In the black tea match that served as the finals of the Maid Olympia, I still couldn't see the so-called Angel of Black Tea. However, a single glance at the atmosphere in the venue and the look on Alexandra's face told me that Beatrice was doing something incredible.
When things reached that point, the outcome felt like an inevitable conclusion.
"The decision is in! By a unanimous vote from all five judges... the winner of the 231st Maid Olympia is—Beatrice!"
Beatrice had emerged victorious, claiming the title of champion for this year's tournament.
"Chairman Ein, looking back at the finals, what are your thoughts?"
"Well," Ein replied, "the potential Beatrice demonstrated left quite an impression. I'm sure the other maids in attendance have realized it as well: being a 'Super Maid' is not a destination, but merely a midpoint. There is no end to the Endless Maid Way; one must always strive to advance. However, the more 'complete' a maid becomes, the harder it is to take that bold step toward self-reinvention. The step Beatrice took today will be a significant one, not just for her, but for the entire maid world."
To summarize: precisely because they were the top-tier Super Maids of their world, their growth had become stagnant. Much like what she had previously sought from Illness, Ein wanted a "new wind" to blow through their stagnant profession, and Beatrice’s actions today were exactly what was needed.
I really hated the fact that my understanding of maids had deepened so much over the course of a single day.
As a swirl of complicated emotions churned in my chest, Alexandra approached Beatrice on the stage and extended her hand.
"Beatrice, that was magnificent. Watching you reminded me of the fire I had in my youth—the drive to climb higher and higher—which I had unknowingly forgotten. I admit my defeat today, but please be prepared for a different result next time."
"Heh, yes. It is a blessing to have a rival to sharpen oneself against. Naturally, I have no intention of losing either. I shall show you even greater growth four years from now."
It was a classic scene of mutual respect after a heated battle, and under normal circumstances, it would have been quite touching. In fact, Frau and Luna were already tearing up. Even so, the "temperature difference" between the experts and the group consisting of me, Lilia, and Akane was staggering.
At any rate, just as I thought the Maid Olympia was finally over, Alexandra spoke to Beatrice once more.
"Are you all right on Maidric Aura? The battle ahead is a harsh one, even in peak condition."
"I will be fine. I'll recover fully after a short rest. Since I've finally earned the right to challenge, I won't show anything unsightly."
"Fufu, then I look forward to it. I wish you good fortune..."
Alexandra stepped away, and immediately afterward, the announcer’s voice boomed across the arena.
"We will now take a thirty-minute break! And in thirty minutes, we begin the customary exhibition match! The champion shall challenge the Zenith of the Maid World... Chairman Ein!"
Apparently, it wasn't over yet. The winner, Beatrice, had earned the right to challenge Ein. The champion who had just achieved a massive breakthrough was going to face the Absolute Ruler of the Maid World. It was certainly a development that would get the crowd's blood pumping.
...Still, when it came to anything related to being a maid, I honestly couldn't imagine a future where anyone could actually beat Ein.
Beatrice Maid Power: 120,000 to 135,000 Through her encounter with Nebula and the challenge of the finals, she made a breakthrough and increased her Maid Power. This value is the result of her temporary boost during the match, but since she has broken through her plateau, she is expected to continue growing significantly from here on.
Ein Maid Power: 530,000 (Normal State) The absolute zenith of the maid world. Her Maid Power is commonly cited as 530,000, but that is merely her power in her idle, non-combat state. While she is always serious about her duties, her power is so immense that she has never actually exerted her full strength except during her battle with Alice. Rumors suggest that as an absolute powerhouse, her Maid Power exceeds one hundred million when she is truly serious.