This is a story of the Six Kings back when they used to live under Kuromueina.
At Kuromueina's residence in the center of the Demon Realm, meals are basically eaten together by the family. In the first place, meals themselves are not essential for all High-ranking Demons, but since Kuromueina is a gourmand and loves to eat, the family has many instances in which they have meals together.
This time too, the family gathered around a table lined with dishes prepared by Ein. Of course, taking into consideration the size of the house and the fact that Magnawell was unable to enter the house, meals are often held on the terrace.
[Hmmm, it smells so good. Good gracious, Ein-san sure is great at cooking as usual.]
[...You seem to be dissatisfied, Shalltear? If you have something to complain about, feel free to speak up.]
[...Eh? No, rather, didn't I compliment you just now?]
While preparing food for Shalltear, who hadn't been a member of their family for that long of a time, Ein looked at her with an indescribable sense of frustration.
When Shalltear tilted her head at her gaze, seemingly trembling with humiliation, Ein squeezed out her answer.
[...You are indeed far superior to me in many respects. You're even closer than I am to the ideal servant I aspire to be. I'll admit, you're better than me now... but don't expect that to be the case in the future!]
[Eeehhh, you're suddenly getting all hostile against me for some reason... Kuro-san, what's with her?]
Hearing Ein say this with tears in her eyes, Shalltear, with an indescribable expression on her face, calls out to Kuromueina, who is sitting a short distance away.
Thereupon, with a wry smile on her face, Kuromueina answered Shalltear's question.
[Well, she was just frustrated that she lost in various competitions like cooking against Shalltear.]
[...What, that's just because of our age difference. Ein-san also has pretty high levels, so you'd be able to reach my level in the not-too-distant future.]
[...Even if you say that all leisurely, that will only be for the time being. I'll definitely crush that triumphant look on your face.]
[Wasn't I backing you up just a while now? Is anything I say not gonna work in your ears!?]
Yes, the newest addition to the family, Shalltear, was extremely versatile and could be described as a master of all fields.
It all started when Ein, who happened to see Shalltear cooking on a whim and was shocked by her skills, challenged her to a match and lost. As a person aiming to become an ideal servant, Ein was so frustrated by this defeat that she challenged her to a match in various other areas, such as dressmaking and the likes... but she lost in all of them.
Being forced to admit that Shalltear is currently superior to her, she was unable to hide her frustrations, bringing about a strong sense of rivalry against Shalltear. Shalltear, on the other hand, felt no sense of rivalry against her, and was instead regretting her previous actions, wondering if she should have held back her skills and let herself lose.
[Listen here, you. The one who shall be the ideal servant will be me, not you... I will never lose.]
[Nah, I'm not aiming for anything like that though... Don't bother getting me involved with your antics, just go ahead and be the ideal maid on your own.]
[...Maid? Shalltear, what is this maid?]
Ein reacted to the words Shalltear astoundedly uttered. She understood that Shalltear is a being from another world and that she held knowledge that Ein and the others didn't know... but be that as it may, there was something about the word "maid" that strongly drew her attention.
[Eh? Ahhh, that's what the people of my world call the position you were aiming for. Well, just think of them as female servants. It's not something you should be bothered about————-]
[...Maid... Maid... Why is it that I feel... that I'm connected by fate with such a word...]
[...Ah~~ I kinda feel like I may have said something unnecessary. Let's stop with this topic and get on with our meals...]
[Wait right there, Shalltear! Please tell me more about this maid!!! This is just my hunch, but I feel like this is the one I should be aiming for!]
She doesn't know the reason, nor does she have any basis for such thought. But deep within Ein, she could feel her soul screaming. In order to clarify her vision, the ideal servant she was pursuing, the existence of this maid is indispensable...
Overwhelmed by this absurd amount of enthusiasm, Shalltear looked indescribably repulsed.
[...This looks really troublesome, so no.]
[Kuhh... so you're saying you won't give me the hint to becoming an ideal servant so easily huh. Alright then, bring it on. When I win against you, I will have you tell me what a maid is!]
[No, there's no merit for me to do that, right!? I understand. I don't wanna go along with this match of yours, so I'll tell you after meal...]
[Shalltear! Thank you!!!]
[...Even though you were staring at me like I slaughtered your parents just now, the change in attitude is just too quick...]
In contrast to Ein, who had a smile of heartfelt happiness, Shalltear looked as if things had really become troublesome.
And thus, that exchange became the catalyst that brought about a great change in the perception of maids in that realm... no, in the whole Trinia.