Chapter 13

"Masamune, can I ask you for help?"

The next day, after school ends, Charles comes to me, his face serious.

"Sure. What's up with the face, though?"

"Ahaha. Sorry, I just got nervous all of a sudden."

I nod and head somewhere else. Today, Rita didn't come to school because of a family issue, but I still needed to come as promised, since my job as a butler ends tomorrow morning. There's a bench with a view of the football field that I occasionally sit on to hear Charles talk about his struggles.

"I'm going to ask her to dance with me," he says, and I remember that tonight is Rita's birthday party.

"Good for you. So, do you want me to take care of that?"

Hearing this guy really tickles me. It's like a kid the next door asking me how to ask a girl out. As an adult myself, of course, I don't feel any sense of competition over it. In the first place, I got along with them because I'm technically a kid. However, I don't see my friends as romantic interests. Obviously, because our mental ages are quite different.

"Yeah, actually, you don't have to do anything. I just wanted to tell you so I'd feel less nervous."

I chuckle. "Stop talking like a chick. Just face it like a man, whatever the outcome. Don't worry, I'm still the Ainsworth Household butler. There's no way she'd dance with a man dressed in a butler's uniform, right?"

Charles laughs. "I guess she wouldn't."

I realize something. Maybe being a butler at her birthday party isn't so bad after all.

---

I just got back from school.

Ainsworth Manor has been busy. All the employees look like they're running throughout the hallway. After all, today is Rita's birthday, the 14th of September. The manor is preparing for the party this evening.

Though my job is Rita's butler, I didn't help with the event at all. But in the days before, I helped Rita as her dance practice partner. Rich people sure are different. They don't just want to go to McRonald's and call it a day.

Well, this just shows how much her grandpa cares for her.

In the classic interior, I sat opposite the man who has always taken care of Rita in her parents' absence—James Ainsworth.

"How is Rita in your care, Masamune?"

"She's fine. I haven't changed anything. She's still the Rita you've always known, sir."

"I see… that's good to hear. So, why not work for me from now on?"

I smiled at him. "I appreciate the offer, but I must respectfully decline."

He suddenly laughed. When he stopped, he looked at me, sharpening his eyes as if testing me. But I didn't feel nervous. I stared back at him.

"What does Hachiro feed you…" he sighed, then leaned back in his chair. "Just as you said before, this month, the stock market is crashing around the world. Lehman Brothers fell, and I think the recession is coming near. Sure, you've won, Masamune…" he said with a chuckle. "I never thought I'd lose to a green youngster like you. And that's why I really should invest in talent like yours."

I smiled slightly. "Actually, I've been meaning to talk about that. But right now isn't the best time—Rita's birthday party and all."

"Hahahaha! You're right! Let's talk business somewhere else, young man!"

As I was enjoying the conversation, suddenly someone slammed the door open. Mr. James and I stood up as we saw Rita burst in with tears on her face. Seeing us, she ran toward us, her tears flowing even harder.

I was frozen for a moment. Rita, who was always so headstrong, now appeared vulnerable in a way I had never seen before. Whatever had happened must've shaken her deeply.

"Rita! Dear, what's going—"

"Hiek—"

RITAAAAAAAAAA. Why did you jump straight to me and walk past your grandpa?! He came for her, arms open, but this brat ignored him and chose me instead! Shit. shit. shit. shit. I can see his emotionless face already, he's dead on the inside.

"Sniff. Sniff. I thought d-dad and mommy would come to my birthday if I went to meet them. B-but they won't come."

Today, Rita skipped school to meet her parents, who work in London. She went there to give them the invitation herself, but it seems she came back empty-handed. Well, I know her parents are busy, but from their family photos, they always seemed like a happy family.

"Alright, take your time," I said as she hugged me even tighter, her sobs growing louder.