Kazuto Kirigaya had finally found the tranquillity he'd longed for. With his beloved circle of dear friends, they relished a peaceful life in the real world. The days of virtual battles in Sword Art Online felt like distant memories, and he reveled...
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A few days after Yukime's arrival... A young maid with floppy ears and a bushy tail, her apron fluttering wildly, dashed through the grand hallway of the Crystal Chalet, her feet barely touching the ground. Her eyes darted around, wide with panic as she muttered to herself, "What should I do? What should I do?!"
Just as she was about to knock over a priceless crystal vase, a calm, stern voice echoed out of nowhere: “Stop running like that for example.”
The maid froze mid-sprint, her tail puffing out in surprise. "Wha—Miss Rem?!" she gasped, skidding to a halt. "I didn’t know you were here!"
Rem, seemingly appearing from thin air (or maybe behind a potted plant, it was hard to tell), folded her arms and looked at the flustered maid with a raised eyebrow. “I’m everywhere, Coco,” she said, deadpan.
Coco blinked. "E-Everywhere?"
Rem sighed, “Yes, everywhere... and, more importantly, behind every vase you almost destroy."
Coco, flustered beyond belief, immediately dropped to her knees and placed her forehead on the ground. "I-I'm so sorry, Miss Rem! Please forgive me!" Her ears flopped down in utter submission, and her bushy tail tucked between her legs as if trying to hide her embarrassment.
Rem rolled her eyes, her expression softening slightly. "You don’t need to apologize like that, Coco." She extended a hand to help the young maid up. "Just try to be more careful, that’s all."
Coco lifted her head, her wide eyes blinking gratefully. As she stood, her tail gave an enthusiastic wave. "Th-thank you, Miss Rem!"
With a small, amused smile, Rem began walking alongside Coco, her hands now resting behind her back. After a few steps, she glanced at the still-flustered maid. “So, why were you in such a panic anyway?”
Coco’s ears twitched, and she stumbled over her words, her cheeks growing rosy with embarrassment. "W-well… you see… I-I’m just… um… really nervous because…" Her voice lowered, and she glanced away, her tail wagging anxiously. "It’s my first time meeting Lady Yukime, and, um… the other girls… they speak so highly of her! They keep her in such high regard… I don’t want to mess up!"
Rem chuckled softly, her stern demeanour melting away. "I understand, Coco. Lady Yukime can be a bit intimidating, but trust me, she’s not as scary as everyone makes her out to be."
Coco’s ears perked up slightly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “R-Really? You think so?”
“Absolutely,” Rem replied, a hint of warmth in her voice. “She appreciates honesty and kindness above all else. Just be yourself, and you’ll do fine.”
As Coco and Rem turned the corner into the grand parlour, they froze at the sight before them. There, amidst the regal decor and shimmering crystal chandeliers, was Yukime, the very person Coco had been so terrified to meet.
