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Facing the young girl's shy demeanor, the experienced Reiji, who had seen countless flowers, naturally understood her feelings.
"I have nothing to do either. Kumoi is already enough for that kind of banquet..."
Kasumioji Rurichiyo tightly clutched the corner of her clothes, pouting slightly, and muttered, "These matters have always been handled by Kumoi."
"Oh? What's with this pitiful look?"
Reiji didn't express any opinion, just stared at Kasumioji Rurichiyo in front of him with great interest, his eyes full of curiosity and scrutiny.
He really wanted to know what this cute little girl was planning.
Reiji's undisguised gaze, like an X-ray, carefully scrutinized Rurichiyo from head to toe, causing her heart to tremble.
Rurichiyo felt as if she had been completely seen through by him.
"Miss Rurichiyo, you specifically came to find me, didn't you? Is there anything I can help you with?"
Reiji, walking in the garden, looked at the distracted Kasumioji Rurichiyo and spoke bluntly.
The girl, who Reiji remembered as being very willful, was unusually shy today. If he dragged it out, they probably wouldn't get to the main point all night.
He had only come out for some fresh air; Shiba Kūkaku was still waiting for him in the room!
"Hmm... it's like this."
Stealthily glancing at Reiji a few times, Kasumioji Rurichiyo completely understood the meaning of "from then on, the monarch no longer attended court in the morning" from the Western classics.
If Reiji could marry into the Kasumioji Family, Kasumioji Rurichiyo felt that not being the family head would be fine too.
"I heard my cousin say that Reiji-sama is the boss of the Odd-Jobs Store?"
Kasumioji Rurichiyo's voice grew softer and softer.
"My cousin said that the Odd-Jobs Store will do anything as long as there's money..."
Reiji felt that if this were in an anime, smoke would be coming out of the girl's head.
He probably understood what she meant and couldn't help but inwardly grumble:
"This cousin of hers is really bold! Isn't she worried about corrupting little kids? What? This little kid is older than me? Then it's fine."
"Actually, it's nothing. I owe my success in this endeavor to the strong support of my sisters. Of course, I also choose my clients, but Miss Rurichiyo happens to be within the scope. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Reiji waved his hands repeatedly, speaking humbly, his expression a bit strange.
That cousin, whose name he couldn't even remember, was truly saving him advertising fees, promoting his business all the way to the family head. One couldn't help but admire her.
Moreover, it seemed that this young lady in front of him had clearly been led astray.
"I can too? I have a lot of money." Kasumioji Rurichiyo's eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but feel grateful to that cousin of hers.
She was willing to tell her about such a good thing; if she hadn't, she wouldn't have known what to do when she met this man!
"This young lady... wants you to..."
"How truly bold." Reiji couldn't help but mutter to himself. He had already automatically filled in the second half of the sentence.
Then, subconsciously, he glanced at Kasumioji Rurichiyo, who was squatting on the ground...
It must be said that life in the Kasumioji Family really nurtures beauties!
"Miss Rurichiyo, please speak directly. As long as it's something I can do, I will definitely do my best."
Reiji's lips curved slightly, revealing a polite smile, and he said softly.
Of course, whether a "matter" could be accomplished would still be defined by him.
Kasumioji Rurichiyo felt Reiji's gaze gently sweep over her, and her cheeks instantly flushed with a shy blush.
Her body slightly stiff, she spoke with a hint of embarrassment:
"Aozaki-sama, you probably don't know... Actually, this young lady has been a bit... mischievous since childhood, and Mr. Kumoi has always disciplined me strictly."
As she spoke, her voice gradually deepened, seemingly carrying a hint of self-reproach and unease.
Then, Rurichiyo paused slightly, took a deep breath, and continued:
"Although this young lady is surrounded by many attendants, their relationship with me is merely that of master and servant."
A trace of loneliness and longing appeared in her eyes.
Finally, Rurichiyo mustered her courage, looked up directly into Reiji's eyes, and said firmly:
"This young lady hopes that Reiji-sama can become my friend."
"I have a lot of money, Reiji-sama, you can name your price."
Her tone revealed sincerity and expectation, hoping to exchange a genuine friendship for money.
"This..." Reiji couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. He had thought this girl would make a bolder request.
"There's nothing wrong with being friends, but there's no need to pay for it, is there...?" Reiji said with a serious expression.
"This young lady really has a lot of money!" Kasumioji Rurichiyo put her hands on her hips, confidently lifted her chin, and said coquettishly with her eyes closed: "No matter how much money you want, this young lady can give it to you."
"Or are you saying money isn't enough for you? That's right, you're a high-ranking noble now, so this young lady..."
Her words stopped abruptly halfway through.
Reiji also knew she couldn't continue, so he simply took over the conversation:
"Then let's agree beforehand..."
He cleared his throat, then spoke solemnly:
"Since I'm going to be your friend from now on, I should be able to visit you anytime, right? If I have to pass five levels and defeat six generals just to visit your house, then forget it, it's too much trouble."
Hearing this, Kasumioji Rurichiyo nodded repeatedly, a brilliant smile blossoming on her face, and said happily:
"Mm-hmm, no problem. You can come visit this young lady anytime you want to play."
Reiji looked at the innocent and lovely girl in front of him, and a soft feeling arose in his heart.
He smiled slightly and said softly, "Alright then..."
Then, he extended his hand and gently placed it on Kasumioji Rurichiyo's head, stroking it gently a few times.
"I have something else to do, so I'll be leaving first. Hayabusa's side should be finishing up soon too."
His voice was calm and gentle, but his eyes revealed a subtle urgency. It seemed there was something important waiting for him to handle.
"I'll go back now..."
Kasumioji Rurichiyo happily bounced up like a joyful fawn.
She deliberately nudged his hand gently, her face beaming with a happy smile.
"This young lady will go tell Kumoi right now."
"If he doesn't agree, just tell me. I have my ways to make him agree..." Reiji nodded and said.
Finally, he casually extended his hand and gently pinched Rurichiyo's tender little face.
The moment his fingers touched her cheek, a warm sensation came through, the touch was incredibly soft and smooth, slightly warm.
He couldn't help but feel a stir in his heart, and a slight smile appeared at the corner of his lips.
"I'm leaving now..."
As his words fell, he turned and left, his figure gradually disappearing from sight.
Leaving Kasumioji Rurichiyo standing alone in place, watching his retreating back until he was no longer visible.
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