In Kuromueina's castle within the Demon Realm, the Underworld King watched Ein, who sat slumped over with a look of utter desolation. Moments ago, Nifty’s latest promotional booklet had arrived. Upon learning of the existence of "MK Royal"—and realizing she had failed to win the lottery for it—the supreme maid had plunged into the depths of despair.
"…A premium tea bearing Kaito-sama’s name… It must be truly magnificent," Ein whispered. "And yet… only one winner a month? To think that… even knowing it exists… I cannot reach it. I… is there some way to identify the winner…?"
"Now, Ein, what would you even do if you knew?" Kuro asked. "If you barge in on the winner and start making demands, I’ll be seriously angry with you, okay?"
"…Uugh…"
Ein was obsessed with black tea and a devoted fan of Nebula’s work for Nifty, so her craving for MK Royal was visceral. However, her values were ironclad. As much as she loved tea, Kaito’s happiness and convenience occupied a far higher priority in her heart. She understood the intent behind the tea's exclusivity and knew that badgering Kaito for a sample would only cause him trouble. Thus, rather than storming off to see him, she remained where she was, drowning in her own lamentations.
"Well, you’ll just have to be patient and hope for better luck in the next draw," Kuro said, patting Ein’s head to comfort her.
"But there is only one winner next month as well… I wonder if I’ll ever get to taste it…"
"That exclusivity is part of the appeal, I suppose. It can't be helped—hm?"
Kuro’s words trailed off as a Hummingbird arrived. She quickly scanned the message. "Well, there aren't any weak-willed people around right now, so I suppose it’s fine to host her here."
"What is it?" Ein asked, lifting her head slightly.
"Isis says she has something to discuss and wants to visit. I’ll send her the world coordinates for this room."
"Isis? It is rare for her to visit your residence, Chrome-sama."
A powerful teleportation interference barrier protected the castle, but it was a mere formality for someone of Isis’s caliber. Kuro transmitted the coordinates, and a moment later, frost coalesced in the center of the room. The ice shattered and vanished, revealing the Death King herself.
"…Hello… Kuromueina… Ah… Ein is here too… perfect timing."
"Welcome, Isis," Kuro greeted.
"It is good to see you, Isis. Why the perfect timing?" Ein asked.
"…I… had business with both of you… I was going to ask Chrome-sama to call for Ein… after we met."
Isis offered a soft, happy smile, clearly pleased to find them together.
"Business with both of us?" Kuro echoed.
"…Yes… or rather… an invitation? …Um… ah… that… the booklet Ein is holding… Kaito’s black tea brand… I won the MK Royal lottery…"
Kuro and Ein both stared at her, their eyes wide. They never dreamed that the very first winner would be standing right in front of them.
"Wait, so you’re the first winner!?" Kuro exclaimed.
"…Yes… um, if you order via a magic tablet… you don’t have to go to the shop… It’s Kaito’s brand, so I wanted to support it… and I won. The set is for ten servings… and there are seven of us at my castle, counting my subordinates… so I have three servings to spare. Since I know Ein loves tea… I came to invite you and Kuromueina."
"Isis-sama!"
Ein cried out and lunged forward, clasping Isis’s hands between her own. Her eyes welled with tears of overwhelming gratitude. "I am proud from the bottom of my soul to share such a bond with a spirit as kind and considerate as yours! Thank you! Thank you so much!"
"…Y-yes… um… if you’re happy… then I am glad," Isis replied, a bit startled.
Kuro laughed. "Ein was just moping because she wanted that tea so badly. I was curious about it myself, so I’m delighted by the invitation. But if the two of us join you, that leaves one more serving, doesn't it?"
"…Um… I invited Liliwood… but she said… she rarely drinks anything but water… she asked me to let Jutia have it instead, since she loves tea… so I am calling her."
"I see. Jutia-chan is just as much a tea fanatic as Ein is. I'm sure she’ll be thrilled."
Isis nodded, then looked at Ein as a thought struck her. "…That’s right… Ein is likely better at brewing tea than I am… so if you don't mind… would you… prepare it for us?"
"Yes! I would be absolutely honored to do so!"
"…U-um… thank you."
Ein’s response was louder than Isis had ever heard in all the years she had known her. Kuro could only watch with a wry smile as the supreme maid vibrated with excitement, leaving Isis looking more than a little bewildered.
Serious-senpai: "I see, so Isis was the winner… No wonder Kaito was surprised at first, considering she can't easily visit the shop in person. And in the end, both Ein and Jutia get their wish. Plus, Isis gets to host a tea party for her friends and family. This might have been the best possible outcome."
Mystery Entity: "Kaito-san's luck is just on another level. I suppose if he’s drawing randomly, he’s bound to hit on the most convenient person for everyone involved, huh?"