Several hours later, the banquet began. As the sun began to sink, excitement began to rise. Soon, the air itself seemed to crackle and spark with light and life as more and more people flocked towards Mondstat's castle. There was just so much energy, and it really made the night shine. A normal servant would've quailed underneath the thought of having to serve so many people, but to Noelle and Kirumi, nothing could've been more exciting or enlivening. After all, as they would say, they lived to serve.

But that was to be expected of them, of all people. They were renowned for their strong senses of duty and devotion. In fact, one of the very first missions they undertook together ended in this way. Some Hilichurls had been blocking off certain parts of the forest, so Jean sent some knights out to deal with them. But rather than fighting, Kirumi and Noelle had gone ahead and attempted to reason with them (since the Hilichurl language was one both of them were studying, and for this exact purpose of de-escalation rather than immediate combat) and it actually worked. Their combined diplomacy ended in an impromptu picnic with the small pack of Hilichurls and Kirumi and Noelle had returned to the rest of the knights with the now-placated Hilichurls in tow.

That particular dispute had ended in peace, the Hilichurls agreeing to set up camp somewhere else so as to minimize the chance of them butting heads with passing travelers. Of late, however, the Hilichurls had been more aggressive, hence why Noelle had needed to scare her lot off rather than just doing what she did last time and offering them tea and conversation. It really had been almost comical, though, to see the two maids coming up over the horizon with smiles on their faces and Hilichurls on their heels. But it really had been quite the nice afternoon, the maids preparing some classic Mondstat dishes before sending the Hilichurls peacefully on their way back home. If the people of Mondstat hadn't respected Kirumi and Noelle before, they did now!

But even though this banquet was in no way like the impromptu picnic with the Hilichurls, it carried the same atmosphere. And just as before, Kirumi and Noelle were delighted!

"Are you two ready?" Jean was the first to address the two maids, right before the banquet officially began.

"As a good maid should!" Noelle replied with a devout curtsey.

"This is my selfless devotion," Kirumi agreed, curtseying as well.

"Excellent," Jean laughed. "But please, there is one thing I want you both to remember…"

"Oh?" both maids leaned forward, eager to hear what Jean would request of them. Jean only gave another soft laugh before shaking her head.

"Remember that this banquet is just as much yours as it is everyone else's. So please, even if you insist upon helping serve the entire night, I want you two to remember to enjoy yourselves as well!"

"Oh. Is… that a direct order?" Noelle asked, looking a bit nervous again. Even though she appreciated Jean's offer, she really did feel best when she was serving food rather than eating it. And even though Kirumi said nothing, it was clear she felt the same way. She would eat and join in on the festivities if Jean commanded it, but if Jean left the choice to her, she would gladly spend the entire night playing the role of a waitress instead. They really were too alike, even in ways that weren't always healthy. Those two selfless souls, always preferring to serve rather than be served, even if it would've benefitted them to take the occasional break. But it seemed that they wouldn't have it any other way.

"No, no," Jean laughed and shook her head again, amused and sympathetic. As much as she loved the two maids, they really needed to get better at relaxing a little and not always being locked in Maid Mode. "I mean, I would appreciate it if you two also took some much-deserved rest, and that you would join us at the table for at least a little while, but I don't want to make it a command."

"Very well then, Master Jean," Noelle and Kirumi both curtseyed again. Jean looked like she wanted to say more, but because she already knew it really would be no use, she only gave them both a respectful nod before heading off to take her place at the head table. It was almost time!

ooo

"Oh, what a lovely night this is!" Noelle sighed dreamily after Jean had gone. The dining hall was decorated to the nines and beautiful candles burned golden, their flames making the entire room glow just so. The floor was polished to a shine, the walls were strewn with garlands, flowers and even tinsel. Crystal chandeliers hung from the graceful, arched ceiling and helped the candles on the wall illuminate the room. Every table had a beautiful, snow white tablecloths fringed with lace and was covered in an array of some of the best food the people of Mondstat had ever seen. Served on literal silver platters with all sorts of garnishes on/around, the food filled the air with a warm and heavenly aroma. Everything felt so soft and warm, the air itself felt like a gentle, glowing blanket.

And in the next room over, which was a ballroom, several bards and bands were playing, which complimented the excited chatter of the patrons and the gentle clatter of silverware and furniture as people rose and sat, filling their plates and stomachs with all the delicacies the dining hall had to offer. There was such a variety of dishes and they were all equally divine! Those who could muster the strength for it would switch back and forth between dinner and dancing, coming and going, shoes tapping on the wooden floor as bodies moved to and fro in a warm tide of smiles and mirth. The music hung in the air and swirled around the patrons, filling them with a strong sense of joy and comradery as the moon shined down on them through the tall, glass windows that lined the ballroom walls. It was such a romantic and enchanting sight!

"It is," Kirumi agreed. Although it was Noelle who looked like she was about to burst from excitement, Kirumi still had a serene smile of her own. "Lumine has done a great service to this nation and its people, and we are all in debt to her," Kirumi continued as she turned her head towards the shy, little woman sitting beside Jean at the large table towards the head of the dining hall. Even though Lumine was usually more of a spitfire, it was clear that all the celebration was making her feel a bit awkward, even though it was all for her.

"She looks so sweet!" Noelle commented, turning her own gaze towards the young outlander as well, still smiling from ear to ear.

But before either of them could say anything else, a butler scurried over to them, sweating profusely in his uniform.

"It's time!" he panted.

"Oh! Leave it to me! All of it! Whatever it is!" Noelle answered on a reflex. But only a second later, she seemed to realize that she hadn't been given any orders yet. "…Ummm, what… exactly is it? I didn't quite catch your request…" she gave a sheepish smile, as if silently apologizing for getting too excited. Kirumi, meanwhile, only just managed to bite back a laugh. It really would not be very proper of her to burst out laughing now, but as she'd noted before, there was something so delightful about Noelle and her enthusiastic selflessness. It was hard not to smile at!

"Please let us know if you require our services. We are here to serve everyone," she instead said with a pleasant smile, helping to cover for Noelle. Noelle gave another sheepish laugh. The butler, meanwhile, was more than happy to rattle off a long list of duties they needed to do, ASAP.

"Oh, how exciting!" Noelle chirped once the butler was done. But she cleared her throat a second later, blushing again. "I mean… leave it to me!"

"If that is your wish, then I will fulfill this request," Kirumi agreed, then before the nervous butler could say another word, she whipped around and strode towards the tables. Noelle followed her at once, needing no prompt from Kirumi or the butler. Their Maid Modes were synching up again.

The butler, meanwhile, could only watch them go in silent awe. In all his years working for the Mondstat castle, he'd never seen two workers as devoted, passionate or efficient as them. He certainly didn't have the spirit to enjoy all of this work! But luckily, they did.

But even though the butler was frazzled, Noelle and Kirumi remained enthusiastic and calm respectively. Neither maid missed a single beat as they dipped and dived in a dance all their own. They helped pass out fresh dishes and utensils and napkins while collecting old ones, and they managed to keep the tables clean and clear while also keeping every last plate and bowl full. How they were able to juggle racing between tables and kitchens without breaking a sweat was anyone's guess, but still they got it done, and all with such grace and poise! Not a single slip or trip!

Without stepping on so much as a single toe, and without falling behind by even a second, both maids were able to move freely around the hall, giving and taking food and orders, before weaving back out towards the kitchens and serving areas. With perfect speed and precision, they were able to accomplish every task with an elegance and ease no one in all of Teyvat could compete with. And in between, they helped people serve themselves and carried around platters of all sorts of wines and appetizers, on top of everything else. And they did it all with smiles on their faces!

"Steady as stone! Steady as stone!" Noelle chanted excitedly to herself as she continued to duck, dip and dive through the crowd, balancing several giant trays almost overflowing with food and carrying them as if they weighed nothing at all. Yes, Noelle had super strength, but she also seemed to have super balance, agility and coordination too, given how much she was able to carry with such ease, speed and precision. And it seemed impossible for such a tiny girl to even have the body space to carry so much, super strength or not, and yet here she was. And she didn't miss a single beat as she continued to give and take, serving everyone she came across with an adorable smile.

And at the same time, Kirumi was also chanting her own mantra as well.

"I promise to do my best!" she murmured to herself as she continued to juggle making and taking orders. "For this is my selfless devotion!" And she would continue to move almost like a spider through the crowd. Despite being rather tall, she moved with such grace and ease that, sometimes, she was able to completely disappear in the crowd, but without getting lost or hindered in the slightest. And sometimes, it even felt like she had all the arms of a spider, because of how swiftly and easily she was able to fulfill every request, sometimes answering multiple at one time, like Noelle, carrying multiple platters all at once.

"No matter the place, as a maid, I must uphold my principle of selfless devotion, for that is my true desire: to serve others!" Kirumi promised.

"Whenever you need me, I'll be there!" Noelle agreed as she sped on past, carrying another round of five large silver platters.

ooo

But once the initial rush had settled, the two maids were finally able to indulge in a little conversation to go with their work.

"You two, please feel free to sit now!" Jean waved them over, but still neither maid could find it within herself to properly accept that request.

"How may I be of assistance?" Noelle had chirped at first, but once Jean's words sank in, this was her only reply: "Oh, you just want to chat? Okay then! Well, if that's how I can help, then please feel free to chat as long as you'd like!"

And Kirumi's was the same. "Have a chat with me? I do not mind such requests. Would you like me to serve you by keeping you company?"

"Oh, honestly, darlings, you two simply must learn how to relax!" from Jean's right came the sultry voice of Lisa. She gave both of the maids a very appreciative look, eyeing them up and down and leaning forward towards them in interest. She had a very low-cut gown on that night.

"We do find this relaxing," Noelle replied with an innocent smile. Even though she knew Lisa was flirting with them, because Lisa did that with everyone, Noelle knew it was just normal behavior from Mondstat's favorite librarian.

ooo

In the past, however, when Kirumi first came to Mondstat, she had been quite thrown off by Lisa's flirty, seductive behavior. In fact, the first time they ever interacted, Kirumi had been deeply offended by it.

"Well hello there, cutie, I don't think I've seen you around before," Lisa had said the first time Kirumi ever visited her library.

"I am Kirumi Tojo, please let me know if you require my services," Kirumi had replied politely.

"Oh yes! You're the new little helper Jean told me about!" Lisa's eyes brightened in recognition. "So, have you come here to service me as well?" she'd trailed off and bit her lip, eyes half shut in seduction. But it wasn't until a few more minutes had passed before Lisa had made a comment that was just a shade too suggestive and Kirumi had reacted at once.

The maid did not grow angry, but her face hardened and her posture stiffened.

"I am your maid, not your slave. If you are thinking of vulgar thoughts, then I advise you to be more aware of the situation," she had spoken quite sharply. For a moment, it threw Lisa off as well, but assuming that Kirumi was just trying to play "hard to get", Lisa continued to push her. This earned her a second rebuke. And it was the first time Kirumi had ever rejected a request in Mondstat.

"I am a maid," she repeated, "Not a possession to display. My apologies, but I reject this request." And even though her voice had been as soft and respectful as always, there was a note of finality in it that even Lisa couldn't ignore.

But after that day and those misunderstandings, Jean and Noelle helped Kirumi get better acquainted with Lisa. Now, Kirumi was just as used to Lisa's incessant flirting as anyone else was, although she was still slightly disapproving of it. Although she would never speak out against Lisa, knowing now that Lisa was a genuinely good and talented woman at heart, Kirumi did consider it unprofessional and inappropriate to behave so salaciously all the time. This reason was one of the only ones Kirumi would ever use on the very rare occasion that she rejected a quest. Any type of sexual favor was an instant rejection. It was one line Kirumi would not cross.

And this distaste for such requests also led to one of Kirumi's first displays of protectiveness over Noelle. The two of them had been headed to the Angel's Share tavern at Kaeya's request, but they'd run into a stumbling drunkard on the way there. He was able to recognize Noelle, and although he hadn't been serious, he'd insinuated that there was another way he wished for her to serve him. Noelle, herself, had given him a gentle but firm rebuke, but Kirumi had been so angered by his remark that she followed up with one of her own, even though it hadn't been necessary.

"That can be taken as an insult for a woman. Think about it before you say it," she had snarled, genuinely unable to keep a polite tone even though she managed to refrain from yelling. "I recommend you to polish your skills more as a man. If it was any other woman, I cannot imagine what they would have done…" the threat hung in the air like a storm cloud, crackling with raw energy and power. For a moment more, Kirumi only continued to stare the frightened man down, scowling and crossing her arms threateningly.

It was enough to finally send the man running. Even in his drunken stupor, he could recognize trouble. As such, after mumbling a bumbled and awkward apology, he waddled away from the bar (and Kirumi) as fast as he could. But even after he was gone, it had taken Noelle a while to calm Kirumi down. Though secretly, the younger maid had been incredibly touched by the protectiveness the older one had shown her that night.

ooo

"Well, I know other ways to help a girl unwind after a long, hard day at work," Lisa continued, gesturing for the maids to come sit by her. "Don't you two think you deserve to feel good after all the wonderful ways in which you've serviced us?"

"I cannot rest on my laurels yet, I must work even harder! There's no room for complacency!" Noelle replied, politely declining Lisa's request.

"Complacency? Hmmm… strong word…" Now it was Kaeya's turn to join the conversation. He also looked Noelle up and down with interest, but unlike Lisa, there was no lust in his eye at all. Only a slightly mischievous and very mysterious fascination.

"But she is right," Kirumi replied. "People fear stagnation. If you are swallowed by complacency, then you will forget to fight. Now, of course, I understand that this banquet is no battle, but the principle remains the same. We must remain prepared at all times."

"Hmph, that much is true," Kaeya nodded in agreement. But then his face softened. "Still," he said, "you two deserve at least a short rest…"

"Make no mistake, I devote myself freely," Noelle tried to reassure the Cryo-user. "A maid, to me, is the most liberating job there is. I'm a chef, a gardener, a warrior, a guide... I can be anything you need me to be!"

"I, too, must excel in many things if I wish to complete all the requests given to me," Kirumi agreed. "As for the intense workload, I do not mind. Serving others is the true desire of any maid."

"Well then, grant my request and come sit with us!" Amber was next to butt in, looking at both maids excitedly. She was very fond of them both, liking Noelle for her warmth and spirit, and liking Kirumi for her toughness and willingness. And the feeling was mutual. Kirumi respected Amber. Even if Amber was too high-strung and energetic for her taste, she was still very productive and hardworking in her own right. Of course Kirumi had to respect that. They had been on several adventures together where Kirumi got to see just how capable and hardworking Amber could be. And vice versa. Despite her dainty appearance, Kirumi was very physically tough, and Amber loved that in an adventuring partner!

As for Noelle, she admired Amber because Amber was an accomplished knight, and she was also very kindhearted (as anyone could attest to). Despite being loud and occasionally bossy, Amber was also very friendly and caring, which Noelle greatly appreciated. Amber had even once taught Noelle how to make her own Baron Bunny! (Minus the explosion part, of course). It was a cute little thing that Noelle used as something of a good luck charm, always taking it with her whenever she went on an adventure, as a silent tribute to Amber. She didn't have it on her person that night, but it was one of her favorite possessions nonetheless.

And so at last, the two maids finally caved and sat down. This earned them a playful round of applause from everyone else at the table.

"You simply must tell us if you're enjoying the banquet so far!" Lumine said once the two maids finally sat down. Even though she'd been the last to speak, she was just as earnest as everyone else was. Even though she didn't know either maid very well at all, from what she'd heard from the others, they were very good people, if a little… eccentric. But that was everyone in Mondstat. It seemed like a requirement to have at least one strange, arbitrary quirk, so Lumine hardly minded. Instead, she was excited to finally meet these two fabled characters!

"It is a lovely event," Kirumi said with an appreciative nod. "It is my honor to serve here tonight."

"No, no, no! The food! Tell us! What do you think of the food?" Lumine's strange, fairylike companion floated excitedly over the table, several empty plates at her seat. Despite being so tiny, she'd eaten more than Lumine had!

"Ah, it is most exquisite," Kirumi said with a smile. "Although I must admit that I will try to watch my intake. I must stay as physically fit as I can."

"Even on a night of indulgence?" Kaeya asked, raising an eyebrow and a goblet. Kirumi only laughed softly in return and nodded. Even on nights of indulgence, it was a matter of personal pride that Kirumi never ever wavered in any of her principles, not even a little.

"I'm not a fussy eater. But I really don't like banquets..." Noelle was next to speak. "The reason being, as the maid, I am expected to sample every single dish on the table to ensure its quality. Just one bite of each, of course, but it all adds up... Oh, the guilt..." she sighed mournfully.

"Well then, if there's anything you need help finishing…" Paimon eyed both maids' plates greedily.

"Oh, shut it, Paimon," Lumine teased her companion.

"But I'm hungry!" Paimon stamped her little feet.

"You've already had three plates," Lumine snorted.

"Make it four!" came the reply.

"Is that a request?" both maids asked in unison, immediately looking up and starting to stand.

"NO!" the entire table shouted at once. Then they all began gesturing and talking over one another, pleading for the maids to sit back down. It was a comical sight, and while Noelle looked bashful and amused, Kirumi only tilted her head in perplexment and gave them all a confused smile. This was quite the interesting lot, they were all so determined to get the maids to dine with them. But that was because, even though it seemed to be a concept Noelle and Kirumi had trouble grasping, the others were just concerned about their wellbeing. Even if the maids did devote themselves freely to any task they were assigned, it just wasn't healthy for them to overwork themselves so much.

In fact, there had been a time in the past where Noelle had honestly almost worked herself to death. She'd learned that an adventurer was trapped on Dragonspine, so she decided to mount a rescue by herself. But the trip was so long and hard that by the time she finally managed to even find the adventurer, she was out of supplies and nearly stranded on that icy mountain too. But even though she was thirsty, hungry and exhausted, Noelle still managed to carry the adventurer down on her back. Alone. The adventurer was saved, but Noelle, having overexerted herself, laid in bed for three days straight, suffering a high fever. She made a full recovery, but after that incident, that was when Jean had first tasked Kaeya (because this was before Kirumi ever came to Mondstat) with being the one to try to help keep Noelle from being taken advantage of or overexerting herself.

And Kirumi had done the same. One of her previous masters had been a rich and powerful entrepreneur. It happened one day that his daughter had been kidnapped by a local gang of thugs looking for a handsome ransom amount. But rather than cave to their demands, Kirumi had offered to go out and rescue the daughter herself, and she succeeded. Subduing the entire gang singlehandedly, she managed to save the child and turn the group of thugs into butler industry. Although she hadn't injured herself to the point of being bedridden for three days in that particular incident, it had come close to happening several times before. More than once, Kirumi had either worked too long or too hard and nearly fallen ill because of it. But every single time, she would insist she was alright and keep on going.

Everyone at the table cared deeply for the two maids and had often gone behind their backs to protect them. For example, that was why Jean had tasked Kaeya (and later Kirumi) with helping keep Noelle from accepting a task too great to handle. And a few others had, in the past, also tried to talk Kirumi down from her almost slavish desire to serve others.

That was even why Lisa was always hinting about helping the two maids learn how to relax! It wasn't just her flirting with them, it was because she knew, from Jean and personal experience (Noelle having once lifted a heavy shelf to help her retrieve an item that she'd dropped, and Kirumi having once cleaned the entire library, down to the pages of books, all in one afternoon), that the two maids never took a break, and Lisa was the queen of rest and relaxation. Not that either maid ever took her up on her offers.

But it seemed like, at least for the time being, the maids had conceded, and were willing to spend some time chatting with their patrons. As such, everyone at the table did their best to make each second last. It was a glorious night, and it was made all the better by getting to share it with friends. Why wouldn't they try to have a little fun along the way?

"Enjoying the food yet?" Kaeya asked after several minutes had passed. He sounded playful, eye searching as he tried to gage how the two maids were feeling. He wanted to see how long it would take before they gave into the temptations before them.

"It is excellent," Kirumi smiled politely, dabbing daintily at her lips with a napkin.

"It's good!" Noelle gave a sheepish smile, not quite as composed as Kirumi anymore. She'd succumbed.

"That's my girl!" Amber sounded delighted, giving Noelle a huge thumbs up. At her side was Baron Bunny, but there was no danger of him blowing up. Instead, he only danced in agreement with Amber's words and Noelle gave a giggle.

"You should try some of the wine, darlings," Lisa encouraged. "It is simply heavenly!" But both maids politely declined. Noelle was not quite of legal age yet and wished to wait. Kirumi, meanwhile, preferred to remain sober.

"Well, even if you don't want to, it's really nice to meet you both," Lumine smiled politely at the two maids.

"Same to you, Ms. Lumine!" Noelle beamed. "It's an honor to meet the Honorary Knight!"

"Oh, aww, that's nothing," Lumine blushed and rubbed the back of her neck shyly.

"Nonsense! You should be proud of your achievements!" Noelle encouraged.

"Noelle is right, Lumine," Kirumi agreed. "Humility is a virtue as well, but you are self-deprecating. You should believe in yourself more." Her tone was wise and kind and Lumine looked mildly surprised at how mature she was, but she took it all in stride.

"Thank you, Kirumi, that's very sweet of you to say," she said.

"You have great potential, so I want you to take care of yourself," Kirumi said simply. "This might sound like a lecture, however, just because I am a maid, it does not mean I say this to just any person. You have a maid at your beck and call. It would make me happy if you kept that in mind."

"Thank you," Lumine repeated with a touched smile. "I will."

"Please do not hesitate to call me either!" Noelle added eagerly. "It would be my pleasure to join you on your adventures! I will be delighted to provide you with my full assistance. Yes, starting right now! What do you need?"

"For you to enjoy tonight," Lumine laughed, giving a fond and appreciative smile to the younger woman. "But that applies to both of you, got it?" she teased, looking up at Kirumi as well.

"If that is your request," Kirumi replied with an even smile, the others couldn't tell if she was joking or being serious.

"As you wish!" Noelle agreed excitedly, looking a tad more relaxed now that she realized that she was in good company among friends.

"You guys are just so selfless and helpful, how do you do it?" Lumine finally asked as the conversation carried on.

"Well, so long as it helps you in your adventure, or makes your life easier in some small way, I couldn't be happier. That's because each time I get a thank-you, it makes me feel like my work at least has some meaning, no matter how insignificant it seems," Noelle replied with a gentle smile. "I am here to serve in whatever capacity you require. You needn't be concerned about the way I feel."

"Yes, I must dispose all personal feelings if I am to commit my services," Kirumi chimed in. "In my opinion, that is how all maids should think."

"Well doesn't that make it seem like you're more of a tool than a maid?" Amber asked, looking both concerned and drunk.

"I disagree!" Noelle was quick to interject. "A tool might help you to complete a million tasks to a satisfactory standard, but it feels nothing. I, on the other hand, feel a strong sense of achievement every time I do something for you." And once again, Kirumi nodded her assent.

"There is no need to thank me, your happiness is the reason I serve," she said.

"Oh, you cuties are just too sweet!" Lisa giggled, also starting to sound a little intoxicated. Kaeya smirked at her, but said nothing. Paimon, meanwhile, was still happily helping herself to more of the food. It was a good thing the castle chefs had prepared so much of it! Several times, Kirumi and Noelle had looked as if they wished to serve Paimon themselves, but any time either of them made any move to rise, the rest of the table would instantly drag them back to their seats. Their services would be required again in time, but for now, their friends were adamant that they take some time to reap the fruit of their labor and enjoy the banquet. It was a celebration! It was supposed to be fun!

"All work and no play is never a good thing!" Amber giggled, starting to sway as she mimicked Baron Bunny's little dance.

"Yes, and if you all really believe that I am the hero of this story, then please grant me this one request and have fun with us!" Lumine agreed.

"Alright, alright, you win, you've convinced us!" Noelle giggled. Kirumi still looked a little confused and concerned, but after Noelle took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly, the older maid decided just to rest and be content. Even if it still felt uncomfortable for her to be like this, she decided to put faith in Noelle and follow her lead. If tonight was about having fun, then she would do her best to have it!

But luckily for her, even if she didn't quite realize it, all the new friends she'd made in Mondstat were going to help her out and, soon, she would be genuinely enjoying herself without even realizing it. It was a double victory that night. On top of having an incredible banquet, the table of friends had successfully gotten the maids to let their guards down and, soon, they were smiling and laughing and chatting just as much as anyone else was. They listened to Lumine's stories and Kaeya's snark and Amber's jokes and Lisa's flirtations and Paimon's gluttony with genuine enjoyment, forgetting their identities as maids for the first time in forever and just taking it all in as humans and friends and equals. It had been a long time since Mondstat had seen a night so wonderful, and everyone in attendance felt lucky that they got to be there to witness it!

AN: So sorry for the delay! Xmas has been a bit busy for me. But this is chap 2/3 of this lil crossover! The final part will be out… eventually, and will just be a bit more Noelle-and-Kirumi bonding as they clean up after the banquet

Sidenote: I think it's dumb that we can canonically talk to Hilichurls, but rather than do that, we just go out and slaughter them. That's why I had to throw in a story where, rather than just jumping the gun and fighting, Kirumi and Noelle managed to talk a camp of Hilichurls down and invite them back for lunch (bc of course they would LOL)

But honestly, the only way I can accept the senseless Hilichurl slaughter is if we assume the Abyss Order is corrupting them too, and they no longer listen to reason, hence why most of them are hostile on sight (minus the ones in the daily commission)

Also, in case y'all thought I was overexaggerating the maids' similarities, realize that quite a few lines of their dialogue in this chapter were ripped from their respective games, LOL