Chapter One: The First Paycheck

The end of May was nearly upon us. One morning, just before homeroom started, there was a slightly different feeling in the air than usual among my fellow Domestic Arts students. They were all kind of restless. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but it was like they were on edge because something big was happening that they were all looking forward to.

What am I forgetting? I thought as hard as I could, but nothing sprang to mind. The whole class is acting the same way, so I guess it must involve me as well, whatever it is.

I had been a little distracted lately with all the chaos of helping Lady Erisu turn her restaurant’s fortunes around, so I hadn’t exactly been giving my all in class. The idea that I’d missed something big felt well within the realm of reason.

I’d better find out.

“Hey, Kirara.”

She was sitting in the chair next to mine with a studious expression as she waited for the teacher to arrive. I reached out and prodded her in the side.

“Eesh!” she yelped.

As the strange sound fell from her lips, I sensed more rage emanating from her than I’d ever triggered before. With her body contorted uncomfortably, she slowly turned to look at me.

That must be her weak point. Oops.

“You’ll have to tell me what the weather’s like in hell,” she spat with a twisted smile. She reeled off a whole lot of other things that were just as unsettling, but no need to cover them all.

“I’m sorry!” I replied earnestly. I’d only just gotten used to my life here. It was way too early to think about giving up the ghost.

With a sigh, Kirara rested her elbow on the desk. “Well? What’s up?”

Grateful that we were close enough that she wouldn’t bear a grudge over that kind of thing, I brought up the question on my mind.

“Everyone’s acting kind of weird, don’t you think? It’s like they’re all on pins and needles.”

“They would be, wouldn’t they?” Kirara replied, agreeing with me in a slightly dismissive tone.

“So you know why they’re all in such a weird mood, then?”

“I’m surprised you’re even asking that. As far as I’m concerned, you’re the weird one for not being on edge. You do know, don’t you?” She frowned and tilted her head slightly.

“Uh, of course! It affects me, too, so of course I know what’s going on.”

“Huh? What are you talking about? It doesn’t affect you or me.”

“Oh, really? No way. Does that mean it’s something Seraphs are excluded from?”

Hmm, I wonder what it could be. Is there some kind of special event I’m forgetting about? I tried to think of something that might have been announced, but however hard I racked my brain, I was coming up short.

She snorted. “I knew it. You actually don’t know at all, do you?”

Then it hit me. “Were you trying to trip me up?”

“Yup. You were acting as if you knew all along, so I thought I’d test you.”

I groaned. Why didn’t I just admit I didn’t know in the first place?

“As your punishment, I’m not going to tell you what it’s about.”

“Huh? No fair!”

When I let out this pathetic whine, Kirara seemed to take pity on me after all. With a sigh, she said, “Fine. I think Ms. Hiyori will tell us during homeroom anyway, but if she doesn’t, I’ll fill you in after class.”

“You will? Thanks!”

“So just sit quietly until she gets here, okay? Come on.”

“Got it!”

I did as she asked, arranging my things in preparation for class while waiting patiently for a few minutes.

Soon, Ms. Hiyori finally arrived. After she and the class finished exchanging good mornings, she made an announcement. Listening to it, I realized I really had forgotten about something important.

“Class, I have some very good news for you today. I can see you already know what it’s about!”

She looked around the room with a beaming smile on her face. Most likely, I was the only one still clueless. Everyone else’s eager impatience grew even more intense. You could practically reach out and touch it.

No one said a word, but Ms. Hiyori nodded and said, “Yes, you’re exactly right. It’s the day you’ve all been waiting for: the delivery of your first paychecks.”

While my classmates all let out quiet cheers of joy, I accidentally exclaimed much more loudly and leapt up from my chair. “Oh!”

Kirara couldn’t stop herself from bursting out laughing for a second.

I gasped. Oh no, why did I do that?! In an instant, I felt not just my face burning, but my whole body. I probably looked as red as a lobster.

“Thank you, Misaki,” said the teacher. “I’m glad to hear you’re so excited!”

This only poured salt in the wound. The rest of the class all started laughing at once.

Ugh, how embarrassing. Putting my hands on my cheeks, I quietly sat down and slumped face-first onto my desk. Hold on, though. What did she just say? Paycheck?

That was indeed something key that I’d been forgetting about. I’d been told it was coming, but now it was actually happening. I was getting paid. Ms. Hiyori had said “the day you’ve all been waiting for,” and in my case it was definitely true!

“Now, class, I need you to understand something. I know why you’re all so thrilled, and this money is fair recompense for the hard work you all do at this school.”

I lifted my head.

“However, I’m sure you also realize who you have to thank for receiving payment while still in school. It’s all down to the young ladies of the Societal Arts program—whom you may end up serving after you graduate—and their families. Don’t forget to hold the proper gratitude toward them. Once you’ve received your paycheck, let it give you a sense of professional pride. Strive to measure up to that privilege and drive your skills to a new level.”

“Yes, Ms. Hiyori!” replied the whole class, a serious look in all their eyes now even though they’d been smiling moments earlier.

“You’re free to spend the money however you like, but try not to waste it. Also, those of you who already have exclusive contracts might want to find a way to express their gratitude toward their mistresses. Anyway, I’ll hand out the individual breakdowns now, so please come up in student number order.”

Once I’d gotten mine, I couldn’t help laughing maniacally to myself. Here it is! My first paycheck! How incredible is this?!

At first I’d scoffed at the idea of studying to be a maid, but a system that paid me for doing that seemed great right about now. In fact, I couldn’t think of anything better. Originally, I’d expected not to start earning until I entered the workforce, which made the money all the sweeter.

Being a maid’s not nearly as bad as I thought. Man, it’d be a real shock to past me if she knew I’d ever think that way.

People can change, though, right? Now that I’ve met Himeko, the best possible mistress for me, I’m steadily working to make my dream a reality—at least, that’s the plan. There’s nothing wrong with just my mindset changing, is there?

Anyway, time to get serious. I have to put all of it aside and save it for the future. Well, maybe not all of it. It’s okay if I buy a few donuts, right? It’s money I earned through my own blood, sweat, and tears, so treating myself a little can’t be a crime. That’s all, though!

“Misaki?”

“What is it, Kirara?” I replied, so overjoyed that my voice was as sweet as honey.

“You’re making me sick.” She scowled, not disguising her reaction at all.

“Because I’m happy? That’s so mean!”

“I just call it how I see it. Anyway, there’s something more important than that.” Kirara’s expression turned deadly serious. She grabbed my sleeve and drew her face in so close that she almost headbutted me.

“You’re not thinking of putting all of that money in a savings account, are you?”

“Uhm, what makes you think that? Are you some kind of psychic?”

“Nope. It was written all over your face. You’re so blissfully unaware. Overjoyed that you got some cash, but determined not to use it.”

“What? Ack!” Hurriedly, I scrubbed at my face. Not that it helped, of course. It wasn’t as though it were literally written on there.

“I get why you’re happy, but let me ask you something: what are we?”

“Huh? Uh, well...” If she was putting it like that, I had one solid guess. “We’re Seraphs?”

“Bingo.”

Phew, I got it right.

“Now, did you actually take a proper look at that breakdown of your paycheck?”

“Well, yeah. I guess.”

The pay covered my time spent cleaning, serving food and tidying up afterward, and taking care of my mistress’s needs. It wasn’t that much compared to what you’d get from a full-time job, but I was sure it was more than the allowance any normal student might get. To me, it was a large sum of money.

Kirara sighed as if my answer exposed me as terminally boneheaded. “I can tell you have no idea whatsoever. Again.” She pulled my head under the desk and came in even closer. “Listen. You might think the total at the bottom there is normal, but you and I have been given way more than all the other girls in this room.”

“Really?”

“Not only that, but yours is probably a lot bigger than mine.”

“Huh? What makes me so special?”

Then it suddenly came back to me. Himeko had told me about this before. She’d said something about a “special allowance” that only Seraphs received.

I rushed to pull it out again and take another look. There it was, plain as day. Listed among all the other items was “Special Allowance.”

“You mean this?” I asked Kirara, showing it to her with trembling hands.

“Exactly. You know, it’s better not to go around showing other people how much you’re earning, but I was right. Yours is way bigger. No real surprise there, since you’ve been a Seraph for longer. You’ve also gone to Lady Himeko’s room a lot more than I’ve gone to Lady Kagura’s. That’ll be counted as overtime.”

“But that means...”

I swallowed hard. I didn’t know exactly how it worked out, but thanks to my special Seraph allowance and the time I’d spent serving Himeko privately in her room, it looked like my overall total was close to double what it would have been otherwise.

“I guess I should have picked up on this sooner, but being a Seraph is really something special.”

“You can’t seriously be just realizing that now, can you?! There are a ton of students here who wish they could be Seraphs but never will be. It takes luck, hard work, and plenty more. It’s special, all right.”

I gulped again. As someone who’d come here without any thoughts of becoming a Seraph, I wasn’t especially conscious of it, but being a Seraph was like having your future all laid out for you. If you could get a Societal Arts student to like you enough that she gave you an exclusive Seraph contract, you’d be able to carry on working for her after graduation. It was more than just a guaranteed job, though. The ladies at the academy pretty much came from the country’s wealthiest and most famous families. The benefits of working there would be immense compared to a normal housemaid position.

And Kirara and I fall into that elite bracket. Both of us are Seraphs.

“Now that that’s clear, I’ll get to the point.”

She came up from under the desk, so I followed.

“Hmm?”

“You remember what Ms. Hiyori said at the end, right?”

“Uh...”

I tried to think back. It was something about how to use the money, but I couldn’t remember the last part.

My mind’s totally blank. Getting the money was just that exciting. I guess I could pretend I know, but that hasn’t worked out for me so far today.

Instead I admitted, “Nope. I’ve totally forgotten.”

“What is up with you?” She heaved a small sigh. “Listen, she said that those of us who have exclusive contracts might want to find a way to express our gratitude toward our mistresses.”

“Oh yeah, she did say that. I’d definitely better say thank you to Lady Himeko so she knows just how grateful I am.”

Lately, I’d started giving Himeko the title of “Lady” whenever we weren’t alone together, but whenever I said it, it made me keenly aware that she was my mistress, which made me slightly tense. Not only that, but it had even started giving me a sort of competitive feeling. It was like the meaning of “Lady Himeko” was slightly different when I said it than when other people said it. I felt as though I was holding up a sign saying that Himeko was my mistress and nobody else’s.

That was why I felt it would be plenty if I proudly went up to her and thanked her from the bottom of my heart! However, Kirara had other ideas.

“That’s not what she meant. Sure, thanking her with words is important, but this is the kind of situation where a gift is what really counts.”

“I should buy her a gift?”

“Absolutely. You don’t have to use up all the money, but it’s customary to use some of it to return the favor.”

“Oh, I see.” Since I’d been given more cash than I’d ever hoped for, that sounded totally reasonable. Still, that left one big question. “What do I buy her, though?”

“Yeah. That’s the tough part,” she said, frowning as she considered this. “Even if we have more money than our classmates, it’s a pittance compared to what Lady Kagura and Lady Himeko have. We can’t buy much with it, and even if we could, they can already buy whatever they want themselves. What could we get them that would actually matter?”

“I see the dilemma,” I replied nervously. “It doesn’t have to be anything big, though, does it? I think even something as small as a handkerchief would be enough as long as it’s a thoughtful gift presented with love.”

“You really think that would be enough? We’re not just serving any mistresses. These are supposed to be gifts for elite figures known as celestials. I don’t know if they’d really be satisfied with that. They’d be happy, sure, but not truly happy deep in their souls. I’m sure both of them are well aware of this custom and expecting something more special.”

I could imagine that Himeko really did have great expectations. Before she had a Seraph, she’d been eyeing all the other mistresses with envy, wishing she had someone to serve her like that. Though I still didn’t know the story behind it all, one thing was clear, and that was that Himeko had been dreaming about life with a Seraph. Waiting a whole year before choosing one could only have built up her anticipation even more.

“Plus, if we give them something too average, people will start to talk. They’ll say their Seraphs are average maids who aren’t capable of doing anything beyond that. As representatives of Lady Kagura and Lady Himeko, we can’t let any of our reputations be damaged like that. That’s why we have to give them special presents that no one else would be able to give them.”

“I’m not convinced rumors are going to spread over something so private and personal, but I guess I agree that we need to give something special. If possible, I really want to exceed Lady Himeko’s expectations.” I wanted to see her expression if I managed that.

“I’m glad you’re on board. That’s what makes it such a struggle, though. What in the world is going to fit the bill?”

“Hmm.”

Both of us fell silent. As eager as I was to give Himeko something she wouldn’t expect, I was drawing a blank as to what that might be.

“It’s not easy.”

“Right?”

Maybe I could get her some clothes that would look nice? Nah, that’ll never work. Nothing I pick out with my fashion sense would look good on her, and in any case, her room is overflowing with clothes. Not to mention that all the clothes available on campus are expensive enough to make my eyes fly out of their sockets. At most, I could maybe buy her some underwear. The kind of set that Himeko bought for me before wouldn’t be too absurd. Trouble is, giving underwear as a gift would feel a little uncomfortable, and it doesn’t exactly scream “special” in the first place.

I could give her some homemade sweets, but I can’t really make anything other than donuts, and I’ve given her those plenty of times already. It’s not like they cost that much, either. Himeko probably wouldn’t think this herself, but I don’t want anyone else to accuse me of being a cheapskate.

Some kind of accessory, maybe? Nah, it’s just like with clothes. Anything I could buy her wouldn’t be worth buying. Trying to make her something would be a nightmare too. If I wasn’t so clumsy with my hands, I could try making her a stuffed animal or something, but she doesn’t have anything like that in her room, so she probably doesn’t have a taste for the cutesy.

Trying to think of what she might like was a real head-scratcher. I just didn’t know what would make her happy. The more I pondered it, the more I sank into the depths.

Just as I was running out of steam, Kirara expressed the same thing. “It’s no use. I can’t think of any good ideas at all.”

I tried to picture Lady Kagura receiving any gift that could be bought with money and getting excited over it. It was pretty tough, honestly. She’d probably be happier to have a date set up between her and Lady Minako. Wait, that could actually work!

“Hey, Kirara, what about giving Lady Kagura tickets for a sports game? She could take Lady Minako along with her, just the two of them.”

“That’s not a bad idea. Problem is, all I could ever afford are standard tickets. If they’re not the kind of VIP seats she’s used to, there’d be no point. Not to mention that she can easily buy those herself.”

“Ah, I guess so. Forget about it.”

This was a whole different kettle of fish compared to giving a present to a friend. Were we really supposed to find a gift we could purchase with money for people who lived in a stratospherically higher economic bracket than we did? Unless it was something really obscure, they could afford whatever they wanted!

What can we possibly buy that would be good enough?

We were out of time for now. The bell rang to signal that first period was starting, and the teacher entered the room.

Kirara sighed. “I guess we’ll have to try and figure it out during class.”

“Yeah.”

It was a different situation than the trouble I had with Lady Erisu, but once again I had no hope of focusing on my school work.

✤

When first period was over, I spoke to Kirara right away. An idea had occurred to me—a good one, I hoped.

“Hey, Kirara.”

“What is it? You’ve figured it out?”

“Not exactly. I was just thinking we could go and ask some other people.”

“Like who?”

“Specifically I was thinking of Mihaya, Haruka, and Matsuri.”

When I listed the names of these older and more experienced Seraphs from the Sky Salon, it was like a light bulb flashed above Kirara’s head. “I see what you mean! They’ve all been down this road before. If they can tell us what presents they got their mistresses, it should be a good frame of reference.”

“Exactly!”

“That’s a plan, then. We’d better be quick.”

Kirara immediately stood and rushed out of the classroom. Flustered, I ran after her.

“Huh? Wait!”

We headed up to the floor with the older students’ classrooms, which was pretty nerve-racking. Even though it was only one floor above ours, as soon we set foot there, the atmosphere felt entirely different. It was more sober somehow, like the giddy feeling that surrounded us brand-new students had disappeared and left orderly decorum in its wake.

Surrounded by this unfamiliar atmosphere, we decided to visit Mihaya first. As ever, she spoke in a clear and beautiful voice.

“This is the first time we’ve met in the main building, right? You look like you have something pretty serious to talk about.”

She tilted her head, puzzled, in a gesture so lovely I couldn’t help grinning.

Her kind eyes were filled with such tenderness that when she looked at me, I felt like my soul was being cleansed. Her hair hung in loose curls on the left and right, but met in the middle at her chest, looking almost like a scarf. Only, it was the people who saw her whose hearts were warmed.

Wait! Now’s not the time for gazing admiringly! We didn’t have much time, so we asked her to come out into the corridor.

“Actually, there is something we’d like to ask you,” I began.

“What is it?”

“You see, we just got our first paychecks today.”

“Aah, I guess it is around that time.” She put a finger to her chin and nodded. “In that case, I’ve got a good guess as to what your question is.”

“I’m sure it’s exactly what you’re thinking. Apparently it’s customary for students with an exclusive contract to buy their mistress some kind of present the first time they get paid.”

“And you’re not sure what kind of gift to go for, so you want to know what I did at the time?”

Yes! How handy that she figured it out so quickly.

“That’s right. We think it could give us some kind of baseline idea.”

Kirara boldly pushed past me and asked the question point-blank. “Without meaning to pry, can you please tell us what gift you gave Lady Sumire?”

Mihaya’s mistress was Sumire Miyamori. They were both second years, and they were very close indeed. They could often be seen in the Sky Salon acting very friendly with one another indeed. They were renowned at the academy for being an exemplary pairing of mistress and maid, each as wonderful as the other. I was sure it would be useful to know what Mihaya had gotten for Lady Sumire that had contributed to their ideal relationship.

“Well, I’d better apologize in advance because I don’t think it’ll be all that helpful.”

“It won’t? How come?”

“It’s a little embarrassing to say it, but the truth is... I gifted her a song.”

“Ah, I see.”

That was easy to believe. Mihaya loved singing and had a strikingly beautiful voice. Lady Sumire was exceptionally fond of her Seraph’s singing, so we could often hear Mihaya singing in the private area the two of them occupied in the Sky Salon.

“I also got a bunch of different people to help me out with making a CD compilation of that song and others I’d sung in the past.” Her cheeks reddened with embarrassment.

“Wow. I wish I could listen to it.”

A song, huh? That’s definitely a gift no one could have given except Mihaya. If I sang a song, it would be the worst present ever.

I turned to Kirara. “What’s your singing voice like?”

“Definitely not good enough for that,” she replied dejectedly.

Putting her hands together in front of her apologetically, Mihaya said, “I told you it wouldn’t be much help. Really sorry about that!”

Seeing her look so adorable, I couldn’t do much but say, “No, don’t worry about it.” Then I changed tack and asked, “I know we can’t do exactly what you did, but I don’t suppose you have any ideas for what kind of present Lady Himeko might like?”

“Or Lady Kagura, if you can think of anything,” Kirara added.

“Let me think.” She put a finger to her chin and pondered for a moment. “I think Lady Himeko would be happy with just about anything you got her, Misaki, but Lady Kagura’s not so straightforward. She’s not really into luxury the way you might expect—she tends not to want anything she doesn’t need. Still, the Ayakas probably didn’t do anything like this, so maybe it’ll be like with Lady Himeko. Whatever you get her, she’ll be thrilled.”

“Hmm, do you think so?”

None of this really made it much easier. Admittedly, I do think Himeko would be happy with whatever I got her.

“Hehe. I get the feeling you’re not really satisfied with that answer.”

“No, I’m not saying that!”

“Don’t worry about it! I don’t exactly blame you. You don’t want to just get your mistress any old trifle. I’ll bet you want to find something unique that only you can give her. Isn’t that right?”

“Yeah, something like that,” I responded.

Kirara was more direct. “Yes, I’m looking for something only I can give Lady Kagura. Something that she’ll be truly, deeply happy to receive.”

“I’m sure that’s what every Seraph is looking for, but most of them probably never find it. I don’t know what the answer is, but I’m cheering for you from the sidelines. You can do it!”

She clapped both of us gently on the shoulder to impart her supportive spirit.

“Thanks!” we both replied. I couldn’t speak for Kirara, but I was suddenly ready and raring to go.

We didn’t have a specific idea yet, but we had a direction. When Mihaya had said she gave Lady Sumire a song, I’d felt pretty jealous. That really was something unique to Mihaya. It was exactly the kind of gift I was hoping to give Himeko.

”We want to ask a couple more people, so we’ll be going now, if that’s all right.”

“Of course. I hope it all works out!”

After saying goodbye to Mihaya, we made a beeline for Haruka next. Once we explained, Haruka quickly looked as though she was lost in her memories. She murmured, “Wow, that takes me back.”

“Did you have any trouble finding something for Lady Inaho?”

Haruka’s mistress was Inaho Narukami. Though Lady Inaho was petite, her height of four foot nine and a half meant she wasn’t quite short enough to meet the criteria for joining Asuka Nekoyashiki’s salon, the Paradise Palace. Her Seraph, Haruka, was a full head taller. Their relationship was a little odd; Lady Inaho was a huge fan of jokes, and she liked Haruka to set her up as the straight man of their comedy duo. When people who were out of the loop saw the two putting on an act, it often made them a little uncomfortable.

Given what an unusual pair they were, I was curious to know what kind of a present Haruka had given her.

“I was quite confident, but I messed up.”

“Huh? Messed up how?”

If Haruka, who knew Lady Inaho better than anybody else, had made a wrong call, I couldn’t imagine what had happened.

“I became her Seraph in the summer of my first year. Although I did more or less know that she liked jokes, I didn’t know about a certain... touchy subject.”

“Touchy subject?”

When I repeated this, a pained expression appeared on Haruka’s face. “Yes. I decided to buy her a children’s backpack, thinking she’d find it hilarious.”

Kirara and I immediately picked up on what the problem was. Instead of any words, we both let out a groan.

“I guess you already know by now, but Lady Inaho’s surprisingly sensitive about her height.”

It was true. Although she usually exercised a no-holds-barred policy and didn’t let anything get to her, this one subject was delicate. She was happy about not being invited to join the Paradise Palace because she was half an inch too tall, and when she made her own height the butt of a joke, she made herself upset.

“Lady Inaho’s too nice to have gotten angry about it or anything, but when she thanked me, her smiling face looked like it was about to cry tears of blood.”

“Ouch.” That must have been a sight to behold.

“Well, to try and make up for it, I then sent her a kindergarten outfit. She reacted angrily again, but then she smiled and fully went along with the joke. ‘That’s right, even elementary school is too big for me; I should be in kindergarten. Thanks for the new uniform. Wait, what?!’”

Both of us gasped when we heard this.

“She actually leaned into it?” I asked.

“Wow, she’s brave,” Kirara agreed.

No ordinary lady would have just accepted that treatment.

“Well, it was a gamble, but it paid off in a way. It let me get a little closer to Lady Inaho.”

She smiled as if she was fondly reminiscing. By now, it seemed to be a pleasant memory.

“Hehe, well, it’s difficult to give someone a present that will make someone happy deep in their heart if you don’t know what makes them tick. Still, one thing I can say for sure is that it’s all right to make a mistake. If you think as hard as you can and give the best gift you know how to, I’m sure they’ll appreciate it. Maybe you’ll even learn something new about your mistress in the process.”

She was speaking from experience, which made her words pretty persuasive. I bowed my head, and Kirara did the same.

“Uhm, thank you for your help. This was really useful.”

“Hearing about the trouble you had takes the pressure off a little bit.”

After that, Haruka’s bouncy voice hit the backs of our heads. “Oh! I do have one other piece of advice.”

“Tell us,” we both said at once.

Advice from Haruka, who went for a bad choice of gift? Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be good to know.

“You two should perform as a comedy duo! I’m sure it would be—”

“No.”

We cut her off without even letting her finish, then started to back away at a brisk pace.

“Anyway, our next class’ll be starting soon, so we’d better go.”

“Thanks for all your help. Bye for now!”

Behind us, we heard her say, “Great reactions there, both of you! Excellent comic timing!”

When second period was over, Kirara and I regrouped to decide who we’d go and see next. That wasn’t as easy as expected, however.

“Shall we visit Matsuri next?” I suggested.

“Yeah, although I don’t know if we’ll get anything useful out of her.”

“Mm, I see your point.”

No one could deny that Matsuri was an excellent maid, but the mistress she served had some pretty unique qualities. Saeko Houjou had an extreme sadistic streak and was very strict to her Seraph indeed. However, Matsuri herself never seemed overly bothered by it—or rather, she appeared to be bothered but readily accepted Lady Saeko’s treatment. Maybe they were just really compatible.

With the kind of relationship they had, I couldn’t imagine there was anything ordinary about the present Matsuri had bought with her first paycheck.

“What do you think Matsuri got Lady Saeko?” I asked Kirara.

“Good question.” She screwed up her face in thought for a moment, then said, “Maybe she bought a collar for herself or something.”

The word she’d used there was not the kind you would expect to hear at a school for elite young ladies.

Wearily, I replied, “I don’t know if I’d call that a present, but it’s not entirely implausible.”

“What do you think, Misaki?”

“Hmm.” I thought for a moment as well. “Maybe she offered up her entire paycheck.” Now I’d managed to suggest something that was well outside the scope of a normal present.

Kirara couldn’t deny it as a possibility, however. “If it’s to pay off those debts, it would make sense.”

When she said that, I remembered the reason why Matsuri had become Lady Saeko’s maid: it was to make up for the huge debts her family owed.

Kirara put her hands on the desk, her gaze dropping. “Let’s stop this. I don’t even want to ask her.”

“Agreed. We don’t need to open up Pandora’s box.”

“Who else can we go for, then?”

We tried to think of the upperclassmen Seraphs we knew.

“I feel like Mei would get whatever Lady Asuka wanted most in the world. She’d be good at that, I bet.”

The only other names that popped into my head were those of the trio working at Erisu’s École Kitchen: Yukina, Mizuki, and Hanaka. However, they were still Exousias rather than Seraphs.

“Yeah, you’re right. Mei’ll probably tell us something helpful.”

“There’s only one problem.”

“Which is?”

“I don’t know what class she’s in.”

Kirara sighed, looking exasperated.

It’s not my fault! She’s not even in our salon. How am I supposed to know that?

She said, “Not much point in sitting around here, though. We’re only wasting time. Let’s just go up to the third-years’ floor and try to find her.”

“Good idea.”

When we went up to the fourth floor, the air around us once again felt different than when we’d visited the second years. The way it hit us was just as dramatic, but there was more of a sense of ease. I quickly understood why that was.

Looking properly at the chests of the older students walking past us, I saw that every single one of them had a gold or silver school badge. Right, I see. Being a Seraph or an Exousia would give you a little extra confidence, right?

With all these girls’ eyes falling squarely on us, we walked along the hallways.

Wait? Are all their eyes on us?!

“Misaki, do you feel like we’re being watched?”

Kirara’s usual self-assurance had vanished. Clearly she felt the weight of all those stares as well. Before I knew it, she had drawn back and was walking a step or two behind me.

“Come on, Kirara. Don’t make me go in front.”

“I just didn’t think we’d get this much attention!”

When we’d visited the other Seraphs, we’d known where to find their classrooms, so we’d headed straight for them and then gone straight back. We’d barely even noticed where we were. Now, though, we were journeying through the older students’ territory. Either we really stood out, or there were some unspoken rules you were supposed to follow here that we didn’t know about.

While I pondered that, the third years gossiped around us in hushed voices.

“Hey, isn’t that Misaki and Kirara?”

“You’re right! It totally is!”

“I’ve never actually seen them before.”

“So those are the first years everyone’s talking about.”

Oh no! Have we become campus celebrities? We didn’t ask for this!

I could understand why. My mistress was Himeko, a celestial and the school’s deputy chairman, and I’d become her Seraph on my very first day. Kirara, meanwhile, had broken the unwritten rule and directly told Lady Kagura that she wanted to be her Seraph. After begging her repeatedly, she’d eventually gotten her wish.

The second years hadn’t paid us much mind, maybe because they were still preoccupied with their own business, but it seemed the third years had a bit more freedom to watch who was walking through their corridors. Every single student we passed peered at us with curious eyes.

Ugh, how embarrassing.

We kept going, but as they continued gaping at us like we were rare animals at the zoo, we soon found ourselves huddling together nervously.

Eventually, someone came to our rescue—either because she took pity or because she was eager for an up close and personal experience with the rarest of creatures.

“Misaki? Kirara? What are you doing all the way up here?”

“We’re looking for someone,” I replied awkwardly, looking at the girl and trying to remember where I’d seen her before.

“Really? Let me help you find them.”

This girl, with her perfectly elegant posture, definitely looked familiar. It wasn’t the first time we’d met.

Her long hair, which had a slight touch of indigo, was arranged into an elegant updo, and she exuded the aura of a beautiful, mature woman. Underneath her bangs, which were parted mostly to one side, her kind eyes gazed at us affectionately. Her lips held a hint of a smile that could give anyone who saw it a warm sense of security.

She’s incredible. I can’t believe I would see someone like this and then forget who she was.

I racked my brain as hard as I could to remember, but Kirara got there first.

“Aoi, right? We really appreciate it.”

Aoi? Who’s that?

Then, with a start, it came back to me.

Right, Aoi. I couldn’t forget her name or her face. Well, I had forgotten them both, but now I remembered that she was the Seraph of Lady Shion from the Mauve Manor.

I don’t think Kirara’s actually met her, though. She must be an entry in Kirara’s mental database of everyone and everything. I wouldn’t put it past her to have researched anyone we came anywhere close to on the day of our debut.

A quiet groan escaped my lips. Just thinking about that visit to the Mauve Manor made me break out into a cold sweat. I felt traumatized, like I’d wandered into the lair of a vicious beast and lived to tell the tale. It was one of the scariest experiences of my life.

Maybe that’s why I forgot about Aoi; I was trying to repress the painful memory. Not that I need to be scared of Aoi, though, I guess. It was Lady Shion who made me want to run away screaming.

“Something wrong?” Aoi asked with a look of concern.

“No, all good! Everyone here’s been staring at us, that’s all. I’m feeling a little exposed.”

My honest confession caused her to grin. “I suppose you two are pretty famous around the school. The third years haven’t had a lot of other things to gossip about lately, either.”

I whimpered.

“We’re sorry!” Kirara blurted, apologizing for no clear reason.

“Hehehe, there’s nothing to be sorry about. You know, Misaki, Lady Shion’s worried about you in particular. She’s hoping you’re getting on well as Lady Himeko’s maid.”

“Huh? Lady Shion’s worried about me?” Considering I still felt like she might swoop down and attack me at any moment, I couldn’t imagine why that would be the case.

“She’s like an older sister to Lady Himeko, so of course she cares.”

“Oh, really?” There wasn’t much else I could say.

“It’s all right. It’s true that Lady Shion acts like royalty, or a god, and she can be pretty cruel to people she doesn’t like, but she’s actually a really nice person.”

No way. That is definitely a lie. Not that I could say that out loud, of course.

“Yes, erm, I’m sure she is.”

“Heh. You don’t look or sound very sure of that.” Smiling, she lightly poked my cheek.

With another whimper, I realized she’d seen through my insincerity.

“Well, I’m sure Lady Shion does look scary if you’ve only seen what’s on the surface. If you spent more time with her, you’d learn more about the real her and how lovely she is.”

“You must be right.” This time, I wasn’t lying.

“You’re likely to have plenty of opportunities for that, too, being Lady Himeko’s Seraph.”

After a moment’s pause for thought, I exclaimed, “Right, of course.”

That is true, isn’t it? Or at least it should be, in theory. Himeko’s really close to Lady Shion, so if I were going to keep serving Himeko after graduation, I’d probably see her a lot.

What most people didn’t know was that Himeko and I had agreed I’d be her Seraph only for one year. I couldn’t say that now, of course. If I did, the third years all around would talk about nothing else for the rest of the school year.

Worse yet, it would probably go down in history. There’d be generations of students whispering about the outlaw who became Lady Himeko’s fake Seraph.

“Yes. That’s true. I’ll see her a lot. How nice.”

“Misaki, your eyes are looking shifty again and your voice has gotten awfully robotic.”

“What? No. It hasn’t. I’m fine.”

I tried to push the truth as far out of my mind as possible. If Lady Shion and Aoi ever found out about it, there’d be hell to pay. Just thinking about what might happen made my heart feel like it was about to give out.

I have to change the subject. The less we talk about this, the better.

“Uhm, that reminds me. There’s something we’d like to ask you, Aoi.”

“Oh, really? Go ahead.”

“We got our first paychecks today, you see, so we’re going around to all the older Seraphs we know.”

“Aha!” That alone had been enough for Aoi to figure it out. “You’re not sure what to buy?” She pressed a hand to her cheek and smiled gently.

“Exactly. Could you tell us what you gave Lady Shion?”

“Actually, I didn’t exactly give her a gift. Instead, Lady Shion ordered me to plant my own rose garden, so I used the funds for that.”

“Oh, really? So the flowers in the Mauve Manor aren’t the only ones you tend to? You also have a rose garden?”

“Yes. It’s just next to the Mauve Manor, actually. I grow blue roses.”

“Wow, blue ones? They sound amazing.”

The purple roses I’d received from Lady Shion had been absolutely beautiful. I was sure blue roses would be just as striking, if not more so.

Bringing a hand to her chin, Kirara said uncertainly, “I didn’t think blue roses grew in nature, though.”

“Well done for knowing that. That’s true—or rather, it was true. Modern advancements in biotechnology have made blue roses a reality.”

Just hearing a word like “biotechnology” made my head spin, but it was pretty impressive that scientists had managed to do something like that. “That’s incredible.”

“Agreed. Unfortunately, it’s still not possible to make them a perfect shade of blue. I guess you could call them bluish purple. In the end, that means my rose garden looks almost exactly the same as the one in the Mauve Manor. It’s quite difficult to tell them apart.”

“Right, I see.”

She chuckled again. “You should come and visit the Mauve Manor again. Next time I’ll give you some of my own roses.”

“Oh, uh, yes. If I have a moment to spare, I’ll definitely, erm...”

As eager as I was to see what Aoi’s blue roses looked like, going there would mean talking to Lady Shion. My interest in visiting couldn’t win against my instinct to avoid her like the plague.

I just don’t think I can do it. I don’t have the courage to face her again.

Picking up on this, Aoi kindly added, “No pressure. Only if you feel like it! I know you have a lot going on yourself, Misaki.”

“Hopefully I can visit again one day.” Even getting myself to say that felt like a major effort.

“By the way, didn’t you say you were looking for someone?”

“Yes, we were on our way to find Lady Asuka’s Seraph, Mei. We were thinking of asking her.”

“I believe she’s in class three. Come on, I’ll take you there. Follow me.”

“That would be great!”

At the entrance to Mei’s classroom, Aoi asked a nearby student, “Excuse me, could you go and get Mei for us, please?”

Moments later, Mei came over and exchanged greetings with Aoi in an exemplary maid-like manner.

Man, every movement they make is so enchanting. I bet the Societal Arts ladies were lining up to choose them as Seraphs.

After that, Mei smiled at us. “My, if it isn’t Misaki and Kirara. We’ve never met inside the main school building, have we?”

“I’m going now,” said Aoi as she began to head back. “Good luck, you two!”

“Thanks for all your help!” I replied.

“Thank you,” Kirara said as well.

We turned back to Mei, and I began to explain the situation. “We’d like to ask you something. I hope you don’t mind us coming here.”

“Oh, don’t tell me. You want to know Lady Asuka’s bust, waist, and hip measurements.”

For a second, my brain refused to process this.

“No, that’s, uhm... That’s not it.”

“Then you must want to know about her tastes and interests—or where she scrubs first when she gets in the bath, maybe? Or perhaps you want to locate the heart-shaped birthmark on her butt and use the info to blackmail her!”

“No! That’s not even close!”

Mei had kind of a one-track mind when it came to Lady Asuka, so this didn’t seem too weird for her, but we didn’t have time for it right now. With all due respect, if we don’t get back to the point soon, the break’ll be over and we’ll be late back to class!

I continued, “It is about Lady Asuka, but would you mind listening to the question first?”

As soon I mentioned her mistress’s name, she snapped out of it and replied, “Certainly. What is it?”

Whew. Thank goodness.

“We’re looking for advice about what gift to buy with our first paycheck. We’ve been asking a bunch of Seraphs to try and get a picture of what they did.”

“Yes, I see. That is a challenge, especially given the esteemed positions your mistresses have at the academy.”

“Yeah.”

“So, should I tell you what gift I gave Lady Asuka?”

“Yes, please!” we both said, bowing our heads.

“I’ll tell you, but I must warn you, I’m not sure it’ll really help.”

Don’t tell me she did the same as Haruka and got her mistress a children’s backpack and kindergarten uniform. I know how fond of petite girls she is, so I wouldn’t put it past her to do something similar.

However, the answer she gave us was nothing like that. “I gave her a tiara.”

“Oh, a tiara?” I responded.

Kirara asked, “Is that the same tiara Lady Asuka’s always wearing? The one that marks her as the head of the Paradise Palace?”

“The very same,” Mei replied with a nod. “Luckily, silver isn’t that expensive to buy on its own, so I got the materials together and constructed it myself.”

Wow, that’s some impressive metalworking.

“I see what you mean now,” I said. “We’d never be able to do that.”

Kirara groaned. “Making something by hand is a good idea. Gifts like that are really thoughtful. Problem is, Lady Kagura already has a tiara, and I couldn’t make her anything worth replacing it with.”

Seeing our expressions, Mei’s face clouded over with worry. “You really don’t need to think that hard, you know. I know it’s tough to find something just right for people like Lady Himeko and Lady Kagura, but I think if you give them a gift and put all your feelings of gratitude into it, they’ll be happy no matter what.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right,” I said uncertainly. I knew she was, but part of me still really wanted to get Lady Himeko something truly amazing.

Then her face lit up as if she had remembered something. At last came a hint that could be our solution. “Actually, there is one option. I’m guessing you’ve heard about it already.”

“There is?”

“Yes. I’d be surprised if none of the other Seraphs mentioned it. If you’re asking them about the best possible gift, it’s an obvious go-to.”

“What is it, then? Please, tell us!”

We leaned in eagerly, like puppies begging for a treat.

A gentle smile appeared on Mei’s face, and she put us out of our misery. “You know the store on the first floor of our dorm, right?”

“Yes!”

“There’s a special kind of cake there that you can only get in the Domestic Arts dorm.”

“Really? There is?” I replied.

“I had no idea!” Kirara said.

“There are a lot of students who are like you—a little lost when it comes to gifts for their mistresses. That’s what it’s there for. It’s also said to be one of the absolute tastiest things available on campus, and sales are limited exclusively to students who have become Seraphs. The ladies know that, of course, so when they have a new Seraph, a lot of them are really hoping to get a taste of that delectable treat. Lady Himeko can’t have eaten it yet, and Lady Kagura probably hasn’t either. Knowing the Kokonoe sisters, I bet they decided they should buy anything but that.”

Kirara nodded solemnly. “I know what you mean.”

“So I think if you buy some of those and throw a tea party, that’ll be more than enough to make your mistress happy.”

I considered it for a moment. “Honestly, I think there’s a good chance that Lady Himeko’s been dreaming about those cakes. I bet she’s really excited about finally getting to eat them. What do you think, Kirara? Could this be an option for you, too?”

“It’s not a bad idea. It’s a definite plus that they’re a limited item, not just ordinary cakes. I don’t know, though.”

Mei chuckled. “At the very least, you can file it away in your minds as a possibility.”

“Yes,” Kirara said, bowing deeply. “We’re hugely grateful for your advice.”

“It’s something, at least,” she replied.

Exclusive cakes. That could really work.

I bowed as well. “Mei, you’ve really helped us. Thank you so much.”

With a glance at the clock inside the classroom, Kirara said, “Shall we start heading back?”

I looked too and saw that our break was nearly over. “Yeah, we should go.”

With a quick “Thanks again!” to Mei, we set out toward our own classroom.

From behind us, I heard her graceful voice say one last thing. “It wasn’t an easy decision for me, either. You remind me a lot of myself back then. I believe in you!”

Thanks to Mei, we had a workable idea. Those special cakes that only we could buy were almost guaranteed to make Himeko happy.

However, that did nothing to dispel the feeling that I wanted to give her something she wouldn’t have expected. Something to exceed her expectations.

Kirara seemed to feel the same. Right up till lunch time, we spent class with troubled frowns on our faces.

✤

Since we still hadn’t thought of anything by the time lunch rolled around, I was on tenterhooks hoping the topic of our paychecks didn’t come up as we ate. If the discussion turned to that before I’d decided what to buy, I had no idea how I’d respond.

Please, I just want to get through this without any awkwardness. I’m going to act like I’m not even here and hope nobody notices.

When I went into the dining hall, I saw that Himeko was already at her usual table, so I hurried to get her food ready.

“Lady Himeko, I’ve brought your lunch.”

“Thanks, Misaki!”

Serving lunch to their mistress was one of a Seraph or Exousia’s duties. Now that the room duty rotation had started, there were also a lot of other students serving particular ladies on a temporary basis. The room was buzzing with maids rushing around.

Other first years are starting to enter into the Golden Contract, too, just like we have. That should mean we finally stop standing out quite as much. Maybe I’ll finally get to have a peaceful life at this school.

I set the table for myself as well and sat down next to Himeko.

Time to eat lunch in invisible mode.

I did my utmost to avoid saying anything or drawing any attention. Inside, I silently begged for no one to mention the paychecks.

“Oh yeah, you must be getting your paycheck soon.”

I knew it. It had to be the very first thing she said!

I gulped.

In the end, though, I should have seen this coming. It was inevitable for Himeko to be excited about getting a thank-you present, so how could she not bring it up?

But I still hadn’t decided yet—and if the plan was to get her something that exceeded her expectations, I definitely couldn’t spill the beans now.

I didn’t want it to come to this, but you’ve left me no choice.

“What did you say? A crewneck? Sure, maybe next time we go shopping.”

Upon hearing this, Lady Inaho burst into howls of laughter. “Bahaha!”

Unfortunately, this was just after she’d put a piece of carrot in her mouth, so an orange chunk flew out of her mouth in a graceful arc. Fortunately, the distance wasn’t too great, so in a split second, her Seraph, Haruka, wiped it up with a cloth, removing all evidence that anything had happened.

“I said your paycheck, not a crewneck. I’m sure you’d look cute in a crewneck, but why would I bring that up out of nowhere?”

Ugh. She’s determined to talk about that paycheck.

I couldn’t blame her, but I had to fight back. Today was the one day I absolutely, positively did not want to discuss this subject.

“My boat deck? I don’t have a boat, being so financially challenged and all.”

“Bahaha!”

This time, a piece of potato flew out of Lady Inaho’s mouth. Haruka again cleaned it up and left no trace of it.

Today’s menu included meat-and-potato stew.

Lady Saeko and Lady Sumire joined in, both chuckling furtively, unable to stifle it completely.

“What in the world are you talking about? I didn’t say a word about a deck. I’m talking about your paycheck. Why would I say ‘your boat deck,’ anyway? I know you don’t have a boat! Why on earth would you have a boat?!”

Himeko’s rant prompted Matsuri and Mihaya to quietly erupt into laughter as well.

Yes, I know. I know what you’re actually saying, Himeko! I don’t really think you think I have a boat!

“It’s about your paycheck. P-A-Y-C-H-E-C-K. Paycheck!”

To make it even clearer, she had spelled it out letter by letter. Trying to feign ignorance past this point would be really awkward.

Maybe I can manage one more? High-tech? Aztec?

While I silently panicked, an unusually reproachful remark came from Lady Kagura. “Himeko, can you please calm down and pay attention to what you’re doing?”

“What?”

She cast her eyes around. When I did the same, I realized everyone was staring at us because Himeko had gotten so animated.

Her face turned bright red, and she quickly covered her mouth with one hand. “Goodness, when did I get so loud?”

“It’s thoroughly unladylike,” Lady Kagura scolded her.

“My apologies. Misaki just kept mishearing me in such strange ways, and—”

“She did indeed. My suggestion, however, would be to avoid that particular topic for today.”

I had the sense that she’d more or less figured out what was going on, at least.

“Why?” Himeko asked.

“How shall I put this? I think those two have a lot on their minds right now when it comes to that subject. We should leave it alone for now.”

“Hmm?” Himeko turned to look at me. I couldn’t meet her gaze.

“Don’t you remember, Himeko? When they get their first you-know-what, there’s a certain custom, isn’t there?”

Lady Kagura kept it ambiguous, but Himeko caught her meaning. “Oh dear. Have I overstepped the mark?”

“There might be some possibility of that,” Lady Kagura replied vaguely, doing all she could to avoid specifying that she had noticed anything amiss with her own Seraph. In a slightly nervous tone, she added, “There are some things we don’t need to talk about. They’ll be fine on their own. Isn’t that right, Kirara?”

“Oh! Erm, yes, it should be fine.”

Huh? Maybe I’m imagining it, but Lady Kagura almost seems excited. More than I expected! She’s slightly more on edge than usual, like when she’s with Lady Minako.

“I don’t doubt it. These are the Seraphs we chose. They’re fully capable without us saying a word.”

She’d gotten us through this, thank goodness, but she might have also inadvertently raised Himeko’s hopes and expectations at the same time. Now those cakes, and maybe a tea party, really didn’t seem sufficient.

With grim faces, Kirara and I continued eating lunch, receiving silent cheers of “You got this!” from Mihaya and Haruka.

When we were all finished and heading out toward our respective classrooms, the Kokonoe sisters grabbed me and Kirara from behind.

“Are you planning to do something weird with your first paychecks? Is that it?”

“Why bother? Just use a third of your paycheck to buy a handkerchief or something. That’s more than enough for a gift, you boneheads.”

While feeling the weight of their bodies on my back, I remembered that we hadn’t actually asked them about this. It wasn’t so much that we’d forgotten; we’d just assumed that they would be singularly unhelpful, like Matsuri, so we hadn’t gone to the trouble.

As the Ayakas freely poked and prodded her cheek, Kirara ignored it and responded, “We’re not planning on buying anything weird. We just want to find presents only we can give them.”

Unlike Kirara, I tried to fight back, but it was useless; both my arms were locked in place, so my cheeks were at their mercy as well. “It sounds like you two bought Lady Kagura a handkerchief. Is that right?”

“We certainly did not.”

“Why would we waste our money on a custom like that?”

Ah, there it is. It’s just like Mihaya said. They didn’t buy anything at all.

“She’s the one who should be thanking us, frankly.”

“Exactly! Being a maid is hard work. We deserve more than a pittance for it.”

Hearing them call it a “pittance” when it was such a large sum of money felt typical for the Kokonoe sisters. They may have been Domestic Arts students, but they were a different class of Seraph altogether.

“What do you have in mind, then? Tell us.”

“We’re your friends. Let us help.”

With unusually soft and coaxing voices, they rubbed their cheeks against ours.

Kirara tried to push them away, but it was in vain. “We haven’t actually decided yet.”

I’d already given up resisting at this point. “Mei told us about some cakes that only Seraphs can buy, so those are on the list of possibilities.”

“Oh yeah, I’ve heard of those.”

“We’ve bought them and eaten them once, but we never gave any to Lady Kagura.”

“Which means she’s never eaten them, I guess.”

Kirara murmured, “It’s perfect, then.”

Tilting their heads, the Kokonoe sisters started nitpicking this choice.

“You’re really going to get her that?”

“It’s kind of plain and obvious in the end, isn’t it?”

“Lady Kagura probably would be pretty happy about it, though.”

“I think I’ve heard her say something about wanting to eat those cakes.”

Kirara cut in, “I’m not saying it’s definitely what I’m getting her. Like, I’m sure she’ll really enjoy them, but I’m still looking for something else that’ll go above and beyond, you know?”

The twins sighed with exasperation.

“Are you thinking the same kind of thing, Misaki?”

“What a waste of time and effort.”

“It’s not a waste!” I replied. “Whatever I get Lady Himeko, it has to be good. Otherwise, people will talk.”

“No, they won’t.”

“Not in a million years.”

“Yes, they will!” I insisted. All eyes were on Himeko, after all. She was a member of the Sky Salon and the deputy chairman.

“You’ve really become Lady Himeko’s perfect little pet, haven’t you?”

“She’s got you well trained. Good job, Lady Himeko.”

“What are you talking about?!”

“Fine, don’t listen to us then.”

“Do whatever you like. It’s your problem. Good luck!”

With that, the sisters finally released us from their grasp. They looked like they were ready to leave, but they both suddenly stopped and turned around.

“Kirara, Lady Kagura’s a lot like Lady Himeko.”

“You’re the first real Seraph she’s ever had, so as long as you’re devoted and true, everything will be fine.”

That was the slightly inscrutable advice they gave her.

“Oh, uhm, thanks,” Kirara replied. “Understood!”

A few moments passed. The twins disappeared into the distance.

“Kirara, did you really understand that?”

She shook her head firmly. “Nope. Not at all. It doesn’t matter, anyway. What matters is that we head back to class and start getting ready. We can think some more on the way.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” I replied. “Actually, I need to visit the bathroom, so I’ll meet you there.”

“Got it. Try not to be late.”

“Will do!”

✤

After leaving Kirara behind and finishing up in the bathroom, I suddenly stopped when I noticed someone out of the corner of my eye.

“Huh? Was that who I think it was?”

There was a familiar face outside, I was sure of it. I went over to the window to make sure, and my suspicions were confirmed.

However, she had a very distracted expression, like she was there in body, but not in spirit. She stared up at the cherry blossoms, apparently not noticing me looking at all.

Class is about to start. Why isn’t she moving? For a moment, I felt a little smug and superior. If I wanted to go there, this was my chance to be the one chiding her when she turned up late. We need a head maid who’s on time, you know!

She’d be the one with bigger problems, though. I decided to open the window and call out her name.

“Sara, what are you doing?”

No response. No reaction at all, in fact. She continued looking up at the tree.

“Sara!” I cried, much louder. “You’ll be late for class!”

At last she noticed me trying to get her attention. Turning to face me, she said, “Misaki, it’s you. Is something the matter?”

Her beautiful silver hair fluttered in the wind. She smoothed it down with her right hand and tilted her head in puzzlement.

I felt myself gazing in admiration. Wow, she’s so pretty.

“Are you really asking that? Class is about to start and you’re just standing around outside.”

“Oh, I hadn’t the foggiest that it was quite so late. I’d better get cracking. Thank you for the help.”

“No worries. Are you sure you’re all right, though?”

Normally, Sara seemed so confident and self-assured. It was like she’d been sapped of all her energy. Today she looked like some sort of tragic heroine.

“Capital, thank you. I was just admiring the cherry blossoms.”

“If you say so.”

She started walking back toward the building, so I headed to the classroom, figuring it was okay now. Behind me, I thought I heard Sara muttering someone’s name, but I couldn’t quite make out what she was saying.

Not long after I arrived, the chime rang to signal the start of afternoon classes. Sara also arrived with seconds to spare, taking her seat with a composed expression. I watched her arrive and sit, then switched gears, ready to ponder the gift situation again.

Sorry, Ms. H! I’m probably not going to learn all that much this afternoon.

I was sure Himeko would be thrilled to get the cakes Mei had told us about, so I figured I could call those a done deal. I just wanted something extra—something only I could get her. A gift that couldn’t come from just anyone, but was a special present from her Seraph.

But what? What can I possibly give her? It’s not like I have any special skills or anything. I don’t know what would make Himeko happy. Ugh, this is so hard!

No matter how hard I thought, nothing came to mind. I did keep coming back to the idea that Himeko would be happy with anything I gave her, but all that did was bring me back to the start. My mind kept looping around and around, and before I knew it, class was over for the day.

On our daily trip to the Sky Salon, I checked in with Kirara. “Well? Any good ideas?”

A surprisingly buoyant expression appeared on her face. No. Don’t tell me.

“As it happens, I’ve figured out a general direction. All that’s left is the details.”

“What?! No way! You traitor!”

This is the ultimate betrayal. I haven’t come up with anything!

“Traitor? What kind of an accusation is that?!”

“Okay, yeah, I guess that is going a little far.”

It was just a bit of a shock when I assumed she hadn’t come up with anything either.

“Anyway, what did you decide to get her?”

“I guess I can tell you. Just keep it a secret from Lady Kagura, okay?”

“Of course! I’d never tell.”

“I’m going to throw her a tea party with those exclusive cakes.”

“What? That’s all?!”

Has she let the Kokonoe sisters change her mind? Sounds like she’s going for something plain and simple after all.

“No, that’s not all. Duh.”

“Oh, okay.”

“I’m going to invite Lady Minako to join her, and buy a set of two matching teacups and saucers.”

“That sounds great. Lady Kagura’s sure to love it.”

“Right?”

“Wait a sec. Wasn’t inviting Lady Minako my idea? It’s what I said at the start.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty similar to your suggestion. Inviting her seems likely to get me a lot of brownie points, so I borrowed that part.”

“Hey, no fair. What about me? Don’t you have some idea I can ‘borrow’?”

I’d never expected that off-the-cuff remark to be so close to what she actually went for. I didn’t mind, of course, but if she was on easy street thanks to me while I still had nothing, that really did feel like a betrayal.

“Hey, stop glaring at me like that. I’m gonna help you think of something, okay?”

“You’d better,” I said with a groan.

“I get it already.”

We mused over it together, but we didn’t come up with anything new. We kept thinking during our work at the Sky Salon, too, but not a single bright idea came of it.

One thing that was very clear that day, though, was that Himeko was eagerly awaiting her present. Sadly, that only piled on the pressure even more.

While she hummed melodically to herself—rare for her—I felt my stomach being squeezed tighter and tighter.

✤

When we got back to our dorm room, I clung to Kirara in tears. “She didn’t say anything about the paycheck, at least, but she’s building up her expectations more and more!”

“Yeah, uhm, I got that feeling too. I think Lady Kagura’s looking forward to it as well. If we put it off too much longer, it’ll only reach a fever pitch, so we’d probably better tell them tomorrow.”

Kirara had pretty much decided already, so that was easy for her to say.

Hearing my tearful voice, our roommates, Karen and Akira, came over to see us.

“Hi! Welcome back.”

“Is something wrong, Misaki?”

Neither of them had exclusive contracts yet, so I felt a bit shy about asking them. Hmm, they’re going to be Seraphs at some point, though. It should be fine to share my worries with them.

I decided there was no harm in asking if they had any good ideas.

“You two might be able to help, actually.”

“Really, Misaki?” Kirara put an arm out in front of me, but I grabbed onto it.

With an admonishing face, I said, “Come on, Kirara. Don’t you think this is a problem that affects all Domestic Arts students? It’s no use trying to come up with something alone. It’s better to have an atmosphere where we can all share the load and discuss it openly, then find a solution together. That’s what I say.”

“You can justify it however you want,” said Kirara with a disgruntled look.

Karen and Akira, however, were ready to jump on board.

“It’s totally fine, Kirara. I’m really curious about what it is.”

“I bet it’s something about Lady Himeko. If so, I’d love to hear it.”

Gosh, that’s a surprise. I knew Karen would be interested. She was like most students at the school: keenly focused on the goal of serving one of the young ladies. It was Akira’s interest that I hadn’t seen coming. I’d always had the impression she didn’t have her heart set on being a maid, given the slightly lacking amount of effort she put into it. Maybe she’d changed her mind.

This was good for me, anyway. We quickly moved to the living room and sat around the table, then I broached the subject.

“Basically, after you become a Seraph, it’s customary to buy your mistress a present with your first paycheck. That’s what I’ve been told, anyway. I didn’t know a thing about it until this morning. Have you heard about it?”

“Yeah, I have.”

“It’s one of the unspoken rules.”

It seemed they were both already aware.

“Yeah. Anyway, that’s what I’m worried about. I’ve already decided on one part of my gift. There are cakes that only Seraphs can buy, so I’m thinking of giving her those.”

“Oh, now that you mention it, I do remember seeing some special-looking cake boxes on display at the store. They looked way too fancy for the likes of us.”

“Only Seraphs can buy those? That I didn’t know.”

“Yeah, that must be it. I figure that’s the bare minimum I can get her to show my gratitude, but I’m still looking for something really special. Something no one can give her but me.”

Karen and Akira started thinking.

“Hmm, that is a challenge.”

“I understand the urge to find something special, but it’s easier said than done.”

“Exactly,” I replied.

“If it were me, I’d just ask her what she wanted,” Karen said. It looked like she was a fan of the direct approach, which I hadn’t expected.

Akira tacked on her own opinion. “I think I’d try to pick out something practical that she could definitely use. I guess that doesn’t really fit with wanting something only you can give her, though.”

That idea wasn’t bad, but I didn’t want to give Himeko anything that felt like a half measure.

When I expressed this concern, Karen said, “If that’s the goal, why don’t you present her with yourself?”

Out of nowhere, she’d suggested something really outlandish.

“Myself?” I replied hesitantly. “What do you mean?”

“People do it all the time for birthday or Valentine’s Day presents, right? They strip naked and tie a ribbon around themselves, then say, ‘I’m yours!’ Why not go for that?”

I stared at her uncomfortably for a moment. “Karen, have you always been this audacious?” Then I waved my hands in front of my face in a panic, eager to dismiss the idea right away. “No, I’m definitely not doing that.”

Akira calmly interjected, “I’m not sure if it counts as a gift, anyway. Becoming a Seraph is already more or less the same as belonging to your mistress, right?”

“Oh, true,” Karen replied, nodding.

The idea of gifting myself still didn’t seem that bad on the surface. No way I’m stripping naked and putting a ribbon on, obviously, but that might not be a bad direction.

“Hmm. That could actually work,” I murmured.

Kirara jumped back, flabbergasted. “What?! Misaki, are you serious?!”

“Hey, don’t act so shocked. I didn’t say I’m going to wear nothing but a ribbon, okay? I just like the rough concept of presenting her with myself.”

“What do you mean?”

I began, “It’s like this...”

When I told them about my bright idea, all three girls nodded. It seemed to make sense to them.

“It’s not a traditional present, but I think Lady Himeko might like it,” Kirara said.

“I think it’s fantastic,” Karen agreed. “It’ll strengthen your master-servant relationship.”

“It’s definitely something only you could give—or rather, that only a Seraph could give,” Akira added.

They all approved, which was reassuring. It was a present other people could go for as well, but in a very literal sense, it was still something only I could offer Himeko.

“Then that’s what I’m doing!” Finally, I had a clear vision, and I was sure Himeko would be pleased. “Now, I’d better go and buy those cakes.”

When I sped out of the room, Kirara came chasing after me in a rush. “Hey, wait! I’m coming too! I have to buy the same ones!”

From behind, Karen and Akira bid us goodbye with a wave.

✤

The next day, once I had everything more or less prepared, I went to the Sky Salon after school like always and asked Himeko if it would be okay to stay the night in her room.

She stood from her chair with a sudden, jerky motion unbecoming of a young lady. “Of course! Absolutely!”

This was the first time I’d ever been the one asking her, so I’d already given away that something was up, but I just had to accept that.

“Glad to hear you’re so passionate about your duties!”

She didn’t directly bring up the elephant in the room, but she folded her arms over her chest and I could tell she was trying her hardest not to break out into a big grin. I could tell she was eager to see what I’d gotten her, which made it tough for me to stay calm while serving her.

What if she’s expecting too much? I hope what I’ve gotten her is enough.

It was something she never would have expected, so it would certainly shatter her expectations. In that sense, it would be a successful gift for sure. What I didn’t know was whether she’d actually like it. There was a chance she’d be disappointed instead.

Nah, she’ll definitely be happy with it. Right? She has to be. She spent all that time longing for the lifestyle that comes with having a Seraph.

After we’d only spent half the time there as we normally did, Himeko finally gave up and blurted, “Misaki, let’s go back to my room now.”

“Uh, sure! Okay!” I’d already made all my preparations, so that was fine with me. “I’ll have to go back to my own dorm to grab a few things first, though.”

“Yes, same as always. No problem—I’ll see you there.”

“Great!”

The very second we were done with that exchange, Himeko set off toward the elevator with a spring in her step.

When I followed, Kirara gave me a cheer of encouragement. “You got this, Misaki!”

“Yup!” I replied with a nod of determination. I left the Sky Salon, ready to give Himeko her gift.

✤

When I arrived at Himeko’s dorm room carrying my gifts, she was waiting for me in the doorway, rubbing her hands in glee. “So, you’ve bought me a present with your first paycheck, right?”

Her eyes were sparkling. She’d spent two days longing to bring it up and ask me about it, but Lady Kagura had put a firm stop to that. This had clearly raised her expectations to a breaking point.

“You know, if you build it up this much, it’s like an impossible hurdle. You’re making me really nervous.”

Himeko’s level of excitement is truly intense. If I’d been keeping records, this would have broken them all for sure.

Noticing how fear-stricken I was, Himeko rushed to clarify. “No, don’t get me wrong! I’m just getting all emotional because this day’s finally here. The event itself is a big deal, regardless of what you’ve gotten me. Any present from you is going to be the best present ever.”

“That’s reassuring, I guess.”

Either way, I couldn’t make a start until we actually went inside her room. “Do you mind if I come in?”

“Oh! Yes! Sorry, I didn’t mean to block the doorway.”

Accompanied by Himeko, I stepped into the familiar living room. All the while, her eyes remained laser-focused on the bag I was holding.

I don’t care what she says, I’m really feeling the pressure here! Her expectations are through the roof, I can tell!

I’d committed to this plan now, and there was no turning back, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that if I gave it another day to think it over, I still might have come up with something better.

Himeko turned to face me in the center of the room, staring at me with eager eyes. “Teehee! Well then, Misaki, what did you buy me with your first paycheck?”

This was it. I just have to go for it. In the worst-case scenario, I’d just have to apologize and do it over, like Haruka.

“Here goes. To express my gratitude for all that you do for me every day, I’ve bought you these special cakes that are only available in the Domestic Arts dorm.”

“So you did go for those. I’ve never eaten them before, so I can’t wait!”

Thank goodness. That’s one she’s glad about, at least!

“Also...”

Himeko’s face lit up. “There’s more?”

“Yeah. It’s kind of a present, but kind of not at the same time.”

“I’m not sure I get it.”

Figuring it would be easier to show her than tell her, I laid the bag on the table.

Looking through it, Himeko pulled a bemused face. “That’s an awful lot of stuff. I can see some pajamas, and some underwear.” She dug through a little. “A toothbrush? A towel? It’s all kinds of daily necessities. It looks like the underwear’s in your size rather than mine.”

She tilted her head in confusion as she picked up a plain-looking blue brassiere.

Himeko was absolutely right. All of this stuff was for my use.

I steeled my nerves, then told her exactly what my present was. “Basically, I’m thinking of leaving these here in your room.”

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

“It’s kind of a pain having to keep carrying my things back and forth whenever I stay over. If I have a set of everything here, I’ll have more time to spend serving you instead. That was the idea.”

“So now you’ll be able to stay over every night?”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, but yeah, pretty much. I want to meet your needs as thoroughly as possible. Even if giving you things for me isn’t exactly a normal gift, leaving them with you means I’ll be able to stay over whenever you want at a moment’s notice.”

Getting naked and tying a ribbon around myself was a definite no-go, but I’d found a more roundabout way of giving myself as a gift.

With a satisfied giggle, Himeko embraced me.

“That’s so funny. I’ve never heard of anyone using their first paycheck to buy things for themselves, then give those to their mistress. I’m happy to hold on to them, of course! You can have as many changes of clothes here as you want. I’d even be happy for you to live here full time.”

“Let’s not go too crazy, okay? I want to spend time with my roommates, too.”

“Hehe, I know, don’t worry. Still, it feels like you’ve made a commitment. Even though our master-servant arrangement is only temporary, you’ve decided to fully devote yourself for the time we’ll have together.”

“You’re right. That’s just how I feel. By this point, I’m really grateful to have become your Seraph.”

All of a sudden, it was like she was overcome with emotion. She made a strange noise and started hugging me twice as hard. Even though she was squeezing so tightly that it hurt, I still felt comfortable in her arms.

Considering how awkward I’d felt about it, I was really glad I’d gone for this present. This also seemed like the right moment to honestly express my feelings.

“Himeko. Lady Himeko. Thank you for choosing me. Until the time comes, I’m going to put everything I have into serving you, so don’t hold back. If I’m ever doing anything wrong, please tell me.”

“All right. There’s nothing you’re doing wrong, though. You make me happier than I could ever have imagined. I’m really glad I made you my Seraph as well.”

I have the kindest mistress around, but I can’t take advantage of that. If I rest on my laurels, I’ll never become the type of maid she deserves. I need to be tough on myself. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be more than worth it.

In the end, I’d made it through this challenge unscathed. I’d used my first paycheck to get Himeko a gift she was thrilled with.

Kirara apparently had some trouble getting Lady Minako to agree to the invitation, but she managed to convince her by reminding her of the “prize” she’d won for beating us in the volleyball challenge—a free pass to visit the Sky Salon whenever she wanted. When Kirara appealed to her in tears, saying that if Lady Minako never came then it would make Kirara herself a liar, she successfully browbeat her into it.

Lady Kagura was thrilled with the resulting tea party, and ultimately, this was a story with a very happy ending.