Chapter 7: A Question of Value
We open the door and walk into a room just as old-fashioned as the exterior. Random objects are collected here and there, giving it the quaint, homey feel of an old-time coffee shop. Quite a few customers are already seated at the tables.
But it's the maids that really catch my eye. You can't miss them. Each one is wearing the same frilly apron that flutters about as they busily go on with their duties.
And the most amazing thing? They all have enormous tits.
Am I in paradise?
Did I die and go to heaven?
"Neow," Katie announces, "you have officially arrived in AKIBA!"
Katie grins at me wryly as if she's read my mind. Turning back towards the room, she thrusts a hand in the air.
"Attention, everyone!" she yowls. "Master and Mi'Lady have returned!"
And with that, all of the maids come to a halt and turn in unison, daintily lifting the sides of their aprons and dipping into a simultaneous curtsey as they call out a greeting.
"Welcome Home, Master and Mi'Lady!"
The way they've perfectly coordinated their movements is pretty impressive.
Big hadn't let go of my shirt for a second. I could feel her little hand tremble. I can't figure out why she's been so afraid all this time.
"And neow I will show you to your seats!"
Big and I follow Katie, weaving through a maze of tables, seated guests, and frilly French maids. Up ahead is a small table for two. Little Big and I take our seats.
The table is round and wooden. It's draped with a red tablecloth and set with a water pitcher, upturned glasses, and a brown folded menu standing on its end.
Katie arranges the glasses and pours each of us water, smiling as she speaks. "Just call me when you're ready to purr-ace your order!"
The minute our glasses are filled, Katie disappears from sight.
Big lets out a huge sigh…I think of relief.
"Phew! It seems like forever since I've sat down."
"We've been walking all day," I remind her.
"I pictured maid cafes as being all pink and tacky-cutesy, but this one is really quaint and stylish."
"I'm surprised too. I thought it would be much more of a lusty, fantasy-type anime vibe."
"What do you mean by that?" Big demands.
Looking a bit sickened at my remark, she turns the menu so I can see it.
"Let's see…" she says aloud, "omelet with fried rice and spaghetti… It's a typical Japanese cafe menu! I mean, ：I'm not complaining or anything…I guess I just expected it to be more... maid cafe?ish."
"I see what you mean," I reply. "I was thinking `love-drenched maid-tastic spaghetti' or `rice omelets made just the way Master likes them'."
"I'd like to see them mix your perverted brain into that love-drenched spaghetti," Big fires back. She looks at me like something the cat dragged in.
Was it that disgusting?
"Hey Big, you know what? Whatever a maid casts her Spell of Deliciousness on will be the best thing you've ever tasted."
"Huh."
She doesn't seem the least bit interested.
"Wait…what?" Little Big tilts her head to the side. Looks like she found something interesting.
"Hey," she asks, "Do you notice anything weird here?"
"Other than the fact that it's not chock full of anime references?"
"No, you airhead."
Well, that wasn't very nice.
"Behold!" she cries out. "See? This menu has no prices!"