As a hot springs hotel capable of catching the attention of elites like Chika and Kaguya, this establishment naturally had its unique selling points.
Tranquil surroundings, private hot springs in each room, large communal baths, high-end Japanese and Western restaurants, an esports room equipped with top-tier PCs, bars, music lounges, a cinema—it had every imaginable amenity. Combined with the nearby shopping district, there was no worry about running out of entertainment options.
Takakai swiped his keycard and entered his room, unpacked his toiletries and spare clothes, then took a quick tour.
His room was a third-tier suite at ¥270,000 per night (roughly $1782)—a luxury far beyond the means of ordinary people.
Not only was the space expansive, but it also came with daily fresh fruit, premium beverages, and gadgets Takakai couldn't even name. It exceeded his wildest expectations.
And this level of accommodation? Just a casual request from Chika, bookable indefinitely without a second thought.
Damn, why does this feel more and more like being a sugar baby?
Takakai marveled at what was unimaginable to him yet mundane for people like Kaguya and Chika before flopping onto the bed with a satisfied stretch.
"Not bad at all."
Staring up at the chandelier, he exhaled softly.
Meanwhile, on the first floor, Maki set down her luggage, hesitated, took several deep breaths, then finally unzipped her bag and pulled out a small pink pouch.
This had been handed to her by Chika before they separated—labeled as [Essential Equipment for Victory].
It was quite small.
Thin to the touch.
...What even is this?
Confusion filled Maki's eyes.
Notably, both the Shinomiya and Shijo conglomerates were deeply conservative, resistant to modern trends. Though the Shijo were comparatively more progressive, their shared roots meant certain similarities were unavoidable.
One such similarity? Their approach to educating female heirs.
The Shinomiyas practiced strict patriarchal succession, treating women as bargaining chips. Thus, Kaguya's "education" had been limited to [On your wedding night, obey your husband unconditionally]. The Shijo's, while slightly better, were still woefully inadequate—Maki only knew [If a man demands you undress, comply without question].
So she had no idea what Chika had given her.
That said, she did remember Chika's instructions:
If Hiroshi wants to... do that, give this to him. He'll know what to do.
Know what?! And I don't even want to satisfy his perverted urges! This is... ugh, whatever. I'll just take it.
Though reluctant, Chika's smug grin had sparked a competitive streak in Maki. Even something this embarrassing, she'd endure.
...It's not like he hasn't taken enough liberties already.
The thought bordered on self-deprecation.
While Maki wrestled with her emotions, Chika—now in casual wear—cheerfully knocked on Kaguya's door. After a pause, a slightly flustered Kaguya answered.
"Fujiwara-san? Is something wrong? The baths and shopping aren't for a while yet."
"Hmm~ You're acting kinda weird, Kaguya-san. Hiding something?"
Chika tilted her head, peeking past Kaguya to spot fluttering curtains by an open window.
"What 'something'? Why are you here?"
Kaguya sighed, subtly glancing back before stepping aside to reveal an empty room.
Hayasaka Ai, who had been strategizing with her, had already climbed back to her own room (201). This trip was Kaguya's golden opportunity to win Takakai over—she couldn't afford to waste it.
But Hayasaka's proposed tactics...
Sneak into his room in sheer pajamas at night?
'Accidentally' disheveled after bathing?!
How could I possibly—?! Isn't there a less shameless method?!
The embarrassing plans left Kaguya too unsettled to school her expression, allowing Chika to sense something amiss.
"Well, whatever~ Let's go shopping! We'll need snacks for game night later. Sure, we could have staff deliver them, but picking things out is half the fun!"
Chika's excitement seemed genuine enough that Kaguya relaxed, agreeing to join her.
As the two left for the shopping district, Takakai and Maki received simultaneous texts from Chika:
[Off to scout snacks with Kaguya-san!]
So... it's just me and that idiot now.
Maki immediately grasped the subtext.
Whether she wanted to advance things with Takakai or not, now was the time to act. If she wanted to stake a claim on evening activities—shopping, post-bath entertainment—she needed to lock him down now.
"Tch. She's orchestrated everything, hasn't she?"
Maki muttered, lightly slapping her cheeks before pocketing the [secret weapon].
Enough hesitation. No more second-guessing.
Time to charge ahead!
Steeling herself, she opened her door—only to nearly collide with Takakai in the hallway.
"Hey, Maki. Since Kaguya and Chika went out, I figured why stay cooped up? Wanna join me for a walk?"
He reached for her hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Ah... oh... okay..."
Face burning, Maki looked down, her voice barely above a whisper as she let him lead the way.
All those meticulously planned strategies?
Gone.
Obliterated by the simple touch of his hand.