In the small bedroom of Dune's private room on the 13th floor of the large mobile floating fortress, the soft rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, coaxing Dune from her slumber. Her eyelids fluttered as she reluctantly awoke, relishing the cozy warmth of her bed and yearning for a few more hours of peaceful sleep. However, her tranquil morning was soon interrupted by the gentle voice of her maid.
"Ojou-sama, aren't you supposed to have breakfast with Flora-san today? Should I inform her to cancel it?" The maid's tone was respectful, yet carried a hint of firmness. Dune's eyes widened in surprise, and she swiftly sat up, shaking off the remnants of drowsiness. "Oh no, I completely forgot! Please don't cancel it. I'll get ready right away!" Urgency and regret laced her voice as she swung her legs off the bed, ready to embrace the day.
With practiced efficiency, the maid aided Dune in dressing herself, carefully fastening the buttons of her uniform. As she worked, she skillfully fashioned Dune's long hair into neat twin braids, securing them with delicate ribbons that matched her outfit. Admiring her reflection in the mirror, Dune felt a surge of pride in her appearance.
"Thank you, as always," Dune expressed her gratitude, her face glowing with appreciation, and she reached for her glasses from a cute glasses box in the drawer. The maid returned her smile warmly, her eyes reflecting genuine affection. "It's my pleasure to serve you, Ojou-sama. Now go and enjoy your breakfast and your magic engineering lesson." Leaving the maid to her tasks, Dune hurried out into the spacious corridor of the large mobile floating fortress, making her way towards the grand dining room on the 15th floor.
As Dune departed, the maid's smile lingered, and she softly murmured to herself, "You've truly changed a lot since coming to this large mobile floating fortress, Ojou-sama. I never imagined you would easily make a friend." Having served Dune since she was a baby, witnessing Dune form a friendship with a same age girl warmed her heart deeply.
"In the past, you say that having friends was unnecessary for pursuing business," when she reminiscing of the past, a smile tugging at her lips. In those days, Dune, who possessed unmatched intelligence among children her age, often played alone with magic items. It was because the other children couldn't comprehend her brilliance. As she grew older, Dune made the choice to assist her family in their business endeavors rather than engaging in playful companionship, causing the distance between her and the other children to widen.
"Well, I will always support you, not just because it's my duty, but because it's truly how I feel," the maid declared, sincerity lacing her words. With determination, she start tidying up and cleaning Dune's bedroom, efficiently ensuring everything was in its proper place. Once her tasks were complete, she made her way to the nearby shower room nearby to refresh herself with a soothing bath.
Inside the dressing room, she encountered a group of young wives and other individuals from different families residing on the same 13th floor. Engaging in light conversation, they exchanged stories and laughter, forging connections that went beyond the confines of their respective roles. The maid found solace in these casual interactions, cherishing the sense of community and camaraderie that had blossomed within the large mobile floating fortress.
After luxuriating in a rejuvenating shower, the maid carefully dressed herself in her impeccable maid dress, embodying the essence of a dedicated and dutiful maid. With a smile adorning her face, she made her way to the grand dining room on the 15th floor. There, she joined a group of newfound acquaintances, sharing a late breakfast and engaging in spirited conversations that ranged from daily life to the wonders of the large mobile floating fortress.
As the maid finished her meal, bidding farewell to her friends at the dining table, she made her way to the entertainment area located on the same 15th floor. It was here that she had a part-time job, and as she passed by the large glass window of the game room, her footsteps instinctively halted, captivated by the scene within. Inside, a group of four young maids immersed themselves in a virtual game, their escorting the virtual VIP girl and fought and shot at hordes of virtual zombie-machine monsters with magic daggers and magic guns.
"Look at their incredible skills, aren't they amazing?" a young man standing nearby commented with a smile. "I agree, even though we are fellow maids, their expertise in VIP escorting, close combat, and shooting is truly praiseworthy," the maid responded with admiration. She had tried playing the game once before, and the level of realism and skill required for combat and shooting was daunting.
Shaking herself out of the trance induced by the mesmerizing game scene, the maid continued on her way, her footsteps echoing through the bustling corridors until she arrived at her part-time workplace—the luxurious bar. Stepping inside, she was enveloped by the harmonious melodies and the clinking of glasses, immersing herself in the sophisticated ambiance that emanated an air of elegance and relaxation. The bar, with its dimmed lighting and plush seating, served as a sanctuary for patrons seeking solace after long and arduous work shifts.
Taking her position as a waiter, the maid gracefully navigated the busy atmosphere, attending to the desires and needs of the diverse clientele. She approached each table with a warm smile, engaging in conversations that ranged from light-hearted banter to heartfelt discussions about life's triumphs and challenges. The exchange of stories and experiences opened windows into the lives of others, creating a tapestry of shared moments and connections.
At one table, a group of friends laughed and recounted their recent combat simulation training. The maid chimed in, sharing a humorous anecdote from her own life, eliciting smiles and adding an extra layer of mirth to their conversation. At another table, a couple celebrated a milestone, and the maid offered heartfelt congratulations, sparking a conversation about love and relationships. As she moved from table to table, the maid became a catalyst for connections, seamlessly weaving her way into the tapestry of the patrons' lives.
During a brief lull in the crowd, the maid found herself engrossed in conversation with a fellow colleague, another part-time worker who shared her dedication and enthusiasm. They exchanged stories of their experiences working at the outside of large mobile floating fortress, comparing notes on the challenges they had overcome and the joy they found in their shared responsibilities.
"You know, I never expected this part-time job to bring so much fulfillment," the colleague remarked, a smile playing on their lips. "Indeed," the maid replied, nodding in agreement. "The connections we've made here, the moments shared with the patrons—it's a truly special experience. It's like we're creating a microcosm of life within this large mobile floating fortress."
As the shift neared its end, the maid couldn't help but reflect on the connections she had formed since her arrival in this grand mobile floating fortress. "Truly, this place feels like a haven. It has brought such fulfillment to my life and has brought so many smiles to Ojou-sama's face." The memories of Dune, her master, and their shared journey through this large mobile floating fortress filled her heart with warmth and gratitude. The bonds she had forged with the diverse individuals she now considered friends had only deepened her appreciation for the unique tapestry of lives intertwining within this large mobile floating fortress.
With each passing day, the maid's gratitude swelled within her, nurtured by the realization that their arrival in this sanctuary had been a blessing. She couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of thankfulness toward Narumi, the one who had chosen Dune as his disciple, for the incredible opportunities that had unfurled before them. It was within the embrace of this haven that their lives had flourished, painting a vivid tapestry of camaraderie, growth, and shared experiences.