyuki carefully examining the pink wristband, Yukinoshita Haruno realized she had forgotten to take this Service Club benefit for herself. She picked up a pink wristband and put it on, explaining its functions softly as she did so.
Although she had not thoroughly explored its functions herself, she had heard some introductions when the elf princess Iris gave this benefit to Hanabishi Haruka and the other magical girls. She recalled and repeated them now.
"It's said that this wristband has many functions. Not only does it have automatic charging and networking, it also seems to have simple defensive functions. If you encounter danger, it can automatically call nearby members to come and support you."
"Calling for support, then the value of this wristband is even higher than I imagined."
After hearing Yukinoshita Haruno's explanation, Yukinoshita Kiyuki's gaze sharpened.
Under normal circumstances, a wristband that called nearby members would not be very useful. If something happened, calling familiar people directly would be better. But the club had elves, merfolk, magical girls, goddess angels, demons, and more.
In today's society, where many supernaturals were hidden, this pink wristband with a support-calling function was equivalent to a protective talisman.
She believed that many wealthy housewives worried about their own safety would be willing to pay a high price just for this pink wristband alone. But she could not be so short-sighted. Service Club benefits had to be obtained by joining the Service Club.
Mm… with this thing, she was even more confident about pulling allies into the Service Club.
"Then why doesn't Yukino have this Service Club benefit?"
Looking at the large bag full of pink wristbands, Yukinoshita Kiyuki pondered for a moment and also put one on herself. But as she looked at Yukinoshita Haruno wearing one as well, she suddenly asked.
Her younger daughter Yukino had come back tonight and said some naïve things to her. But at that time, Yukino did not seem to have this on her wrist.
"Yukino only learned about the existence of the Service Club today, just like me. She probably didn't have time to receive this benefit yet. I'll give it to Yukino tomorrow. I'll also ask you about joining the Service Club while I'm at it."
Yukinoshita Haruno froze, realizing the blind spot as well. After thinking for a bit, she replied.
"Although most Service Club members are students, Hikigaya-kun doesn't seem to restrict who can join. Ms. Asou Miyuri, who was originally an apartment landlady, also joined the Service Club, and she's even preparing to bring her close friends in to get help."
She could deal with Rurikawa Tsubaki, Kaede, and Ichinose Ayano, but when it came to wealthy housewives and career women, her mother was more suitable.
Even within the same human faction, there were still internal factions. That was unavoidable.
But with mother and daughter working together, there should not be too many problems.
"Mm, I understand. Besides Yukino's, take a few more. I'll keep the rest for now. If you find reliable allies, Haruno, you can directly put these on them first."
Yukinoshita Kiyuki nodded slightly, telling Yukinoshita Haruno to take a few more pink wristbands.
"Since you said Touka also joined the club, and Sakura and Ayano have a good relationship with the club's president, I'll first ask Aoi tomorrow to learn her thoughts about Touka's marriage."
"Besides Aoi, I'll think about who else is trustworthy enough to be allies."
"Mira has a pair of twin daughters. Kasumi and Kyoka both have two daughters as well. It seems Kyoka has a niece who teaches at Sobu High… Reina has quintuplets…"
"Nami's daughter is quite strong in kendo and very skilled in iaijutsu… Airi is often abroad and a bit scatterbrained. She probably won't consider letting her daughter, who is still cared for by maids, join the Service Club…"
"It's a pity. The Nanakusa family's daughter has already awakened her magical talent and gone off for secret training."
The Yukinoshita family was a local prestigious family. Naturally, they knew many wealthy housewives and career women, and had good relationships with many of them.
However, the Yukinoshita family had no supernaturals. When choosing allies, they could not choose ones that would overpower the Yukinoshita family, nor ones too weak to be useful after joining the club.
This inevitably put Yukinoshita Kiyuki in a dilemma. If only the Yukinoshita family were flourishing with many members and had supernaturals of their own, she could be bolder and directly bring in families with magical talent. Once those families tasted the benefits of supernatural power, they would surely become even more fervent.
Although she did not know how intense the struggle between humans and demi-humans in the Service Club truly was, having supernatural power would definitely be better than not having it.
"Mother, please rest early. I'll head back first."
Seeing Yukinoshita Kiyuki deep in thought about how to add leverage to her position as vice president, Yukinoshita Haruno did not stay any longer. She picked up several pink wristbands, took her leave, and after walking out for a short distance, immediately teleported back to the Service Club.
The Service Club's teleportation permissions were not limited to the large bath. One could also choose to teleport back to one's own room.
Although she was not lacking a place to stay, as vice president of the Service Club, she naturally had a room of her own.
In the future, she would need to introduce new members to the Service Club and bring them in. She needed to experience living in the Service Club herself and build good relationships with the people there.
Actually, if she did not consider spending time with family, the Service Club, with its convenient access, was safer and more comfortable than staying at home.
The only issue was that the Service Club had relatively few entertainment facilities. Compared to an ordinary club, it felt more like a residence or an apartment.
But that problem was easy to solve. Since the Service Club could allow them to teleport in and out at any time, it should also be able to let them teleport to certain fixed locations.
Once she and her mother discussed things with a few more allies, they could pool funds together to acquire hot springs, restaurants, racetracks, and the like as exclusive entertainment venues for the Service Club.
Even supernaturals needed entertainment and could not completely detach from society.
What's more, many of the supernaturals in the club were young girls with little experience in the world. If they were provided with meticulous services, then when trouble arose and help was needed, those girls would likely be very willing to lend a hand.
Although relying on outsiders' help was not reliable, the best choice would be to become a supernatural oneself, but neither she nor little Yukino had any magical talent in that regard…
She did not want to dwell on these things, but there was no choice…
Yukinoshita Haruno lay on the bed, looking at the pink wristband on her wrist. She had no mood to study it for now and tried hard to push aside the cluttered thoughts in her mind and fall asleep.
It was already very late. There would be many things to do tomorrow. She needed to sleep quickly.
However, just as she was drowsy and about to fall asleep, a burst of doorbell ringing startled her awake.
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