MONGIL: STAR DIVE story · Event Story, Event stories
Welcome to the Maid & Clover Inn.
Esther has left knighthood behind for a career as a maid. But will she be able to adapt to her new job responsibilities? Join Esther, the newest employee of the Maid & Clover Inn, and find out!
8 scenes, 377 lines
1. The Maid & Clover
42 linesEarly morning. Rays from the rising sun seep through the window.
The sunlight is quite warm, perhaps because the night was especially chilly.
Mornings at the Maid & Clover Inn are always like this.
It couldn't be any more perfect for the first day of my new life.
Except for my clothes being a bit uncomfortable, that is.
Are you sure about this, Esther?
This work will be new to you.
A high-end inn where maids serve guests.
Didn't you say that was the kind of inn you wanted to run?
I believe that's why you named the inn Maid & Clover.
That's right, but that doesn't mean you have to be a maid, Esther.
I'm just worried you're doing too much for my sake.
Do you not want me working as a maid?
I mean, if it were only up to me...
Then of course, I would, but...
Then that's enough.
I just hope you don't come to regret it.
I won't. After all, this wasn't a decision made lightly.
Just one thing... I would like to carry my sword, Silver Flash, with me.
Silver Flash... That's a pretty name.
...And your sword must be very precious to you.
Yes, that's right.
...But how would guests feel if I'm openly armed?
I cannot repeat the same mistake again.
I knew it was a trap set by the enemy, but I still rushed in alone to reclaim Silver Flash.
In doing so, I put all of my knights in danger.
Uh... Hm... What to do...
Nia saved my life... I hate to impose. So...
Miss Nia, it would be reasonable for a maid to always be cleaning up, right?
Uh... Yes. That's right.
So that means it would be reasonable for a maid to always be carrying a broom.
Of course.
As expected. Then...
I grab the broom leaning against the wall.
The length's not bad. It feels quite good in my hands...
The only flaw is that it's too light... but I can solve that issue.
Very good.
Huh? What's good?
Miss Nia, could I ask you one favor?
Of course you can.
Could you find me a skilled blacksmith?
I would prefer someone with expertise with Eastern swords.
2. The Blacksmith's Misunderstanding
60 linesOne week later, at a forge in Port Vellum.
The smell of molten iron and the burning heat from the furnace fill the air.
Just looking at the neatly arranged tools makes it clear this the domain of a serious blacksmith.
Seated in the center is the blacksmith wearing a hanbok, a rare sight around here. She stops hammering and stands up at my voice.
So... you want me to disguise a sword as a broom?
Look here. I don't have time for jokes. Get out.
My hammer doesn't have a sense of humor!
*Sigh,* yet you want to turn that sword into a broom?
I draw Silver Flash as the blacksmith laughs.
In an instant, a cool chill comes over the hot air rolling out of the forge, and Silver Flash's blade gleams brilliantly.
The blacksmith's expression slowly hardens as she gazes at Silver Flash.
...That definitely isn't a weapon that can be wielded by just anyone.
Yes.
The blacksmith stares at Silver Flash's gleaming white blade for a long while, mesmerized.
Her trembling hands hover near the sword, but not daring to touch it.
Is this sword... Silver Flash?
The blacksmith slowly backs away, then begins rummaging through a corner piled high with odds and ends.
I've had my fair share of experience with famous swords, but...
All the while, she continues to talk, her voice growing louder.
Soon, the blacksmith grabs a sheet of paper and holds it to me.
A familiar sword is drawn on it.
It's impossible to not recognize. It looks exactly like the sword I've always carried. Silver Flash.
Where did you get this?
That means that you're the heir to the Hidden Cloud Style.
I heard it vanished without a trace, but who knew it'd be hiding out here.
If my master only knew, he'd spring straight out of his grave.
What do you think? Can you make Silver Flash's sheath into a broom?
Hmm... Okay. Leave it to me!
The blacksmith's eyes shine, and she pounds her chest.
Though it does feel a bit odd to put such a legendary sword inside a broom...
I bet you're undercover for a top secret mission, right?
...There's no need for me to go out of my way to clear up this misunderstanding.
I'm in your debt. How long will it take?
Fifteen days.
I see. Good work doesn't come fast.
Having resolved to never be parted from Silver Flash again, I had planned to stay nearby while the broom was being fitted...
But fifteen days... That means I might have to leave Silver Flash and return to Vestigia.
You won't find a better blacksmith in all of Solismenamus. Trust me.
A broom... Well, well.
The blacksmith holds Silver Flash in both hands as if she's being bestowed some precious treasure.
The eye to instantly recognize a great sword, and the confidence to speak proudly about her skills...
She's a master of her craft, so she won't handle Silver Flash recklessly... but rather... my concern is...
It can look normal. No, in fact, it shouldn't be too flashy.
Mm-hmm...
As I expected. She does seem to be a bit disappointed, but nothing can be done. Standing out would be a problem.
Of course, just as I expected!
...Excuse me? I don't know what you mean.
I figured you weren't an ordinary person, Esther. You have an incredible sword, and your swordsmanship...
Honestly, a lot of this is news to me, too.
I wasn't ever very interested in the history of the Hidden Cloud Style.
I only remembered the story that my grandfather had learned the style from a master while wandering the East.
I now know why my grandfather was so proud of the Hidden Cloud Style.
I remember when he handed me Silver Flash.
It was cold and heavy, yet the moment I grasped it, the sword felt like a part of my own body. And my grandfather's warm gaze...
Again, I find myself recalling the lingering feeling of Silver Flash in my hands.
Should we return to the inn now?
3. Cooking Lessons
41 linesFifteen days later...
The blacksmith you recommended is quite skilled, Miss Nia.
This section was meticulously balanced to maintain its center of gravity, and metal has been added inside the broom's wooden handle to serve as a scabbard.
Yet the blade and sheath don't touch, allowing for swift drawing and sheathing...
Uh, Esther...
Yes?
You must really like your broom.
Hm, yes. I guess you could say that.
No, Esther. You absolutely adore that broom!
Why do you think that?
You've said the same thing over thirty times already!
And you keep sweeping the same patch of floor again, and again, and again... You won't put it down.
...Was I?
How about we try something new now, Esther?
How about learning how to cook?
Cooking... Do maids have to be good at cooking?
Not necessarily...
I mean... It is absolutely necessary. A maid must know how to cook!
Esther is practically forced into the kitchen. She holds a kitchen knife and looks around uncertainly.
Cutting on a diagonal like this is called a bias cut. Would you like to try?
Yes.
Esther seems to prepare, and then immediately relaxes. Just as Nia is about to ask why she isn't cutting, she notices the green onions are already chopped.
How are you so good...?
Yes?
N-nevermind!
How about we try a thinner cut this time? This is called julienning...!
Some time later...
...I have nothing left to teach you now.
What?
You're too good!
How in the world did you just slice those?
Should I teach you? It is one of Hidden Cloud Style's secret techniques...
Sword skills... in the kitchen...? Why...?
I must keep my skills sharp.
Chopping ingredients seems to be a great way to train my focus too.
A kitchen knife isn't a sword, though.
There's an Eastern proverb. A thousand currents, one return.
It means that all roads lead to one.
...Okay. You do anything you like, Esther.
Thank you.
*Sigh...*
4. The Ultimate Eel Pie?
39 linesDay after day...
I cooked passionately, barely noticing the time passing.
It was like I had returned to my childhood, when I was completely absorbed by swordsmanship training.
Really? What did you cook?
It's an eel pie.
Wow...
Nia's eyes dart nervously at the sight of the eel pie in Esther's hands.
Uh... Mmm...
Miss Nia? Is something wrong?
I can really tell that it sure is an eel pie.
Really? That's a relief.
Well, of course.
Since there's eel heads sticking straight out of the crust!
The eel heads jut majestically out of the pie like a legendary sword from a stone.
You noticed. That was key.
*Sigh...*
You don't want to try cooking something else?
If that's a command, I will obey.
Do you really want to make another eel pie?
Well, given the option, yes.
So you could make something else, then?
...I would really prefer to make an eel pie.
Why do you like eel pie?
So, eel pie...?
Yes.
Nia slaps her cheeks with her hands as if trying to wake up.
Okay. Let's do this then.
That pie you just made. Let's serve it...
Let's serve it to a guest.
Getting honest feedback will be a good experience too.
Indeed... you are wise.
There's no need to be so nervous, Esther.
I've never lost my composure before, even in moments of life and death.
But your hands are shaking.
...
5. The Customer Is Not Always Right
51 linesThis food is cold! Do you expect me to eat this?
Who's in charge here? Bring me a fresh plate!
An unpleasant racket rises from the tables set out in the inn's front yard.
Ugh... What's his problem, seriously.
...Why is he upset? He's the one who didn't touch his food until it got cold. It was served hot.
You'll occasionally meet guests who cause a scene with their unreasonable demands. I know it's the cost of doing business... but it feels more expensive every time it happens.
Indeed he is. I'll go quickly take care of it. *Sigh...*
Huh? Wait...
Nia looks a bit nervous, but I pay no mind and head toward the table where the man is seated, my eel pie in one hand.
As I quietly approach his table, the man stops yelling and fixes on me with an arrogant glare.
Hm? What's this? I wanted someone in charge!
Sir, we strive to cultivate a peaceful environment for weary travelers.
Therefore, we ask that all guests be mindful of others.
What...? Are you lecturing me?
There's no need to apologize to anybody.
Just please cease your rude behavior.
You're causing other guests discomfort.
Don't tell me what to do! Don't you know who I am?
Must I know?
How dare a mere maid...
The man probably tries to stand aggressively.
Sensing danger, my body acts instinctively, and the man plops back into his seat without even a chance to stretch his legs.
Is something wrong?
The man is visibly flustered.
He tries to stand again, and again, my body moves.
And the man falls back into his seat again.
Wh-what in the...?
The man only then realizes. Each time he tries to stand, I am tapping the back of his knee with the broom in my hand. While nobody notices this, he falls back into his seat.
The man goes pale.
I've seen this expression many times before. It was the expression on the faces of my enemies as they fell to a single swing of my sword.
Such entitled people instinctively grovel to those they deem powerful, so this man will probably be cooperative now.
Sir, if the issue is the cold food, would it be alright to offer you a replacement?
Y-yeah. I mean... Yes, please.
Here, this is a dish I cooked with all my heart.
I set the eel pie on the table.
The eels and the man gaze at each other silently. They are in similar situations, yet the eels can no longer smile, while the man can still manage an awkward grin.
Please enjoy.
Uh huh. I mean... Yes, thank you!
The man lifts his fork with trembling hands and takes a tiny bite of the eel pie.
He chews slowly. His chewing grows even slower, and then he finally turns pale.
I trust... that you won't turn away my wholehearted efforts.
Honestly, I had hoped he would enjoy my cooking. But... that reaction. I've failed. That strange chewing sound and pungent smell of fish permeating even through his closed mouth...
The man forces a smile and swallows the crispy yet gooey concentrated mass of fishiness.
He breathes heavily, eyes full of tears. And the eels gaze at the man with a distant look in their eyes.
It is a warm summer day.
6. Under Attack
52 linesEat, please.
Please, no more...
Today marks exactly one week.
No matter how delicious something is, having to eat it for an entire week is probably a struggle.
Even more so, eating something made by me, who's never cooked anything before.
Huh?
His face brightens.
It's good.
Really?!
Nia jumps up as if she's unable to believe what's happening. Then, she makes eye contact with me and clears her throat a couple times.
Ahem, could I have a taste?
The adventurer cuts the pie in half and hands it to Nia.
Nia swallows in preparation, then takes a bite of the pie with a look of immense resolve.
Soon, her eyes widen and she shoves the eel pie into her mouth and chews with gusto.
S'good!
That's a relief.
Nia's eyes are filled with delight, yet a flicker of bewilderment at how delicious the food is also shows.
You've finally succeeded, Esther!
Seeing Nia so delighted brings me a sense of relief. My choice to continue cooking eel pie wasn't wrong.
I can still vividly remember how I stepped down from my position as commander.
Though I had steeled my resolve, abandoning the path I had pursued my entire life proved difficult.
Even now, the faces of the fellow knights I left behind in Manafall cross my mind, but...
I am sure they're doing well even without me.
...?
I feel a tingling behind my ear.
The unpleasant sensation, one I haven't felt in a while, soon wraps around my body,
It's the feeling of stepping into dangerous enemy territory.
Why...?
Esther? What's wrong?
The sound of Nia's concerned voice feels distant. My senses are already tuned to the threat felt beyond.
Something's happened in Vestigia, outside the inn.
Raw, violent energy fills the surrounding area completely. There's no doubt about it.
Miss Nia, don't move. Stay right here.
As soon as I step out of the inn, panicked screams fill the air.
Grab it all! Not a morsel left behind!
What's that?!
It's a tiny girl!
Go! Just trample her!
*Deep breath...*
I take a deep breath. Energy flows through my core. And that energy becomes a single line, channeled through Silver Flash.
Only after I return Silver Flash, unused for so long, to the broom do the orcs before me all fall at once.
The orcs back away.
Orcs aren't very intelligent creatures, but they still have enough sense to recognize predators who are stronger than themselves.
Their instincts are screaming.
7. The Monster Maid
37 lines*Squeal...*
Another orc down.
Now all that's left is... that big one that looks like the leader.
Wait! Wait! You said you would listen!
Yes, I will listen.
Then what's with the slicing?
One mouth is enough for talking.
You're... You're a monster!
I'm a maid, not a monster.
A monster maid!
Is that all you have to say?
If you take your underlings and retreat now, I won't take your life.
Y-you won't kill me?
I take no pleasure in taking the lives of those who've lost their will to fight.
However, you must make me a promise.
You will not come near this village ever again.
Grrr... Then what will we have to eat?!
Farm your food.
We don't know how to do that!
Then take fruit from the trees.
What if we eat something bad, though?!
So you're not willing to do anything but steal?
Yeah!
You're hopeless.
It's absurd that I'm even trying to negotiate with a monster.
It was impossible from the start.
Then as you wish, I shall kill you.
I believe Miss Nia will be understanding.
As I draw Silver Flash again, the orc waves his hands frantically.
I-I was wrong!
We won't ever come back again. I promise.
You're strong, Monster Maid.
...If we meet again under similar circumstances, I won't stop at an exchanging of words.
I hope you remember this.
I understand! I'm under so much standing!
The orc gathers his fallen scouts one by one and flees in a hurry.
And with that, the brief commotion in Vestigia comes to a close.
8. A New Way of Life
55 linesWith the orcs having retreated, the town springs back to life.
The faces of people gathering the scattered sacks of food show relief rather than fear.
Yo, Esther! My girl! There you are!
Garp protected the granary until the very end, risking personal injury to do so.
How are you, Garp? I hope you're not injured.
Haha, not a scratch on me. All thanks to you, Esther.
I know. How will we ever repay you for this?
Linda presses a bundle of warm bread into my hands.
Fresh from the oven. I want you to have it.
...I don't need any payment. I was just cleaning around the inn... as a maid should.
I know, I know. I made an extra loaf, and I wanted to share it.
Okay then... Thank you.
Esther!
Ann. She's a cute little thing. I think I saw her hiding during the attack.
You were super cool before!
I want to become as strong as you when I grow up!
After Ann finishes talking, she hesitantly offers me a bundle of small purple flowers.
This... is for you.
...
I stare at the flowers blankly for a moment.
There's a fluttering in my chest. It's an unfamiliar feeling.
After all the villagers returned to their workplaces, I sat quietly on the bench in front of the inn.
So this is what it feels like... to be thanked for protecting people.
A warmth I'd never once felt while in the brigade...
As a knight, I fought on countless battlefields and overcame seemingly impossible odds.
But... All I ever received in return from my fellow knights was their envy...
I had to be more wary of allies ready to plunge their knives into my back than enemies.
Esther! What are you doing here?
Having finished cleaning up inside, Nia walks out of the inn, stretching.
I was getting some fresh air.
Everyone's been going on and on about how grateful they are. As always, you're amazing Esther!
It was nothing. It's part of my duties as a maid to neutralize threats to my workplace.
I bet you're the only maid who thinks that, Esther.
...Is that so?
A brief moment of silence passes.
I don't think I've ever seen you laugh like that, Esther.
Miss Nia.
Yes?
This may seem sudden... but thank you.
No, no. I didn't do anything. I should be the one thanking you. If it wasn't for you, the orcs would have free run of the inn right now.
No, it's not about that.
If Nia hadn't saved me, I would've never found this life at the inn.
Chance, repeated, becomes a connection.
But if you don't protect that connection, you lose your chance.
It's just... I wanted to thank you.
I'm the one who should be thanking you, for willingly joining me in my little dream.
Nia shifts her gaze awkwardly, then clears her throat and claps her hands.
Now then! That's enough mushiness! We need to get ready for our guests.
What have you been thinking about?
An eel cake.
...Are you open to feedback?