Otaku Translation: Absolute Number One C87

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Chapter 87: The Will of Heaven Cannot Be Defied

Hakuba?

wondered if the alcohol had clouded his senses—perhaps he was seeing things or hallucinating. Rubbing his eyes, he took a closer look and confirmed that yes, this was the waitress from the restaurant, ’s older sister, identical to the bride he once envisioned marrying.

Perplexed, he asked, “Isn’t Hakuba-san Yamagami’s older sister?”

“I’m her cousin,” replied , promptly introducing herself with polite formality. Hands clasped at her waist, she bowed deeply. “Nice to meet you. I’m Hakuba Neiko.”

As his employer, Chihara felt obligated to return the courtesy. “Nice to meet you, Hakuba-san. I’m Chihara Rinto.” After completing the social niceties, he couldn’t help but remind her, “We’ve met before, five months ago at the restaurant.”

Neiko paused, recalling the memory, then smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, Chihara-san. It’s been so long, I…”

Chihara was speechless. For a time, he’d harbored thoughts of using her as a substitute, tossing and turning at night, wrestling with his conscience. Yet here she stood, with no recollection of him—not even as a passing acquaintance.

How utterly tragic.

Depression settled over him as Neiko inquired curiously, “Are you close friends with Aiko-chan?”

“Somewhat,” he replied instinctively. In this unfamiliar land, he hadn’t formed many personal connections outside work. Those three high school girls were among the few constants in his life.

“How coincidental,” Neiko said warmly, then hesitated upon noticing him lingering by the entryway. “Are you resting today? Should I come back another time to clean?”

She visited every other day during her off-hours from the restaurant, but spotting him now—tipsy and perhaps ready for a nap—she thought it best to reschedule. However, Chihara quickly interjected, “No need, please go ahead. I’ll just sit here for a while.”

Neiko smiled and resumed her tasks without further protest. Her work involved restoring order to the chaos Chihara had left behind over the past two days, along with routine dusting—a task that wouldn’t take long.

Meanwhile, Chihara sat cross-legged on the , avoiding eye contact, silently sighing. He had hired this part-time cleaner through the apartment manager, paying little attention at the time beyond locking away valuables. Payment was left in cash atop his desk alongside a note. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine Hakuba Neiko moonlighting as a housekeeper.

Reflecting on the state of his apartment a month ago—a veritable disaster zone—he winced. There was no doubt that she’d formed a poor impression of him, likely rating him -200 in her mental ledger.

After a moment of quiet contemplation, he attempted to salvage his image. Even though he’d given up on her romantically, he still didn’t want her to think poorly of him. Casually, he remarked, “I’m usually very busy with work, often bringing it home, so my place tends to get messy. I apologize for the trouble I’ve caused you.”

Neiko glanced back and smiled softly. “It’s fine. This is my job.” Truthfully, she found his apartment manageable. Upon her first visit, she noted how neatly daily necessities were arranged, albeit marred by accumulated dust and mildew due to neglect. Observant by nature, she deduced that Chihara spent most of his time at his desk—a common trait among single, hardworking men in this era. By those standards, his living conditions weren’t bad at all.

Seeing her nonchalant expression reassured him somewhat. Mustering concern, he asked, “Do you often take on these kinds of part-time jobs?”

Isn’t it too taxing? You seem frail and delicate. Take care of yourself!

“Yes, I need the money,” Neiko replied casually, bagging trash as they chatted. “So I have to work extra shifts.”

“Isn’t the restaurant salary sufficient?”

Without looking at him, she shook her head gently. “I’m staying with my aunt. Helping out shouldn’t warrant payment, even if she insists. To avoid burdening her, I rely on these odd jobs to save up.”

Chihara nodded thoughtfully. “That makes sense. is high. If you’re planning for marriage, saving diligently is essential.”

Though didn’t require newlyweds to own homes, remained significant milestones marking new beginnings. Renting a decent apartment and covering ceremony expenses were inevitable costs.

Sighing inwardly, he mused, Her is truly fortunate. Having a girlfriend who works tirelessly to build their shared future must feel blissful. Reflecting on his own uncertain romantic prospects in this foreign land, he thought, If I could find someone half as wonderful as Hakuba Neiko, I’d consider myself lucky.

Lost in reverie, he was jolted by Neiko’s puzzled inquiry, “Marriage? Me?” How had the conversation veered here?

Startled, Chihara echoed, “Aren’t you preparing to marry your childhood sweetheart soon?”

Neiko laughed lightly, hand covering her mouth. “Chihara-san, why do you say that? I don’t have a childhood sweetheart.”

She suspected he’d mistaken her for someone else—an understandable mix-up—and wasn’t offended. Meanwhile, Chihara grew increasingly bewildered. “Over three months ago, Yamagami-san told me you were about to marry your childhood friend. She even promised to relay my congratulations…”

At the time, Aiko had insisted, “Neiko-nee is marrying her childhood sweetheart soon!” Typically, “soon” implied within a year.

What was going on? Where had things gone awry?

Neiko tilted her head thoughtfully. “Why would Aiko-chan say that? And she never mentioned anything to me. Are you sure you didn’t misunderstand?”

“No, I couldn’t possibly…” Chihara trailed off, realization dawning. That mischievous high schooler had played a prank on him!

Damn it! How dare she joke about something so serious? Did she know how much turmoil he’d endured because of her lie?

He mentally added Aiko and her accomplices to his blacklist but quickly refocused as his gaze inadvertently landed on Neiko. Her hair tied up, revealing a slender neck and delicate ears, clad in a simple gray apron and sleeves typical of housekeepers, she exuded an understated charm—a picture of domestic grace.

Chihara’s heart skipped a beat anew. Though he’d resigned himself to letting her go, discovering the truth reignited hope. Life’s twists were often dramatic, yet undeniable. Objectively speaking, developing feelings for someone resembling another wasn’t inherently wrong. Moreover, she was single, absolving any moral dilemmas.

Nearly half a year into his new life, Chihara had adapted well but remained lonely. Beyond work, companionship eluded him. Now, his heart stirred again. As Neiko worked, occasionally glancing back to find him lost in thought, she queried, “Is something wrong, Chihara-san?”

Snapping out of his reverie, he hastily replied, “Nothing. Perhaps I was mistaken earlier. But if not for marriage, what are you saving for?”

Continuing her tasks, Neiko chuckled, “Just a small dream. I want to explore the world, so I’m working hard to save.”

Chihara nodded enthusiastically. Traveling—a healthy hobby indeed! Intrigued, he probed, “Planning to go abroad? Any destinations in mind?”

“For now, only .” She replied with a modest smile.

"Which places have you visited?" Chihara was curious.

"Many. I go to a new place every week. So far, I’ve been to..." Neiko had a gentle and graceful demeanor, making her an excellent conversationalist. While busily tidying up, she casually chatted about the places she’d visited, the beautiful sights she’d seen, and the delicious foods she’d tasted, exuding a deep love and enthusiasm for life.

Chihara listened intently, mentally cataloging her interests and preferences, interjecting occasionally. His encyclopedic knowledge from the internet proved invaluable, allowing him to engage meaningfully on various topics.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, time slipping by unnoticed. Soon, Neiko completed her tasks, gathered her tools, and bid farewell with a smile.

Chihara escorted her to the apartment door, restraining himself from accompanying her downstairs. Returning inside, he surveyed the pristine, gleaming room, inhaling deeply. A subtle fragrance lingered—a natural elegance far preferable to artificial perfumes.

Perhaps his fondness for this scent was a touch eccentric, but it suited him. In truth, a quiet affection was taking root within him. Setting aside memories of another world, focusing solely on this one, he realized opportunities to meet someone compatible might be rare. Missing this chance seemed regrettable.

Should he attempt to connect with her? Currently single, if mutual affection developed, perhaps in a year or two, he could establish a modest home here. She managing the household; he handling external affairs. Post-work travels, home-cooked meals instead of instant noodles—it sounded ideal.

But did he deserve to pursue her? With modest savings, a flourishing career, and impeccable morals, he considered himself reasonably accomplished among peers.

Compatibility-wise, he believed they matched well. Perhaps this was fate’s design. Hiring her as a cleaner through sheer chance amidst Earth’s billions suggested .

Maybe pursuing her wasn’t such a bad idea after all…

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