Michi's face was crimson as he stood frozen before Lior, Kael, Junia, and Tieu. He fumbled with the feather duster in his hands, stammering, "I-It's not what it looks like—!"
Lior, however, placed a hand to his chin, studying Michi thoughtfully. Then a small smile crept onto his lips. "No… I think I get it."
The others looked at him curiously.
"This," Lior continued, his voice even, "must be how Michi is trying to see Airi and his kids without drawing suspicion. This ridiculous outfit, this awkward job—he's not doing it for fun. He's doing it because it's the only way."
Junia blinked, realization dawning. Then her smile softened. "Ahh… I see. That does sound like something he'd do."
Kael chuckled, shaking his head. "Typical Michi. Only you would end up in a situation like this."
Even Tieu smirked faintly, pushing her glasses up. "Strange. But… effective, I suppose."
Michi's embarrassment deepened. His eyes dropped to the floor, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. They understood.
"Come," Michi muttered, waving his hand awkwardly. "Sit at this table."
The four sat down together, and Michi braced himself.
It began with Junia. She leaned forward, eyes sparkling mischievously. "Well then, servant boy, how about greeting us properly?"
Kael grinned wide. "Yes, say it the way they do here."
Michi's hands trembled as he forced the words out, voice almost squeaky. "H-here, master, your order…"
The group erupted into laughter.
Tieu crossed her arms, smirking. "Not convincing enough. Try again, but bow this time."
Grinding his teeth, Michi bowed stiffly. "H-here, master… your order!"
Junia almost fell off her chair laughing. Kael wiped tears from his eyes. Even stoic Tieu cracked into open laughter.
Lior, trying to look dignified, hid a chuckle behind his fist. "You're really suffering, aren't you?"
Michi groaned, cheeks burning hotter than the café's ovens.
As if the torment wasn't enough, Agnes appeared with a mischievous grin. "Oh, don't forget, newcomer! It's compulsory for every table to take a group picture with their maid for the café records!"
"What!?" Michi's eyes widened in horror.
"Smile~!" Agnes chimed, snapping the crystal-camera before Michi could even react.
The picture shimmered onto the magical display board near the counter—Michi blushing furiously in his frills, surrounded by his four companions, all grinning ear to ear.
"Perfect!" Junia declared.
Michi buried his face in his hands.
Hours seemed to drag by. Michi had greeted, bowed, cleaned, and served until his legs wobbled. Just when he thought he might collapse, the café bell chimed again.
The door opened.
And Michi froze.
Walking in gracefully was Airi, her smile gentle as always. Beside her bounded her two children: Aztor Hayasaki and Aeriel Hayasaki, their energy lighting the room like sunshine.
The staff instantly reacted.
Josh, Agnes, Bill, Polo, Xenon, Almer, Nazz, and Winston all raised their voices in cheerful unison: "Welcome!!"
Michi's chest constricted, his vision blurred for a moment. They're here…
He fought to keep his composure, bowing deeply. "W-welcome…"
Airi tilted her head, noticing the new face. She smiled warmly. "Oh, you must be new! Haha—you look cute in that maid outfit."
Michi's breath caught, and he could only smile back shyly, lowering his eyes to hide the emotions swelling in him.
Aztor squinted at him, then nudged Aeriel. "Haha, look sis! This poor boy looks so shy!"
Aeriel giggled, nodding. "He does! So red in the face!"
The whole staff laughed along, and Michi's ears burned. Yet deep inside, he felt an overwhelming warmth. To see them like this—safe, happy, laughing—it was worth all the humiliation.
The café bustled with movement. Josh was soon called away by customers, Agnes shooing him gently toward the private rooms. Michi steadied his tray and approached Airi's table with trembling hands.
"Y-your order, miss?" he asked, forcing his voice steady.
Airi chuckled. "Oh, just the usual. And two sweets for my kids, please."
Michi nodded quickly, then hurried to fetch the dishes.
When he returned with steaming plates and cakes, Aeriel gasped at him curiously. "Hey, mom… look at his forehead."
Airi glanced up, eyes widening slightly. "You're right… it's very similar to yours, Aztor."
Michi stiffened.
Aztor touched his own forehead mark, frowning in surprise. "Yes, mom. This is the first time I've seen someone with one like mine."
Aeriel chimed in eagerly. "I want one too! Maybe soon I'll get my mark from a reverent's blessing!"
Airi smiled softly, patting her daughter's head. "Patience, dear."
Michi swallowed hard, setting the plates gently before them. His hands trembled faintly as he watched them eat, every moment feeling like a miracle.
He exchanged small words here and there—asking Aztor if the cake was to his liking, laughing softly when Aeriel pouted about wanting more cream. Each word, each laugh, was precious. He wanted to freeze time.
From across the room, Lior, Kael, Junia, and Tieu stood quietly, watching. After a while, Lior leaned down, whispering near Michi's ear as he passed.
"Best of luck," he said simply.
The four left together, leaving Michi alone with his family.
But the peaceful moment shattered.
A crash echoed from the private booths.
Josh came flying out, thrown violently onto the floor. His uniform was ripped away—he was left completely stripped, trembling and covering himself.
"Josh!" Agnes screamed, rushing forward.
Polo hurried to his side, glaring at the booth. Inside, a woman stepped out—tall, elegant, and dripping arrogance. At her side loomed a massive armored bodyguard.
She looked down at Josh with disgust. "This pathetic dog ignored my order. I told him to lick my shoes where the cake had dropped, and he refused."
Gasps rippled through the café. Customers turned in shock.
Airi's face darkened; she pushed back her chair as if to stand. But before she could, Xenon darted in front of her, tail bristling. "No, Miss Airi! It's not a good time to reveal your status!"
Airi froze, biting her lip.
Michi's heart pounded. His fists clenched. He stepped forward, placing himself between Josh and the arrogant woman. His voice was steady, resolute.
"Polo," Michi said, eyes fixed on the woman. "Help Josh."
The woman sneered at him. Her lips curved into a cruel smile. "Oh? A new dog. And a barking one, at that. Perfect."
Her eyes glittered with malice.
"I'll have fun breaking this one."