Troublesome Customer
October 1, 2026. Thursday. 11:15.
Somewhere in Shinagawa Ward.
Antique Shop [Princess Maker]
”Welcome.”
Princess Maker, an antique shop located in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo. It is a hidden gem, but perhaps because they don’t put out large internet advertisements and the like, customer traffic was always sparse.
Mayu Asagiri, who works part-time at that shop about two days a week. 25 years old. Usually, she displayed small items like accessories in the shop, and served the occasional customers.
And today as well, seeing a certain customer enter the shop, Asagiri made a slightly troubled face.
”Mayu-sama. How are you feeling?”
That woman in monotone, elegant fashion. Beautiful, jet-black hair reaching down to her waist. Behaving like a model, she casually sat on the sofa at the back of the shop.
”I will bring you something to drink.”
At Princess Maker, a welcome drink is served to visitors. The concept of this shop is to treat customers like princesses. Therefore, it was customary to guide them to the sofa and serve a drink upon their arrival.
”Kisaragi-sama, thank you for waiting. Here is a cold lemonade.”
Asagiri poured the drink with polite movements as usual.
”Thank you very much, Mayu-sama. I thought these might suit you, Mayu-sama, so I bought various things today.”
Saying so, Kisaragi took out clothes that seemed to be newly bought, one after another, from the shop’s paper bag she had brought.
”Denim, a long skirt, and an autumn coat too. Since you are wonderful, Mayu-sama, I feel like any coordination would suit you.”
Kisaragi spoke happily with a bright smile. Seeing that, Asagiri was troubled.
”Kisaragi-sama, even though you always purchase so much from us… to give me this many clothes too… I am just a part-timer… and…”
It’s a bother. She couldn’t seem to say that.
”I am very happy that you always buy me lots of wonderful presents like sweets and Western liquor, but… um, you are a very important customer, Kisaragi-sama, so…”
Asagiri, struggling to choose her words. Kisaragi smiled sweetly, completely unfazed.
”Mayu-sama. If you’d like, won’t you go out for a meal with me next time? There’s a restaurant with a wonderful night view――”
”…I’m sorry. Kisaragi-sama. Unfortunately, I can’t make the time for various reasons… and my curfew is strict too…”
Asagiri bowed her head repeatedly.
”――Understood. I will wait until you open your heart to me, Mayu-sama. Please let me purchase that necklace today.”
Smiling, Kisaragi declared so.
”This necklace is――98,000 yen.”
And Asagiri seeing Kisaragi off to the entrance. Giving a light wave with a smile, Kisaragi went home.
”Kisaragi-san, she is a good customer, but…”
Returning to the back of the shop, Asagiri carried Kisaragi’s presents to the locker room while muttering to herself. She was racking her brains over Kisaragi’s overly straightforward affection…