Deep within the Demon Realm sat the castle of Kuromueina, the Underworld King. Its master was currently staring at her companion with a look of profound contemplation.
"……Chrome-sama? Is something the matter?"
"Well, Ein… I’ve been meaning to ask you something for a while. Do you remember when I told you that you needed to take regular breaks?"
Kuromueina directed her question toward the maid, Ein, who had paused her cleaning to respond. Ein straightened her posture and gave a polite, practiced bow before answering.
"Of course, this Ein has not forgotten. Not a single day has passed where your words left my mind, Chrome-sama."
"……Then tell me, when exactly do you rest?"
Among all of Kuromueina's family, Ein was the most tireless worker. She handled almost every domestic chore in the massive castle entirely on her own. Kuromueina had issued the order for her to rest out of genuine concern, yet she couldn't recall ever seeing the maid actually take a day off.
Even a high-ranking Demon like Ein, possessed of staggering amounts of HP and stamina, wasn't immune to fatigue. Kuromueina asked out of a simple wish for her family not to overexert themselves, but Ein’s response was characteristically nonchalant.
"Yes. Ten days ago, I permitted myself fifteen minutes of repose. I intend to rest again in approximately twenty days."
"……"
Ein spoke as if it were perfectly natural to rest only fifteen minutes a month. Kuromueina’s eyes narrowed into thin slits.
"……And what about, say, a full day off?"
"Chrome-sama, I am a maid who battles against every fleeting second. For one such as I, idleness is nothing more than a form of self-indulgence."
"……"
As she watched Ein declare this absurd logic with her chest puffed out in pride, a vein throbbed on Kuromueina’s forehead.
"……That’s……"
"……Yes?"
"……Ein. Starting tomorrow…… maid duties are forbidden for the entire day."
"……Huh? Ch-Chrome-sama? Whatever do you mean by—"
"I’m issuing a Maid Prohibition Order for the whole day tomorrow! That means you’re banned from wearing your uniform, too! You’re to go out and play all day…… and don't come back until nightfall! That’s an order!"
"What!?"
It was an order from Kuromueina—something she almost never did, making this essentially a first. Ein looked as though the world had just come to an end.
And so, a temporary "Maid Prohibition Order" was officially issued against the woman who possessed a truly abnormal obsession with her vocation.
"Um, well…… I basically understand the situation. I won't bother asking why you’ve broken into my room again, since that ship has sailed…… but…… why are you here, specifically?"
I chose my words carefully as I addressed Ein-san. She was huddled in the corner of my room, knees hugged to her chest, radiating an almost palpable aura of gloom.
I mean, seriously…… I’d finished breakfast and returned to my room only to find Ein-san—sans maid uniform—crouching in the corner. How does my life even reach this point?
"There is…… no one else…… I can…… re-rely on……"
"I understand. It’s okay. Please, just don't cry."
Her voice was incredibly weak, trembling on the verge of tears. I didn't know what to do with this.
"……I’m not a maid…… Today, I am…… not a maid…… Without my role…… I have…… no value at all……"
"I have plenty of things I’d like to say about that extreme identity crisis, but…… regardless, the point is that you can't go home until tonight, right?"
"……Yes. I’m…… a nuisance, aren't I? Forcing someone like me—this trash—upon you…… My deepest apologies, Kaito-sama…… I shall leave at once."
"It’s fine! Really, stay as long as you want!!"
She was so difficult to handle like this. Because she took such immense pride in her identity as a maid, Ein-san became incredibly fragile whenever she wasn't in character. The usual sharp, professional woman was gone, replaced by someone who looked like a shivering puppy left out in the rain.
"……But there’s no point in staying like this all day, right? Kuro told you to go out and play, didn't she?"
"……Yes."
"In that case, let’s make the most of it and go on a date. Staying cooped up in here will only make you feel worse. I’ll stay with you for the rest of the day."
"……Kaito-sama……"
To be honest, having someone sitting in my room radiating this much depression wasn't great for my own mental health. A bit forcefully, I invited her out and helped her to her feet.
……I suppose this is "according to plan," in a way? Though her level of despair was definitely more than I’d anticipated.
I walked down the busy midday streets with Ein-san at my side. Normally, she stubbornly insisted on walking a few paces behind me, so walking side-by-side felt new and strange. Her outfit was different, too; instead of her usual maid uniform, she wore a modest long skirt with a black motif. It was the first time I’d ever seen her in casual clothes.
"……Kaito-sama."
"Am I walking too fast?"
"N-No, it is just…… how should I say this…… I am a little…… embarrassed……"
Who was this demure person? She was nervously gripping the hem of my sleeve, nestling close to me as if trying to hide from the world. She was a completely different person.
The gap was incredible. Precisely because I was so used to the cool, composed Ein-san, her current vulnerable expression felt surprisingly cute.
"It’s okay. I’ll make sure to escort you properly today, so just lean on me for once."
"Y-Yes…… That is very reassuring."
I realized that seeing this side of Ein-san wasn't so bad. It stimulated a protective instinct in me, making me feel like I needed to look after her. Given that our actual power levels were probably comparable to an ant versus a dragon, "protecting" her was a tall order, but I at least wanted to show her that I could be someone she could rely on emotionally.
"I know you’re feeling anxious, but try to look at the bright side. Seeing things from a different perspective might lead to new discoveries. I like you whether you’re a maid or not, so…… well, please just relax."
"……Kaito-sama. You are right. I am not a maid today. Perhaps spending the day as just Ein…… as your lover…… might not be a bad thing after all."
"Exactly."
"Yes. Kaito-sama…… I shall rely on you today."
"Leave it to me."
She finally seemed to find a bit of composure and offered me a smile. It wasn't her usual refined, polite grin, but a sweet, innocent smile like that of a young girl. I felt like I’d discovered yet another new side to her.
Now then, if the "schedule" held up, we had about six hours left. I had to work hard to make sure she enjoyed herself.
Hand in hand, Ein-san and I set off to enjoy this rare opportunity to the fullest.
As her date with Kaito drew to a close, Ein found herself lost in thought while walking back toward Kuromueina’s castle.
(I can say without a doubt that…… this was the most enjoyable day of my life. Being a maid is my pride, but perhaps it has also been a shackle that suppressed my true feelings.)
Despite walking around all day in an unaccustomed form, her body felt full of energy—healthier and more vibrant than usual, even. The heart she had kept perpetually taut in her quest to be the perfect maid had been refreshed. She felt a profound sense of clarity.
(Chrome-sama surely intended for me to realize this. I see. Indeed…… occasionally returning to being "just Ein" like this…… may not be a bad thing.)
Recalling her time with Kaito, a gentle smile played on her lips as she entered the castle—only to be greeted by the sharp pop of party crackers.
"""Happy Birthday, Ein!"""
"……Eh?"
Her beloved family was gathered there, with Kuromueina smiling brightly at the center of the group. It was an unexpected sight that left Ein looking genuinely stunned. Kuromueina stepped forward and spoke with a tender expression.
"Welcome home, Ein."
"Ch-Chrome-sama, wh-what is all this……?"
"Fufufu, surprised? Today is the 1st of the Month of Heavens. It’s your birthday, Ein."
"……Ah."
"I wanted to do a surprise party this year, but it was so hard to sneak anything past you since you handle everything around here!"
Indeed, while Kuromueina had issued the Maid Prohibition Order primarily because she wanted Ein to rest, it had also served as a way to keep her away from the castle while they prepared the festivities.
"Now, Ein, come over here."
"Ch-Chrome-sama?"
Taking the dazed Ein by the hand, Kuromueina led her into the dining hall. Acht and Eval were waiting by the doors and swung them open to reveal a massive cake and one other specific item. It was placed prominently in the center of the room—something very familiar to Ein.
"This is……"
"Fufufu. We all gathered the materials together, and then I asked Shaltier to make it. It’s a brand-new maid dress."
"……"
It was an apron dress, similar in design to the one she always wore, but it was a masterpiece crafted with the absolute finest materials and techniques. It was a birthday gift from her entire family.
Ein accepted it with trembling hands, her expression overwhelmed with emotion.
"……Th-thank you. Thank you so much, Chrome-sama…… everyone……"
"Yeah. Thank you for everything you do, Ein."
"……Yes."
"……By the way, did you have fun today? Well, I’m sure you were fine since you were with Kaito-kun."
"……Eh? Chrome-sama, how did you know that?"
As her family looked on warmly at the teary-eyed maid, Ein tilted her head in confusion. Kuromueina gave a mischievous grin, as if a prank had gone perfectly.
"Well, I figured you’d head straight to Kaito-kun’s place, so I asked him to look after you ahead of time."
"I-Is that so……?"
"Yeah. He should have come to the party too, but he said, 'This is a rare chance for you to enjoy yourselves as a family,' so he stayed behind. Oh, but he did give me your birthday present to hold onto. I’ll give it to you later."
It seemed Kaito had been in on the surprise from the very beginning. When Ein thought back on their time together, she realized there were indeed several moments where he had seemed to be keeping a close eye on the clock.
"Anyway, let’s get this party started!"
"……Chrome-sama……"
"Yes?"
"……I am truly fortunate. To have so many people care for me this much……"
"That’s just because we all love you, Ein."
"……Yes. I am happy beyond words."
The smile Ein showed them then was the most radiant, brilliant expression she had ever worn.
From that day forward, Ein began to take a holiday roughly once a month. For that single day, she would trade her maid uniform for casual clothes and spend her time not as Ein the Head Maid, but simply as Ein.
On those days, she never failed to visit the Human Realm, and her family, knowing exactly where she was going, always saw her off with warm, knowing smiles.
Serious-senpai: "This is completely unrelated, but a phantom version of me wearing Isis's clothes actually exists. Apparently, it was for stickers to thank people for fan letters or something…… Does this mean I’m the protagonist after all?"
???: "No."