The maid festival known as Maid Olympia was apparently a massive event for maids held once every four years. However, its venue was shrouded in secrecy, disclosed only to the maids themselves—or to spectators who had received a direct invitation from a participant.
Because the location changed every time, it seemed Ein-san used the Maids' Network to relay the details as the dates approached. The oversight of Maid Olympia fell to another mysterious organization called the World Maid Federation. Unsurprisingly, the Chairman was Ein-san.
The maid culture of this world was largely her fault.
"I see. If you wish to concentrate on cheering for Lunamaria, I cannot force you. In that case, I will withdraw the request for you to serve as a Special Judge this time."
"Thank you. But to be honest, I'm not sure I'm even qualified to judge an event like this anyway."
I still didn't have the first clue what actually happened at Maid Olympia. If it was a competition of skills, did that mean brewing black tea or cleaning? If I looked at it as a sort of athletic meet, it might be enjoyable... maybe? If there were cooking battles, that sounded like it could be fun to watch.
"No, Kaito-sama is a Maid Advisor certified by the World Maid Federation, so it shouldn't be an issue."
"Maid Advisor? Me? Why?"
I wondered when I had been branded with such a bizarre title. I had absolutely no memory of it, and I really wished they would stop. Why were they drafting me into the Maid World without my consent? Besides, I didn't have any advice to offer a professional maid.
"At the Six Kings Festival, when I was struggling with my own identity as a maid, you reminded me of what a maid truly is and where our pride lies. Your passionate words are still carved deep into my heart."
"..."
I did say that. Back then, caught up in the mood and the heat of the moment, I’d tried to comfort a depressed Ein-san by waxing poetic about what it meant to be a maid. I’d effectively solved a personal crisis for the Chairman of the World Maid Federation—the most prominent figure, the absolute pinnacle of the maid world. That’s why I was an "advisor." I guess "reaping what you sow" was the right phrase for a situation like this.
"Well... anyway, I’ll just go as a regular spectator."
"Understood. As part of the administrative team, I will do my best to ensure the tournament meets Kaito-sama's expectations."
"Good luck."
I didn't know what exactly she'd be working hard on, but... whatever.
"By the way, has the venue been decided yet?"
"Yes, we plan to use the southern region of the Demon Realm this time. We’ve secured cooperation from Magnawell and Eingana. We’ve also prepared the 'prey' for the maids to 'hunt' during the competition. I’ll give you a map later."
"Understood."
Wait, this was a contest for maid skills, right? Why were terms like "hunt" and "prey" being tossed around? This wasn't supposed to be a hunters' festival... What exactly were maids in this world?
"Actually, we've had Nebula-sama help us with the prizes for this event."
"Nebula?"
"Yes. When she came for her monthly tea leaf purchase, I heard her mention she’d been making her own teacups. I asked to see one, and it was a masterpiece of craftsmanship."
"Well, Nebula is amazing, after all."
As expected of Ein-san; as the one standing at the top of all maids, she had a sharp eye for quality. It was true—the ceramics Nebula and Illness-san made were incredible. Personally—and maybe this was just my parental pride talking—I thought they were good enough to sit on the shelves of any luxury boutique.
"Furthermore, she has created several other magnificent items, including highly creative crafted sugar. I was truly moved."
"I'm sure Nebula would be happy to hear that."
I felt a swell of pride myself. Nebula had endless ideas and the skill to bring them to life. Whether it was sugar, chocolate, or pottery, she surprised me every single time. I was already looking forward to seeing what she’d come up with next.
"To that end, I commissioned Nebula-sama to create a specially-designed tea set featuring the emblem of the World Maid Federation as the winner's prize. For the runners-up, we had her prepare assortments of crafted sugar."
"I see. That’s great."
"Yes. I’m truly grateful she accepted so graciously. With such wonderful prizes on the line, the participants will surely push themselves to the limit. It will be a sight to behold."
"I'm looking forward to it."
It made sense. If Nebula's work was the prize, everyone would be fired up. It sounded like it was going to be a high-stakes tournament. I was actually starting to get excited about Maid Olympia.
Serious-senpai: "Look at that immediate about-face after all the complaining... He's in full Doting Parent Mode now."
???: "Well, Ein-san wasn't trying to butter him up; she was speaking from the heart, which is why Kaito-san is in such a good mood. You can tell that much through Sympathy Magic, at least."