The System Won't Work Unless I Have Girlfriends

Walking through the hallway, I carried a glass of water and milk for Rita. She was still crying a little in her room, but I had to get her motivated because the party was starting in an hour. 

The party was also a social event, where the guests related to Ainsworth's business partners would attend with their kids, who also go to the same school as Rita and me. Meaning, canceling the event when some guests have already arrived would be rude.

So, Mr. James; her grandpa, wanted me to cheer her up.

"Rita, I'm coming in."

The door wasn't latched properly, so when I pushed it slightly, I could see her lying on the bed, "Drink some water or maybe some fresh milk will cheer you up. What about some ice cream?" I place it on top the table beside her bed.

"I'm not a kid so water is fine, thank you."

She sat up on the bed and took the water instead of the milk. Anyway, it was my first time seeing her in this state.

"What are you doing standing there like that?" she asked, patting the bed beside her. I sat next to her, and suddenly she leaned her head on my shoulder. "...hey, can I ask you something?"

She was clingy now, but I understood her emotional state and let her be.

"Why do you need my permission?"

"Because it's important."

"Okay, go ahead."

There was a moment of silence before she continued, "Unlike my parents, you'll always be by my side, right?"

"Did they do something bad to you?"

"N-no, it's just... they rarely come home or pay attention to me. I've been working hard to meet their expectations, and at least I want them to be here."

I sighed. "I won't badmouth your parents. They're also working hard to support you."

"Bu-but... today is my birthday."

As an adult, I could understand her parents. The world is chaotic now. The stock market crashed, and a recession is looming, which will only make them busier. But in the end, Rita is still a child, even though she's more mature than others her age. With just a bit of reasoning, I believe she'll understand.

"Just bear with it, Rita. I know you're smart enough to understand it."

"Hm... I do. I know my parents are working hard for the family. I just miss them sometimes and hoped they would come because today is important. I really wanted to see Mommy and tell her how annoying the girls at school are because of Charles. It's so frustrating... If I didn't have friends like Mashiro and you, I'd have to endure every day with a fake smile all day."

As I said before, she's not that naive. Her environment forces her to act like an adult, but in the end, a kid is still a kid.

"So, what's your answer? Will you stay by my side?"

I sighed. "Alright."

"Look at me." She turned around, smirking at me with her tear-stained eyes. "You expect me to believe those apathetic words? Say it properly."

"I'll stay by your side. Happy now, Princess?"

"Hehe~ It's a promise."

---

I've somehow managed to motivate Rita again. I'm not trying to take credit for it. I think... she handled it well. I watched her here the whole time, except when she was getting dressed and finally it's time.

"Hey, what do you think? Am I p-pretty?"

Standing in front of me, Rita is wearing a light blue dress. The makeup artist applied some light makeup and did her hair too.

"Yeah, good for you."

"Huh? I think the line should be, 'It suits you, you're pretty, my lady' right? Anyway, why are you wearing a servant's uniform?"

Rita is probably referring to the white suit I'm wearing.

"I'm wearing something similar as the other employees. Remember? My job as a butler ends tomorrow morning."

"Eh? Right. But I think you should change your clothes for this occasion. Because, you're my guest too. I'm inviting you to my party, right?"

I raise an eyebrow. "Really? I didn't receive any invitation though."

"You mean—ah! I forgot to add you and Mashiro to the list! I-I swear, I really just forgot, please don't hate me!" Rita says, looking a little worried.

Oh no. I just wanted to tease her a little, but her mental state is still too sensitive.

"No, it was just a joke. That said, you already assumed I'd come to the party, right? Hahaha! Take it easy." I say, patting her head. Honestly, I don't know how to cheer kids up, so I just laugh like All Might does. "Right..." I reach into my suit pocket. "Here. Happy birthday."

It's just a small box, simply wrapped in something I don't even know the name of, but it hides the present well.

With sparkling eyes, Rita take it and tears it open without hesitation.

"It's a watch! Thank you!"

What I gave her is a simple, inexpensive watch. I was thinking of buying something more expensive, but then again, I'm just an 11-year-old boy. Buying a 5 grand watch for a school friend's birthday? Nah, that's too much for me, and for her. But, somehow, after my gift, Rita seems even more cheerful.

"Wait, you're wearing it already?"

She looks at me and frowns. "Of course. It's something you gave me, so of course I have to wear it. What? You don't like it?"

Seeing it paired with her expensive dress is like putting caviar on top of a McRonald's burger.

"Wait. You're right. I should keep it safe in case someone steals it while I'm distracted."

Who the heck would be interested in that watch? Well, it's cheap but it's good quality. Wait—what? She has a safe behind her wardrobe? I watch as she carefully places my gift inside the tight safe, which locks with a loud clacking sound. That's overkill.

Rita sighs in relief, "Alright..." clearly no longer worried about it getting stolen.