On the day of departure, just as they had agreed, Chihaya Tetsuya waited at home for Wakaba Mutsumi so they could leave together.
A short while later, when he saw her, a sound of admiration escaped his lips involuntarily—
The first thing that caught his eye was a pure white dress, adorned with frills and a small amount of embroidery.
The simplest silhouette, with minimal decoration, yet it was the most fitting attire for this girl.
As quiet as a windless spring sky, as flawless as the fine snow on a winter lake. This was the impression the girl named Wakaba Mutsumi had always given him. In addition to the dress, which perfectly complemented her elegant and serene aura, the combination of loafers and white cotton socks added a touch of pure, schoolgirl-like innocence.
This was perhaps the unique charm of a young lady stepping out from her sheltered life.
But beyond that... Tetsuya's designer instincts kicked in. He felt that he could add another embellishment to this already stunning girl.
What else could be added?
Speaking of which, that day I went to the select shop with Sakiko, what was in her outfit...?
Ah, that's right!
"Sorry, Wakaba-san! Wait for me for a moment!"
Under Mutsumi's somewhat puzzled gaze, Tetsuya hurried into his room. A moment later, he returned, holding a white wide-brimmed hat decorated with a light green ribbon.
"Sorry for the wait, Wakaba-san. Please try this on."
"..."
Seeing the incredibly expectant look on his face, Mutsumi didn't overthink it. She quietly took the hat and placed it on her head.
With the hat on, combined with her graceful and proper posture, it added a considerable amount of cuteness and obedience to her existing aura.
"What do you think? Wakaba-san?"
Tetsuya excitedly pulled her in front of the full-length mirror by the door.
"Don't you think this hat matches your dress today?"
"Mhm."
It was more than just a good match. If anyone else saw her current look, they would surely assume this hat was the matching sun hat that came with the dress when it was bought.
Looking at the decorative ribbon on the hat, which was very close to her own hair color, Mutsumi nodded lightly.
"This hat... is very cute."
"This is a piece I bought specifically for research and reference material. Since it's a ladies' wide-brimmed hat, I've never worn it."
Tetsuya asked with a smile.
"To prevent it from continuing to gather dust here, would you please accept it?"
Mutsumi stood frozen for a good while before asking in a soft voice:
"...Why don't you give it to Anon-san?"
"I've already given her countless hats before, and this one really doesn't suit my Anon's style."
Tetsuya said, habitually reaching out to smooth Mutsumi's hair where it rested on her shoulders.
"Besides, the weather is great today. It's easy to get a sunburn if you don't wear a sun hat."
"..."
Looking in the mirror at Tetsuya, who was intently arranging her hair and collar, Mutsumi, an only child, had never experienced this warm, happy, yet slightly embarrassing feeling...
No wonder Sakiko always says Chihaya-san is a cunning man. It's hard for a girl not to be moved by these ingrained 'big brother' habits.
"Alright, now we can go."
After fixing her new look, Tetsuya clapped his hands in satisfaction.
"Sakiko will definitely praise your outfit today when she sees you."
Speaking of which, I wonder what kind of outfit Sakiko will choose today.
If she wears that white dress like last time, the two of them standing together will surely look as harmonious as real sisters.
And so, with one person full of unknowing anticipation, and the other blushing beneath the brim of her hat, the two officially set off on their way to Yokohama.
...
"I did think you would look cute in this outfit... but I never expected it to be this level of perfection."
Sakurakouji Luna's expression and tone were devoid of their usual playfulness and cunning, instead becoming as serious and proper as when she was drawing her designs.
"This can only be described as a one-of-a-kind talent, Togawa."
"..."
Meanwhile, looking at her reflection in the full-length mirror, Togawa Sakiko's face was already flushed red. But in all honesty, even she had to admit that the maid outfit designed for her by the head maid, Yamabuki, suited her very well.
Because it was summer, a knee-length skirt version was chosen. In addition to the basic black dress and white apron combination, the accompanying black stockings and ribbon headdress were of such excellent quality that they seemed beyond the level of a mere servant...
Although she was reluctant to admit it, for Sakiko, who loved the gothic style, putting aside the symbolic meaning of the clothes, she herself was actually very fond of the gorgeously elegant frills on the hem of the apron and the decorative ribbon at the back.
"Do I... really have to let Tetsuya-kun see me like this..."
Sakiko muttered with mixed feelings.
"Although... it does suit me very well, but..."
Just as she was caught in a dilemma over her shamefully perfect maid attire, Luna suddenly spoke up.
"Togawa, could you please put this on?"
"?"
Sakiko turned around, confused, and her already rosy face instantly turned several shades redder.
"H-how could I possibly wear that!"
Looking at the white lace choker in Luna's hand, Sakiko retorted with utter shame and anger.
"If I put that on... then this outfit is no longer a uniform, but... l-ling... Anyway, I won't wear it!"
"Is that so."
The expected refusal did not disappoint Luna.
"Since you're unwilling to wear this, then just lift your skirt a little and strike a pose for me. I really need you to stimulate my creative inspiration right now."
"I will not!"
Sakiko's attitude remained firm.
"You promised me, didn't you? Our employment is just a formality. You won't force me to do anything I don't want to do."
"That is true... but, what if it were Chihaya Tetsuya asking you to do it?"
Luna suddenly asked her with a wicked smile.
"If he wanted to hear you call him 'Master,' wanted to see you wear this choker and lift your skirt, would you still refuse him?"
"..."
Although Sakiko's face remained bright red, she didn't refuse as decisively as she had just a moment ago.
If Tetsuya really wanted to see it... letting him see just a little... wouldn't be out of the question...
And for some reason, just imagining herself calling Chihaya Tetsuya "Master," her heart began to race uncontrollably.
"...Looks like we're in for a good show tonight."
Looking at Sakiko, who had already fallen into a fantasy, a look of immense anticipation appeared on Luna's face...