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Ding-dong…
"Who is it?"
Lying flat on the floor, Ethan didn't even feel like moving. To be fair, this world was pretty similar to Japan in some ways—you could just crash on a tatami mat and skip buying an actual bed.
Ding-dong…
The doorbell rang again.
"I'm coming, I'm coming! Jeez, give me a break!" he grumbled, scratching his messy hair as he staggered toward the door. "Don't tell me it's that unlicensed rider again… or some random fan?"
He swung the door open—and froze.
"Huh? You? Sayuriko? What are you doing here?"
Standing in the doorway was Sayuriko, dressed in a maid outfit, hands clasped neatly in front of her, eyes downcast.
"I… I'm here to take care of you, Master." Her cheeks were tinged pink.
"Take care of me? Wait—me? You're serious?" Ethan blinked in disbelief.
Before he could ask more, the sound of the doorbell conversation had apparently drawn attention. The apartment next door opened with a click, and a shiny bald head popped out, instantly brightening the already well-lit hallway. The glare almost hurt to look at.
Of course, that bald head belonged to none other than Ethan's good neighbor—and former summoned creature—Saitama.
"Huh? A maid outfit? Don't tell me she's your maid!" Saitama's eyes widened. "Seriously, Ethan? You actually got yourself a maid? She's cute, though. Adorable, even. But how strong is she? Stronger than Genos? She's gotta be, right? I mean, with how much trouble follows you around, no one weaker than Genos could possibly survive as your maid!"
"Sensei," Genos said as he stepped out from behind Saitama, analyzing Sayuriko from head to toe. "Are you saying she's stronger than I am? She doesn't look like someone with that level of power."
His sensors didn't detect any significant energy from her. But then again, after meeting both Saitama and Ethan—two people who looked like average guys yet had world-ending strength—Genos had learned not to trust data alone.
Of course, that logic was completely wrong. Saitama and Ethan were one-in-a-billion anomalies; no one else came close.
"Ah! You're… you're S-Class hero Genos, the Demon Cyborg! I didn't realize you were Master's neighbor!" Sayuriko's eyes sparkled. "Please take care of us! And you too, Mr. Bald—thank you for looking after Master!"
Genos gave a polite nod. "I'm Genos. Nice to meet you."
"Don't call me Mr. Bald! It's Saitama!" he snapped, face darkening slightly. Even when the one saying it was this cute, he still didn't appreciate being reminded of his… condition. Sure, it was true, but still.
"Yes, Lord Genos! Lord Saitama!" Sayuriko bowed obediently, completely slipping into the role of a devoted maid.
"Alright, Sayuriko, don't mind these two idiots," Ethan sighed. "And I told you before—I don't want a maid."
If she'd been some kind of powerhouse, sure, maybe he'd consider it. But she was just a normal girl. Having her as his maid would only cause trouble.
"Master… do you think I'm not good enough?" Her eyes trembled, glossy with tears. "If there's anything you don't like about Sayuriko, I'll fix it! I'll do anything until you're satisfied! Please, Master, don't abandon me…"
Her voice cracked at the end. She looked like she was about to burst into tears right then and there—as if she'd start sobbing the moment he said "no."
"Hey, hey, hey!" Saitama frowned. "What did you do to her, man? Don't go making girls cry for no reason! You'll end up a total scumbag."
But deep down, Saitama couldn't help feeling a bit irritated. They'd both become heroes around the same time, yet Ethan was a B-Class hero while he was stuck at C-Class. People loved Ethan—meanwhile, Saitama got mistaken for a criminal every other day.
He hunted monsters non-stop, worked his butt off, and what did Ethan do? Lay around all day. The guy barely lifted a finger, and yet he somehow had a cute maid show up at his door out of nowhere.
Same job. Same hero registry. Totally different life.
"Is this… the universe's cruel joke against bald people?" Saitama thought bitterly, a tiny thunderbolt of realization flickering in his mind before his motivation completely deflated.
Ethan shot him a sideways glance. "Fine, fine. Come in. But I'm telling you now—you can't be my maid. I'll explain inside."
"Yes, Master. But just so you know—Sayuriko isn't giving up. I will make you accept me as your maid someday!" she said, her tone firm and eyes shining with determination.
Inside Ethan's apartment, the four of them sat around the low table in the living room.
Ethan sat across from Sayuriko, who knelt politely on the tatami, posture perfect and hands folded in her lap. Genos and Saitama had taken up positions on either side, clearly here just to spectate.
"Ahem. Sayuriko," Ethan began.
"Yes! Please give your orders, Master!"
"I said don't call me that! I'm not your master, and I'm not going to be!"
"But Master! Sayuriko has already decided—no matter what, I'll become your maid! That will never change!"
"You really don't give up, do you?" He sighed, rubbing his temple. "By the way, how's your father? Did he get out of the hospital?"
"Yes, Master. Thanks to your generous help, he received the best treatment possible. And just a few days ago…" She paused, lowering her gaze. "…my father finally passed away."
"Uh… right." Ethan went silent. So he hadn't made it after all.
"Even though my father is gone," she continued softly, "I'll never forget your kindness. I have no one left in this world, so I've decided to dedicate my entire life to serving you, Master!"
Sayuriko's voice rang with fierce sincerity.
Saitama and Genos exchanged glances and nodded to themselves. So that was it—Ethan had helped her when she was desperate. No wonder she was so dead set on repaying him this way.
"..."
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