Chapter 176

March 12. A little before the turmoil in the Enchanted Lands. The Bloody Hall of the Mulnite Palace was decorated in a graceful manner unbefitting of its name. Colorful mana lamps. Fancy tablecloths embellished with a variety of dishes. And in front of it all, a sign that read HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! “…That’s the same one we used for your birthday, isn’t it, Lady Komari?” “Huh?! Shoot… You’re right! Are you mad?” “I’m not, but I do feel conflicted about all this. You didn’t need to make it so luxurious…” Birthday girl Vill fidgeted awkwardly in her seat. You read that right—today, March 12, was the anniversary of the nutty maid’s nativity. I was throwing a party to celebrate and to thank her for having put together a birthday bash for me the previous month. I’d attempted to set things up in secret to make it a surprise, but I hadn’t been able to get past Vill’s sharp senses; she’d caught whiff of it before I could even begin. A week before her birthday, she’d been going on about how she wanted her present to be “Lady Komari herself.” But now that the day was actually here, her bashfulness had gotten the better of her. Every time someone came up to congratulate her, she only bowed with a tiny “thanks.” The Seventh Unit crazies had put on a seppuku show, and she’d just clapped with a blank stare on her face. I couldn’t deny she had always been one deadpan maid, but after suffering at her harassing hand for so long, I was deeply aware of the delicate changes she had been through. “What’s wrong, Vill? You were so excited about it just yesterday.” “I was hoping to have a birthday party alone with you. I wasn’t prepared for so many attendees…” “So I surprised you after all! Everyone’s here for you, Vill!” “I…I’m grateful for that… But…” Vill swayed her head left and right like a pigeon, as though she were looking for someone. “What? If you’re looking for your friend Lolo, she’s over there, stuffing her face with cake.” “No… It’s just, I feel anxious. This is too great an honor for a humble maid. I would be content simply getting to fondle you as I slurped your blood.” “I’d seriously consider pressing charges if you did that.” Then I noticed something: Vill’s cheeks were rosy. No way, is she…? “Are you actually self-conscious about everyone being here to celebrate you?” “…I don’t have a self-conscious bone in my body. I believe you know this to be true already.” Vill put on a cool front as she took a sip of tea. But her ears betrayed her, turning redder and redder with every shout of “congratulations!” from the members of the Seventh Unit. I figured this little maid wasn’t used to being the center of attention. I see, I see. Interesting.