"You handled the ingredients very well, which proves your basic skills are solid. You were a little cautious with the heat, which prevented the herbs from fully releasing their potency..."
Hisako Arato's evaluation was precise and professional, her eyes scanning the soup as she spoke.
Akira Fujimiya didn't feel there were so many problems. To him, the soup tasted delicious, and the ingredients were perfectly balanced.
Tadokoro Megumi noted down what Hisako said.
"Miss secretary, is there any medicinal food among these dishes that can quickly restore physical strength?" Akira asked after tasting the soup, glancing at Hisako.
"There are quite a few," Hisako admitted, slightly taken aback, "but why?"
Akira blinked innocently. "You know that I have a lot of girlfriends, so you understand what I mean, right?"
Hisako's face flushed slightly. "That type of medicinal food does exist. But I still recommend that Young Master Akira exercise more and do less of that kind of thing. This will be better for your health." She aaid averting her eyes nervously.
Akira smiled faintly, the corners of his lips curving upward. "I will follow your advice. But I also want you to teach Megumi how to make this type of medicinal food. Megumi, you must learn it well, because one day, my future happiness will depend on your skills."
"Yes," Megumi and Hisako replied in unison, both cheeks tinged with red.
Akira looked between them, his gaze calm. "Miss secretary, come with me to the beach and teach me how to swim. If you want to try making other dishes, I'll have Yui and the others taste your cooking."
"Thank you, Young Master Akira," Hisako replied, bowing politely, though a faint blush lingered on her cheeks.
She does have a lot of dishes she wants to try.
The island had a wide variety of ingredients, sufficient for her to experiment freely and improve her cooking without wasting anything.
...
In the corridor,
Akira found a maid and instructed her to help Hisako change into her swimsuit. The two agreed to meet at the beach shortly.
.....
Returning to the living room,
Akira saw Yuigahama Yui and the others still engaged in a board game —The only difference was that Yumiko Miura's usual seat had been taken by Setsuna Nagano.
"Young Master Akira," Setsuna Nagano said, standing and bowing politely.
"Thank you for keeping them company," Akira replied warmly.
"As a maid, it's my duty. Back at the villa, I too often slacked off and played games with the other maids," Setsuna said with a soft chuckle.
"Really? Then I'll definitely find a chance to punish you, the lazy maid, a little in the future," Akira teased, his tone light but playful.
Upon hearing this, Setsuna Nagano blushed slightly.
"Nagano-chan, it's your turn," Yuigahama Yui reminded from beside.
"Sorry, let's continue," Setsuna said with an apologetic smile, sitting gracefully.
"Nagano, Yui may work as a maid in the villa later. If you have time, teach her some things—For example, the etiquette of a maid, and what a maid should do when facing a young master." Akira came behind Yuigahama Yui leaning close and addressing Setsuna Nagano.
"Ah..okay...," Setsuna agreed after a brief hesitation.
"Akira-kun, you big bad guy," Yuigahama Yui murmured under her breath, cheeks red.
"Little maid, study hard," Akira said, planting a light kiss on her forehead.
Setsuna, sitting across from them, pretended not to notice, though Akira caught Kawasaki Saki's gaze and moved closer to her.
Saki Kawasaki's heart raced as Akira leaned over and kissed her lightly on the cheek. She lowered her head in embarrassment.
Akira turned to glance at Ebina Hina
"I don't need that. I'm not Akira-kun's girlfriend now," Ebina said playfully, her hands covering her mouth.
Akira nodded slowly before turning towards Setsuna Nagano.
Her face was flushed, but he only patted her shoulder, and mentioned that Tadokoro Megumi was cooking, before leaving.
Setsuna watched him depart, a hint of loss in her eyes.
"Nagano-san, the reason Akira-kun didn't kiss you is because your position is special. As the head maid of the villa, if you have any relationship with him now, you will definitely not be able to continue to serve as the head maid of the villa." Ebina Hina looked at Nagano Setsuna and said with a smile.
"I… I just..." Setsuna stammered, unsure what to say.
"Akira likes maid outfits very much and Nagano-chan looks very dignified in hers, just like a true maid," Yuigahama added warmly with a smile.
"…"
'Because I am a true maid!'
"At first, I actually planned to become a maid, but for some reasons, I chose something else...if I were a maid, I would definitely be able to stay with Akira-kun all the time." Saki Kawasaki looked at Setsuna Nagano and said to her.
"I… I'm just a maid," Setsuna murmured, bowing her head.
The three girls shared a silent understanding and let the topic rest, recognizing Setsuna's internal struggle.
...
On the way to the beach,
On the way, Akira heard music and movement coming from a nearby wooden house.
Curious, he approached and saw Yumiko Miura dancing with Mai Sakurajima.
Mai's movements were precise, her training evident in every step, while Yumiko Miura kept pace admirably, showing the results of diligent practice.
Akira stood in front of the door, admiring the dance of the two girls without any intention of disturbing them.
Sakurajima Mai didn't notice Akira at first, but when she turned around, she saw him in front of the door.
"Young Master Akira," Mai Sakurajima greeted, bowing politely.
"You dance very well, Sakurajima-san " Akira praised sincerely.
"These are basic dance moves. However, Yumiko can keep up with my pace, which shows that she has also practiced these dance moves. Being able to reach this level, it is only a matter of time before Yumiko makes her debut." Mai Sakurajima looked at Yumiko Miura with acknowledgement.
"Yumiko is indeed outstanding. After our trip, I'll arrange for her to join the idol agency. Then, Sakurajima-san can come along too," Akira said, admiration in his eyes.
"In my concert, I can invite Yumiko as a guest performer, and other agency idols can participate as well," Mai replied thoughtfully.
"What about the songs?" Akira asked.
"I can compose them myself. Songs sung by other people may be a little troublesome, but the agency should be able to solve these problems." Sakurajima Mai thought for a while and said.
"I know that Sakurajima-san has a younger sister....Do you want me to help recruit her? Her current situation is probably not very good. She might face difficulties like you did in the past," Akira paused and said.
"Is that okay?" Mai looked surprised. Recruiting an idol was costly and complex.
"Sure. Even if it costs more, for Sakurajima-san's sake, I will recruit her," Akira said with confidence.
"Thank you, Young Master Akira. If she comes to the office, I will teach her everything wholeheartedly and won't disappoint you," Mai said sincerely.
"You're welcome. I believe you will not let me down." Akira replied.
Mai stood up as she bowed towards him, her heart filled with gratitude for his trust and support.
Akira borrowed Mai's phone—he didn't bring his phone with him—and called Kamihara Kei who in charge of the Future Idol Agency.
When Kamihara learned about the recruitment, she initially was opposed to the idea. But after hearing it was Mai Sakurajima's sister, she paused, then agreed after a few moments of thought.
Mai, standing nearby, breathed a sigh of relief.
After hanging up, Akira returned the phone.
"Although I'm the owner of Future Idol Agency, Ms. Kamihara Kai's opinion is also important. But now everything will depend on your creativity matters. If you can write good songs, we can save a lot of money, which can make up for it." Akira explained lightly.
"I understand, Young Master Akira," After hearing these words, Mai Sakurajima had a new understanding of her new boss.
Akira's reasoning reassured her. He wasn't acting purely on emotion—he balanced care with practical thinking, giving Mai relief and confidence.
If it was just for her, she would be grateful to him, sure but she would also feel a little worried about it.
Akira's consideration showed that he was not acting on emotion, which made Sakurajima Mai feel a little relieved.
....
Seaside.
Although it was not yet noon, the beach temperature had already risen.
After changing into swimming trunks on the boat, Akira arrived at the agreed location, found a shaded spot, and waited for Hisako Arato.
Step! Step! Step!
Soon, footsteps approached.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting," Hisako's voice rang out from behind.
Akira turned and nodded in acknowledgment.
Hisako was no longer wearing her usual conservative swimsuit; instead, she wore a style similar to Erina Nakiri's, designed to accentuate her figure.
When Hisako noticed Akira's gaze, she blushed and turned her head away.
Akira approach her, reached out his hand, took her hand, and guided her away from the beach toward a secluded path.
"Master Akira, aren't we going swimming?" Hisako asked, a hint of confusion and nervousness in her voice.
"There's a special indoor swimming pool on the island. Swimming at the beach under this sun isn't good for the skin. Besides, I wanted a private place," Akira explained.
The first half of his explanation made sense, but the second half caused Hisako's cheeks to deepen in red. Her step slowing down but didn't stop.
Ten minutes later, they reached the indoor pool.
The indoor swimming pool was large enough for dozens of people.
Akira had instructed in advance, so the maid who opened the door returned to the lounge after bowing to them.
Now, with only Akira and Hisako remained!
As she stepped into the water, Hisako felt her body warm, anticipating that Akira might touch her.
Instead, Akira swam leisurely around her.
Hisako looked at him blankly, unsure of his intentions.
"Secretary, what's wrong?" Akira asked, pausing in front of her.
"Young Master Akira… did you call me here just to swim?" Hisako couldn't help but ask— not being able to hide her confusion.
"Do you think I'd just want to bully you?" Akira asked, tone teasing but calm.
"I… I…" Hisako hesitated, her emotions a mixture of embarrassment and anticipation.
Seeing this, Akira reached out, gently taking her hand and pulling her into his arms.
Hisako instinctively wanted to resist, but as she raised her hands, she realized she reacted differently than expected.
'I can't push Young Master Akira away.'
...
If you'd like to support me and read chapters in advance, feel free to check out my:
Patr**on.com/Zero0000683
Discord:- NmKxzWGEPf
.....
Bonus Chapter:-
4 Bonus chapter at 100 powerstone
6 Bonus Chapter at 150 powerstone
.....
Word Count — 1,793