The Hidden Identity of the Blonde Miss

Next day, the weather was clear with a boundless sky, as always. Summer had arrived, and today it felt even hotter and drier, making it suitable for air-drying clothes. Tetsuya woke up early in the morning and put Sagiri's school uniform and underwear into the family's washing machine. He changed into a cool white shirt and let the machine do its work. After washing, Tetsuya took out the clothes and hung them on the drying rack on the balcony.

Since it was Sunday, the day when he could finally receive the "SAO" game device, Tetsuya finished his breakfast and brought a plate of food to Sagiri's room. He called out, "Sagiri, I'm going out. I'll be back in the evening."

For a long time, there was no response from inside the room. Tetsuya knew that Sagiri was different from other girls and sometimes hard to predict. He comforted himself, thinking that there was no need to worry. He finished his breakfast, put on his shoes, made sure all the windows and doors were securely closed, and left the house.

He arrived in Akihabara alone about half an hour later. The Akihabara game center was the selling place for "SAO." As he expected, there were several hundred people gathered there. They were all fellow gamers ready to embark on this virtual adventure. Seeing the long line in front of him, Tetsuya couldn't help but take a deep breath. In his predecessor's memory, he knew that Akihabara was the most prosperous hub for ACG culture, which still influenced many households today.

Tetsuya thought to himself, "I guess it's normal for so many people to be here due to the popularity of SAO and its immersive virtual reality experience. But waiting in line like this is a bit boring without anyone to accompany me." He quickly dismissed the thought, realizing it was unusual for him to even consider that.

Unaccompanied in line, Tetsuya had to find ways to pass the time while waiting for his turn. Luckily, he didn't have to go through the tedious process of leaving his phone number or answering questions about other games he played, thanks to the exchange voucher he received from the staff the day before. After about an hour, it was finally Tetsuya's turn.

He handed the staff the "100" and "101" exchange vouchers from his pocket. The staff turned around and gave him two boxes from the game center. With the boxes in hand, the staff smiled and said, "Here you go, sir. These boxes contain the SAO game devices and user manuals. Just follow the instructions to connect to the internet using the provided cable and start the game. Also, the player who reaches the highest level will receive a reward. Good luck in your quest to level up and earn the reward."

"Thank you, I understand," Tetsuya nodded. The boxes seemed larger than expected, but he knew they mostly contained the VR helmets and connecting cables. Although they appeared bulky, they weighed only around 5 kilograms in total.

As for the staff's mention of reaching the highest level, Tetsuya smiled and didn't pay much attention to it. At the moment, he was more focused on his cooking, writing light novels, and enjoying a carefree life in the game. Being the first to reach the highest level wasn't a priority for him.

Leaving the line, Tetsuya was about to go home directly when he heard a somewhat familiar voice behind him. "Tetsuya, what are you doing here?"

Surprised, Tetsuya turned around and saw Yuuki Asuna standing behind him. Her two beautiful hair strands gently rested on her shoulders, and her fair face wore a smile. Today, she wore a well-tailored white short-sleeved shirt that accentuated her lovely figure, paired with a pure white pleated skirt and white stockings as always, giving off a lively and youthful vibe.

Seeing Yuuki Asuna in Akihabara surprised Tetsuya. According to his memory, Yuuki Asuna was a genuine Ojou-sama and would not typically come to Akihabara, the center of popular otaku culture. So why did he encounter her here today?

Quickly recovering, Tetsuya raised the game device in his hand and stated, "I'm here to buy the SAO game device. Yuuki-san, why are you here?"

Yuuki Asuna smiled and replied, "I'm here accompanying a friend." She pointed to a slightly petite figure beside her. With an elegant face and cute twin-tails, the girl introduced herself to Tetsuya, "Schoolmate Tetsuya, this is my friend, Sawamura Spencer Eriri."

"Yuuki-san, I know Sawamura-san," Tetsuya smiled and replied. Sawamura Spencer Eriri, a Japanese-British hybrid girl and a true Ojou-sama. Despite being a student in the same class as Tetsuya, Eriri and him had never interacted much. However, Tetsuya was surprised to learn that Eriri and Yuuki Asuna were good friends.

Thinking about it, Tetsuya felt relieved. It made sense for two Ojou-sama like them to become friends, possibly due to their family backgrounds. But he couldn't help but wonder why Eriri, who seemed uninterested in otaku culture at school, would accompany Yuuki Asuna to Akihabara.

After a moment of hesitation, a sudden realization hit Tetsuya. He recalled a message on Yuuki Asuna's phone from Kashiwagi Eri a few days ago. The message mentioned Akihabara and asking Yuuki Asuna to visit her place. Tetsuya now understood why he saw Yuuki Asuna in Akihabara on a Sunday.

Kashiwagi Eri? Eriri Sawamura?

Their names were strikingly similar.

A secret unknown to most, a mischievous smile formed on Tetsuya's face. It turned out that the school's Ojou-sama, Eriri, was actually a popular 18+ person writer named Kashiwagi Eri!

"Haha, I'm quite clever," Tetsuya thought to himself. It seemed that Eriri asked Yuuki Asuna to accompany her to Akihabara because they shared a similar interest: the otaku culture.

Now, everything made sense.

___________________

"Originally, Schoolmate Tetsuya and Eriri are classmates!" Yuuki Asuna exclaimed, surprised by Tetsuya's explanation.

Tetsuya nodded and greeted Eriri, taking the lead: "Hello, Schoolmate Sawamura."

Regardless of how an Ojou-sama thinks, it is necessary to begin with a polite greeting. Eriri forced a smile, revealing a mischievous small canine tooth, which made her look very cute.

"Hello, Schoolmate Tetsuya," Eriri replied.

While this cute smile would instantly attract most male students, Tetsuya saw Eriri as playing the role of an Ojou-sama and did not want to reveal her hidden attribute to bystanders. Although they were classmates, Tetsuya and Eriri weren't particularly close. After a simple greeting, both fell silent, making the atmosphere quite awkward.

Yuuki Asuna quickly resolved the situation by suggesting, "Schoolmate Tetsuya, since we've met in Akihabara, would you like to go window-shopping with us?"

As Yuuki Asuna spoke these words, she felt a slight warmth on her cheeks, realizing that it was her first time directly inviting a male student to go window-shopping with her. For some reason, as long as Tetsuya was with her, she felt an inexplicable sense of security.

While Yuuki Asuna was aware that this might be her own psychological process, she sincerely hoped that Tetsuya would accompany her in strolling through Akihabara.

Eriri's complexion immediately became intense upon hearing Yuuki Asuna's invitation. Tetsuya noticed this and couldn't help but smile, realizing that Yuuki Asuna was unaware of Eriri's true identity as Kashiwagi Eri.

A few days ago, Eriri had messaged Yuuki Asuna, requesting her to visit their house for modeling purposes. It seemed Eriri had an ulterior motive, and it wasn't just about creating simple manga illustrations. Perhaps Eriri wanted Asuna to play the role of her main heroine in a way that would lead to an unexpected twist.

Since I am the Minister of the Food Department, is she planning to ruin my image in her book? Even though she's a cute Ojou-sama in the school's art department, I can't allow it. Naturally, if she wants reference material, she can't possibly draw Asuna alone!

However, this idea was obviously impossible to put into practice. Besides, Tetsuya also had his own agenda, specifically the illustrations for "Accel World." Those in the industry knew that "Kashiwagi Eri" shared the same level of fame as "Eromanga." If "Eromanga-sensei" didn't agree to illustrate for him, Tetsuya knew that Eriri, who had a similar nature, could complete the illustrations for "Accel World."

With "Kashiwagi Eri" right in front of him, Tetsuya had no intention of letting this opportunity slip away. He remained silent for a moment, deliberately awkwardly raising the game device in his hand and said, "Although I don't have much, it wouldn't be inappropriate for me to carry two game devices while window-shopping, right?"

Upon hearing Tetsuya's slightly hesitant words, Eriri raised an eyebrow, a happy expression appearing in her eyes. Observing Eriri's reaction quietly, Tetsuya firmly believed in his idea. It seemed that Eriri had intentionally made Yuuki Asuna accompany her to Akihabara.

However, Tetsuya also worried. If Yuuki Asuna asked him to decline, he would be left without a plan. It was like an option game, and making a wrong choice might force him to exit the stage in Akihabara.

Without saying a word, Yuuki Asuna looked disappointed at Tetsuya's response. After contemplating for a moment, she seemed to have an idea and a happy expression appeared on her face. She looked up and smiled, saying, "In that case, Schoolmate Tetsuya, we'll leave the game devices in the car. We can have the driver pick us up after we finish strolling through Akihabara. How does that sound?"

Tetsuya's heart skipped a beat, his gaze shifting to Eriri, who was staring at him with clenched teeth and a mischievous smile. If looks could kill, he would probably die dozens of times over.

Recognizing Tetsuya's gaze, Eriri's expression changed, and she quickly averted her eyes, assuming the appearance of an unaffected Ojou-sama, as if she had no concern about what was happening. But Tetsuya had already caught sight of her.

Ahem, since you won't let me go window-shopping with you, I am determined to do so. Let's see how you handle it.

The Protect Asuna's Chastity Plan begins now!

"Well, thank you, Yuuki-san. I happen to be in Akihabara and wanted to stroll around," Tetsuya agreed.

Seeing Tetsuya's acceptance, Yuuki Asuna's previously disappointed expression immediately relaxed, and she happily said, "You're welcome, Schoolmate Tetsuya. You helped me solve the Food Department matter, and I haven't properly thanked you."

"The Food Department is also something I don't want to give up," Tetsuya replied, returning a light smile to Yuuki Asuna. They then proceeded to the private car, causing deep disdain and envy in the eyes of those who were preparing to purchase SAO game devices.

This damn normie!

Yuuki Asuna opened the car door, placed the two game devices inside, and got in. She told the driver that they would be back soon, then she turned to Eriri and asked with concern, "Eriri, what's wrong? Why haven't you spoken since seeing Schoolmate Tetsuya?"

Eriri, who had shattered her plans, looked intense. It was likely that she was now thinking of a new plan to get rid of me.

Tetsuya smiled in his heart, knowing that he was still a high school student and could guess about 70-80% of an Ojou-sama's ideas.

"...It's nothing," Eriri immediately shook her head, her golden twintails swinging along. She glanced at Yuuki Asuna and Tetsuya, remained silent for a moment, then suddenly grabbed Yuuki Asuna's arm and smiled, "Asuna, I heard that there's a good bookstore nearby Akihabara. Shall we take a look together?"

Yuuki Asuna nodded, "Sure, let's check it out. What about you, Schoolmate Tetsuya?"

"I don't mind," Tetsuya shrugged. His main goal today was to stroll around Akihabara. Moreover, in his memory, Eriri rushed to the bookstore to search for light novels.