Stealing Spree

Chapter 2478: Special Consultant (2)

Kobayashi-san looked at me in surprise but she quickly regained her composure and began talking about their challenges. It was mostly about the shortage of staff and how they were trying to manage it without compromising the hotel’s high standards.

As it wasn’t in my place to make promises, I listened intently to Kobayashi-san’s woes. She spoke about how they were doing their best with the current staff, but the quality of service was slipping due to fatigue. They needed a break, or at least some reinforcements. I nodded thoughtfully, making mental notes, and once she finished, I glanced at Maaya and Himeko since they were the ones who would approve of anything that would be decided.

”If I’m reading this correctly, you have fixed areas for each employee rather than a rotating schedule. Is this to make it orderly and easier for the guests to recognize the staff?” I asked, tapping the clipboard with the fountain pen.

Kobayashi-san nodded, ”Yes, that’s correct. However, it also means that if one area gets busier than the others, the staff there can’t easily assist without leaving their designated area unattended.”

”What if we introduce a flexible system? Staff can cover each other’s areas when needed, and it could also serve as a way to cross-train and learn from each other’s strengths?”

Maaya leaned in as she pitched in her idea. I’m sure she already has her own solution for this but... the girl wanted me to do it for them. Or rather, she’s handing it to me in order to earn me points for their father.

In the event that... he really approved of me, it’s not like I’d always be here to assist them but at the very least, I can always come like this from time to time. Carrying some of the burdens off of their shoulders.

”My lady, it won’t be viable. We have to expand our workforce if we want to implement a flexible system like that. Plus, the cost of training...” Kobayashi-san said, her voice trailing off as she considered the implications.

Himeko also didn’t stay silent as she tapped her chin, ”But wouldn’t that increase job satisfaction, too? If everyone gets to help out and not just stick to their own areas, they might feel more involved and less stressed. Ya-chan, we can ask Father to... Increase budget for the department.”

Maaya nodded, ”It’s not as simple as that Nee-sama but we can raise it at the next executive meeting.”

”If that’s the case, why don’t we first focus on the most urgent concern of the housekeeping department?” I suggested, turning their attention back to me.

Kobayashi-san looked hopeful, ”If we can manage to get some additional staff members, even on a part-time basis, it would be a significant help, especially with the upcoming season.”

”There we go. That should be something that can be decided easily, right?” I turned to the Itou sisters and winked.

Because they’re a rather luxurious hotel, they probably minimized the part-time job openings to have a more stable regular workforce. But, the idea of part-timers during the peak season was something doable without making significant changes to their current system.

Maaya nodded, scribbling something down on her own clipboard. ”We’ll look into it.”

Kobayashi-san bowed gratefully, making the two girls smile.

We continued our rounds, each department presenting its own unique challenges and opportunities for improvement. As we walked, the Itou Sisters would whisper to me, pointing out various employees they knew by name, sharing little anecdotes about them, and sometimes even slipping in a cheeky comment about my performance.

Somehow, this also became a little enlightening to me. I never thought a hotel would have a lot of different departments.

An hour later, the real challenge finally arrived.

I thought it would be their father but it was actually their mother who arrived at the hotel, clearly expecting to see them with me.

Whoever’s keeping tabs on us was truly great. They managed to escape my detection. In any case, what am I to do? This is bound to happen sooner or later anyway.

Maaya’s eyes widened as she saw her mother, dressed in a luxurious fur coat despite the summer heat, walking towards us with purposeful strides. She was a striking woman with an air of authority that could make anyone quake.

And here I thought their father was the one who I should look out for.

Maaya immediately took the lead, ”Mother, you’re here earlier than expected.”

Himeko hid partly behind me, gripping the hem of my suit.

”Mother... it’s been a while.” She mumbled nervously.

Maaya’s mother looked at us with a piercing gaze that seemed to bore through my body.

”I see you’ve brought a guest, Maaya.” Her voice was cold and calculated as if she had already figured out our entire plan.

These two girls often talked to me about their father while their mother was only brought up occasionally. All I know about her is... she cannot truly defy their father and despite her being against separating the sisters before, her voice wasn’t heard.

In any case, I do remember one time that they talked positively about their mother... Does that change? Or is it only because they never expected to be the one to check on them today?

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Well, no reason to overthink when I could find the answer from their mother herself.

”It’s nice meeting you, Auntie.” I boldly greeted her while respectfully bowing my head before introducing myself plainly, ”I’m Onoda Ruki.”

Maaya’s mother scrutinized me for a moment, her sharp gaze sweeping over my attire and the way I held myself. Then she turned her focus to her daughters, ”Is he the reason for your recent...enthusiasm in managing the hotel? Especially you, Hime.”

Himeko’s grip tightened on my suit. She’s anxious. Looking at her, I could somehow guess why she was acting like this. They haven’t talked directly in a long time... Probably those occasional mentions of her were taken during their gathering at a dinner table or when there was an occasion.

I placed a comforting hand on her head and smiled, helping her channel her courage from me.

”Yes. Ruki is... the one who gave me a push, who told me I could do better,” Himeko said in a small yet clear and steady voice. She stepped out from behind me, her grip on my suit loosening.

I moved my hand from her head to hold her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze to show my support.

”Mother, he is indeed the positive influence that allowed me to reconnect with Nee-sama. He’s always been a great help,” Maaya spoke up. It seemed she had her own strategy for handling this situation. After all, she’s the one who stood up to protect her older sister and took up what should be Himeko’s responsibility. She had long ago taken up the mantle of the Itou Hotel’s heiress, even if she didn’t always want it.

Their parents wouldn’t faze her.

And honestly, I only managed to shake her up and be more conscious of me because of how different I am from a normal guy.

Maaya’s mother raised an eyebrow, looking at our joined hands. ”So, he’s not just a consultant, then. I heard you on my way here that brought in a special consultant and he’s doing well in coming up with solutions.”

”Yes, he’s been invaluable,” Maaya said, smiling warmly at me before also reaching for my hand.

Before their mother’s eyes, the two girls intertwined their fingers with mine, and I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of pride. They weren’t just claiming me as their consultant but also as a part of their lives.

And as expected, she wasn’t thrilled with this sight. She instantly frowned as if she had seen something unpleasant.

”You two... Stop that. Mind the place and don’t do something so embarrassing in public.” Maaya’s mother said sternly. We were still in the hallway of their someone. Someone could pass by and see us here.

”Why not, mother? This is what you want to know, right? Nee-sama and I... We are both seeing Ruki,” Maaya spoke with surprising confidence, looking directly into her mother’s eyes.

”Ya-chan is right, mother,” Himeko added with an unwavering voice despite the tremble in her hand. ”Ruki has been a great support to both of us, and we’re happy to have him.”

Their mother’s face contorted with surprise and displeasure. And eventually, her eyes shifted on me.

Even though she had yet to open her mouth, I could already expect what kind of question she was going to bring up.

”You, young man. What did you feed my daughters?”