Chapter 10

"Masamune, see you later!"

Teresa waved at me with a warm smile.

"Later..." I replied, watching her walk over to the red-haired girl. Our eyes met, and she gave me a small glare. But then. She seemed to behave herself when I just gave her a knowing smile.

Right... After getting away from Alexandra, I remembered my promise to Rita.

School was over, and most of my classmates had already left after the bell rang. I packed my books into my bag and walked over to her desk in the front row.

"Got a minute?"

She looked at me briefly before continuing to pack her things. "What?"

She was either playing hard to get or just mad.

"What's with that face? Anyway, as promised, I'll do anything for you."

She sighed. "Took you long enough to remember that." She glanced up at me, clearly not happy. "But before that, don't you have something to say to me?"

So, she was mad after all.

"Right. I'm sorry."

"Wrong. It's more important than an apology..."

She twisted her hair around her index finger, looking away.

"You know..." she said softly, "I worked... really hard to score those goals..."

Seeing her blush, I finally got it. I chuckled. "Pfft. There, there, good job." Even though she clearly wanted praise, she batted away my hand as I went to pat her head.

"Hmph! I still haven't forgiven you though—ouch! Stop that!" I pinched her cheek hard.

"Masamune..."

Turning slightly, I saw Mashiro standing there, her expression flat.

"I scored, too. I worked hard."

"Of course not, you little. You know the game is called football for a reason. You can't use your hands to score."

Mashiro tilted her head. "Can't I?"

"You punk. That's why you got a red card in the first place."

"But I worked hard..." Mashiro held out her hand, as if asking for a reward.

"I'll treat you to something later, okay?"

"Understood."

Tap, tap. Rita tapped my shoulder, and I turned to her.

"Masamune. Are you free tomorrow? Say... maybe for the entire week?"

"Hmm... Actually, I have to go to New York. I'm flying out on Friday, but I'm available for the next six days. What's up?"

I had to meet with potential sponsors, even though I didn't really want to return to Manhattan.

"That's plenty of time. Can you keep yourself free for the next four days? And by the way, it's part of my reward, so you have to, got it?" she said with a smile.

"Alright." I had my suspicions.

"Good! Be at my house tomorrow morning. Let's say 8 am? Trying not to be late. See you later!" Rita left with her bag.

"Bye-bye, Masamune," Mashiro said, following her.

As they left, I felt a pang of regret. Why did I promise that? Hmmmm. Nah. What's done is done, I guess. Time to head home.

BAAANG!

Now, as I prepared to leave the school, it started raining. Of course, I forgot my umbrella. Rita and the others were probably already gone. Damn, the sky was clear just a minute ago though.

"Yo Masamune!"

I sat on a nearby sofa by the entrance, and Charles greeted me.

"You stuck here too?"

"Yeah, I had something to do in the club room. By the way, are you sure you're not interested in joining our club?" he asked, sitting next to me.

"Nah, sorry, Charles. Football isn't really my thing."

"Haha, I get it. Your grandpa's an F1 engineer, after all. But if you ever change your mind, just let me know."

"Sure, thanks."

There was a brief silence between us.

"Actually, can I ask your advice on something?"

"It's about Rita, isn't it?"

"Haha, you got me. Yeah, I was wondering if I stand a chance if I ask her out."

"Maybe. Just ask her, man. Don't be a wimp."

It was amusing to see him so nervous. Well, he was just entering his puberty phase. As a responsible adult, I had to guide him properly.

"It's easy for you to say, Masamune. Just thinking about it makes me nervous. Besides, I'm planning to ask her to dance with me at her birthday party before I ask her out."

So, basically, Charles wanted to gauge his chances before making a move. Pretty smart. He was trying to minimize his risk. Hold on.

"Birthday party?"

"Uh, yeah, don't tell me she didn't invite you?"

As I blink he gave me a pity look.

"Ahem! Maybe she will send it to you by herself. Still, here take a look first. The party's on Tuesday. "

Charles pulled a fancy envelope from his bag. The party was still four days away, but just by looking at and feeling the quality of the envelope, it was clear this was going to be a huge event. Now that I think about it, Rita had told me to come tomorrow.

---

Saturday morning.

A few days earlier, Gramps had left for Monza, so I was on my own. When I stepped out of the house, there was already a Rolls Royce parked in the front. My neighbors surely green in envy. But there's no need to be jealous—it wasn't mine.

As I settled into the back seat, I couldn't help but feel sleepy. This car was just too comfortable. Still, the real question on my mind was: What is she scheming? It had been bugging me since yesterday.

When I arrived at her grandpa's manor...

"Pffft!"

Rita amused, a mischievous giggle coming out, her hand coyly covering her mouth.

"Ahahaha~ Oh my gosh, this is too much! I've been seeing this since I was little but it looks great on you, Masamune."

"So... this is your plan?"

Forcing a stoic smile. I trying to keep my nerves in check.

"You did say anything, didn't you? Ooopps~ How smart and I've come with this genius idea. That's right, Masamune. For the next four days, you'll be my butler."

I finally understood why she hadn't invited me like she did Charles. This little princess had me wearing a butler suit and planned to have me working my butt off for free over the next four days.