Out of consideration for Sakurakouji Luna's health, the meeting was scheduled for the evening.
Since the other party would also be accompanied by a personal attendant, Sakiko's request to come along was, unsurprisingly, approved.
As for why Sakiko had suddenly requested to join, and why she was so enthusiastic about this meeting, Tetsuya only needed to think for a moment before guessing the answer—
(Sakiko and this young lady, Sakurakouji, must have a lot to talk about.)
Gazing at Sakiko's side profile as she stared blankly out the car window, Tetsuya thought to himself.
(Both from prestigious families, both having experienced many hardships, and even their ages are only a year apart.)
Compared to himself, with their age and gender difference, this Sakurakouji young lady was clearly a more suitable friend for her.
However... before actually meeting her, all of this was just his wishful thinking.
Perhaps the other party had no intention of getting to know them on a deeper level and had only contacted them with a business collaboration in mind.
But in any case, for his own sake and for Sakiko's, he had to focus completely on this meeting.
...
The location for this meeting was Sakurakouji Luna's residence, a massive mansion in Tokyo's Minato Ward named [Sakura Mansion].
Whether it was the grounds, which were nearly the size of a foreign estate; the meticulously manicured cherry blossom garden, the kind only seen on television; or the Rococo-style building, full of design and artistic sense, everything was enough to prove the extraordinary status of the mansion's owner.
Gazing at the enormous, luxurious mansion before him, Tetsuya's expression was one of unconscious astonishment.
On the other hand, Sakiko, who was also looking at the mansion, showed no expression of surprise or amazement. She simply scanned the area in front of the gate calmly, then straightened her posture and spoke:
"Chihaya-nii, it looks like they're ready to receive us."
"!"
Alerted by Sakiko's words, Tetsuya immediately looked towards the mansion's main gate.
Just as Sakiko had said, a maid had come out to receive them and was already standing before the gate, prepared to open it for them at any moment.
"Sakiko, is there any special etiquette I should be aware of before visiting a prestigious family?"
"Just be mindful of your manners."
"What about a gift?"
"For a prestigious family, presenting a gift that doesn't suit their tastes or status is actually considered rude."
"...I see."
Tetsuya nodded and picked up his bag.
"In that case, we'll let them be the judge. Let's go, Sakiko."
"Mhm."
With that, the two of them walked towards Sakura Mansion, towards the gate that led to the future.
...
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Chihaya Tetsuya-sama, Togawa Sakiko-sama. I sincerely welcome you. My name is Yamabuki Yachiyo, and I serve as the head maid of this mansion."
At the gate, the head maid—with red hair, green eyes, a beautiful face, and dressed in a long maid's gown—gave them an elegant bow.
"The young lady is waiting for you inside. I will show you the way. Please, this way."
As she spoke, the large gate behind her slowly opened, revealing the path into the mansion grounds.
A fountain, a lawn, flowerbeds, sculptures.
The splendid and exquisite scenery before him, carrying a sense of unfamiliarity as if he had stepped into another world, made Tetsuya's nerves tighten even further.
Differences in social class often made communication very difficult.
I hope this young lady isn't a difficult person to get along with—
"Um... although it is somewhat inappropriate for me, a servant, to say this, but... when you meet her in a moment, I hope Chihaya-sama can forgive the young lady's... slightly rude words and actions."
Just as Tetsuya was getting nervous, the head maid Yamabuki's slightly apologetic words made a flicker of astonishment cross his face.
"Rude words and actions, you mean..."
"About that, please forgive me, but it is difficult to explain the specific situation in just a few words."
The head maid Yamabuki gave a troubled, wry smile.
"To put it simply, because I also recommended your designs to the young lady, she will most likely agree to this collaboration. However, in addition to her agreement, she will probably make some... provocative statements. Although I will do my best to stop her, I must ask you to be patient until her competitive spirit has been curbed or satisfied."
"...Eh?"
Why would this young lady he had never met want to provoke him? And why would she feel competitive towards him?
The head maid's explanation, rather than answering Tetsuya's questions, only made him more confused.
However, in the short time before they reached their destination, there was one question that could be answered—
"Why did Yamabuki-san recommend my designs to the young lady Sakurakouji?"
Tetsuya was very curious about this.
"Was it because of Director Hasegawa's introduction?"
"Although I was indeed the one responsible for communicating with Hasegawa-san... my reason for recommending your designs to the young lady has nothing to do with personal connections."
The head maid Yamabuki shook her head.
"As a former member of the fashion industry, this was the result of my own objective analysis. That performance outfit that went viral, as well as the clothing you sold at the Mitsumine Trading Company last year, are more than enough to prove your skill. As a collaborator, your potential and track record are completely without issue. It's just..."
"Just?"
"It's just that during the recommendation, my words... slightly stimulated the young lady."
At this, the head maid couldn't help but sigh.
"Because I said... that among the new designers of the same generation, I had never seen anyone with a more mature design concept than yours, the young lady came to remember your name. And a short while ago, that band's performance outfits made her decide to meet with you directly..."
Hearing this, although the information was still not enough to clear up his confusion, Tetsuya had also learned something very surprising—
"The young lady Sakurakouji is also studying fashion design?"
"Yes. Not only that, but for a mere fifteen-year-old, her talent and ability are unparalleled."
The head maid Yamabuki did not spare any praise for Sakurakouji Luna.
"Given time, she will surely become a world-renowned top designer."
"...I see."
Hearing this, a small smile appeared on Tetsuya's face.
"If that's the case, then it seems I've 'provoked' quite a formidable client."
With that, as the head maid Yamabuki slowly came to a stop, this brief exchange of information came to an end.
"The young lady is inside."
The head maid said as she gently pushed open the closed door before them.
And Tetsuya was finally about to have his official meeting with the young lady who would decide his future...