[136] Exchange of servants

Towako looked at Kaoru with a serious expression. "This may be a minor matter, but it's quite important to us. There's been some contention within the Shiki clan, where Reika is originally from. After my grandfather passed away, some members of the clan are planning to bring Reika back, claiming her duty to me is over and that the balance of power in the Onmyoji world has been unstable since his death."

Kaoru listened attentively, nodding slowly. "So, what can I do to help?"

Towako continued, her tone showing a sense of trust in Kaoru. "I know Reika isn't too keen on sudden changes like this. The Shiki clan might try to take her back, and since my influence in the Onmyoji world is not as strong as my grandfather's was, I need a way to keep Reika here."

Kaoru raised an eyebrow, sensing that Towako had something specific in mind. "So, just tell me what you have in mind."

Towako took a deep breath, seemingly preparing herself to make her request. "How about… we switch attendants for a while?"

The atmosphere in the room shifted immediately. Hippo jumped, Reika's eyes widened in shock, and Kaoru nearly choked on his coffee.

"WAIT!" all three of them protested in unison, staring at Towako in disbelief.

Towako only smiled slightly, amused by their reaction. "Hear me out. It's not as strange as you might think," she said with a casual tone. "If Reika is formally 'assigned' under your supervision, Kaoru, the Shiki clan won't have a strong reason to call her back. I just need enough time for them to drop the idea."

Reika lowered her head, still surprised but feeling a sense of relief that Towako was intent on keeping her. "Lady Towako…" she murmured softly.

Kaoru stroked his chin, considering the possibility. He glanced at Hippo, who looked increasingly uneasy. "So, you want Reika to work under me as part of this arrangement?"

Towako nodded firmly. "Yes, that's the idea. And Hippo can stay here temporarily and help out around the mansion. He does have some skills in security, right?" She smiled as she looked at Hippo, who immediately straightened his posture, though his face showed growing anxiety.

Hippo looked at Kaoru with a creeping sense of dread. "Master, you're not… you're not actually going to agree to this, are you? You wouldn't… abandon me, right?" he whispered, looking panicked. His greatest fear was that Kaoru might not need him anymore and would just leave him behind.

But Kaoru merely looked at him with a blank stare and sighed. "Yes, it seems you'd be a perfect fit to help run the mansion, Hippo. Towako, feel free to take this troublemaker off my hands."

At those words, Hippo looked as if he'd been struck by lightning. His face turned pale, as though he had just lost all hope. "M-Master…! You're really leaving me?"

Kaoru sighed again, maintaining his calm gaze on him, making Hippo appear even more devastated. Meanwhile, Towako chuckled softly, clearly amused by the awkward atmosphere. "Fufufu~… Relax, Hippo. You might even find that you like it here," she teased, casting a glance toward Reika.

"Well, Reika, you're all right with this arrangement, aren't you?" she asked with a gentle but meaningful tone.

Reika's heart pounded, and her face immediately flushed. She glanced at Kaoru, who was watching her with a warm smile. His sudden attention only made her feel more flustered.

"If that's Lady Towako's wish… then I cannot refuse," Reika stammered, trying to maintain her composure despite her blushing face.

Kaoru, sensing Reika's awkwardness, smiled gently and nodded. "Then, I'll be in your care, Shiki-san."

Reika, her face still red, could only bow after hearing Kaoru's response. "Yes… in fact, it will be my honor to serve you, Kaoru-sama!" she replied, her voice trembling slightly yet full of resolve.

Kaoru smiled, pleased by her commitment. "Very well, I look forward to working together, Shiki-san."

Watching the moment unfold, Towako smiled warmly, satisfied with how her exchange plan was progressing smoothly.

On the other hand, Hippo stood there, looking utterly hopeless. His world seemed to crumble, and he could only stare at Kaoru with a face full of reluctant resignation. Towako glanced at Hippo with an understanding look, aware of his emotions but also fully knowing that this arrangement was necessary. Kaoru was the best person to protect Reika from the pressures of the Shiki clan, given his unmatched reputation.

---

And thus, their exchange was officially set into motion. On the drive back, Kaoru decided to drive his own sports car, even though Reika, now his new attendant, had offered to take the wheel. Kaoru declined, citing a need to preserve his pride as a man. Truthfully, there was another reason—this car was his pride and joy, and he didn't trust anyone else with it, especially someone whose driving he'd never seen. However, he kept that reason to himself, deeming it impolite to mention in front of Reika.

As they drove smoothly along, Kaoru cleared his throat to start a conversation. "Ahem… by the way, I'm currently staying in a penthouse in Sapporo," he said, glancing over at Reika. Sapporo Prefecture was known for its upscale neighborhoods, offering beautiful views and access to premium amenities.

"Oh, I see," Reika replied calmly, her gaze forward as she listened attentively. "I'll make it a priority to familiarize myself with the place and settle in quickly."

Kaoru nodded, providing a few details so Reika wouldn't feel too awkward about her new duties. "My penthouse isn't overly large, but I own the entire building. If you need anything or require assistance, feel free to contact the staff on the ground floor; they're all well-trained and will help you with anything you need."

Reika nodded respectfully, feeling reassured by his explanation. They continued with light conversation for the rest of the drive, with Kaoru occasionally throwing in a small joke to make the atmosphere more comfortable. The casual banter succeeded in easing Reika's initial tension, allowing her to feel more at ease.

Just as they were nearing the penthouse building, Kaoru's phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the screen and saw that it was Tsubasa-san.

"Hello, Tsubasa-san? Any updates?" he greeted, keeping one hand on the wheel.

"Kaoru-san! Your antique phone is ready for pick-up. I can send it over, or if you'd like, you can come by and pick it up yourself. I'm here at the shop now," Tsubasa replied cheerfully.

"Great, thank you so much! I'll drop by to pick it up in person," Kaoru replied.

After hanging up, Kaoru pulled over just as they were nearing the building. He looked at Reika with a hint of regret. "Reika-san, I'm sorry, but I have an errand to run. I need to pick something up from Tsubasa-san. I hope you don't mind heading up on your own."

Reika bowed gracefully, smiling calmly. "Of course, Kaoru-sama. Please, take care of your business. I'll wait for you in the penthouse and start familiarizing myself with the layout."

Kaoru nodded, relieved by Reika's understanding. "All right then, see you later."

Reika exited the car with elegance, giving a short wave before entering the building. Kaoru continued on his way to Tsubasa's, feeling fortunate to have such a composed and mature attendant in Reika.