The Annoying Butler

Kira stood at the edge of the quiet street, the cool night air brushing against her skin.She exhaled, shaking the thoughts away as she stepped toward the gated entrance of a towering estate. The place was as pristine as ever, the dark stone walls and elegant architecture giving it a regal, almost untouchable presence. But Kira had never been one to respect barriers, especially when something—or someone—was waiting on the other side.

She pressed the call button beside the gate. A moment later, a static-filled voice crackled through the intercom.

“With what may I assist you?” Yamada’s voice was polite but carried the weight of someone who had no patience for uninvited guests.

Kira smirked slightly. She leaned closer, her tone casual.

“Come on, Yamada. You don’t have to act like a damn receptionist. Is Lanlan home?”

A brief pause. Then, his voice returned, this time sharper.

“I’m afraid I don’t know who you’re referring to. Have a good evening.”

The line went dead.

Kira blinked before clicking her tongue in annoyance. Seriously? We’re doing this?

She pressed the call button again, this time with a little more force. The response was instant.

“Yes?”

“Dude, don’t mess with me. I just need to talk to her—it’s important.”

“Miss Lan Xia is not home. Please return another time.” Said Yamada, and the line cut again.

Kira narrowed her eyes at the intercom, her fingers curling into fists. Kira wasn’t the type to walk away empty-handed.

Her gaze flicked to the estate’s tall walls, then back to the silent intercom.

“Fine.” She muttered, stepping back. “We’ll do it the hard way.”

Kira exhaled sharply, rolling her

shoulders before cracking her knuckles. “Alright."

She took a step back, then launched herself at the estate's wall, scaling it with ease. In a swift movement, she hoisted herself over the top and landed.

silently on the other side.

The mansion loomed ahead, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight.

In a quick step, she reached the front door. No point in sneaking now – she wanted answers. She raised her fist and knocked firmly.

A few seconds later, heavy footsteps approached from inside.

Yamada opened the door, his gaze sweeping the empty front step.

He stepped outside and glanced around. Nothing.

With a quiet sigh, he turned and closed the door. The moment he did—

“Boo.”

Yamada tensed. Turning, he found Kira standing inches from him, hands on her hips, grinning like a troublemaker caught red-handed.

For the briefest moment, his composure cracked, a single step backward betraying his surprise. But he quickly recovered, adjusting his cuffs. “Madam, this is trespassing; please leave before I call the authorities.”

Kira waved him off. “Yeah, yeah, whatever. Look, I just need to talk to her. Where is she?”

“As much as I would love to escort you out,” Yamada said smoothly, “I am afraid Miss Lan Xia has been… absent recently.”

Kira squinted at him. “And you’re sure you have no idea where she is?”

Yamada remained composed, his voice steady. “I’m afraid I do not.”

She tilted her head, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “And there’s no way for you to contact her?”

Yamada opened his mouth to answer, but Kira cut in, wagging a finger. “Yeah, I don’t buy it. Call her. Tell her it’s important.”

Yamada let out the smallest sigh. “Miss, I assure you—”

“Aha!” Kira pointed triumphantly. “So you can reach her. Alright, alright, let’s do this the easy way. Or, y’know, we could try the hard way, which involves me asking which of your hands you like the least—”

Yamada took a single step back, raising a hand. “Let us keep this conversation civil, if you please.”

Kira shrugged. “As much as I’d love to, you’re making that real difficult, buddy.”

With that, she grabbed his left arm.

Yamada sighed again, looking vaguely exhausted. “Wait… I will contact her.”

Kira grinned. “Man, you fold so easily.”

Yamada adjusted his tie. “I prefer to call it pragmatism. Wait here.”

He turned and left the room, muttering under his breath, “Uncivilised woman…”

Kira smirked. “I can still hear you!” she called after him. Then she glanced around the foyer, spotting a framed photograph on a side table.

Her gaze wandered across the lavishly decorated room until something caught her eye. A framed photograph sat on a nearby table.

Kira picked it up, her expression shifting from amusement to curiosity.

The image showed a younger Kimiko standing beside Lan Xia, both smiling at the camera.

"I knew your hair colour wasn't natural." She chuckled before her gaze shifted to the younger girl beside Lan Xia.

"Well, that's a surprise... though I can see the resemblance."

Kira picked it up, tilting her head. “Hah... knew your hair colour wasn’t natural.”

Then her eyes flicked to Kimiko. “Huh. That’s a surprise. Though, now that I look at it… yeah, I do see the resemblance.”

“Perhaps talking to yourself?” Said Yamada, his tone dry, entering the room. ”

Kira turned abruptly, the picture slipping from her fingers and landing with a soft thud. She straightened quickly, brushing off her sleeve as if nothing had happened.

“Well, you know,” she said with a playful grin, “it’s not that bad. As long as we’re on the same page, right?”

Yamada’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Miss Lan Xia will meet you at your usual location.”

Kira snapped her fingers. “Perfect. Thanks, man.”

Yamada studied her for a moment, as if reevaluating something. “Well… do not expect me to show you the way out.”

Kira’s playful demeanour shifted slightly. She clicked her tongue. “Geez. You’re supposed to be a butler. What a joke.”

She strode toward the door and stepped outside.

As the door swung shut, Yamada noticed something on the floor.

A folded note.

He glanced back at the door, then stepped out to call after her. “Miss, you dropped this—”

But she was gone.

Yamada exhaled through his nose and closed the door.