“THIS way, please,” I requested with a warm smile, leading them into the café.
“Could we possibly get a table by the window, if it’s not too inconvenient?” the maid inquired politely.
Normally, I wasn’t keen on accommodating customer seating requests, especially during a rush, but with the café quieter now, it seemed reasonable to oblige. Eyeing an unoccupied four-top by the window, I nodded. “Of course. How about this one right here?”
Once they were comfortably seated, I excused myself to fetch them some water. As I was filling glasses behind the counter, the maid from earlier approached me.
“Excuse me. Could I speak with your manager?” she asked.
“The manager?” I repeated, glancing in Kaede’s direction. “Kaede, our manager, would be happy to—”
“Hello, I am Kaede Matsuyama. How can I help?” She must have overheard, flitting over quickly.
“A pleasure to meet you,” the maid greeted. “My name is Shannon. I serve Lady Shizuki of the Sakurazaka Group.”
The name sent a ripple of surprise through both Kaede and me. Known as a titan in Japan’s financial and industrial landscape, the Sakurazaka Group was a part of the nation’s esteemed “Big Three” zaibatsus. I was sure there wasn’t a domestic soul alive who hadn’t heard of them.
Kaede shook off her surprise first. “Well, I’m certainly honored. What can I do for a, ah-, maid of the Sakurazaka Group?”
“Earlier today, your employee here found herself involved in an incident with Lady Shizuki, which the Lady wishes to acknowledge. With your permission, we would like a moment of her time,” Shannon detailed.
“Mio got involved with a member of the Sakurazaka Group?” Kaede echoed, her voice filled with disbelief. I could feel her gaze boring into the back of my skull. Explain yourself, I could almost hear her say.
“It’s a…long story,” I mumbled, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Kaede’s expression transformed to one of barely concealed irritation, her eyes almost pleading for the full account. Oh, I’ve got all the time in the world, sweetie, she seemed to signal silently.
Shannon stepped in smoothly, clarifying the situation. “Please, allow me to explain. This young lady heroically thwarted a pickpocket earlier, successfully retrieving and returning Lady Shizuki’s handbag. Our intention is to express our gratitude, nothing more.”
Kaede’s expression lightened. “Oh, is that what happened?” But then she turned to me again, her eyes sharp. “Seriously, Mio? You could’ve gotten hurt.” I shuffled awkwardly, avoiding Kaede’s glower. She sighed and turned back to Shannon. “All right, I think I understand the situation. Mio, why don’t you go ahead and take your break now?”
“Are you sure? You’d be managing the front all by yourself,” I protested, aware of the bustling dining area. I was the only server present; even without a rush, managing the café single-handedly was no small feat.
“We wouldn’t want to inconvenience your establishment,” Shannon inserted quickly. “I would be happy to assist with customer service while Ms. Mio is engaged with Lady Shizuki.”
Kaede looked at the woman dressed in the actual maid outfit, then me; she let out a resigned sigh. “Just go. I think I’ll manage.”
Sorry, Kaede! I apologized in my mind as I made my way to the waiting table. “Hi there,” I began, feeling somewhat out of my element.
“Ah, there you are. Please, take a seat,” the young lady said, gesturing to the chair diagonally across from her. She had chosen the kamiza—the most prestigious seat traditionally furthest from the entrance—for me, while she occupied the worst seat at the table. I could hardly imagine an eminent young lady of a powerful conglomerate and her maid making such an amateurish mistake unless she specifically wanted to honor me?
Deciding not to question her motives, I cautiously took the offered seat. She greeted my decision with a pleased smile. “Very good. You made the right choice without hesitation. This bodes well for what I have in mind.”
“Um, what exactly are you referring to?” I inquired, completely at a loss.