Aliciel’s Journey: From Maid to Adventurer

As for the ranks above A, such as SS, SSS, and EX, they are no longer mere metal badges cast in alloy. Instead, they are specially crafted artifacts designed by professional magicians, embedded with multiple magical arrays. These badges do not merely symbolize the identity and honor of adventurers; they also serve as assistive tools in battle.

Aliciel had initially planned to simply pass the A-level exam, but unexpectedly, she achieved an S-level ranking. After receiving her badge, she discussed several precautions for being an adventurer with her maid and then took her leave.

She had planned to visit the Magic Institute, but the time was too late, so she decided to go there another time, perhaps bringing Ren Dao-zhen along, as he would likely be interested in the magical artifacts.

Upon returning home, Aliciel eagerly took a hot bath, as her maid outfit had been soiled after the intense battle. A perfect maid should be spotless, and she realized she needed to continue her training.

The steam rising from the bathroom enveloped the girl, obscuring her beautiful figure, with her pure white hair cascading into the water, clinging to her forehead. Her delicate arms emerged from the water, with hot water still flowing over her smooth, fair skin.

The scene was as beautiful as a lotus blooming in the water, captivating enough to astonish any man. Who could have imagined that this stunning girl had been a man just the day before?

“Today was quite eventful. On my first day of maid training, I encountered a time traveler,” Aliciel mused, summoning a light screen to write her diary, recording her experiences in the path of a maid.

Despite a few minor incidents, today’s training was perfect. Ren Dao-zhen’s words had given her a deeper understanding of the maid’s path, and it was worth the money she spent.

However, revealing her S-level adventurer identity is best avoided. In the eyes of the world, a maid and an S-level adventurer are clearly different, with the latter being more attractive.

Aliciel became an adventurer purely to make quick money, but her true calling is being a maid.

Although her sister officially disowned her, she did not seal her powers, likely hoping she could protect herself. Aliciel was deeply grateful for her sister’s intentions, but… why did she feel like something was missing?

This emptiness was not the confusion and loss felt when a goal is achieved and there is no new target. It was more like an obsessive feeling, as if a crucial piece was missing from a perfect puzzle. What exactly was missing?

****

The next morning,

“Chime—!”

“Welcome, oh?”

The early morning bell chimed at the café, and Aliciel reflexively greeted the customer, who turned out to be Ren Dao-zhen. He had changed from his green workout suit into attire more fitting for a local adventurer.

“Hey there!”

Ren Dao-zhen leaned against the doorway, sporting a self-assured grin as if he had taken great care in his appearance.

“Hey.”

“Hey? Wait, that’s all you have to say? Pay attention, I’m here as a customer, eager to enjoy a morning of sunrise and coffee with pastries, enjoying a leisurely morning. I even changed clothes for the occasion. Show some respect for a maid’s professionalism and call me ‘master’!”

Ren Dao-zhen slammed his hand on the table, speaking with a hint of irritation, surprising Aliciel with his sudden outburst. She felt a glimpse of the vulgarity of a nouveau riche, especially since the money he was spending was hers.

“I’m sorry, master, please forgive my oversight.”

Despite her thoughts, Aliciel’s professional instincts prompted her to bow in apology, offering a hot towel and lemon water on a tray.

“As compensation, our shop will offer a free pastry of your choice. Please accept my apology.”

“Wow, now that’s what I call a professional maid!”

Ren Dao-zhen couldn’t find fault with Aliciel’s graceful apology, so he waved his hand dismissively.

“Just kidding, don’t worry about it. We’re not short on a couple of pastries.” He flipped through the menu, then closed it. “Give me a cappuccino and a strawberry cake.”

“Of course, please wait a moment.”

Aliciel nodded, and soon the rich aroma of coffee and a hint of milk wafted through the room. The items were placed on Ren Dao-zhen’s table.

He sipped his tea, savoring the flavors that lingered on his lips, his face lighting up with delight.

“Mmm, excellent! The smooth milk and rich coffee blend perfectly, with a subtle hint of fruit, making it refreshing. Aliciel, this coffee is truly delicious.”

“Thank you for your praise, master. It seems you are quite the coffee connoisseur.”

“Well, I’m just an average coffee drinker, occasionally enjoying a cup (though it’s usually from a can or a cheap brand under ten bucks. How could a lazy otaku like me afford to go to a fancy café like Starbucks? Coffee is just for staying awake. If I wanted a drink, I’d rather go to a convenience store).”

Ren Dao-zhen rambled on, trying to mask his unease, but he seemed to have forgotten about Aliciel’s keen observation skills.

“Anyway, when are we going to the Adventurers’ Guild?”

“Aliciel mentioned waiting until the café closes in the evening before going. Please be patient, master, or you could explore the city. Derena, the capital of the Misha Kingdom, has many tourist spots. I can recommend some.”

“No, I prefer to wander freely, going wherever the mood takes me.”

“It’s clear you have a strong desire to become an adventurer.”

“I certainly do! In crossover novels, becoming an adventurer is almost a standard feature. I want to change my ordinary life, embark on exciting adventures, meet companions, and achieve great things. Isn’t that exciting?”

Ren Dao-zhen spoke passionately about his dreams, though he had been unmotivated for years, his inner passion for adventure was still alive.

“Maybe. For Aliciel, being a maid is equally exciting.”

“…”

“Is something wrong, master?”

“Ah, nothing. I just felt a bit awkward when our ideals don’t align, and we don’t have much to talk about.”

Ren Dao-zhen sighed softly, realizing that the unique characters in fiction can sometimes be difficult to understand or accept, even if they make sense. Encountering one in person can still be disconcerting.