The Heir I Dragged Into My “He’s My Fiancé!” Lie Is Somehow Playing Along!? - Chapter 2.3

“Good morning. I believe this is our first time speaking directly—I’m Executive Vice President Ozora. Starting today, I’ll be your supervisor. Looking forward to working with you, Shirotsuki Alice-san.”

Standing at the entrance to the secretarial department was Ozora Akiko, a woman with softly wavy hair wearing a tweed suit who gave off an elegant impression.

Her smiling face had a cute charm, her makeup was natural with no artificial attempts to look younger, and her build was appropriately average for her age. She truly embodied the atmosphere of a “wonderful lady.”

Alice, whose eyes met hers, focused her gaze.

(I mustn’t let my guard down. Vice President Akiko is the “born and bred young lady” of the founding Ozora family, Uncle Kai’s aunt, and incredibly sharp at work. She apparently knew about my connection with Kai-san even before I did.)

Behind Akiko was Kai, who had likely just run into her in the hallway and returned with her. He glanced briefly at Alice.

Having been firmly warned by Kido beforehand to “exercise extreme caution around Vice President Akiko,” Alice quickly signaled “I’m fine” to Kai with just her eyes, then straightened her posture and greeted them.

“My name is Shirotsuki Alice, assigned to the secretarial department starting today. I’ll do my utmost to learn the job quickly and become a proper member of the secretarial department without holding anyone back!”

Speaking earnestly, Alice bowed deeply.

The surroundings fell silent.

Huh? Alice lifted her face while cautiously observing the situation.

She saw Kai’s profile as he spoke to Akiko, seemingly to preempt any issues following Alice’s greeting.

“Due to the sudden personnel change, we didn’t have time for a thorough explanation, including confirming her intentions. As you can see, she’s serious by nature, but today is her first day. Please go easy on her and don’t push her too hard.”

Akiko glanced back over her shoulder at the tall Kai standing behind her and smiled sweetly.

“You’re living together, aren’t you? I expected you would have given her all the necessary explanations beforehand, without me needing to say anything.”

Without any preamble, she delivered a direct hit about their private affairs right in front of the entire secretarial department.

(I-Is this double pressure? “I know all about your relationship” and “It’s only natural for Kai to cover for that notorious employee,” right…!)

Kai looked down at the shorter Akiko and flashed an impeccable smile.

“I’m careful to keep my private and professional lives separate. ‘Her work in the secretarial department starts today,’ so any work-related support should come from the secretarial department. Just because Alice-san and I get along personally doesn’t mean I’d discuss company matters excessively outside the workplace.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Akiko also smiled flawlessly at Kai, chuckling cheerfully in response.

(They’re just talking with normal smiles, but the tension between them is reaching me too…!)

Having lived as an “ordinary person” for better or worse until now, Alice had never interacted with so-called “people above the clouds” and didn’t know firsthand how they differed from regular people.

But watching their conversation, she could feel without exaggeration the intensity of people operating at the industry’s forefront, driving the economy.

Like an aura.

Akiko glanced briefly at Alice.

“Did you two come to work together this morning?”

Alice understood immediately. She was being tested with quick-witted responses!

Due to some personal complications the previous week, Alice was currently staying at Kai’s apartment.

They left the same house heading to the same company, but Kai apparently alternated equally between commuting by train and by car.

That morning, he had driven to work.

Naturally, he’d told Alice, “There’s no way I’m letting you ride crowded trains alone. We’re going to the same place, so take the passenger seat.” He was overprotective.

Alice refused, saying, “Arriving at work in the same car as Department Head Yumikura would be too conspicuous.” They compromised by him dropping her off near the company, where she walked the rest of the way.

Since Akiko was well-informed, Alice decided it was better to be honest rather than risk slipping up somewhere.

“He gave me a ride partway. I walked from near the company.”

“Oh? Don’t you have a driver’s license? If you’re riding in Department Head Yumikura’s car, you should be driving, of course. How dreadful—I’m not good at driving, so I leave it to my secretary.”

Ah! So that’s what this is about! Alice grasped the intent behind the question.

Kai looked like he was about to say something, but since she was the one being tested, Alice leaned forward and answered.

“I have a license! It’s been years since I last drove, but if it’s necessary for work, I’ll make sure I can drive! Leave it to me!”

Unable to stay silent any longer, Kai shot a light glare at Akiko and interjected.

“Vice President, you shouldn’t lie. Secretary Shirotsuki doesn’t need to drive. Getting around Tokyo is hard enough just finding parking—taxis are more efficient. For regional inspections, the other party sends a car to meet us at the shinkansen station anyway. Besides, your ‘not being good at driving’ is such a lie. If I recall correctly, your hobby is ‘cars.'”

Faced with her nephew brushing aside her maneuvering, Akiko laughed theatrically. “Oh, was it?”

Kido, who had been waiting behind Alice, offered some advice.

“There are several company cars in the parking lot besides the Vice President’s personal car, but the controls vary significantly by model, so it’s tough until you get used to them. Unless you’re really skilled with cars, there’s a risk of accidents, so there’s no need to force yourself to drive.”

“Even so, Kido-san, you used to drive Department Head Yumikura’s car, right? That means you’ve driven other company cars too?”

Seeing Alice renew her resolve, thinking “I can’t do it” and “It’s impossible” were forbidden if this was basic secretary specs, Kido continued explaining calmly and matter-of-factly.

“The reason there are several models of company cars is that we need to switch cars depending on which client we’re meeting that day. For example, if it’s a company connected to an automaker, it would be rude not to arrive in that company’s car.”

“The ways of a secretary…!”

Alice clenched her fist enthusiastically, understanding completely. Kido, amused by her reaction, chuckled softly.

“Even when arranging taxis for meetings or dinners, whether for us or the other party, there are points to be careful about. The taxi company we usually use will accommodate requests for specific models depending on the client. For instance, if we’re entertaining a beverage manufacturer, their parent company might be related to automobiles, so you need to memorize all those relationships beforehand.”

As a former regular employee, corporate entertainment had been outside Alice’s experience, but at the Vice President’s level, dining with company executives was a given.

(So, a secretary’s job isn’t about darting into the street to hail a taxi after meals at high-end restaurants. It’s all about perfect, pre-arranged preparations…! Even something as simple as transportation is a test of consideration in this world!)

While taking mental notes, Alice heard Akiko address her.

“Things like that are understood without saying by field branch managers and general managers, of course. The essence of Kanoa Resort is ‘hospitality,’ after all.”

Faced with Akiko’s sharp expression, Alice responded with shining eyes and energetic determination.

“Yes! It’s profoundly deep! There seems to be so much to learn—it’s exciting!”

Kai, who had been watching silently, finally bid farewell to Akiko with a full smile.

“I’m grateful for your involvement in Shirotsuki-san’s personnel assignment, Aunt. Please take care of her. Now, I have a meeting to attend.”

“That’s right, Department Head Yumikura. How are things progressing with the cruise ship Hakuhou’s lounge and dance hall?”

“Yes. We’re advancing with the relevant departments respectively. If any matters require the Vice President’s approval, I’ll report them promptly, so no need to worry.”

Ending with only the necessary, efficient conversation, Kai let his gaze sweep the room, smiled at Alice for just a moment longer, and then left.

Akiko, as if signaling that the paused time had started moving again, murmured “Well, then,” and looked at Alice.

“Let’s get going right away, Shirotsuki-san. Kido-san is tied up with Department Head Yumikura, so that’s fine. I intended for Shirotsuki-san to accompany Takase-san. Seniority doesn’t matter here—Takase-san, please guide her well as her senior. My schedule is packed tight, so we can’t stand around like this!”

Watching Akiko’s back as she swiftly exited through the door, Alice turned to Honami.

“I’m heading out!”

“Since Vice President has designated Shirotsuki-san as her exclusive secretary, please prioritize her accordingly. Takase-kun, provide solid support as well.”

“Yes!”

Alice and Takase replied simultaneously and dashed out of the room.

“As expected, Shirotsuki-san has guts! Not being intimidated at all by the Vice President even on your first day—it’s reassuring!”

Walking briskly side by side down the hallway with its thick carpet, Takase spoke up. Alice replied without stopping.

“I’ve decided from the moment I joined the company to face every task head-on with all my might! Takase-san, I sincerely ask for your guidance!”