Olivien

A qualified maid must have a thorough understanding of every aspect of the master's life and work. Olivien is well-versed in the flavors, aromas, types, and brewing methods of every tea that might appear on the market. Whether it's the most common box-packaged cheap tea in Bonfire City or the expensive and hard-to-find original black tea from Mundus Garden, she can find the most suitable place for each.

Taking tea leaves is just like choosing a proper way to handle affairs. Waiting for the water on the stove to come to a boil is just like waiting for the perfect moment to act. Selecting tea set with delicate patterns, elegant shape and just the right capacity is just like taking up a fitting identity to step into an incident. Pouring the tea and sharing it with every guest at the tea party is just like maneuvering among all parties while witnessing the matter come to an end. Clearing away the aftermath of an afternoon tea, then bowing and taking leave, is just like withdrawing quietly after accomplishing her task. Such is the demeanor a proper mediator ought to possess — and also the very quality a maid should have.

In Olivien's view, being a qualified maid and being a qualified mediator are in truth one and the same.

Long after boarding the Eternal, during one late-night heart-to-heart between maid and master, Olivien spoke of her revered "mentor." She said this lady had forever changed her perspective on the world and life, gently melting her old obsession with hatred like spring rain nurturing all living things. Tranquil and elegant with a soft smile always playing on her lips now, Olivien bears no trace of the girl she once was — no one could imagine her youth was once entirely consumed by a thirst for revenge.

According to Olivien's own account, she lost her family at a young age in a cruel tragedy. Her mother did everything in her power to hide Olivien's existence, entrusting her to her closest friend from school days — the arch mage Helena. Learned and warm-natured, the mage taught her countless precious lessons: not only how to wield magic, but also how to conduct herself and interact with others.

One timeless magical philosophy left the deepest mark on Olivien. It teaches that to bind all things together is far more noble than to keep them apart, and that to give is worth more than to take. Olivien had once sworn she would never let go of her vengeance. Yet she found herself weeping for the little familiars she had summoned, who made their homes inside teapots and clocks. In them, she discovered something far more precious than chasing revenge.

Back then, the girl hiding behind the guise of a maid had no idea that one day, devoting herself to helping others and bridging two worlds would become her lifelong purpose.

"Ms. Katas, slacking off like this isn't proper, you know?"
"W-Wah?! O-Olivien! When did you get here?!"
"Please call me Head Maid while we are on duty, Ms. Katas."
"H-Head Maid..."

Grumbling in annoyance, the chestnut-haired Jumakenki sits up straight at the round table. Just like usual, she is sure the Head Maid has come to fix her posture and tidy up her appearance.

"...Still, since we're on break now, we can talk about private things. I was entrusted by my master aboard the Eternal to ask you if have you have anything troubling you lately."
"Huh?"
"The way you're fretting now reminds me of a few years ago, when you were stuck at home and could only occasionally read the comic books I brought over. You may no longer be my master, but I still keep those days in mind. Besides, as the Head Maid here, it's only right I look after the maids' physical and mental state."
"Y-You still remember that... I guess it hasn't been all that long. Ahem! It's nothing really! My family sent another letter. But I don't want to open it. It's definitely just another hassle urging me to go back. Even though they promised long ago they wouldn't send anyone to fetch me again... Come to think of it, does the Lord of Black Iron worry about me? What did the Lord of Black Iron say..."
"Are you scared?"

The Jumakenki falls quiet. The Head Maid also lapses into a short silence, then brews her a cup of tea from Mundus Garden.

"Please try to ease your mind a little. Whether as your Head Maid or your friend, I believe you are fully able to deal with your family affairs now. If you're worried about lacking help... Then allow me — Olivien, a professional maid and one of the Empire's mediators on the surface — to serve you with all my dedication."