🎶春日の響きと記憶の音 — Chapter 191

🌸✨ In this alternate universe, Mio and みお are twin sisters, set in a unified world where the virtual singers of Crypton Future Media, Team TWINDRILL, INTERNET Co., Ltd., and the characters of Project SEKAI: Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku coexist. 🌙🎶 💜💗💜💗💜 Story 💗💜💗💜💗 The Head Butler’s Grand Welcome Dressed in a butler uniform, Tenma Tsukasa stood at the entrance of the café with his back straight and one hand placed over his chest, confidently welcoming the guests passing by. His black jacket was neatly tailored, its gold buttons glimmering faintly beneath the lights. A deep red bow tie was fastened at his collar, and a pair of spotless white gloves covered his hands. When he noticed the group being led toward him by Akiyama Mizuki and Kamishiro Rui, his expression briefly froze in surprise. “What are all of you doing—” However, he immediately stopped himself. Tsukasa cleared his throat, composed his expression once more, and replaced it with a calm, radiant smile. He stepped forward and bowed elegantly to the group. “Welcome, my honored guests.” His voice remained as loud as ever, causing guests at several nearby tables to turn and look toward him. “It is the greatest honor of our establishment to receive your esteemed presence today!” Kagamine Rin blinked as she looked up at him. “Tsukasa, you’re really loud.” Tsukasa froze for a moment. “Th-That is so every guest can fully experience the warmth and enthusiasm of our establishment!” Standing beside him, Mizuki could not help covering their mouth as they laughed. “Tsukasa, I don’t think a butler needs to make the entire classroom hear him.” “The most important part of welcoming guests is making a powerful impression!” “Usually, it’s supposed to be politeness and elegance,” Kagamine Len said quietly. Tsukasa immediately turned toward him. “I possess both of those qualities as well!” Rui raised one hand with a gentle smile. “Tsukasa-kun, now that the guests have arrived, perhaps you should show them to their seats.” Tsukasa paused, then quickly restored his dignified, butler-like expression. “You are right.” He proudly straightened his posture and extended one hand to the side, opening the way into the café. “In that case, my honored guests, please follow me.” Hatsune Miku smiled and nodded to him. “We’ll be counting on you, Tsukasa.” “Leave everything to me!” Tsukasa replied with absolute confidence. “Today, I am not merely the ordinary Tenma Tsukasa, but the head butler capable of providing every guest with flawless service!” Standing behind the others, Mizuki lightly tugged on Rui’s sleeve. “Does our café actually have a head butler position?” Rui maintained his composed smile. “It appears to exist within Tsukasa-kun’s mind, at the very least.” The group entered the café. The ordinary classroom had been transformed into an elegant yet welcoming space. Dark curtains hung over the windows, while wallpaper designed to resemble brick and wooden paneling covered the walls. Golden ribbons and small ornaments dangled from the ceiling. Every table was covered with a spotless white tablecloth and decorated with roses made from colored paper. The blackboard at the front of the classroom had been turned into a large menu, with the available meals and drinks written across it in beautiful lettering. Students dressed as maids and butlers moved between the tables, delivering orders, writing down customers’ requests, and explaining the menu to newly arrived guests. Kasane Teto looked around curiously. “It really doesn’t look anything like an ordinary classroom anymore.” Mio looked toward the drapes hanging beside the windows. “The decorations are beautiful.” みお nodded gently. “The atmosphere feels completely different.” Megurine Luka smiled as she admired the paper flowers on the tables. “You can tell that everyone spent a great deal of time preparing this.” MEIKO looked toward Tsukasa, who was walking ahead of them. “So, Mr. Head Butler, where will we be sitting?” Tsukasa stopped. “Because there are so many of you, ordinary seating arrangements may not allow everyone to sit together comfortably.” He turned toward Mizuki and Rui, who were standing at the back of the group. “Are Mizuki and Rui planning to sit with everyone as well?” Mizuki nodded without hesitation. “Of course! It’s our break time now, and we were the ones who invited everyone here. We can’t just leave them with you and walk away.” Rui smiled faintly as well. “Our break happens to begin now. Since this is such a rare opportunity, I would also like to experience the service of which Tsukasa-kun, our head butler, is so proud.” Tsukasa looked at Rui’s smile, his eyebrow twitching slightly. “Why do I feel as though you only want to sit nearby and observe me?” “Whatever could make you think that?” Rui replied calmly. “I am merely filled with anticipation for the head butler’s service.” Tsukasa stared at him for a moment before deciding not to question him any further. He turned toward the inner section of the café and pointed to two long tables near the windows. “In that case, since there are twelve guests, we shall join those two tables together!” KAITO looked at the two tables, which were currently separated. “Will everyone be able to fit there?” “There will be no problem once the chairs are rearranged.” Tsukasa turned toward two nearby students who were also dressed as butlers. “Excuse me. Could you help me move these tables?” “Of course.” Together, they moved the two long tables toward the center and rearranged the surrounding chairs. Tsukasa also reached out to help lift one side of a table. Mizuki watched him from nearby. “Tsukasa, shouldn’t a perfect butler ask the guests to wait while someone else prepares the seating?” “How could I simply stand by and watch other people work?” Tsukasa answered instinctively. The moment the words left his mouth, he realized that he had slipped out of character again. “No, what I meant was…” He paused and tried to adopt a calmer tone. “Preparing comfortable seats for the guests is naturally one of a butler’s responsibilities.” Rui nodded approvingly. “That was a remarkably natural correction, Tsukasa-kun.” “I do not require your evaluation!” Tsukasa immediately replied before quickly turning back toward the group. “Please wait just a moment!” Rin, Teto, and Mizuki exchanged glances before all three of them burst into laughter. Len sighed helplessly. “He really can’t stay calm for very long.” Kamui Gakupo smiled softly. “Even so, he is clearly taking his responsibility to serve everyone very seriously.” Miku smiled and nodded. “Yes. It feels very much like Tsukasa.” Before long, the two tables had been neatly joined together. Tsukasa personally checked the position of every chair and carefully smoothed the edges of the tablecloth. Once he had confirmed that everything was in order, he stood beside the table and gestured for everyone to take their seats. “Thank you for waiting, my honored guests.” “These are the seats prepared for you.” He pulled out the chair nearest the aisle. “Please, take a seat.” Rin looked at the chair, then back at Tsukasa. “Is this one for me?” “Of course.” Tsukasa answered with complete seriousness. “Pulling out a guest’s chair is one of the most fundamental duties of a butler.” Rin smiled and sat down. “Thank you, Tsukasa.” “You are most welcome.” Tsukasa gave her a confident smile. He then moved to another chair and pulled it out for Miku. “Please.” “Thank you.” Miku smiled as she sat down. As Tsukasa prepared to continue pulling out chairs for everyone, Len could not help speaking up. “Are you planning to pull out chairs for all twelve of us?” “Of course!” Tsukasa answered without hesitation. “Once one has accepted the responsibilities of a butler, one must never neglect a single guest!” MEIKO glanced at the remaining chairs around the table. “At this pace, it may take a while before everyone is seated.” “I can move faster!” Tsukasa immediately hurried toward the next chair. KAITO reached out to stop him. “There’s no need to push yourself. We can sit down on our own.” “Absolutely not!” Tsukasa answered firmly. “My dignity as a butler is at stake!” Mizuki laughed as they sat beside Rin. “Just let him serve everyone. Otherwise, Tsukasa will probably spend the entire day worrying about it.” Standing beside Tsukasa, Rui smiled. “It appears that I, too, will have the honor of receiving the head butler’s personal chair service.” Tsukasa immediately glared at him. “Stop placing so much emphasis on the words ‘head butler’!” Despite his protests, Tsukasa proceeded to pull out chairs for MEIKO, KAITO, Len, Teto, Gakupo, Luka, Mio, みお, Mizuki, and Rui. Each time, he stood with perfect posture and formally said, “Please, take a seat.” When he pulled out Mizuki’s chair, Mizuki winked at him with a playful smile. “Thank you, Mr. Head Butler.” “P-Please refrain from teasing the staff!” When it was Rui’s turn, Tsukasa’s expression became noticeably more cautious. Rui merely gave him an elegant nod. “Thank you for your hospitality, Tsukasa-kun.” “You are welcome.” Tsukasa tried his best to keep his voice composed. “But you are not allowed to use this opportunity to suggest any strange improvements to my service.” Rui chuckled softly. “I shall do my best to restrain myself.” “Why are you only going to try?” Although his movements gradually became more hurried, Tsukasa continued doing his best to maintain a calm smile. Only after everyone had taken their seats did he walk to the front of the table and quietly breathe a sigh of relief. However, Teto suddenly looked up at him. “Tsukasa, it looks like there’s sweat on your forehead.” Tsukasa immediately wiped his forehead. “It is merely a little warm inside the café!” Rin smiled at him. “You must have been nervous.” “I was not nervous!” Tsukasa proudly puffed out his chest. “For a perfect butler, serving twelve guests at once hardly qualifies as a challenge!” Mizuki leaned against the table and looked up at him with an amused smile. “But your voice is even louder than it was before.” “That is confidence!” At that moment, a student passing behind Tsukasa accidentally bumped into the corner of a table. Tsukasa immediately turned around and caught a cup that was about to topple over. “Careful!” The cup remained steady in his hand, without spilling a single drop. The surrounding area fell silent for a moment. Tsukasa slowly returned the cup to the tray and straightened his posture. “As you can all see.” He smiled with even greater confidence than before. “Everything is under my control.” Mizuki could not help laughing. “That reaction was much more natural than when you were deliberately trying to act like a butler.” “That is also an essential ability of a perfect butler!” Tsukasa loudly protested. Seated at the table, Rui watched him thoughtfully. “I see. Rather than deliberately maintaining an elegant appearance, your quick judgment in an emergency displays your charm more effectively, Tsukasa-kun.” Tsukasa looked at him suspiciously. “You really are analyzing my performance, aren’t you?” “I am merely expressing my honest opinion as a customer.” “Your opinion clearly sounds as though you are planning a stage performance!” Rui only smiled mysteriously and did not deny it. Tsukasa let out a resigned breath before retrieving several menus and placing them in front of everyone. Mizuki and Rui each received a menu as well and began looking through the available choices with the others. Mizuki opened the dessert section, and their eyes immediately lit up. “This limited-edition parfait is so cute! I’ve been busy inviting customers, so I haven’t had a chance to try it yet.” Rin immediately leaned closer. “Which one?” “This one. It has star-shaped cookies on top.” “You’re right!” The two of them quickly began examining the dessert decorations together. Meanwhile, Rui carefully read through the drink descriptions. “Tsukasa-kun, was this special drink called ‘The Shining Stage’ named by you?” Tsukasa’s movements paused. “That is correct!” His confident expression immediately returned. “It is a specially crafted drink inspired by the concept of a dazzling star!” “I see.” Rui gave him a meaningful smile. “In that case, I shall order this one.” Tsukasa stared at him. “With a smile like that, are you truly interested only in the drink?” “Of course.” Rui calmly closed the menu. “I look forward to discovering whether it shines as brilliantly as its name suggests.” Tsukasa stared at Rui for a moment, still appearing suspicious of his intentions. However, he did not question him any further. Instead, he placed the final menu on the table, put one hand over his chest, and bowed formally. “Please take your time making your selections.” “Whether you desire a meal, a dessert, or a beverage, our establishment has prepared choices certain to satisfy every one of you.” Tsukasa raised his head, his eyes filled with confidence. “However, before you place your orders—” He deliberately paused, waiting until everyone’s attention had turned toward him. “As the head butler, how could I allow my honored guests to simply stare at the menus while they wait?” Mizuki blinked. “Tsukasa, what have you prepared this time?” “Why, our establishment’s special signature welcome treats, of course!” Tsukasa answered loudly. “Please wait just a moment!” With that, he turned and strode briskly toward the temporary kitchen. Rin watched him leave. “Signature welcome treats?” Teto immediately looked excited. “That sounds like we’re getting something for free!” Len gave her a helpless look. “Is that the only part you noticed?” “Food served to welcome guests is important!” Mizuki rested their cheek against one hand and smiled. “I’ve been outside inviting customers this whole time, so I don’t even know what they prepared.” Rui watched Tsukasa disappear toward the kitchen, an intrigued smile appearing on his face. “Since these are signature dishes personally served by the head butler, I imagine they will be quite extravagant.” Before long, Tsukasa returned while pushing a serving cart toward the table. Several large plates and glass pitchers were arranged neatly on the cart, and every dish had been decorated with great care. “Thank you for waiting, my honored guests!” Tsukasa brought the cart to a steady stop beside the long table. “First, our signature welcome platter!” He lifted the first large plate and carefully placed it in the center of the table. The plate held several miniature sandwiches cut into small pieces, filled with egg, lettuce, and ham. Each sandwich was topped with a tiny flag bearing a star design. Miku’s eyes lit up as she looked at the decorations. “They’re so cute!” Mio smiled as well. “Each one looks so carefully made.” “These allow guests who have just entered the café to begin with something light and delicious!” Tsukasa explained proudly. He then lifted another plate. “Next, our miniature Starlight Pancakes!” Several small pancakes were stacked together, drizzled with a little honey, and surrounded by pieces of fruit cut into star shapes. Rin immediately leaned closer. “The fruit really is shaped like stars!” Mizuki pulled out their phone. “I definitely need a picture of this!” “We are not finished yet!” Tsukasa lifted a third plate from the cart. This time, it held several small pudding cups. Each golden pudding was topped with whipped cream and a music-note-shaped piece of chocolate. “This is one of our most popular desserts—the Melody Pudding!” みお carefully examined the chocolate decorations. “Even the decorations match the theme of the school festival.” Luka smiled and nodded. “They look perfect for everyone to share.” Finally, Tsukasa picked up a glass pitcher filled with a pale pink drink and poured it into the small glasses in front of everyone. “And our special welcome fruit tea!” A light, fruity fragrance drifted around the table as the drink filled each glass. KAITO lifted his glass and smelled it. “It has a refreshing fragrance.” MEIKO looked at Tsukasa. “Are all of these complimentary?” “Of course!” Tsukasa proudly puffed out his chest. “These are signature tasting dishes prepared for guests visiting our establishment for the first time!” Len looked at the amount of food on the table. “But there are twelve of us. Are you sure there’s enough?” “I confirmed the portions in advance!” Tsukasa answered confidently. “There is enough for everyone to taste each item, without spoiling anyone’s appetite before the main order!” Rui lifted a glass of fruit tea and thoughtfully examined its color. “It appears that Tsukasa-kun is not merely focused on making an impressive entrance. You have also given careful consideration to the order in which the guests enjoy their meal.” Tsukasa immediately looked at him. “Of course! A perfect butler must consider every detail!” Mizuki picked up one of the miniature sandwiches and smiled at Tsukasa. “But you didn’t prepare all of these by yourself, did you?” Tsukasa’s expression briefly stiffened. “The meals were naturally prepared through the combined efforts of the kitchen staff.” He quickly straightened his posture again. “However, delivering them to you in perfect condition is my responsibility!” Teto had already picked up one of the Starlight Pancakes. “Then I’m starting!” “Please enjoy!” Tsukasa answered immediately. Miku picked up one of the sandwiches as well. “Thank you, Tsukasa.” The others also began sampling the signature dishes arranged across the table. “This is delicious.” “The pudding is really smooth.” “The fruit tea is refreshing too.” Hearing everyone’s compliments, Tsukasa paused in surprise before giving them a smile far more natural than the formal expressions he had been maintaining earlier. “I’m glad you’re satisfied.” Mizuki took a bite of pancake and looked up at him. “That smile looks much more natural than the butler expression you were forcing earlier.” “I was not forcing it!” Tsukasa protested immediately. Rui took a gentle sip of fruit tea. “Still, serving several signature dishes before the guests officially order is certainly a thoughtful arrangement.” Tsukasa’s confident expression returned. “Of course it is!” He placed one hand over his chest and bowed formally to the group. “Please enjoy our signature welcome treats while taking your time to select the meals you would like to order.” “Once you have decided, you need only call for me.” He paused, seemingly waiting for the perfect moment before adding in a loud and earnest voice: “Head Butler Tenma Tsukasa shall devote himself wholeheartedly to your service!” Everyone seated around the table fell silent for a moment before bursting into laughter together. Mizuki laughed more brightly than anyone else, while Rui wore an expression filled with fascination. Under Tsukasa’s energetic hospitality, the twelve of them sampled the café’s signature dishes while looking through the menus. Amid the sweet aromas and everyone’s laughter, another lively chapter at the butler and maid café officially began.