Back at the mansion, we gathered in the spacious living room.

Across the table from me sat Kyoko, her expression cool as ever, and next to her, her sister, looking slightly nervous.

Unlike Kyoko’s lustrous silver hair, her sister’s hair was a soft flaxen color.

Despite the difference in hair color, their facial features were somewhat similar.

“Allow me to introduce you, Young Master.”

It was starting.

I had to focus.

“This is my younger sister, Nijo Naoko.”

Kyoko announced in a crisp voice. Her sister bowed slightly and spoke.

“I-I’m Nijo Naoko. It’s a pleasure to meet you…!”

So, her name was Naoko. A cute name.

“Naoko, I see. I’m Hazumi Reito.”

“Ah, yes… I know. We’ve met before, haven’t we? A long time ago?”

“A long time ago?”

I tilted my head.

Had we?

“The Hazumi and Nijo families have a long-standing relationship, our mothers being friends since college… We met when we were children. Don’t you remember…?”

We did?!

We’d met as children… which meant… Naoko and I were childhood friends?!

That made things even worse! I was probably even more disliked now!

I glanced at Kyoko.

“It’s just as Naoko says. We’ve met before, Young Master.”

Kyoko confirmed, her expression neutral.

Of course. If Naoko was my childhood friend, then so was Kyoko!

A shocking revelation.

Were these sisters… the main heroines of this world?

Childhood friends were usually heroines, right?

And they both seemed to dislike me… Wasn’t this a bad start?

“Um… Reito-sama?”

Naoko looked at me with a puzzled expression.

I couldn't let my guard down. I had to maintain my villainous facade.

“Is that so? Actually, I hit my head pretty hard last week, and my memory has been hazy. I don’t remember things from the past… I apologize.”

“Oh, it’s alright…”

Well, she probably wouldn't want to be remembered by someone who disliked her anyway.

A moment of silence followed, then Kyoko spoke.

“By the way, Naoko, didn’t you say you were going to Sotei Academy with a friend today to check out the route?”

Oh, sisterly talk.

I should probably just sip my tea.

“Well, yes. I was, but… she texted me this morning saying she had a slight fever. With entrance exams coming up, I didn’t want her to push herself, so I told her to rest at home. That’s why I came alone.”

“I see.”

It was entrance exam season, so it was better to be cautious, even with a slight fever.

So, Naoko was planning to take the entrance exam for Sotei Academy.

“Reito-sama, you’re already guaranteed admission to Sotei Academy through recommendation, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

I didn't remember taking any exams…

‘—There’s no changing the fact that you’ll be attending a co-ed school.’

Kyoko had said that too. The original Reito must have applied through recommendation and been accepted.

Wait, was Reito smart?!

I wasn't very bright, so I’d have to study hard.

“I have my general entrance exam next week. That’s why I came to check out the school today, but… I didn’t expect to be hit on. That was unexpected.”

“You’re always getting hit on.”

“Really? But if you hadn’t come, who knows what would have happened… You came to Sotei Academy because you saw the email I sent yesterday, right?”

“Well…”

The email… Was that the one Kyoko had mentioned earlier, about Naoko going to the school with a friend?

Come to think of it, when I’d asked Kyoko…

‘I’d like to go to the school I’ll be attending.’

‘! …Yes. Understood. We’ll head there now.’

There had been a strange pause before her reply. Was it because of Naoko’s email?

Had she been planning to meet Naoko later?

“Big sis…?”

“I’m sorry, Naoko. I took Kyoko to the school because I wanted to go.”

“I-Is that so…? But I’m glad you came, even if it was by chance. Thank you.”

Naoko thanked me cheerfully.

But the next moment, her expression turned serious.

“Reito-sama… I have a request.”

“Hm? What is it?”

I had a feeling this was important.

“I was planning to ask you after my entrance exams, but… perhaps meeting you like this was fate. So, allow me to ask you now.”

Naoko took a deep breath.

“Would you please hire me as a maid in this mansion?”

Her words surprised not only me but also Kyoko.

This was a common trope in light novels: “I want to repay my debt of gratitude!” But I wouldn’t be fooled.

I was a reincarnated villain.

This was…

“Hmm, I’ll hear you out. But first, I’d like you to rephrase your request. You have another motive, don’t you?”

“!”

Naoko flinched.

I was probably right.

She took a deep breath and looked me in the eye.

“I’ll work as a maid in my sister’s place. So please, let her go.”

“N-Naoko!”

So that was her goal.

She was worried about her precious sister working for a sexual harasser like me.

However, I needed Kyoko.

“What if I refuse?”

“Then…”

“You wouldn’t give up that easily, would you?”

“N-No.”

Naoko nodded firmly. She was a good sister who cared deeply for her older sister.

“Young Master, she’s not suited to be a maid. Please, just ignore what she said—”

“Don’t interfere, big sis!”

Naoko interrupted Kyoko, who momentarily faltered at her sister’s forceful tone.

But she quickly regained her composure and looked at Naoko with a stern expression.

“Naoko…”

“I-I’m sorry, big sis. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. But I’ve made up my mind.”

Naoko faced Kyoko directly.

“Even after he left, we continued to struggle. Mom and you are both working so hard… it’s not fair that I’m the only one doing nothing.”

“Naoko, that’s not true. Mom and I are doing this of our own free will. You don’t have to worry about anything. Just live your life and enjoy yourself…”

“Even if it’s your own choice, it’s still true that you and Mom are struggling! And I know we’re having financial difficulties. I’m part of this family too. I can’t just enjoy myself while you’re both working so hard!”

“Naoko…”

Kyoko trailed off, simply staring at her sister.

“…Hmm.”

I’d been watching their exchange in silence, my arms crossed.

This was making me feel guilty.

There was definitely something going on with these sisters… with the Nijo family.

And that “he” she’d mentioned… I needed to know more.

The Nijo family’s situation might be related to my doom flags.

So…

“—Are you finished arguing?”

“?!”

Both of them turned to me, startled.

I would ask about the Nijo family’s past later.

Even if I knew the details, it wouldn't change my decision.

So, I would tell them now.

“After hearing what you’ve both said, I have a proposition. Kyoko, you will continue your duties as head maid… and Naoko, how about you become my new personal maid?”

“?!”

They both reacted simultaneously.

Kyoko was attending university, working as head maid, and acting as my personal maid.

That was too much for one person.

“Reito-sama… are you sure?”

“Yes. I understand Naoko’s desire to lessen her sister’s burden. In that case, the best solution is for you to work in this mansion and support Kyoko. That means you’ll become my personal maid in her place. Is that acceptable?”

“! Yes!”

Naoko nodded vigorously.

Now, it was Kyoko’s turn. She didn't seem convinced.

“Young Master…”

“Kyoko, I don’t know much about you two… but I can tell that Naoko cares deeply for you. And because she cares so much, she’s willing to go to extremes. You understand that better than anyone, don’t you?”

“Well…”

“Wouldn't it be better for her to work somewhere you can keep an eye on her? That’s why I want Naoko to be my personal maid.”

Kyoko remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.

“…As you wish.”

“Then it’s settled. I’ll talk to Mother about this as well.”

I finished my tea and stood up.

“You two can talk things over.”

With that, I left the room.

As I walked down the hallway, I let out a long sigh.

“That was nerve-wracking. But I think that was the right choice.”

Even though the situation had been resolved, it meant that two people who disliked me would now be working as my maids.

Two beautiful sisters as my maids… it was a fantastic development.

If only this weren’t a villain reincarnation, I could actually enjoy it.