Sirius Zero: Building A Corporate Kingdom After Being Expelled-Chapter 55: Kazuya and Tomoe

"Mr. Zakhrov, you’ve certainly been busy," remarked Kazuya Honda as he looked around Aaron’s new office. A demure and petite Japanese girl wearing a black blazer, pleated skirt, thigh high stockings and black leather pumps sat beside him, a tablet and stylus in her hands.

"That I have, Mr. Honda. However, I’ve also been working on my core video game business," chuckled Aaron.

"Indeed you have, the new title ’Nuclear Tycoon’ has been a sleeper hit in the turn based strategy genre," said Kazuya.

"And I have updated the engine that powers Master of Arcadia to now handle voice acting. Would you be willing to collaborate with us on that?" asked Aaron.

Kazuya smiled. "That sounds like an excellent idea. In fact, SEGA has now got an exclusive contract with the idol group 7-Star-Crossed. May I present its recently graduated center and my new personal assistant, Tomoe Tachibana," he said, gesturing to the girl beside him.

Tomoe rose and bowed politely. "It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Zakhrov," she said, her voice soft and melodic.

"Likewise, Miss Tachibana," said Aaron, inclining his head slightly.

"We can hammer out the details later, for now, how about you give us a tour of this place?" asked Kazuya, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Of course! Follow me," said Aaron, leading the way out of his office.

----

Kazuya staggered into a chair in the guest room Aaron had given him.

"Aaron Zakhrov, you are a monster," he gasped to himself, willing his heart to slow down.

There was a polite knock on the door.

"Come in," he called out, his voice hoarse.

The door opened, and Natasha stepped in, her uniform gleaming in the soft light.

"I’ve brought you some tea, Mr. Honda," she said, her sultry voice carrying a hint of amusement.

"Thank you, Miss. Natasha," he said, taking the cup from her.

He took a sip, and felt the warmth spread through his body, calming his nerves.

"I can’t believe that just two years ago, Aaron was a college student in a loft," he said, shaking his head in disbelief.

"I’ve had my share of surprises from Master Zakhrov," chuckled Natasha, as she sat down across from him.

Kazuya surveyed Natasha appreciatively. "His taste in women is most refined," he thought, as he admired her toned body in the sleek black leather uniform.

"So how long have you been working for him?" he asked, trying to make small talk. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"It’s actually only been a few months. I was hired as his head of security," she said, marveling at just how short of a time it had been.

"I see. Well, my compliments to you, and Mr. Zakhrov. This place is quite impressive," he said, taking another sip of his tea.

"Thank you, Mr. Honda. I will pass on your compliments to him," said Natasha, rising to leave.

----

Aaron sat in his office, writing some last minute enhancements to the Master of Arcadia engine, when his intercom buzzed.

"M-Mr. Zakhrov, may I come in?" asked a timid voice.

Aaron unlocked the door, and it hissed open to reveal Tomoe Tachibana, fidgeting nervously with her black pleated skirt.

"Come in, Miss Tachibana," said Aaron, and Tomoe shuffled inside, her heels clicking a soft and nervous staccato on the polished floor.

"Master Zakhrov, I-I have a favor to ask," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

"What is it, Miss Tachibana?" asked Aaron, his gravelly voice doing nothing to soften Tomoe’s discomfort.

"I-I have a café in Akihabara, and I was wondering if you could protect it for me," she said, her eyes downcast.

Aaron raised an eyebrow. "Protect it from what?" he asked.

"F-from creditors, loan sharks a-and s-stalkers. I had borrowed a lot of money to start it and hire staff, but they have been getting harassed and threatened even though I have been making payments," she said, her voice breaking slightly.

"Why not ask Kazuya? He’s more familiar with Japanese business practices, and can surely help you," asked Aaron.

Tomoe shook her head. "Kazuya-sensei is already dealing with a divorce from his gaijin wife. I don’t want to burden him with my problems, I’ve already asked enough of him to give me this assistant job to help repay my debts," she said, her voice trembling.

"I see. Before I give you my answer, I’d like to review the current state of this café of yours," said Aaron, finally gesturing for her to sit.

Tomoe sat down, and pulled out her tablet.

"Here is the financial report, and the current state of the café," she said, her voice steadying as she handed him the tablet.

Aaron took the tablet and began to read through the reports, reviews and pictures.

"Miss Tachibana, it appears that your café’s troubles have been self-inflicted. I refuse to help unless you give me a full explanation of why you changed your business model from a maid café to an affront on aesthetics," he said.

"B-but I was just following suggestions from reviews!" said Tomoe, trembling at Aaron’s intense gaze.

Aaron pulled up the reviews of the café on his computer.

His eyes narrowed as he read the predominantly negative reviews demanding ’unisex’ uniforms, ’minimalist’ decor, and ’inclusive’ menus, and Tomoe’s apologies and promises to implement changes.

"Miss Tachibana, do you like the changes that these reviews have suggested you implement?" he asked.

"N-no, b-but isn’t the customer always right?" she asked.

"These are not customers, Miss Tachibana. Anyone can leave a review online, even if they have never set foot in your café. Surely you are aware of this?" asked Aaron.

"Y-yes, but the creditors urged me to listen to the feedback! And I thought they were right! Why would they lie?" asked Tomoe.

"Because they don’t want you to succeed. The less money you make, the more you will owe them, and then they can make you do whatever they want. Consider yourself lucky that it hasn’t gotten to the point where they make you sell your body to pay off your debts," said Aaron, as Tomoe started to shake in horror.

"Now, I will help, but only if you agree to the business model that I propose. And I expect you to stand firm on that and not listen to any more of these so-called ’customers’ or creditors. Agreed?" asked Aaron.

"Y-yes, Master Zakhrov," said Tomoe, her voice trembling.

"All right. I’ll see you in the morning with the plan. Now beat it," said Aaron, as he dismissed her.

Tomoe rose and bowed politely, before leaving the office.

----

"What did he say?" asked Natasha, as Tomoe stepped out of Aaron’s office, her face pale and shaken.

"He said he will help, but only if I agree to his business model. Thank you for your help and advice Miss Natasha," said Tomoe, bowing to Natasha.

Natasha smiled. "Get some sleep. You’ll need it once Aaron decides to help," she said as Tomoe nodded and walked away.

----

"While I’m disappointed that Tomoe came to you instead of me, I’m glad that you are so generous, and I couldn’t have come up with a better plan myself," said Kazuya, as he and Tomoe looked over the plans that Aaron had drawn up for the maid café.

"I’ll still need your guidance on the legal and financial aspects of this, Mr. Honda. I’m not familiar with Japanese law and business practices," said Aaron.

"Of course, I will help you with that. I must say, those young ladies of 7-Star-Crossed will be very happy to have a steady and stable revenue stream from this café," said Kazuya.

"Thank you! Thank you so much, Master Zakhrov!" said Tomoe, first in Japanese and then in English, as she bowed deeply to Aaron.

"There’s still the challenge of building it and getting the systems in place. We’ll celebrate once it’s up and running," said Aaron, patting her on the head as she blushed and nodded.

----

"Harry, pack your construction drones for international flight. We’ve got a new project as a favor to Miss Tachibana," said Aaron over the internal voice network that connected the Sirius Software headquarters to the rest of the compound.

"Another charity project? You’re turning into a great big softie boss," chuckled Harry.

"Hmm, you’re right. I’ve grown too soft. Fine, we’re not going to build a maid café that is staffed by idols as maids in Akihabara that Sirius Software fully owns, sorry to wake you up," said Aaron.

"Wait! Wait! I was just kidding! I can have the drones packed and ready to go in an hour!" said Harry, his voice panicking.

"Harry! You’re being too enthusiastic about getting it on with some Japanese maids! I’m your wife you know!" came Margaret’s voice over the network, shrill and whining.

"You’re coming too Margaret. The Feminine Professional is expanding into Japan and you’re making the maid uniforms," said Aaron.

"Oh! In that case, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!" squealed Margaret.

----

"You’re quite formidable yourself Mr. Honda," said Aaron as Harry’s drones were loaded into the massive cargo plane that Kazuya had chartered for the trip to Japan.

"Hey, when you present a plan that takes a struggling café and turns it into an Otaku fortress, I have to bring my A-game. And please, call me Kazuya. You’ve earned that right," chuckled Kazuya.

"All right. Thanks Kazuya. I appreciate your help with this," said Aaron, shaking Kazuya’s hand.

Margaret walked up to them, dragging a blushing Tomoe behind her.

"What do you think Master Zakhrov? Is this maid uniform good enough?" she asked, gesturing to Tomoe’s new uniform.

Tomoe squirmed under Aaron’s gaze.

The maid uniform Margaret had designed was made from shimmering black and ivory satin and lace.

The skirt reached mid-thigh and flared out wide, the ivory lace trim adding elegance, playfulness and a touch of innocent sensuality.

The black brocade bodice was a fitted corset with a sweetheart neckline, that also had an ivory lace trim that lifted and accentuated Tomoe’s breasts.

The sleeves were short and puffed, with black satin bows at the shoulders, and white lace elbow-length gloves covered the arms.

The apron and headband were ivory satin with a lace trim, and the ivory lace stockings were held up by black satin garters.

On Tomoe’s feet were a pair of sleek black leather pumps with 8 cm shiny black metal stiletto heels.

"I thought black enamel on the titanium heels would be more appropriate than the usual polished coating," said Margaret, as she twirled Tomoe around to show off the uniform.

"Well I certainly like it. What do you think Tomoe? Is it comfortable?" asked Aaron.

Tomoe nodded, her cheeks flushed. "Y-yes, Master Zakhrov. It feels very comfortable, and I can move easily in it," she said, her voice steadying.

"Kazuya? What do you think?" asked Aaron.

Kazuya smiled. "I think it will put magical girl outfits out of business," he said, chuckling.

He covered his face dramatically. "Tomoe-chan! Master Zakhrov’s heart is frozen! He needs a spell to melt it!" he said in a theatrically deep voice.

Tomoe giggled, her shyness melting away. "I will do my best, Kazuya-sensei! Master Zakhrov! Kyu-kyu Doki-Doki I melt your heart!" she said, spinning around, before making a heart shape with her hands, and thrusting them towards Aaron.

Aaron burst into laughter, his icy demeanor melting away.

"That was so cute and funny!" he laughed, as Tomoe beamed with pride.

"Maybe I should get a maid uniform too. That’s the first time I’ve seen you drop your guard like that," said Natasha, her voice teasing.

Aaron shook his head, and came back to his Stoic self.

"All right, enough fun and games. We’ve got a plane to board," he said leading the way to the passenger section of the cargo plane.