The formal schedule for the shipboard party had been set, and with the invitations finalized, I had finished sending them out to everyone on my guest list.
With Kaori-san leading the charge on the catering, the menu was decided and the procurement of ingredients was proceeding without a hitch. For the most part, preparations were complete.
The only remaining issue was securing waitstaff for the day—specifically, the request I needed to place with the World Maid Association.
"Master, while requesting personnel from the World Maid Association is a sound plan, won't persuading Ein-dono be a significant hurdle?"
"Yeah. That was a bit of a concern... but I thought of a perfect countermeasure, so I’m going to go with that."
"...A perfect countermeasure, you say?"
Ein-san had a bit of a track record. During the previous housewarming party, she had nonchalantly slipped onto the hosting side despite being a guest. While her skills were undeniably superb, I strictly intended for her to attend this event as an invitee.
Getting her to agree to that, however, was going to take some doing. For all her refined appearance, she was incredibly stubborn. Even Alice had reached the point where she had given up on trying to talk Ein out of anything once her maid instincts were triggered.
I believed she would eventually cave if I asked her persistently enough, but since there was an even more certain method available, I decided to play that card.
Deep within the Demon Realm, inside Kuromueina's Castle, Ein was currently staring at Kuromueina with a look of utter defeat.
"...And so, it seems Kaito-kun wants to hire staff from the World Maid Association for the party he’s hosting. Since there will be discussions about wages and logistics, please introduce the necessary number of 'maids other than yourself' as soon as possible."
"...Of course, if it is a request from Kaito-sama, the World Maid Association will provide its absolute support. Furthermore, since these will be the waitstaff for a party hosted by Kaito-sama—who is a certified Maid Advisor—the number of volunteers will surely be immense. Ho-However, naturally, such an event will require someone on-site who can take overall command..."
"Mm-hmm. You’re right. Someone to oversee the whole operation is definitely necessary. So, pick out a capable girl other than yourself, okay, Ein? The World Maid Association has plenty of talent, after all. I’m sure there’s someone else who can handle the command role, right?"
"...Ugh."
Yes, the strategy Kaito had devised to handle Ein was simple: explain the situation to Kuromueina and have the request delivered through her.
While Ein was notoriously stubborn regarding her professional duties, she was fundamentally unable to defy Kuromueina. Even now, she was desperately searching for a loophole to insert herself into the workforce... but Kuromueina saw right through her and was systematically crushing every opening.
"Since you’re an invited guest this time, Ein, there’s no need for you to participate in the preparations beyond providing the introductions. Kaito-kun told me everything on his end is perfect, so there's really nothing to worry about... right?"
"...U-Um, b-but... this is the first party Kaito-sama is hosting on his own... There was the housewarming party, of course, but he was hardly involved in those preparations. In a sense, this is his first real..."
"Yes, you're right. I heard some troublesome girls started helping even though they weren't asked and ended up doing almost everything themselves back then."
"Fughu... Th-That was... well..."
"Which is exactly why he wants to handle the preparations with his own team this time, without relying on you or the others. Surely you can respect Kaito-kun's wishes and stay on your best behavior, can't you? Right?"
Kuromueina was smiling. It was a pleasant smile, yet it carried a weight that left no room for argument. More to the point, Kuromueina was the only one who routinely reined Ein in when she went overboard with her maid duties, so Ein found it impossible to resist her in this state.
"...U-Um, perhaps just a little bit of...?"
"No."
"I-I could at least provide a modicum of advice..."
"No. If you’re going to be this selfish, I’ll forbid you from wearing your maid uniform on the day of the party and make you wear a dress instead. How about that?"
"Auuu... A-Anything but that! Yes... I understand. I will give up on helping this time."
Ein had tried to offer a final shred of resistance, but even that was effortlessly swept aside. She finally conceded, agreeing not to involve herself in the party's organization beyond recommending the staff.
Serious-senpai: "I see, when it comes to Ein... that's certainly the most reliable way to keep her in check."