The final match of the Maid Olympia was finally set to begin. The contenders were the Super Maid of Heart, Beatrice, and the Super Maid of Technique, Alexandra.
"Now, the time has finally come to crown this year's champion! Contestants Beatrice and Alexandra... Historically, these two are as evenly matched as can be!"
"Yes, their skills are neck and neck. In truth, there isn't much of a gap between any of the Super Maids. That’s precisely why, at this level, the slightest difference in specialty can decide the winner. Everyone is watching the competition method lottery with bated breath."
As the audience waited in tense silence, the lottery magic tool spat out its selection.
"There it is! A Black Tea Showdown! A competition method truly worthy of the Maid Olympia finals!"
"It’s an incredibly simple match. Each will brew a cup of tea, and the judges will vote on which is superior. Because it's so straightforward, the difference in sheer skill is laid bare. And in a contest of pure technique, the advantage undoubtedly lies with Alexandra."
It certainly seemed like a fitting way to determine the better maid. However, if it came down to technical prowess, Alexandra—the Super Maid of Technique—would have the upper hand. Just as Ein-san suggested, this was likely a difficult matchup for Beatrice.
While I chewed on that thought, the necessary tools and tea leaves were laid out before them. Just as the duel was about to start, Alexandra spoke up quietly.
Her voice carried clearly over the speakers thanks to the amplification magic.
"Let us have a good match, Beatrice."
"Indeed... though you certainly look confident."
"I am not underestimating you. You are, without a doubt, a first-class maid. However, as you know, I have never lost a tea-brewing contest in the history of this tournament. I think my confidence is well-earned."
Apparently, Alexandra was undefeated when it came to tea. From what she said, it seemed she’d entered the profession after Ein-san had already been inducted into the Hall of Fame, so they had likely never faced each other. Still, even from here, she radiated the presence of a true heavyweight.
Faced with that overwhelming pressure, Beatrice merely offered a fearless smile.
"Yes, that is true. Your technique is flawless. If we had faced each other before, I surely would have lost... if I were still my 'old self,' that is."
"Your old self? What do you—wait, what!?"
A blinding light suddenly erupted from Beatrice. It was the same radiance I'd seen when Luna used her Maid Burst... but seriously, why do these people glow?
"Oh! Contestant Beatrice has activated her Maid Burst!"
"How strange..." Ein noted during the commentary. "It would be one thing if her maid power were lacking, but for someone as perfected as her, Maid Burst shouldn't provide much of a benefit. Especially in a tea contest... I wonder if there’s even a Maid Vision left for her to visualize."
Both the announcer and Ein seemed a bit baffled by Beatrice's move. Up until now, there hadn't been any need for a Super Maid to use a Burst. According to Ein’s explanation, once you reached that level of perfection, the technique was largely redundant.
"Maid Burst? I do not know what kind of vision you are chasing, but if you are trying to emulate the one Lunamaria followed, it will not end well for you. Perfected maids have their own established forms. At our level, using a Burst only serves to break that form."
"The other day... I laid eyes upon the God of Black Tea."
"The God of Black Tea?"
"She reminded me of the most vital part of a maid's heart. I had grown complacent in my status as a Super Maid; I had stagnated. Somewhere along the way, I lost the fire to aim higher. I dedicate this match to the Master who reminded me of the spirit that pursues endless ideals—the one who showed me the true essence of what it means to be a maid."
With that declaration, Beatrice began to brew her tea. The moment she moved, Alexandra’s eyes widened in horror.
"This... what is this!? I can see it... on her back! The Angel of Black Tea!?"
"Wait, what on earth is happening?! A beautiful Angel of Black Tea has manifested behind Contestant Beatrice!"
"I am astonished," Ein said, her voice filled with wonder. "It seems she has vaulted over a massive wall—the very wall that defines a Super Maid. Those movements... Hehe. It seems she cannot quite manifest the God of Black Tea yet, but even so, to conjure the Angel... How magnificent. We are witnessing the very moment a maid evolves."
...Wait, I can't see anything! What do you mean, "Angel of Black Tea"?!
"Wh-What a beautiful angel... So this is what happens when Beatrice-sama gets serious!?" Frau exclaimed.
"That must be Nebula's influence..." Luna added. "I should have expected as much. What a stunning angel."
"Kaito, can you see it?" Lilia asked.
"No, not at all. Can you, Lilia-san?"
"I cannot see a thing."
It seemed Frau, Luna, and all the surrounding maids could see this supposed angel. Was I witnessing a case of mass hallucination? If anything, I really wished we weren't in the minority of people who couldn't see it.
I didn't think I'd be confronted with the sheer absurdity of maids again at the very last moment.
Serious-senpai: "By remembering her roots and regaining her passion, she broke through her shell as a Super Maid and evolved. On paper, it sounds like a typical awakening in a battle manga... but the fact that the subject is still 'maids' makes it crazy. The way it always ends with 'I don't get these people' is truly impressive."
???: "It is such an indescribable feeling, watching this 'Super Theory' about maids and whatnot play out on Christmas Eve..."