In any case, it seemed the battle—if one could even call it that—between Beatrice-san and Nebula to gauge the latter's skill had ended in Nebula’s victory. There had been a few more bizarre exchanges regarding the Maid World, but for the moment, the matter was settled.
"Thank you, Master. Thanks to you, I’ve remembered what truly matters before the start of Maid Olympia."
"I am glad if I could be of some use."
A troublesome word reached my ears just then. The maid festival, Maid Olympia... From the way she spoke, it sounded as though the event was just around the corner. I had a terrible premonition about this, so I would have much preferred to remain in the dark.
Just as I was thinking that, Beatrice-san turned toward Luna-san and spoke.
"Now that I think of it, Lunamaria, this will be your first time participating as well, won't it?"
"Yes. Four years ago, my Maid Power hadn't yet reached the required threshold, but I am finally able to enter this time around."
"I see... To have increased your Maid Power that much in only four years is quite an achievement. However, Maid Olympia is not a place where one can win easily. You must participate with the mindset that everyone around you is your superior."
"Yes! However, I cannot afford to look pathetic in front of 'the young lady who comes to support me,' so I intend to give it my absolute all."
Luna-san replied to Beatrice-san’s warning with conviction, but I had my doubts. After all, Lilia-san looked as though this was the first she had ever heard of it.
"...Um, Luna? This is news to me. What exactly is Maid Olympia? Is there really such a competition?"
"Indeed. It is a festival by maids, for maids—the quadrennial Maid Olympia. I am finally making my debut this year."
"I-I see... Well, that’s good to hear, but... what was that about me supporting you?"
As Luna-san nodded firmly, Lilia-san wore a look of pure bewilderment. It was painfully obvious that she couldn't keep up with the maid-related conversation. I knew exactly how she felt; in fact, I couldn't keep up either. I had the sinking feeling that if I stayed here any longer, I’d be dragged into the vortex as well, so I wanted to make my escape... but I had missed my chance to withdraw.
"...Eh? I’d assumed my best friend, Lili, would be there to cheer me on at my grand debut... Was I mistaken?"
"...I'll go."
"As expected of Milady. I am truly blessed to have such an understanding master."
Lilia-san had a fatal weakness for that sort of thing. Given her personality, it was likely impossible for her to refuse when it was framed that way... but I really wished she wouldn't look at me as if pleading for help. I didn't want to participate if I could help it. I felt like if I spent any more time dealing with the Maid World, it would start to erode my sanity.
"Oh, come to think of it, Chairman Ein mentioned that she plans to invite Miyama-sama as a Special Guest."
"...This is also news to me, and honestly, I'd really appreciate it if you'd spare me..."
"As for your role, I believe she intended for you to serve as a Special Judge?"
"..."
This was bad. I hated the idea of such a role. I didn't understand the first thing about maids. Even if I understood "normal" maids, there was no way I could keep up with the logic of the maids in this world.
However, I had a problem. Earlier, I had silently labeled Lilia-san a pushover, but I was just as bad. If Ein-san earnestly pleaded with me, I would likely find it impossible to refuse. As I desperately searched for a way to avoid this, Luna-san offered a devilish whisper.
"Then again, if you’ve already decided to attend as a mere spectator, I doubt Chairman Ein would try to force the matter."
"..."
Assuming I couldn't outright reject Ein-san's request, I had two paths before me. I could either be pressured into serving as a Special Judge, or I could attend Maid Olympia strictly as a member of the audience. Unfortunately, not going at all wasn't an option. If I refused and Ein-san became visibly depressed, I’d never hear the end of it. I wouldn't be able to turn her down.
"...Right. I feel bad for Ein-san, but I want to support Luna-san’s first participation, so I think I’ll have to decline the judging position."
"Oh, to think even Miyama-sama would come to support me; this unworthy Lunamaria is moved to tears. I must work even harder now."
It couldn't be helped. It really couldn't. Watching from the stands was infinitely better than being a Special Judge. As I slumped my shoulders, trying to reconcile myself to my fate, Lilia-san came over and gave me a sympathetic pat on the back.
"...Kaito-san, let's just accept it and go together."
"...Honestly, the fact that you'll be there is my only comfort, Lilia-san."
"I feel the exact same way."
The only saving grace was that Lilia-san hadn't been indoctrinated by Maid Theory yet. With her by my side, I hoped the feeling of being completely lost would be slightly more bearable... hopefully.
Serious-senpai: "Wait, so that's what the Maid's Challenge was about...? I can't believe the Maid Olympia Arc is actually starting..."