It was a chance encounter.
Ein-san had happened to drop by to share some vegetables harvested from Raz-san’s fields. While we were making small talk, Lunamaria arrived, carrying a plate of cookies.
"Excuse me. Milady received some excellent cookies and asked me to share some with you... Oh?"
"My? Is that you, Lunamaria?"
Ein-san reacted to Lunamaria as she entered the room. Furthermore, the fact that Ein-san was addressing her by name without any honorifics meant they were on fairly close terms.
The thought that they were an unexpected pair crossed my mind for a moment, but the reason for their relationship was immediately made clear by Lunamaria’s next words.
"I-It has been a long time, Chairman Ein!"
"Yes, it is quite a coincidence to meet you in a place like this."
Ah, right... I remembered now. Ein-san was the Chairman of the Underworld King Fan Club, and Luna-san was a member. Since I’d heard that joining the club required a mandatory interview with Ein-san herself, it wasn't strange at all for them to be acquaintances.
It felt like a fresh combination, but they also shared the commonality of being maids.
"Hmm... a Maid Power of 52,000, I see. It has risen considerably. You have clearly been honing your skills."
"Yes! Thank you very much!"
Wait, what? They had started saying something strange. Maid Power?
"Um, what exactly is Maid Power?"
When I asked, Ein-san turned toward me with a smile to explain.
"Maid Power is a numerical representation of the Maidric Aura manifested by those who have mastered the fundamental heart, technique, and body of a maid. While the nature of the aura varies slightly depending on the individual, a higher value indicates greater excellence as a maid. Furthermore, having a Maid Power of at least 30,000 is the requirement for entry into the Maid Olympia—the festival of maids held once every four years."
"I... I see..."
What was I supposed to do with that? I had asked for an explanation of one term I didn't know, and she had just thrown two more at me. Maidric Aura? Maid Olympia? I honestly had no idea what she was talking about.
The philosophical question I’d pondered many times since coming to this world—what exactly is a maid?—crossed my mind again, but Lunamaria spoke before I could dwell on it.
"Chairman Ein won the Maid Olympia from the first through the tenth installments. Because her Maid Power was so immense, she was eventually inducted into the hall of fame. She currently participates as a judge."
"I-I see..."
"By the way, those whose Maid Power exceeds 100,000 are called Super Maids. They are figures of admiration for all maids. Excluding Chairman Ein, there are currently only four in the world, and they compete for supremacy in the Maid Olympia."
I felt that helpless sensation again, as if I’d been suddenly drafted into a conversation about deep-space astrophysics. My brain was flatly refusing to process the information. I felt as if my instincts were screaming at me that this was a world I was better off not knowing.
Wait, was the Maid Olympia really that mainstream? If it happened once every four years and Ein-san had won ten times in a row... that meant it had existed for at least forty years.
"The current competitors are good maids. However, since no new Super Maids have emerged recently, the scene has become somewhat stagnant. I have been hoping that a new wind would soon appear in the Maid World—!"
"Ein-san?"
Listening to Lunamaria’s words, Ein-san had been about to continue her nonsensical story with a deeply sentimental air, but her expression suddenly shifted to one of sheer shock. She spun toward the door.
"This Maidric Aura!?"
"Chairman Ein? W-What is the matter?"
"An extraordinary Maidric Aura is approaching! Although a Maidric Aura differs from Magic Power and cannot be detected unless it is within a certain distance... did such a powerful individual truly exist in this mansion!?"
"A Maidric Aura that surprises even Chairman Ein? W-Who could it be..."
The atmosphere had suddenly turned tense, but I was being left completely behind. I couldn't help but wish they would take this drama somewhere else.
"Is it the Head Maid?"
"No, I have seen the Head Maid of this mansion before. Her Maid Power is 68,000—excellent by general standards, but this presence is not on that level."
"A Maid Power greater than the Head Maid... Could it be Illness-sama?"
"If I recall, she was your mentor? I had heard she was talented... Maid Power 50,000... 100,000... 150,000... No, even higher!?"
"No way! Certainly, Illness-sama is an amazing maid, but the highest recorded value in the previous tournament was only 130,000!"
While I stood there dazed, Lunamaria and Ein-san exchanged words in a state of high tension. To repeat myself: what exactly is a maid?
Then, the door was tapped with a rhythmic knock, and Illness-san entered the room.
"Excuse meeee... Oh myyy?"
As Ein-san looked at Illness-san, her face was dyed with the greatest shock I'd seen all day.
"Maid Power... 280,000!?"
"280,000!?"
"Furthermore, this Maidric Aura is... the Maidric Aura of Affection!?"
"N-No way! To reach such a value with the Maidric Aura of Affection!?"
"Maid Poweeer?"
Apparently, according to Ein-san, Illness-san possessed a staggering Maid Power. In short, she was extremely excellent as a maid. Illness-san herself didn't seem to understand the fuss, merely tilting her head curiously.
Somehow, I really hated the fact that I’d reached the point where I could actually follow the logic of their conversation.
"To think that such a maid still existed... I have found it! The new wind of the Maid World!"
"I-It’s incredible, Illness-sama! If you entered the Maid Olympia, there is no doubt you would win!"
"I do not quite understand the meaaning... but I will not enteerr."
In contrast to the vibrating excitement of Ein-san and Lunamaria, Illness-san responded with her usual slow drawl.
"Please, by all means, enter the Maid Olympia. I will prepare a recommendation slot personally. You could become the new star of the Maid World!"
"I will nooot."
"Illness-sama! The winner of the Maid Olympia is the object of admiration for maids all over the world! Wealth and fame will be yours for the taking!"
"My dutiees... require neither wealth nor faame."
For a moment, I worried that even Illness-san would be swept up by this abnormal maid logic, but she calmly yet decisively rejected their offers. I was relieved. I was so glad Illness-san was a sensible person.
"I see. It is a pity, but I cannot force you. By the way... have we not met somewhere before?"
"Perhaps it is your imaginaatioon?"
"I suppose so. I cannot imagine forgetting someone with this much Maid Power... and yet, I feel as if I have some recollection..."
At any rate, thanks to Illness-san’s clear refusal, the conversation finally ended. Ein-san was still tilting her head with a somewhat unconvinced expression, but the madness had passed.
Still, one thing was certain: the maids in this world were definitely not the same as the ones I knew.
Bonus: Maid Power Rankings
Maid Power Standards: 0–9,999: Amateur Maid 10,000–29,999: Third-class Maid 30,000–49,999: Second-class Maid (Head Maid class serving lower nobility) 50,000–99,999: First-class Maid (Head Maid class serving high nobility or the Royal Castle) 100,000+: Super Maid (Occurs at a rate of roughly one per country)
1st Place: Ein (Maid Power: 530,000) Description: The individual standing at the pinnacle of all maids. She won the 1st through 10th Maid Olympia tournaments with an overwhelming lead, resulting in her induction into the hall of fame. She also serves as the representative of the World Maid Federation and is the ultimate idol for all maids. Chairman Ein’s Thoughts: "I am indeed currently at the pinnacle, but I do not consider this the final destination. Compromise is the most shameful emotion for a maid. I intend to continue honing my skills indefinitely."
Provisional 2nd Place: Alice (Estimated Maid Power: 500,000+) Description: While not technically a maid, she is an individual whom Ein evaluates highly. Chairman Ein’s Thoughts: "She is not a maid, but she is the only person in the world I recognize as a rival in the domestic arts. Her aptitude is second to none. Regarding her diverse and refined techniques, she likely surpasses even me. If I must name a flaw, it is her extreme pickiness regarding her master. That said, though her service is limited to Kaito-sama, she combines a devoted heart, transcendent technique, and overwhelming combat power. She has all the qualities of the ultimate maid."
3rd Place: Illness (Maid Power: 280,000) Description: A supernova who suddenly appeared in the Maid World. She possesses the heart, technique, and body of a maid at a high level, but she specializes particularly in the heart. She possesses the Maidric Aura of Affection. Chairman Ein’s Thoughts: "It is shameful that I did not know of such a maid until now. She is the polar opposite of the Maidric Aura of Severity, which inspires and corrects a master. Instead, she is the owner of the Maidric Aura of Affection, which stays by and embraces the master. This type is often a reserved, supporting presence, making their excellence difficult to see—even so, I am in awe of this number. It is a pity she has no interest in the tournament, but I am happy she exists... though I still feel as if I have met her before..."
4th Place: Super Maid of Technique (Maid Power: 130,000) Description: The Head Maid of the Arclesia Empire Royal Castle. She specializes in technique. Her skills, polished in the Empire where the nobility holds significant power, make every movement beautiful. She is a centerpiece of the Maid Olympia. Chairman Ein’s Thoughts: "Because the Arclesia Empire values its nobility so highly, the quality of its maids is generally superior to the other two nations. Her work is elegant and refined, sublimated into a beauty that attracts the eye without even trying."
5th Place: Super Maid of Heart (Maid Power: 120,000) Description: The Head Maid of the Kingdom of Sinfonia Royal Castle. She possesses incredible leadership skills, and the maids under her command are a perfectly coordinated group. She is the owner of the Maidric Aura of Severity, willing to disagree with and admonish even the King if necessary. King Ryze cannot stand up to her. As a side note, she is one of Ryze’s wives. Chairman Ein’s Thoughts: "A maid must sometimes be as brave as a rose on a battlefield and possess the strength to correct her master when they stray. To be a guide who serves as the master’s compass is a completed form for a maid. While she shows no mercy at work, she is apparently quite gentle toward her husband in their private life."
6th Place: Super Maid of Body (Maid Power: 110,000) Description: The Head Maid of the Hydra Kingdom Royal Castle. She possesses overwhelming toughness. Her stamina allows her to handle massive workloads from dawn to dusk without a single disturbance in her movements. Chairman Ein’s Thoughts: "For a maid, self-indulgence must be eliminated. It is shameful for work quality to drop because of fatigue. While labor conditions have improved recently, a maid must be prepared to work through the night in an emergency. Her tirelessness is a dazzling example to all."
7th Place: Super Maid of Balance (Maid Power: 100,000) Description: A maid serving the World King, Lilliwood. She has no specific specialty but possesses the heart, technique, and body of a maid at a high level. Her stability is outstanding, making her the model for all Super Maids. She has won the tournament several times through solid performance. She is always brought there by Ein against her will, often murmuring, "Um, I'm not actually a mai... never mind." She is actually the Floral Princess Camellia, one of the Seven Princesses, and housework is merely her hobby. Because she is weak to pressure, she was certified as a maid by Ein and has been unable to deny it since. Chairman Ein’s Thoughts: "She is an extremely stable maid. While she lacks flashiness, she is solid. New maids should aim for her as their first goal. However, it is a bit of a problem that she never tries to participate unless I personally go to collect her. She comes if I ask, though..."
Extra: Lunamaria (Maid Power: 52,000) Description: A maid of the Ducal House of Albert, possessing high skill. Chairman Ein’s Thoughts: "Her career is still short and she is unrefined, but she has already acquired a Maid Power that qualifies her as first-class. Her future is promising. However, since her master is her best friend, she has a habit of teasing her. Since that helps her master relax, it is not a negative point. The form of an excellent maid is not determined by numbers alone; there are as many forms as there are masters."