Chapter 32: Something Big Is About To Happen
Looking at the black luxury car in front of them, Kiyo Ishimaki and Azusa Satomi couldn't tell the brand, but it appeared very expensive. Coming from ordinary families, they usually didn't have the chance to ride in such a high-end vehicle.
Now that they had the opportunity, they naturally wanted to experience riding in such a car, but for a moment, they felt a bit timid.
Hearing Eriri's offer, both girls were tempted and, after exchanging glances, decided to accept her kindness.
By this time, Aoi Kujo had reached Eriri, gently taking the backpack off her shoulders, and led the four girls back to the car.
...
After dropping off Megumi Kato, Kiyo, and Azusa at their homes, Eriri and Aoi Kujo returned to the Spencer residence, where Ms. Sayuri was already home.
"Mom, I'm back," Eriri called as she opened the villa door. After changing her shoes in the entryway, she headed toward the living room.
Hearing Eriri's voice, Sayuri hurried to the entryway and happily pulled her daughter into her arms, rubbing her face affectionately.
"Welcome back, Eriri," she said.
Eriri obediently nestled in her mother's embrace and said, "Mom, I need to tell you something."
"What is it? Whatever Eriri wants, I'll agree to it," Ms. Sayuri said without hesitation, completely indulging her child.
Eriri explained her arrangement for Aoi Kujo. Ms. Sayuri naturally had no objections and readily agreed to let Aoi move in.
"I know Aoi very well. I've watched her grow up, and when I arranged for her to be your maid, I intended for her to live with us, but she stubbornly refused," Ms. Sayuri explained.
Her attitude toward Aoi revealed the trust and importance she placed on her.
Recalling how firmly Aoi had refused a few days ago, Sayuri was curious about how Eriri had managed to persuade her.
Not understanding, she asked Eriri directly, "Eriri, how did you get Aoi to agree to live with us?"
"It wasn't much. I just casually mentioned it, and Aoi agreed," Eriri replied, curious herself, then added, self-satisfied, "Maybe she was charmed by my unbeatable beauty."
Surprisingly, Sayuri didn't argue but agreed, saying, "Hmm, now that you mention it, that might be it."
No longer dwelling on the issue, she released Eriri and smiled, "Go bring Aoi in. Let her stay in the room to your right."
Nodding, Eriri handed her backpack to Ms. Sayuri and went outside to bring Aoi in. Aoi had only packed a small suitcase with a few clothes for changing.
Entering the living room, they saw Ms. Sayuri sitting on the couch, reading a manga. Aoi quickly bowed and greeted her, "Good afternoon, ma'am."
"Oh, I've told you not to be so formal, Aoi. Being too stiff isn't good," Sayuri chuckled.
Agreeing, Eriri added, "Mom's right, Aoi. You can be more casual. We don't have many rules here."
Eriri's encouragement stopped Aoi from saying what she had intended. After a moment of silence, she nodded to Sayuri and said softly, "Alright, I understand."
The Kujo family's rules were very strict, shaping Aoi's serious personality. She had intended to decline Ms. Sayuri's offer firmly, but when Eriri also spoke up, she found it impossible to refuse her. Still, her personality couldn't change overnight.
"Okay, Aoi, follow me. I'll show you to your room," Eriri said.
She led Aoi to the second floor, where her room was centrally located and the largest. The smaller room on the right was set up as a guest room, complete with everything needed for immediate occupancy.
Inside, Eriri drew back the curtains and opened the French windows, letting in a gentle spring breeze. Sunlight streamed in, brightening the room.
"Aoi, this is your bedroom. How do you like it? If there's anything you need, feel free to get it, and you can decorate it however you like," Eriri said, smiling.
Aoi looked around the room and replied, "I'm very satisfied. Thank you, Lady Eriri."
She didn't care much about the room itself, but knowing it was just a wall away from Eriri's made her excited.
"Hmm?"
At that moment, Eriri noticed someone mentioning her in the chat group. She didn't enter the group immediately but bid farewell to Aoi before returning to her room.
...
"Arifureta (Group Leader): @Kashiwagi Eri"
"Arifureta (Group Leader): Eriri, the check-in time has been reset. Try checking in to see how many points you can earn."
"Arifureta (Group Leader): Eriri, my dear, are you there? @Kashiwagi Eri"
"Iron-Blooded Hot-Blooded Cold-Blooded Vampire: Keke, Arifureta, why are you so eager to call Eriri?"
"Flower Hashira: Arifureta, calm down. Eriri might be held up."
"Arifureta (Group Leader): My situation is quite urgent..."
Seeing Arifureta so anxious, Eriri paused. Could something be really wrong over there?
Arifureta was someone she had her eye on. If anything happened to her, she'd regret it too late.
With this in mind, Eriri responded promptly in the chat group.
"Kashiwagi Eri: I'm here, I'm here. Arifureta, is something wrong on your end?"
"Arifureta (Group Leader): Not yet..."
"Kashiwagi Eri: Uh... If there's no problem, why are you so anxious? Helpless.jpg"
"Arifureta (Group Leader): There's nothing now, but I have a strong premonition that something big is about to happen, crying emoji."