I gave a wry smile at the sight of Ein-san's unexpected side—or rather, her workaholic nature, which made sense in its own way. A moment later, a cup of Royal Milk Tea was placed before me.
"Thank you for waiting. It really is a marvelous tea leaf. I kept the brewing simple this time, but I look forward to exploring its potential further."
"Thank you... Wow, this is incredible. I've had this blend three times now, but this is definitely the best one yet."
The Royal Milk Tea Ein-san had prepared was truly extraordinary. While the versions Illness-san and Jutia-san had brewed were also delicious, this felt as if it were on an entirely different level. It hit my personal preferences with pinpoint accuracy.
"The brewing process itself remains largely unchanged, but temperature is vital for Royal Milk Tea. The way flavor is perceived shifts depending on the heat. Of course, since I have a perfect grasp of your tastes, Kaito-sama, I simply adjusted the preparation to match them."
"I see. It’s certainly very soothing. It feels like it was made exactly for me."
I really shouldn't have expected anything less from Ein-san. Her ability to completely understand my preferences and adjust her skills accordingly was masterful. As for why she knew my tastes so perfectly—well, this was Ein-san. It would be stranger if she didn't.
Then, a thought occurred to me. As usual, after serving the tea, Ein-san remained standing at attention beside the table. Feeling a bit self-conscious, I decided to invite her to join me.
"Ein-san, since we're here, why don't you have a cup as well?"
"Hmm... however, Kaito-sama, I am a maid. In a situation like this, it is only natural for me to remain standing and wait."
"That may be true, but isn't it also the duty of a maid to respond to a guest's requests whenever possible?"
"...Oh? I see. When you put it that way... considering this is a request from you, a guest, and we are in a private space with no other eyes watching... you have a point."
The most effective way to persuade Ein-san was, predictably, to frame the argument around the duties of a maid. While some might question a maid sitting at the same table as a guest, Ein-san always insisted that there were many ways for a maid to fulfill her role. Even Luna-san sometimes joined her master for tea.
I wasn't exactly Ein-san's master, but I was currently the guest being entertained. If I made a request, Ein-san found it difficult to refuse.
After considering it for a moment, Ein-san gave a wry smile. She vanished for a second, then returned with her own teacup and sat in the chair across from me.
"Very well. Since you were kind enough to invite me, I shall join you."
"Ah, thanks... It's actually a nice change of pace to see you sitting there."
"It is for me as well. It is extremely rare that I have the opportunity to share tea at the same table with another... However, fufu."
"What is it?"
"To think you would lecture me on the proper conduct of a maid... You truly are something, Kaito-sama. To borrow Chrome-sama's words, would this be an increase in my Affection Level? I feel my fondness for you growing even deeper."
"A-Ahaha..."
Using 'maid logic' was an effective tool for persuasion. The only drawback was that the more I used it, the more firmly I established the mysterious title of Maid Advisor in Ein-san's mind.
In fact, her Affection Level really did seem to have spiked. She was looking at me with even more respect than before. Though, honestly, I felt like her affection for me was already bordering on excessive... I hadn't realized there was still room for it to go up.
"I feel as though my understanding of what it means to be a maid has deepened once again. I must find a way to thank you, Kaito-sama."
"Eh? Oh, no, don't worry about it. I don't really need a reward or anything..."
"Oh? Are you quite sure?"
"...Hmm?"
"I mean the reward. Don't you think it would be a waste to refuse before you've even heard what it is?"
"!?"
It happened in a heartbeat. Mid-sentence, Ein-san vanished from her seat. Then, her voice drifted into my ear, so close her breath tickled my skin, her words laced with an alluring charm.
Startled by the sensation of her breath and the honeyed sweetness of her voice—which sent an indescribable shiver down my spine—I looked up to find Ein-san already sitting back in her chair, smiling at me.
"...Ei-Ein-san, are you teasing me?"
"I wonder. I do find your reactions quite adorable, Kaito-sama, so it is hard to deny it entirely. However... I assure you that my affection for you is no fabrication."
The mischievously smiling Ein-san looked like she was having the time of her life. While I was happy to see this playful side of her, I also felt the biting embarrassment of being teased so easily. Still, it wasn't a bad feeling at all.
Serious-senpai: "Guh... guaahhh... This is rough. What makes it so rough is that even though she looks like she's just teasing someone younger, Ein's Affection Level is actually maxed out. There's zero difference between her 'teasing' and a genuine romantic advance... The sweetness is overwhelming."