C9 All of You will be Fired

From a distance, the sprawling estate resembled a castle—majestic and refined. As Cello Everett and his companions drew near, they were greeted by an immaculate lawn and over twenty charming maids standing in two neat rows, bowing in unison.

"Welcome home, Master!"

Saitama blushed, his eyes darting around guiltily. Cello Everett looked on, puzzled.

"Who are they?"

"These are the manor's exclusive maidservants," the beautiful consultant explained with a smile. "Since the manor's completion three years ago, these maids have lived here, tending to its upkeep. Everything has been prepared for this moment—your arrival."

Three billion didn't just buy a house; it bought service.

The consultant beamed with pride. "Believe me, they're here to meet all your living needs."

"Master!" The head maid stood tall, offering Cello Everett a sweet smile. "I am your head maidservant, Kyoka Suzuki."

After a moment of silence, Cello Everett responded icily, "You're fired."

Kyoka's smile seized up.

With a strained grin, she asked, "Master, what has Kyoka done wrong?"

"Nothing," Cello Everett replied, shaking his head as he addressed all the maids. "You're all fired."

The room fell silent, everyone stunned.

"Why?" Kyoka asked, her face a mask of disbelief.

The other maids shared her confusion. They had waited three years for this day, only to be dismissed on the first?

Cello Everett offered no explanation. His secrets were too numerous, and apart from Saitama, he wasn't ready to trust anyone else. These maidservants were certainly not in his circle of trust.

"But Mr. Everett," the consultant interjected, "without proper care, this vast estate will fall into disrepair."

Cello Everett was well aware. Without daily attention, the lawn alone would become an unsightly wasteland within a month. Yet he was resolute.

"I'll handle this myself."

Though the reason for his insistence was unclear, Saitama nodded in agreement. "I can take care of the master's daily needs as well!"

Upon witnessing Cello Everett's unwavering resolve, the beautiful consultant found herself at a loss for words, left with nothing to do but sigh. She dismissed the maids, yet Kyoka Suzuki, the head maid, remained.

"Before I depart, I wish to acquaint you with the villa, Master," Kyoka Suzuki said, fighting back tears. "This is my final stand as the head maid!"

Cello Everett was unfazed. He, too, needed to get to know the villa.

At Cello's nod of approval, Kyoka's face lit up with a smile. "This villa boasts a total of 130 rooms," she said, flitting through the estate like a butterfly, swiftly acquainting Cello with every corner of the manor.

Ten minutes later, Cello nodded, thoroughly pleased. The villa was indeed to his liking.

"Thank you for this opportunity," Kyoka said, dabbing at her eyes. "I apologize, I've lived here for three years and sometimes my emotions get the better of me."

"Ding!"

"You've received Kyoka Suzuki's heartfelt thanks and a black iron gift box."

Upon opening the box, he found Kyoka Suzuki's teddy bear (1/2).

Kyoka's Teddy: Kyoka's cherished toy, nestled under the blankets each night, embraced in her arms as she drifted off to sleep.

Silence hung in the air momentarily.

"You may stay," Cello said suddenly, his expression a curious mix of emotions.

Kyoka, taken aback, quickly filled with elation and, deeply moved, bowed profoundly. "Thank you, Master. I will give it my all!"

"Ding!"

"You've received Kyoka Suzuki's teddy bear (2/2)."

A complete set now lay before him, prompting a wry smile from Cello.

What was the system up to? He had allowed Kyoka to stay because her genuine gratitude had won a measure of his trust, not to collect teddy bears...

And what's more...

Why was there still steam rising from it?