After Minamoto Senya thanked her and hung up, the phone finally went silent. The time had nearly reached eleven in the morning.
The relentless ringing that had persisted for almost an hour finally stopped, leaving a calm quiet in its wake.
Standing in the courtyard, having taken calls for nearly an hour, Senya felt the warmth of the morning sun soaking into his skin.
And… it had really happened.
It was only now that Minamoto Senya began to truly feel the reality of winning the award.
He tilted his head back at a forty-five-degree angle and let a small, satisfied smile curve his lips.
His life—one he had vowed to make remarkable—had just taken a decisive step forward.
The sliding glass door opened, and first a tuft of hair peeked out, followed by the adorable face of Takanashi Rikka, her eyes curved like crescent moons, her voice sweet and soft, carrying a hint of playfulness.
"Oni-chan, are you done with your calls?"
Senya turned to look and saw that everyone else in the living room was also watching him.
Each face carried a smile, and in their eyes… was it admiration? Respect? Something new that hadn't been there before.
Winning the Edogawa Rampo Award had clearly left its mark on him—this recognition, this permanent status, had changed things.
And that was good.
"Alright, everyone who needed to call has done so. Finally, I can breathe a little."
"So what about lunch? Should we do as you suggested and order takeout here, or…" Rikka leaned on the window frame, her bright eyes blinking up at him.
Senya knew exactly what she was thinking, but he didn't mind indulging her. After all, he had just won an award—celebration was more than warranted!
With a flourish, he declared, "Takeout? The flavor always drops a notch when it arrives. We're going out for lunch today."
Rikka jumped in excitement and turned to the others. "We're going out! Oni-chan's paying, everyone, don't hold back!"
This little schemer…
Senya walked over and gave her cheek a playful pinch.
She just giggled, knowing Senya wouldn't mind such a small thing. Then, taking Eriri's hand, she ran upstairs with her usual little steps.
She was in her loungewear and wanted her best friend to help pick an outfit suitable for going out.
Listening to the blend of hurried and cheerful footsteps, Senya thought to himself that one of the two had probably gained a bit of weight recently.
Kasumigaoka Utaha now stood from the sofa, brushing her hair back. She pointed to the side. "Senya, I need to use the restroom."
Senya nodded. "No need to make a big deal. Go ahead."
"How can I not say anything? I'm a guest, not like Rikka who's basically family."
Her moist, expressive eyes seemed to speak, paired with a delicate smile that hinted at flirtation.
But seeing Senya's sharp, handsome face and the depth in his captivating eyes, she blushed and quickly walked to the bathroom, unable to carry on the teasing.
With her gone, only Senya and Saejima Saeko remained in the living room.
Oh, and the black-winged bird perched on the back of the sofa, observing them. But it soon spread its wings and settled in the sunlit courtyard.
Now there was truly no one else around.
"Ugh!"
The next moment, Saeko lunged, and they fell onto the sofa together.
Bodies pressed, lips met.
Since learning that Senya had won the Rampo Award—no, ever since leaving the house that morning—Saeko had been struggling to contain herself.
She had crossed the line into desire, the awareness of adult pleasures intruding.
Dreams of him had consumed her, making her rush to the bathroom each morning with her fresh laundry.
Unlike before, she could privately indulge in her feelings without needing to hold back.
"Wait… Saeko, we don't have time!"
Senya had assumed she only wanted a quick kiss, but her hand sliding under his sleepwear toward his chest told him otherwise.
"I know… I just want to feel your warmth."
She lay on him, her eyes softened by affection, body melting like water.
Senya didn't dislike her fervor; in fact, he liked it very much.
A woman so composed publicly, so bold privately, was an irresistible gift for a man—if only the timing were right.
This wasn't the moment at the inn, late at night, when everyone else was asleep. Nor was it after school at her mansion, alone.
Eriri was upstairs helping Rikka pick clothes, Utaha was in the bathroom—anyone could walk in at any moment.
Despite knowing it was risky, Senya's body betrayed his reason, mirroring Saeko's movements.
She whimpered softly, clinging to him. Despite trembling as if electrified, she arched her upper body to match his movements.
Senya's hands were big and warm, the joy overwhelming her senses. She was grateful to know him.
Utaha eventually finished with her clothes and washed her hands, coming out. Saeko, realizing this, stepped away and entered the bathroom.
Senya sat back on the sofa, legs together, leaning slightly forward to watch the news.
A perfect chance for solitude… yet Utaha, unaware, sat beside him. Not touching, but mere centimeters away. Her scent, delicate and distinct from Saeko's, filled the space.
Glancing at her enticing expression, Senya's mind immediately went on high alert.
"Senya, you remember those tights you recommended? After trying them, I realize your choice was perfect. Much better material than what I used before—stretchy, not tight, very comfortable."
Her words sounded innocent, but the actions—lifting her pleated skirt slightly, adjusting her semi-sheer black tights—were not.
She exposed only a little of her thigh, careful not to go too far.
Senya, utterly flustered, could only reply, "Yeah, they look great on you. Glad they helped."
Utaha's internal thoughts: There's plenty of time in the future…
"Senya, aren't you going to change?"
"Not yet. Rikka is slow, it'll be a bit."
Before he finished, Rikka came running down with Eriri.
Senya: "…"
"Senya, you still haven't changed! If we're late, the restaurant might be crowded!"
He forced himself to sit, glancing at the news.
Eriri remarked, smiling: "Senya's like my dad—really into international news."
Utaha, unusually agreeable, nodded at Eriri's words. Rikka checked the kitchen and the windows, feeding the black-winged bird.
Senya stayed focused on the TV until Saeko returned. The news ended.
No more excuses.
He inhaled deeply, humming a nursery rhyme, and stood.
Utaha noticed, pupils widening, realizing what Senya had been doing—his attention captured by her slightly exposed, tights-covered thigh. She blushed, a mix of pleasure and embarrassment.
Lunch was chosen at a high-end beef restaurant on the nearby shopping street. Sukiyaki with premium marbled beef, greens, mushrooms, and special soy sauce, cooked and dipped in raw egg—tender and exquisite.
Also, specialty dishes: seared beef tongue, Japanese beef skewers, and croquettes. Meat galore for Rikka.
Watching her munch happily, Senya couldn't help smiling.
After warming up to him, Rikka no longer cared about appearances. But recently, after the hot spring trip, she'd begun noticing him more—getting closer, staring into his flawless, idol-like features.
She realized her older brother figure was exceptional, nothing like the other boys she knew.
When Senya looked at her smiling, Rikka swallowed her bite and complained, "Why do you keep smiling at me while I eat?"
"I'm happy I won today."
"You're lying—you're smiling at me! Eat another two pieces, I'll help you cook them!"
"No problem. Even more is fine. If not enough, I'll order two more plates."
Rikka worried about her weight.
Mid-lunch, Senya received a call from Touma Youko. He excused himself, leaving the others to eat, and answered.
"Senya, I've arranged your assistant. She's coming over now."
"Already?"
"You have an afternoon meeting at the publishing company. She'll guide you through business matters. Where are you?"
Senya gave his location, then paused. "Wait, Youko, are you sending her directly? I don't even know her salary or anything yet."
"Oh, minor details. You know her—Kudo Miyoko. She's trustworthy. Start working with her now. We'll adjust salary later."
Senya memorized the number.
He hung up, pondering. Touma Youko—famous internationally, caring for him—but he sensed she had more on her mind than just logistics.
Through a "God's-eye view," he peeked at the Touma household. Youko was smiling brightly, talking to the housekeeper Shibata.
Senya unlocked the view and checked Minamoto Senya practicing piano. Even in pajamas, her music stand held his novel manuscript instead of sheet music.
Nothing actionable gained. He returned to the table, chatting and eating.
Saecko asked about the call, Senya replied: "Not reporters. Youko found me an assistant to help with everything."
"Assistant?!"
Rikka nearly jumped, Eriri and Utaha's attention piqued, too.
Saecko nodded calmly. Such assistants helped alleviate the workload, giving more chances for personal time.
"Is she coming now?"
"Yes. If she hasn't eaten, I'll have the staff get her something."
Rikka asked, "Who is she? Do I know her?"
Senya chewed a bite, preparing to explain.
At Touma Youko's Neon Branch Office:
"Congrats, Kudo-san! You'll be directly managing the company president's daughter. Once she takes over the company, you'll be a trusted aide!"
"Congrats? I don't even know what will happen yet."
Kudo Miyoko tidied her desk, took the elevator to the underground parking, and reviewed her messages from Youko:
This is Senya's number.
This is his address.
He's there now. Go meet him.
Don't worry about my daughter for now—aside from piano competitions, she doesn't need your focus.
Your focus is Senya. He just won the Rampo Award and will be meeting many people. Work diligently to gain his trust.
Bonus and ten extra vacation days this year! Good luck~
Sighing, Kudo realized Youko had clearly taken a liking to Senya. Her role wasn't just as assistant—it was also to observe, manage, and subtly guide the relationship between Senya and Minamoto Senya.
"Well, this is chaotic… but at least the bonus and vacation make it bearable."
And thus, she headed off, ready to handle her new role: part assistant, part caretaker.
..
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