"A secretary?"
Hina thought about her recent situation. If she were a secretary, she could earn money for her brother's school fees and also hide effectively.
Thinking about her recent circumstances, Hina couldn't help but feel sorrowful. She didn't understand why she had become a wanted criminal.
She was scared. She clearly hadn't done anything, but the warrant said she had killed many people.
Seeing the girl agree, Yusei smiled slightly.
"A wise decision. This way, it's not just Kaguya who has a secretary, I have one too."
Matsuko, standing nearby, covered her mouth with a light laugh: "Hayasaka-san's abilities are very strong. I estimate Hina will need to learn for quite a long time."
"We can take it slow."
Hearing their conversation, Hina felt confused.
"Um... Yusei-sama, why did you choose me? If it's just serving tea and water, couldn't Matsuko-nee also be your secretary?"
"It's different. Matsuko is a maid of the Shinomiya Family, not my personal maid." Yusei waved his hand.
Matsuko also explained with a smile, "Yusei-sama doesn't have the Shinomiya surname. He is the family head's disciple. However, the family head treats Yusei-sama like his own grandson."
"It's a bit confusing, I didn't really understand." Hina gave an awkward laugh.
Yusei sighed helplessly, "Simply put, I am not a young master of the Shinomiya Family. Using the Shinomiya Family's resources doesn't sit right with me."
"Not at all," Matsuko interjected, "The family head has already instructed that, for the Shinomiya Family, your status is no different from that of Kaguya-sama."
'I still didn't fully understand, but the general idea was that Yusei-sama couldn't have Matsuko-nee as his secretary?'
"Thank you, Yusei-sama. I will work hard."
Matsuko smiled and encouraged her: "Do your best. Strive to get your stingy boss to give you a raise. Just 50,000 yen a month in Tokyo is really too..."
"Cough..."
"I'm practically broke myself. Where would I get that much money? And didn't I say? Room and board are included."
"Don't worry, once my manga becomes a huge hit, I'll definitely give you a raise."
Yusei guaranteed this, patting his chest.
Actually, he was doing okay financially now, not exactly broke.
He had gotten five million Yen from Seijirou, plus the prize money from the Kendo Tournament. Although most of the money was given to his parents, he had kept two million yen for himself.
But while two million Yen might seem like a lot, it really isn't that much in Tokyo, so he still needed to be frugal.
"Speaking of which, my house is a bit small now. Living with Shiro and Kanna, if I'm also drawing in the room all day, it's really not enough space."
Yusei rubbed his chin and looked at Matsuko.
"Do you know any reliable real estate agencies? I want to rent a place."
"As for real estate agencies... I really don't know. Generally, if the Shinomiya Family needs something, we build it ourselves."
Matsuko said seriously.
"..." Yusei felt he had asked a stupid question.
"Alright. I'll look for one myself."
Yusei looked at the somewhat bewildered girl and smiled lightly.
"How about we go out for a walk?"
The heavy rain that had lasted for several days had let up considerably today.
Hina was bundled in a thick down jacket that Yusei had asked someone from the Shinomiya Family to buy.
Of course, it was paid for with his own money. He didn't want to use the Shinomiya Family's resources for everything.
If it was just for meals and staying over, that was fine. But for things like buying clothes, using the Shinomiya Family's resources would feel too much like being a freeloader.
Hina naturally knew this, so she scratched her head sheepishly.
"I'm sorry, Yusei-sama. I'll pay you back once I get my salary."
Yusei rolled his eyes at her, "I'm the one paying your salary."
"...Then, Yusei-sama, you can just deduct it."
"No need. You're my employee, after all. Consider it part of the employee benefits."
Hina looked at the figure walking ahead of her. She felt something warm spreading in her heart.
'Yusei-sama is really a good person.'
Yusei walked ahead, noticed the girl lagging behind, and urged her.
"Let's go. The next train is coming soon."
The girl quickly nodded and caught up.
She wore a mask, covering half her face. Her twin tails, which she originally wanted to tie up, were let down after Yusei saw them and insisted.
He said she looked better this way, more fitting for his secretary's image.
Hina rarely paid attention to these things before, but since her boss said so, she obediently listened.
When she looked in the mirror at her long, straight black hair, it felt like a refreshing change, much prettier than before.
As for why she wore a mask, Yusei had asked. The reason she gave was that she had a cold from the fever. Even though the fever was gone, she was afraid of spreading germs to others.
Yusei had no reason to doubt this.
But in reality, Hina knew the true reason.
If she didn't wear a mask, with modern technology, she would be recognized quickly.
Not only would she be caught, but she would also implicate Yusei. This was something she absolutely did not want to see.
'Come to think of it, I'm taking advantage of Yusei-sama's kindness, aren't I? I've become despicable too.'
'If there's any danger, I must not hesitate. I can't drag Yusei-sama down...'
Finding a real estate agency wasn't difficult. Renting in Tokyo is very common, as given the high property prices, not everyone can afford to buy a house.
Soon, Yusei found a one-bedroom apartment with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. It was in the same ward as his own home, a relatively ordinary type.
After getting everything settled, Yusei gave the key to Hina.
"From now on, you'll live here by yourself. Here's 100,000 yen for your usual food expenses. You can go out and buy groceries."
"I'll come here to draw when I don't have classes. That's when your secretarial work will be. When there's nothing to do, you can do whatever you want… relax, watch TV, eat snacks, whatever."
After explaining everything, Yusei said goodbye to Hina. But he hadn't gone far when he turned back.
Seeing Hina, Yusei asked, "You probably don't have a cell phone, right?"
"N-No... I lost it along with my wallet."
Yusei sighed helplessly and shook his head.
"Never mind. Wait at home for a bit. I'll go to the second-hand market and buy you one that can make calls."