Morning of a holiday.
I spent an hour sweating it out in the training room right after waking up.
After showering in my room, while drying my wet hair with a towel, I muttered something I'd been thinking about.
"Hmm, I really want a smartphone..."
That's right, I don't have a smartphone, which is essential for students.
Even in my previous life, my parents didn't buy me a smartphone until I was in high school, so it's not strange that I don't have one now...
"Smartphones are convenient, and above all, they're a treasure trove of information. Plus... there's no TV in this room either."
I looked around the room.
A spacious room, luxurious furniture, tasteful decorations, a shower room, and even maids.
It's no exaggeration to say that everything is almost perfect.
However, there were some things missing from this mansion.
Those were... information devices like smartphones, TVs, and computers.
Since the mansion is equipped with luxurious items, it shouldn't be a matter of not being able to afford them.
More than that, precisely because everything else is so complete, there's no need for a smartphone or TV or computer.
There's no need to worry about the outside world.
This environment is too comfortable.
But even without a TV... I want a smartphone.
Not just as a means of communication, but I want information to understand this world.
That said, this world isn't a fantasy world; it seems to be the setting for a modern romantic comedy.
The scenery outside, the school life, apart from thinking there are many women, it's not much different from my previous world.
But I haven't fully understood this world yet. I need to get reliable information.
"It's good to raise affection points and be aware of the heroines and protagonist... but let's try to gather information calmly for a change!"
As I was thinking that, I heard a knock on the door.
"Reito-sama. May I come in?"
"Ah, yes."
"Excuse me, Reito-sama. Breakfast is ready... Huh?"
It was Naoko-chan who entered the room.
She looks good in her maid outfit today too.
"Good morning, Naoko."
"..."
I greeted her with a soft voice... but Naoko-chan remained standing by the door, unmoving.
"Hm? Naoko? What's wrong? Naoko!"
When I called out a little louder, Naoko-chan snapped back to reality.
But her face was bright red, and she averted her gaze from me...
"R-Reito-sama!"
"Hm?"
"W-Why are you... half-naked?"
"? Ah, sorry. I just got out of the shower."
Right, right.
I was just thinking while drying my head with a towel... I wasn't wearing a shirt.
"I'll put one on now, so wait a moment. Uhm, my T-shirt is..."
"..."
◆ ◆
After breakfast.
Kyoko-san came to my room.
Behind Kyoko-san, Naoko-chan kept glancing at my face.
"Young Master. I have something to say --"
Kyoko-san sighed deeply and continued in a cold voice.
"From now on, if I see you in such attire after showering, I will prohibit the use of the training room."
"No way!"
I exclaimed involuntarily.
What did I do wrong!
Even though I was half-naked, my body isn't unsightly!
It's a toned body because I train!
If I'm banned from the training room, I'll... be on the fast track to becoming an evil villain!
Besides, for a villain, training the body to raise affection points is indispensable.
Even if it's not effective now... I think there's meaning in continuing!
"Young Master? Is that understood?"
As if she could read my mind, Kyoko-san pressured me.
I had no choice but to nod.
Or rather, Naoko-chan... told Kyoko-san, didn't she?
Does she still find me unpleasant?
"I've thought this for a while... but Young Master, you're too defenseless."
"I-Is that so?"
I glanced at Naoko-chan.
"..."
Naoko-chan nodded silently.
What... am I that defenseless?
What does defenseless mean?
"Uh, I'll be careful from now on!"
"..."
Even though I stated it clearly... both Kyoko-san and Naoko-chan remained silent.
Yeah, the sisters aren't trusting me! I'll work hard on raising their affection points from now on!!
"Kyoko. Changing the subject, I want to contact Mother."
"Understood. Shall I convey your request as usual?"
"No, I want to tell Mother directly. So, could you lend me your smartphone?"
"Understood."
Kyoko-san fiddled with the smartphone for a moment and handed it to me.
Looking at it, the screen for Mother's contact information was displayed.
I pressed the red phone icon, and on the first ring... it was already connected.
Mother's voice echoed through the phone.
"Hello? Did something happen to Reiku, Kyoko-chan?"
She's assuming something happened to me.
Reito in my previous life must have worried Mother quite a bit.
"No, it's me, Mother. Sorry to bother you when you're busy. Are you free now?"
"Eh, R-Reiku!? Then, Mom, am I talking to Reiku!?"
"Well, yes."
Mother's voice was clearly excited.
But if it continues like this, I'll be swept away by Mother's pace, just like before.
I'm sorry, but I can't afford to go along with Mother's pace this time.
"Mother. I want a smartphone..." I was about to say it, but I forcefully closed my mouth.
No... that won't do.
That would be doing the same thing as the previous Reito.
Spending my parents' money on whatever I want...
I'm not like that.
"Mother, I..."
"Yes, yes! What is it, Reiku?"
"I want to get a part-time job... is that okay?"
"--"
At that moment, the atmosphere on the phone seemed to change.
Mother's reaction disappeared, and silence reached my ears.
"Huh? Did the call drop?"
When I looked up, Kyoko-san and Naoko-chan were looking at me with expressions of astonishment.
Hm? What's wrong with the two of them?
But Mother is the priority right now.
"Mother? Mo-ther?"
"Ah! Yes, it's Mom! Was the signal bad? I think Reiku just said something incredible. So... could you say it again?"
I see, it was a signal problem.
In that case, I need to say it more clearly next time!
"I want something, and I want to get a part-time job to buy it, is that okay?"
"No, it's not okay! It's not okay! I'm coming home now, so wait for me!"
"Eh, wait, Mother!?"
The call was abruptly hung up.
"Mother seems to be coming here."
"Young Master..."
"Ahaha..."
Kyoko-san looked exasperated, and Naoko-chan gave a dry smile.
Um... did I mess something up?