Chapter 21

As expected, the moment the first period ended, a crowd of people gathered around me.

"What was that all about, Reika-sama?"

The one who started the conversation was Natsuka, one of my classmates since first year and one of my usual followers.

"You were close to Mr. Kaburagi? We didn't know about that?"

Another one of my classmates since first year, Kikuno, who is also one of my usual followers, chimed in.

These two are recognized as the closest to me among my followers, so they are usually the first to speak in situations like this.

"Please calm down, everyone. Mr. Kaburagi and I aren't particularly close."

"But for Mr. Kaburagi to go out of his way to meet a girl..."

"In fact, he asked me to do something for him, and I was just discussing that."

"Asked you to do something? What was it?"

"That's something I can't say..."

At that moment, a high-pitched voice came from near the classroom door.

"Is Reika here?"

"Enjo-sama—!"

The girls surrounding me started squealing at Enjo's appearance.

What is he doing here...

"Ah, there you are, Reika. About the conversation with Masaya earlier, come to Pivoine's salon after lunch."

The commotion grew even louder at his words.

Ah, my peaceful daily life...

"Enjo-sama, is it true that Reika-sama was asked to do something by Mr. Kaburagi?"

"Yeah, that's right."

More screams and cheers.

"What was it that you were asked to do?"

"Sorry, but I can't say. If you guys pry too much, you might make Masaya angry, and that would be a problem, right? Reika, keep it to yourself too."

"Of course."

With a smile, Enjo left the classroom.

The girls were still excited from Enjo's sudden visit, but his warning that prying too much would anger Masaya Kaburagi made them stop trying to get more information from me.

Did he come all the way here during the short break just to tell me to come to the salon after lunch?

Hmm, maybe he knew I would be questioned about my relationship with Kaburagi and came to cover for me.

Nah, he's not that considerate, is he?

But in manga, the protagonist is often subtly supported, so maybe he has that kind of ability.

Hmm...

Well, it doesn't matter.

If this is the case, maybe the girls who overheard the "spy" comment at the salon that day won't say anything unnecessary.

After all, they were the ones who started it, so they should know to cover it up.

At lunchtime, I didn't want to go, but I was afraid of the consequences if I skipped, so I went to the salon reluctantly.

The Emperor was lounging in his usual prime seat.

He seems much more energetic than last week.

It would have been better if he had remained a hollow shell...

"You're late!"

I won't say anything...

"Reika, sit down for now?"

"Enjo-sama, thank you for coming to cover for me earlier."

Enjo smiled.

Hmm, so that's what it was about.

Not that I'm grateful or anything.

"What are you talking about?"

"Nothing. Anyway, we're here to discuss what to do next, right?"

"That's right! How can I make Yurie understand that I'm sorry?"

What a reliance on others.

"First, what does Masaya think?"

"I think I should go see Yurie every day and apologize to make her understand my feelings!"

What a stalker's mindset!

Does he not realize he's not repenting at all?

"Masaya, I think that will have the opposite effect."

"Why?!"

He's so refreshingly stupid.

"Then, what do you think, Shusuke?"

"Wait until the dust settles, and then wait quietly for her to forgive you."

"Rejected!"

Yeah, that would be unbearable for the stalker, wouldn't it?

"Alright, Spy! What do you think?"

I'm tired of being called that.

"Mr. Kaburagi, my name is Reika Kichijouji. Please stop calling me a spy."

Being called a spy in front of others is the worst.

"Right, Masaya. Since she's helping us, you should at least call her by her name."

"Hmph."

What a bad attitude.

I know what kind of person you are.

"So, do you have any good ideas?"

He gestured for me to speak.

Tch...

"I suggest writing a letter every day."

"A letter?"

That's right, a letter.

While it might be best to stay quiet for a while, as Enjo suggested, this one-track-minded stalker wouldn't be able to handle it.

"Write about how much you've reflected and what you think about the current situation. Essentially, a letter of repentance. Emails can be impersonal and don't convey feelings well. Handwritten letters are better. In Japan, love stories have traditionally started with love letters."

"Is that true!?"

Let's see how it goes.

"Write each letter carefully and with sincerity. Choose stationery and envelopes that Yurie would like. This shows respect for her feelings and that you're not imposing your own. You can also add a small bouquet of flowers sometimes, but never a large one."

"Why not? Wouldn't a larger bouquet better express my feelings?"

"That would be too pushy. A small bouquet better expresses the feelings of a young, one-track-minded first love. It appeals to Yurie's emotions."

"First love, you say!"

"It's too late for that. Everyone in the school knows. More importantly, Mr. Kaburagi, you should buy a letter set after school today."

Kaburagi's face turned red at the word "first love," and he gaped for a while before recovering.

"Alright! I'll take your advice! After school, I'll go buy a letter set! Both of you, got it?"

What are you talking about?

"I'm not going."

"Huh? Why not?"

That's my line. Why do I have to go with you?

"I have an after-school activity. Besides, Mr. Kaburagi, didn't the report on Yurie mention 'not involving other people'? If you involve me, Yurie will get angry again."

Kaburagi was silent for a moment.

"...Alright. Thanks for your help."

"Yes. I'll be on my way. Goodbye."

I left the salon with a smile.

Later, the letter strategy worked, and the estranged Yurie forgave Kaburagi.

The mission was a success.

I will retire from being a spy after this and return to being a normal girl.

Please don't look for me.