PERFECT MAID

Master. Mistress.

Here are the dishes that you ordered.

That was quick.

Which do you want to start with?

...!

...

Oh no!

I'm terribly sorry!

I-I'm okay!

Th-thank you for understanding...

At least I was able to bring you your cake safely.

Hehe, I'm glad you're not in a sour mood, Master.

Well,

I'll spread the ketchup now.

O-on the cake? You don't have to...

No...?

Haha, oh goodness, how can I say no to that face?

Very well, do as you please, Cocoa.

Okay!

There we go!

Is that supposed to be me?

Yep!

Aw, that's so nice!

...

The drinks always taste best when you bring them, Soda.

Oh Cocoa, just seeing your face brightens up my day.

...

If that is the case, then...

what kind of maid am I?

Master. We're in trouble.

Big trouble.

A whole lot.

This is way bigger than what happened last year on Valentine's Day.

Huh?

You didn't forget, did you?

Fine... I suppose it's possible it slipped your mind.

Last year, the boss said we didn't put our heart and soul into the chocolates,

and that we should hold off making any more until we could do exactly that.

You ended up coming to help us out.

Did that help jog your memory?

Haha!

I knew you would remember!

But this time, we're in an even bigger pickle.

It's Ade.

She's been acting strange.

Well...

No, it's not that.

The food she makes has always been flawless.

The new dish she's prepared for the Valentine's Day event is absolutely scrumptious!

It's just that she looks so worn out and forlorn.

I've never seen her look so sad, least of all when she's surrounded by food.

It feels like she's lost her way somehow.

Positive.

I'm the head maid, so I can tell.

Ade is most definitely feeling down in the dumps,

although I'm not sure why.

Ade always used to be chipper when she was working.

Even when I was making blunders left and right, it never seemed like it got to her.

But now, she just seems so unhappy...

With that being said...

Can you help us, Master?

I can tell

we're gonna need more than myself and Soda to resolve this,

and we need your help.

Master, I'm begging you.

Please help Ade.

Make her happy once again.

Master.

I'm begging you as well.

Please... save Ade.

Welcom...

Master! It's you!

Hi, Master.

Hi there, Master.

We're preparing for the Valentine's Day event tomorrow, so we've got our hands full today.

Is something the matter?

What?

A tasting?

That's right! Using my authority as the head maid,

I invited him.

Ah, I see.

Okay then.

If I have you taste-testing what I make,

that'll make me more certain of what I'm preparing.

You can have a seat here at this table,

and I'll bring it right out in a moment.

Don't worry about it.

All right, that's Step 1 cleared.

Now, tell us again what the next step was?

Good. Use flattery to break down her walls. And after?

Excellent.

Your memory is so good, Master.

Thank you for waiting.

Our Valentine's Day special, coming right up.

You bet it is!

Totally amazing!

Hehe,

seeing you so happy makes me happy as well.

... Yes?

Um, I just remembered that there was something we had to take care of.

So we'll be leaving.

Enjoy the food, Master.

Yeah, you two enjoy your time together!

...

Huh?

Oh, I'm sorry, Master. What did you say?

Oh, I see.

Sorry to make you repeat yourself.

Hmm...

I don't think anything has been weighing on my mind. Why do you ask?

I'm sorry.

I should have greeted you with some more energy.

After last year's incident, I wanted to do better this time around,

but I may have ended up pushing myself too hard.

Haha, yes, you don't have to worry yourself too much.

Okay... enjoy.

Yes?

Huh? What's that?

What?

I thought I saw a glint of something outside...

Wha...?!

Master!

Master. The culprits have come to apologize.

...

...

I-It wasn't us!

Oh, it was me, all right!

Well... it's not like we had nothing to do with it,

but...

What were you doing at the Maid Cafe anyway?

N-not at all!

I just feel terrible about this, that's all.

In that case, then I'm not sorry, mwahaha!

... Honestly?

... Okay fine, I am sorry.

...

...

Well...

There was a terrorist attack downtown.

Attention, all the members of Heavenly Ascension:

We have you surrounded.

Drop your weapons and come out of the building immediately,

or you will leave us with no choice but to use force.

You have one minute to comply.

Drats, the Central Government already sent their lackeys.

W-what do we do?

At this rate, we won't be able to send the message...

We can't let that happen.

If we threaten to unleash the secret weapon, they'll back off.

Can you remind me what the secret weapon is again?

What are you talking about? It's the...

Yes? The what?

Wait a minute. Your voice sounds kinda funny...

!!

Well, go on. Why'd you stop talking?

You really know how to get on someone's nerves, don't you?

Y-you're from Matis!

No, I'm from Absolute!

You can't fool me!

... All right, you got me. I am from Matis.

Ahhhhhhhhhh!!

Hmm?

Hey now, where's all this aggression coming from?

!!

I-I can't hit her!

That's it. Time to break out the big guns.

I'll use this grenade launcher to crush...

What's going on here?

Didn't you hear our ultimatum? Surrender at once!

Sorry, but you're too late.

What the... what's Matis doing here?

Matis isn't branching out into anti-terrorism engagements, is it? Why are you here?

Nope. I was in the area and decided to pop in to check out what all the fuss was about.

Nobody come any closer, or I'll shoot!

Is that... a grenade launcher?

Drake!

We can't let her fire that thing. We've gotta stop her.

You don't have to ask me twice.

I was more thinking that we should go in together to catch her...

!!

!!

No!

That's how the grenade ended up hitting the Maid Cafe.

That's one way to put it...

But I'd rather say it happened while we were attempting to thwart terrorists.

Master! Cocoa! We've got a big problem!

Ade...

Ade says she's not able to be a maid anymore!

!!

I'm sorry.

I should have come to see you first, not the other way around...

... I'm sorry, Master.

After they sent me to the Repair Center,

I underwent some tests to make sure that I was operating normally,

but when I got into the kitchen, I froze up.

My entire mind just went blank.

It's not just that.

More importantly, whenever I greet someone or attempt to serve them food,

I'm unable to look them in the eyes.

... You noticed. I can't say that I'm surprised.

It got much worse only recently.

I thought that I could ignore it and it would eventually go away,

but it hasn't.

It's a major issue,

and the Valentine's Day event is tomorrow.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to unload my worries on you, Master.

You think so?

You think this could all simply be because I'm tired?

I think Master is right!

You're always pushing yourself to be the perfect maid,

and you haven't had any time to rest because of all the goofs that I make.

That'd be enough to make anyone exhausted.

So let us take over this time.

But...

That's right. Don't worry.

We'll handle this year's Valentine's Day event,

just the two of us.

Cocoa...

...

Thank you.

...

...

Oh my goodness, you lovely ladies came as well?

I apologize for not properly welcoming you.

Oh no, it's okay.

I should be the one doing the apologizing.

I'm really sorry for what happened...

I'm okay, Privaty. Don't worry about it.

Having said that though...

Oh no, you don't.

Don't try to help justify our mistake, Ade.

Miss Drake?

I just wanna reiterate how sorry we are.

We'll make it up to you somehow.

You bet we will!

And in true villainous fashion, no less!

Er... I don't know about all that,

but I will do whatever I can to make amends.

So you just relax and get some rest.

Haha, okay.

Thank you, both of you.

Umm...

I know we just told Ade that we've got this under control, but

I've got no idea how to oversee this event.

Not only that, but it starts tomorrow...

Can we really do this without her?

We can do it.

We have to. We decided to give Ade a break.

Aw, jeez...

...

...

I suppose, yeah...

Yep.

You bet!

That's right, but...

Why are you asking all these questions?

You're starting to worry me.

What?!

Drake and I, be maids?

Are you telling me I'd have to wear a maid outfit?

Don't be absurd!

What foolishness!

A villain wouldn't be caught dead in a maid outfit.

Why not? I think it would suit you well!

... Okay, twist my arm, why don't you? I'll wear one.

I refuse!

Oh. Why?

I think you'd look great in one.

I... well...

Hehe, you're coming off quite villainous yourself right now.

Hey! Who are you calling a villain?

You feel bad about the grenade, don't you?

Were you lying about feeling bad back there?

N-no, it's not that!

Then what is it?

Then what is it?

Then what is it?

I-I...

I-I never said I wouldn't do it.

Argh!

Fine.

I'll do it.

What do I need to wear?

That's the spirit!

We'll pick out a beautiful outfit for you.

I'll select one for you personally.

You can trust me!

...

Master,

you're going to help us too, aren't you?

I think it would help if you were there with us too.

Definitely! You're also responsible for this matter, so why don't you join in?

Fine. If you don't want to, then forget it.

Masterrrr!

Please, Master?

I knew you'd agree!

What the...?!

I...

I'd much rather you not come, Commander.

Because...

Just because!

?!

Hehe.

All right then, let's go and crush this, everyone!

What in the world is this?

Oh my gosh, how adorable!

Thumbs up!

I don't care how adorable I look,

this skirt is insanely short!

You think so?

Sorry about that,

but this is the only uniform we have left.

What about Drake? Why can't she wear this thing?

She said she was going to talk to Missilis

about having a custom-made outfit done for her.

... Lucky her.

What do you think, Master?

!!!

Pretty?

Who are you talking about?

I-I don't have the faintest idea what you're talking about.

?!

You don't have to be so obvious, you know!

Huh?

You like what, exactly?

M-me?!!

...

Oh god...

Master, we've got a problem.

Privaty's face is getting awfully red. I think she's gonna explode.

I'm fine!

I-if the Commander likes this outfit that much...

I'll wear it. It's fine.

Perfect!

Nice.

Miss Drake will...

Looking for me?

Feast your eyes on the villainous maid!

Wow, what a cool outfit!

Hahaha.

It was specially designed by Missilis, and personally crafted by their team of researchers.

That's awesome! It must have some pretty incredible features then.

... No, there's nothing like that.

It's just a plain ol' outfit.

Why, thank you!

You're darn right!

Mwahahaha!

What? Never use the word "cute" to describe a villain!

Why not? Being cute is a good thing.

Yeah, like me! I'm cute.

... Very well then, I'll accept it.

All right, so what do we need to do now?

Starting now, you two are officially professional maids,

albeit on a temporary basis.

You'll learn all about being a maid.

Seems kinda strange that "temporary" and "professional" can be used together...

Soda will be your instructor.

She'll teach you all you need to know about what it takes to be a maid.

Huh?

I'm gonna be the one teaching them?

Who else?

If Ade was here, she would do it,

but she's going through a lot right now, so...

... You're right.

Besides.

The head maid has better things to do.

Oh... gotcha.

You can do this, Soda.

We're professionals.

!!

You both believe in me?

You bet we do.

...

All right, then. I'll give it my best shot!

Okay, everyone. First off, I want you to bow your heads like this.

Wait, is that it? Should I lift the hem of the skirt first?

N-no... I think we usually greet first...

Oh no... I don't know what to do!

...

... Let's just assume that we bow our heads first, and then greet the customers.

Oh, right, that's it!

When someone comes through that door, you say,

"Welcome back, Master."

Actually, I've always been curious about this.

How come you say all that?

Why not just say "Welcome"?

Oh, well, that's because...

...

...

Um... why do we do that...?

Are you asking me?

When customers come here, they're coming back home, not just visiting a restaurant.

As maids, it's our hope that everyone who visits this place is so comfortable, that they consider it a home away from home.

When they're coming in, we say, "Welcome back."

When they leave, we say, "Please come back."

!!

Oh my goodness!

Ade!

I'm back.

Of course.

Physically, I'm fine.

My mobility isn't affected in the slightest.

Still... You should rest more...

No.

I'd never be able to rest properly so long as I'm sitting around doing nothing.

Besides,

you all are working so hard for the cafe.

I can't sit by and do nothing.

Ade...

Oh, Ade...

I may not be able to cook personally, or look our customers in the eye yet,

but I still think I have something to contribute.

I'll teach you everything about what it takes to be a maid.

I trust that you'll both pay close attention and give me your best.

*Sigh* Fine.

If we're gonna work here, we might as well learn something.

...

...

...

How can you ask me such a banal question? What do you take me for?

... Oh. Yeah, I'm all ready.

And don't forget it! A villain is always prepared!

Well... Seems like Ade jumping in did us some good.

She'll be right out.

She's teaching the final step: how to cook.

Soda.

... Yeah.

There's nothing else we can do.

... Yeah.

Okay, it seems like everyone is prepared.

Let's get this show on the road!

Welcome back, Master.

To celebrate this special occasion, we've recruited some new maids.

!!

You've brought in some new maids?

That's correct.

The one over there in red is Drake.

That's my name, don't wear it out!

And here in blue, we have Privaty.

Welcome back, M-Ma...

??

... It's time to order, so have a seat!

Excuse me?

!!

P-please sit down. Now, wh... er... wh-what would... order...

Oh, I understand now.

Here you are, my friend.

Fresh food coming!

Um... I don't think I can eat this.

Oh great, we've got a picky eater on our hands. Just eat what you're given!

But this isn't what I ordered.

Oh, really? Sorry, my bad.

...

*Sigh* They're drowning out there. I better go help them.

Thanks.

You think so?

At least they're trying their best.

Thanks for showing up today, Master.

Not at all.

All the Nikkes here

will feel much calmer with you around.

Yes... I did all that I could.

She should at least be able to...

Gah!

Bad news, Master. The food is all burnt... Whoa!

...

Doesn't seem like she quite has the hang of it yet.

Master!

You're not allowed to work today. You're one of our customers.

No no, I won't hear any of it. You sit right here.

You need some rest as well. I know things have been tough for you,

so all you're responsible for today is resting, got it?

As any professional maid should be.

Whoops, sorry!

Sounds like Soda needs some help.

See you later, Master.

Commander?

What are you doing sitting here?

Surely there's something that you could do inside?

...

Fine, I guess that's that then.

So, what would you like me to do,

M-M-M...

Hmph!

You still think I'm no good at this, don't you?

Well, I won't be making any more mistakes from here on out,

M-M-M...

Master.

Well, you'll just have to believe that I said it! Anyway, what would you like?

I'm impressed that you can rattle off these ridiculous names without being embarrassed,

but unfortunately,

those just sold out.

Er... I'm sorry,

but I haven't learned how to make that yet.

Huh?

Omurice.

...

Are you really going to make me say the full name?

!!

...

Soft...

... Soft and Cuddly Bunny Omurice.

Ugh, why do we have to do this whole song and dance with the food names anyway?

Hey, that's not fair!

*Sigh* Fine,

wait just a moment.

Here you are.

...

J-just hold on!

I'm trying to get through this.

*Sigh*

B-become tastier! Coochie... woochie...

boing♡!

...

Wh-what are you staring at?!

I'm leaving!

No way!

!!

Is that supposed to make me feel better or something?

Well... maybe it does... just a little.

...

I hope you do.

!!!

What was that sound just now? You should spit it out.

What are you talking about?!

There must be something weird in it.

Hurry and give it to me, and I'll make you another.

S-still...

!!

Who said I was worried?

...

I can see that.

How's your stomach? Are you sure you're okay?

Th-that's good.

I... I better get back to work.

You just sit here and relax... or not... do whatever you want.

...

Oh, hi, Master.

I was watching the customers,

to see if they were enjoying the Valentine's Day event

or if they were uncomfortable or anything.

It's difficult even looking at their eyes,

but I figured I needed to start practicing looking from afar.

Yes, much better.

Thanks to all of you.

Yesterday, the customers seemed a bit on edge,

but today, I think they're enjoying themselves much more.

Hello, Master.

I've got your soft and cuddly omurice right here.

Drake?! Could I get an autograph?

How dare you?! Asking for only one? I'll give you a hundred!

Woohoo!

You want me to recite the spell?

I'm sorry, but that's only for one specific menu item.

Aw, come on! I really want to see it.

Well, if you really want to see it that badly... I'll do it.

Thanks!

Sorry,

but your omurice got a bit burnt...

I-it's ok...

No worries!

I'll cover the charred bits with some ketchup!

!!!

All done!

Er... thanks, both of you.

Everyone looks happy.

It doesn't matter that the food isn't perfect, or that the maids fumble a little.

The customers all seem in high spirits.

Things are far from perfect, but nobody seems to mind.

That should be a relief,

but...

...

why don't I feel okay about it?

!!

That's it.

That's what I'm feeling...

... I'm sorry, Master.

... Ade?

... Master.

... I'm sorry.

I...

...

I...

...

You remember I said I couldn't look the customers in the eye?

I know why now.

It was because they might not think much of it.

Because the moment might pass without any excitement.

No heartfelt emotions... no joy.

I could have looked at them, and they would have been completely unmoved.

I was afraid of seeing that in their eyes.

... Yes.

If I ever saw anything like that in your expression...

it'd be too much to bear.

A few days ago,

I realized that

the food I made and my movements weren't bringing joy to anyone.

It's not. I'm positive.

I've seen it many times.

Customers enjoying themselves and feeling touched by what the maids are doing for them.

I used to have that.

People used to value me and my food.

I want to feel that again.

It's why I became a maid in the first place.

I wanted to be the consummate maid, both in appearance and conduct.

I want anyone who comes to our cafe to feel like they're at home, being tended to by a private maid

who prepares customized meals that are tailored to their specific tastes.

I've been working so hard to make that happen.

But there was something I couldn't get past.

Even when the others made mistakes, even when they were flawed,

the customers loved them.

It drove me mad with jealousy.

What I painstakingly worked for and craved came so easily to them.

I was envious... and sad.

Once I realized all this, I felt ashamed.

It became unbearable.

Am I doing something wrong?

Maybe the mistake was trying to become the perfect maid.

Would it have been right to be a bit clumsy?

To make mistakes?

Rather than act like a Nikke, perhaps I should act like a human.

Would it have been better to not try to be perfect?

Perhaps then I would have been able to connect with our customers.

That's not true!

!!

Are you seriously saying that you should have put in less effort?

What on earth are you going on about?

Why is being perfect a bad thing?

Why should you be criticized for wanting that?

Do you think being a Nikke invalidates the beauty in perfecting something?

If you, or anyone else, believe that excellence means nothing if a Nikke is involved,

then you don't know the first thing about perfection.

If someone looks at the flawless meals that you create and chalks it all up solely to you being a Nikke,

then they're bigger fools than I thought was possible!

Privaty...

!!

...

I...

...

I'm sorry.

You're more precious to me than anyone else out there.

It's not because I can't trust you. It's precisely because you are so precious to me.

That's why I can't look at you anymore.

My shame is too great. I can't face you, not now.

All I can ask for is your understanding.

I'm sorry, Master. I truly am.

All right then.

I'll prove it.

I'll prove there's nothing wrong with you.

??

Let me guess.

You see how I treat the customers,

and that makes you feel jealous.

... That's right. But why...

Then stop running,

and hand over the recipe that you prepared for the Valentine's Day event.

We still have 5 days

until Valentine's Day.

Before that day comes,

I will give you a glimpse of this perfection that you're after.

So, don't run away, and don't avert your eyes. Look at me carefully.

I will touch the hearts of every customer out there,

and I'll do it by following your recipe.

... Privaty.

I will prove beyond a doubt that

there is nothing wrong with being perfect!

I've got the recipe right here, but...

Hmm...

Hmmmmm...

*Sigh*

I have no idea where to even start.

Gah!

You scared me!

Com... I mean, Master! You're still here?

I thought you left with Ade.

I think everything's good here.

I can handle this perfectly all right by myself.

Does there have to be a reason?

I just wanted to do it...

I...

...

It's because I can't stand it.

I hate to see someone's efforts go to waste.

For their hard work to go unappreciated.

...

I felt it when she taught Drake and me.

How much effort Ade had put into becoming a maid,

how much pride she had.

She remembers the face of every person that walks through that front door,

their likes and dislikes,

what makes them comfortable or uncomfortable.

How she closely scrutinizes

their each and every expression, every movement.

It's no wonder that

she so quickly noticed that all her efforts were amounting to nothing.

Everyone knows that Maid For You is a Nikke squad.

That makes it even more difficult to be acknowledged for your efforts.

At first, I'm sure plenty of people were impressed by how hard they were working to serve them, but once they found out they were Nikkes,

all those positive feelings would have disappeared.

That's what happens when you think of someone as a Nikke.

No matter how amazing you are,

even sheer perfection is seen as something to be expected,

precisely because you are a Nikke.

The entire concept of putting in a sincere effort ceases to exist.

No matter how hard a Nikke may be struggling to achieve perfection,

no one will ever feel the slightest sense of awe at their endeavor.

That's because for many people, Nikkes aren't human. We're just machines.

I know how it feels.

The despair of not being accepted or acknowledged by those you cherish the most.

The disappointment in realizing that your efforts amount to nothing.

I'm all too familiar with it,

and so I can't just sit back and do nothing.

No.

Most people believe I'm a human.

Very few are aware that I'm a Nikke,

and therefore I haven't experienced quite the same thing.

However, precisely because my co-workers have no idea I'm a Nikke,

I've heard enough stories to last a lifetime.

I've talked too much!

I've got to keep at it with these recipes.

Comman... I mean, Master, you should hurry and get some sleep.

What?

I can do that myself...

!!

But...

Are you sure that's okay?

Some of this stuff I make... might be a bit unpalatable.

What the...?!

Where'd that come from?

Earlier, you said it was okay!

...

Fine then. At your own risk!

Don't come crying to me if you get sick.

...

Finito!

Well, don't just stare at it, eat it!

Yes!

I followed the recipe exactly.

B-but...

The taste is what's more important!

I'll worry about the shape later.

Just try it.

What's wrong?

Is something the matter?

M-me?

Well, okay then...

*Chomp*

!!!

Blech!

What on earth happened?

I followed the instructions step by step!

How can it taste this bad?

I-I've got it!

It must be because it's my first time making it!

It won't be like this next time.

You see? The shape is already looking better.

Don't worry about that! Just eat it.

I'm telling you, this one'll be way better than the last.

I-is it okay?

!!

...

Here you go.

This time it'll be different.

Give this one a whirl, Master.

Wha... that's all in your head!

Now quit jabbering and try it.

How is it?

Urgh...

Just looking at chocolate makes me want to barf.

What should we do now?

I don't know how I can continue practicing.

...

I shouldn't have talked a big game earlier...

*Sigh*.

!!

Are you two okay?

Ade, what are you...?

You said it yourself, Privaty.

You told me to keep a close eye on you during this whole feat.

I figured that if I'm going to watch, I might as well do it up close.

I might not be able to do much cooking myself yet,

but I thought I could at least try and lend a hand.

If that's all right with you of course,

and if you haven't given up yet.

!!

I...

I can do this perfectly fine on my own!

However... since you asked nicely... I'll allow it.

Hehe, thanks, Privaty.

I'll do what I can.

Privaty.

Yes?

May I ask why you used cocoa powder?

Because the recipe calls for chocolate powder...

Ah... I think I know what's going on here.

You do realize that cocoa powder and chocolate powder are two different things, right?

... They are?

In general, cocoa powder is much more bitter.

Considering how much chocolate powder this recipe calls for... if you erroneously swapped that out for cocoa powder, then you'd end up with a very bitter cake.

!!

So that's why the cakes I've made tasted so bitter.

I would assume so, yes.

It all makes sense now!

Okay, here we go...

!!

Just a moment, Privaty.

Y-yes?

If you squeeze the piping bag too tightly,

you won't have as much control over the chocolate frosting that's coming out, which will make it harder to create the shapes you want.

Ease up and apply gentle pressure,

but not too much,

and you'll have far more control over the bag.

Like this.

Whoa...

Would you like to try?

Su-sure.

Like this?

That's it. You're doing great.

Piece of cake. I think I've already got the hang. Hehe.

Of course I did! Who else could it be?

...

Well, don't just stand there. Have a piece.

*Chomp*

!!!

It's truly amazing!

I actually made a cake that tastes good?!

You certainly did.

Now, all you need to do is remember the feeling of this successful creation,

and keep practicing.

After all,

you'll be serving plenty of Masters at the event, not just this one here.

Right.

Whenever anyone comes up to you

asking for a piece of this special Valentine's Day cake,

you can serve it to them with your head held high.

But you've got to be speedy when you do so.

I see...

It's a complicated process that you'll have to be able to pull off dozens of times.

Not only that,

but you'll have to mind the way you greet and speak to the customers,

your movements when you serve the food, how you walk, and more.

It all has to be of a superior quality that matches the food that you're preparing for them.

If you want to create an amiable atmosphere, then you'll have to exhibit a loving disposition.

If you want to exude perfection, then you must perform your job flawlessly, without committing a single error.

...

!!

I'm sorry.

I said too much.

You don't have to go to such lengths...

No, I can do it.

You don't think I can't handle it, do you?

...

Don't underestimate me!

When I said that I would prove that perfection has no wrong,

I did not say it as a joke.

!!

All the things you mentioned. I can do and I will do.

Don't chicken out on me now.

... Very well.

I'm sorry for doubting you, even for a second.

All right.

I'll do all that I can

to teach you everything that I know.

All right, let's do this!

H-here's your... no, that's not right... Here's your Valentine's Day... er...

Relax, Privaty. Calm down.

Take your time.

We can practice as much as you need to.

O-okay...

*Sigh* Ahem!

Welcome back, Master.

Today is a special day, and we are honored to spend it with you.

We have prepared a special menu for you...

Wait, there's supposed to be something before that.

Let's take it from the top.

You don't need to come out today, Privaty.

What?

But how will you guys get by?

Such arrogance! You act as if the Maid Cafe would fall apart without you!

Th-that's not it!!

... All right, I take back what I said.

No offense, but we'll be able to hold the event today with just us.

Meanwhile, you can focus on your practice.

Yeah, we're all cheering for you, Privaty.

I'm sure you'll be able to master Ade's recipe.

When you rejoin the fold, you'll be a perfect maid.

In the meantime, just leave this to us.

Good luck.

Good luck!

All right...

Thanks, you guys.

I'll succeed, no matter what!

Phew...!

Done!

Not bad. At this speed, you should be able to handle it just fine.

!!

Finally!

Let's go for another ten.

Sure.

Can't stop now, I'm on a roll!

*Sigh*

As if you had to ask!

Of course I'm nervous.

...

I'm a little scared too. What if I make a mistake and disappoint Ade?

What was that?

Oh, yeah... of course. It'll all work out...

...

Even if it was only over a short period of time?

...

It'll all pay off...

Thank you,

Master.

I will.

You just watch.

I'm gonna show you just how perfect of a maid I've become.

Cocoa.

Yes?

I'm ready.

Let's go greet everyone.

Roger that!

The Maid Cafe is now open!

Welcome back, Master.

Today is a special day, and we are honored to spend it with you.

Um... hello.

Something about you feels different.

Today is a special day, Master,

and I therefore will be the perfect maid for you.

To that end,

on this day before Valentine's Day,

we have prepared a special menu for you.

Would you like to try it?

Um... sure.

Sorry to have kept you waiting.

I've prepared a special Valentine's Day cake for you.

Wow, it's gorgeous!

Seeing you so happy is what makes me happy.

Would you like to try it?

!!

It's delicious!

Is it to your liking?

Absolutely!

How did you...

It's a special recipe that we created with you in mind, Master.

I'm so glad to hear that you enjoy it.

Could I... have another, perhaps?

Of course.

We have more than enough prepared for you.

If you need anything, just ask,

and we will do our utmost to provide you with the perfect dining experience.

...

H-how was it?

Did you see that?!

They all loved your recipe.

No surprise there.

You were sublime. Everything, from your gestures to the food, was flawless.

And with that perfection,

you were able to move everyone.

It's just as you said. You've proven that perfection can touch people.

Thank you so much, Privaty.

Let's not celebrate too soon.

We've still got one day left.

Sorry...?

I proved to you that

people can be moved by perfection.

Now it's your turn.

It's time you prove it to yourself.

!!

But I...

You invested a lot of time and effort into this event.

You worked way harder than I did,

and now you're going to let it pass you by without jumping in yourself?

Are you sure you won't come to regret that?

...

Will I... be able to do it?

If you're so worried,

why don't you try it out on Master?

What?

Whip up another one

of your special cakes from scratch.

Master...

!!

...

...

All right, I'll trust you both.

I'll try it.

Sorry to keep you waiting, Master.

Here is the Valentine's Day cake you asked for.

...

Allow me to cut you a slice.

Here you are.

I adjusted the recipe slightly

so that it would be more to your liking.

...

Do you like it?

...

... Yes.

Yes... Of course...!

!!

Oh... Ohh...

!!

Are you crying?

No, don't cry! Don't be sad!

Hehe, sorry.

I didn't plan on it.

I never realized you could cry... when you're so happy.

...

Okay, I guess there are times when it's okay to cry.

Well, since you've already turned on the waterworks, you might as well let it all out.

You've put in enough work to earn a good cry.

Haha, thank you.

Thank you, Privaty.

And you too, Master.

You both gave me such confidence.

I'll never forget this day, or what I'm feeling.

Oh, Ade!

It's so good to have you back!

I'm sorry, Soda.

Are you all better, Ade?

You're not unhappy anymore?

No. I'm okay now.

I'm sorry for making you both so worried.

Oh gosh, I can't believe you're actually back!

It's okay... *Sniff*

I'm the head maid after all. I'm above such maudlin displays of emotion. *Sniff*

So...

Just remember that whatever you do,

I've got your back.

Me too!

I'll always be there for you.

You don't have to suffer by yourself the next time! *Sob*

I know.

Thank you so much. All of you.

No need to thank me.

I didn't even do anything.

If we're done here, I'm gonna go hit the hay.

Tomorrow is the big day that you've all been going on about.

You all better hurry and get some sleep too.

Haha, yes.

Drake is right.

We should rest up for our...

perfect Valentine's Day tomorrow.

W-welcome back,

M-Master.

What? Why are you looking at me like that?

??

About what?

!!

That...

That was all just because I was determined to prove my point to Ade.

How can you say that?!

That's not what I meant!

Don't ask questions you already know the answer to.

Would you please stop harassing me

and just order something already?

M... Ma... Master.

!!

That again?

I didn't expect that...

N-no! We still have it.

It's just... everyone else is busy, so I'll prepare it myself.

Hmph.

I knew it.

I figured that's what you'd order.

Since everyone else is busy, I'll prepare it myself.

Soda and Cocoa went out to run errands...

Ade is in the kitchen, and as for Drake...

*Sigh*

On Valentine's Day,

she suddenly got a message from Missilis admonishing her about leaving her position at Matis, so she went back.

Oh, how I envy her...

Far from it!

I'm incredibly busy!

It's only that Yulha said I didn't have to come back until Maid For You didn't need me anymore.

I also need to make amends for my mistakes, so I would feel bad leaving now.

Wha... I wasn't looking for sympathy!

Wha... what are you cheering me up for?

You don't actually believe me, do you?

You've got no idea how hard I've been working.

Fine. Watch closely, and you'll see how hard I work!

Welcome back. ♡

I'm your maid for the day, Privaty. ♡

...?

!!

!!

?!!

Privaty?

You...

Wh-what are you two doing here?!

I just came to see how you were doing.

If you were having a hard time, I was going to say that you could return, but...

Hmm...

You seem to be working much harder here than you ever did at the Central Government.

!!!

I-it's not what you think!

What you just saw... it was...

Don't try to backpedal now. I saw you with my own eyes.

You look good.

However...

It's oddly disconcerting seeing someone I know act like this...

!!!

I'm leaving.

No, wait, Yulha!

Privaty.

Yes?

It's nice to see you having a good time at work.

No! That's not it!

I do agree with Yulha though. It's a bit weird seeing you of all people talk like this.

I'll come back another time.

Ah... A... Admi!

Hehe, Privaty seems awfully energetic today.

Welcome back, Master.

I'm happy to see you again.

Hehe, I appreciate you saying that.

!!

Hehe, I suppose you're right.

I'm glad I can look you in the eye again.

Yes.

When I baked that cake for you,

I kept blanking out,

but after you ate it, I haven't had any symptoms show up.

It got me thinking how maybe... just maybe...

It doesn't matter that there are people out there who aren't moved by me.

Because other than them,

there are plenty of others out there who do appreciate what I do,

and who are touched by my efforts, especially a certain special Master.

Perhaps my lack of symptoms can be chalked up to me realizing all that.

Having said that...

Would you do me the honor of letting me be your maid?

And give me the opportunity

to become a truly perfect maid?