It was Inari’s second time in Akabane. After placing another rice order, she was on her way to get a croquette when she spotted a familiar face approaching from the opposite direction. It was Eri, from the Servant Uniform Workshop.
Happily humming to herself while munching on a crispy croquette, the maid stood out enormously—and that was putting it mildly. After all, she was still in a maid outfit. This wasn’t Akihabara, so… why?
“Oh? Hello there!”
“Mm, greetings to thee. Might I ask why thou art dressed as a maid?”
“When you put it like that… wouldn’t it suck if someone saw me in casual clothes and thought, ‘Oh, that maid dresses like that off-duty’? As a maid, that’s just unacceptable.”
“Sebastian didn’t seem the type to mind such things.”
“That guy’s fine no matter what he wears! He just radiates competent butler energy! Isn’t that totally unfair!?”
“I know not… Wouldn’t it suffice to exude maid-ness all the same?”
“You’re right! Until that day comes, I shall walk the way of the maid without wavering!”
With her renewed conviction, Eri now stood out even more, and with Inari already being eye-catching by default, the two together were such a spectacle that people had started taking photos. Eri, with one arm wrapped around Inari’s shoulder and the other pointing toward the sky like a sparkling pose… honestly, it was almost too picturesque. But then again, that was exactly what you’d expect from a maid of the Servant Uniform Workshop.
“Anyway, jokes aside, I’m actually armed in case something happens. Look—round shield and a swordbreaker on my back.”
“Well, ’tis a dangerous age we live in. But in that case, what of Sebastian?”
“He’s a healer, so combat gear doesn’t really apply to him… Not fair.”
“That be hard to argue with…”
Indeed, Sebastian was one of the top healers at Servant Uniform Workshop, and as someone who didn’t usually engage in frontline fighting, his equipment was focused primarily on defense. But that aside—
“So, what brings you to Akabane, Miss Inari? As for me, I’m doing hands-on culinary research—very maid-like!”
“Aye. I came to buy rice, and now that’s done. I was thinkin’ of visitin’ that café Sebastian mentioned.”
“Huh? Ah… that coffee shop?”
“Aye, that’s the one.”
When Inari nodded, Eri paused for a moment, then smiled brightly as if something clicked.
“Then, how about we go together? I’ve been wanting to try that place’s cake set!”
“Gladly. Truth be told, I might not get there safely on me own.”
“Then it’s settled! Let’s go!”
Saying that, Eri took Inari’s hand and started running. When they reached a quieter spot, she let out a breath and released her grip.
“Sorry for grabbing your hand so suddenly.”
“Nay, I don’t mind. But what was the rush?”
“No rush, really. I just wanted to slip away before too many people gathered.”
“Ahh… I see now.”
Indeed, more and more people had been snapping pictures on their phones. Had they stayed longer, they definitely would’ve caused a pedestrian jam. Timing such things was key, but really, the fact that “not drawing attention” wasn’t even an option showed Eri’s professional awareness, much like Hikaru’s. Inari didn’t normally care about such things, but she could at least appreciate it.
“……Aye. Eri, thou art impressive indeed.”
“Eh? W-what’s with the sudden praise…? Still, thank you!”
“I may know naught of maids, but ‘tis somethin’ noble, surely. Not a path I could walk.”
The Servant Uniform Workshop truly employed people of character. Whether it was Sebastian, Eri, or others, everyone Inari had met from the place had been genuinely good-hearted. They clearly struck a perfect balance between professionalism and passion—they enjoyed their work, and it showed. And that, perhaps, was what it meant to shine as a person.
“Thou art amazing, Eri. I do quite like people such as thyself.”
“Wha—wow… That smile is radiant… The aura… incredible…”
Overwhelmed by Inari’s beaming smile, Eri was momentarily stunned—but just then, a loud crash rang out.
A BOOM, like something had been destroyed. Screams and shouts followed, and from the direction of the ferry terminal, people came running.
“MONSTER ATTACK!!”
“Ruuuuuuun!”
The fleeing crowd seemed to be ordinary civilians, but there were also sounds of combat coming from the port. Someone—likely the stationed Awakeners—was fighting.
Inari and Eri exchanged a nod, then dashed off at the same time.
“Come forth, Kogetsu.”
A blade appeared in Inari’s hand, while Eri readied her shield and drew her swordbreaker. When they arrived at the terminal, the battle… was already over. And not in a good way.
The Awakeners had lost.
A pack of Mermen stood triumphant, and among them loomed a much larger one—the Merman Chief.
Clutched in the Merman Chief’s hand was the limp head of what looked to be a downed Awakener guard.
“Gyagya… gyagyagya!”
Noticing Inari and Eri, the Merman Chief tossed the defeated guard aside and pointed at them—giving the order, no doubt.
The Mermen let out screeches, raised their spears, and charged in unison.
That… was the signal.
The battle had begun.