I had never experienced humiliation on this level before.
The frilly pink maid outfit clung to me like it was tailored by the Devil himself. The skirt? Too short. The stockings? Too tight. And the ridiculous cat ears? They jingled every time I moved.
But none of it—none of it—was as soul-destroying as the giant silver bell strapped around my neck like some kind of cursed anime accessory.
Ding!
The Shadow Queen clapped her hands in delight from the couch.
"Marvelous! Absolutely splendid! Liam, you truly have the spirit of a loyal servant!"
"Kill me now…" I muttered under my breath, trying desperately to tug the skirt lower. Spoiler: it wasn't working.
She sipped her bubble tea with the smug satisfaction of a warlord who'd just conquered an empire without lifting a finger.
"Now, my dear Royal Assistant, it's time to fulfill your duties."
I froze. "What… duties?"
She leaned forward, resting her chin in her palm, her crimson eyes sparkling with pure mischief.
"I have scheduled an important royal tea ceremony… and you, my devoted maid, will host it."
"Tea ceremony?" I blinked. "Here? In this dump?"
She stood gracefully, waving her hand. Shadows twisted and reformed across the room, transforming my sad, tiny apartment into what looked like a grand Victorian tea hall—complete with velvet curtains, golden teapots, and a table set for…
"Wait… why are there six extra chairs? Who's coming?!"
Before she could answer, the doorbell rang.
DING DONG.
Oh no. No, no, no.
"Don't tell me you actually invited people—"
She gave me that devastating smile again.
"Of course. What's a tea ceremony without honored guests?"
My knees went weak. "Who… exactly… are these guests?"
"Just a few local dignitaries from the Shadow Realm." She casually examined her nails. "Nothing to worry about. They're only mildly dangerous."
"MILDLY?!"
DING DONG.
Another ring. Then a second. And a third.
"Caretaker!" she called sweetly. "Your guests await. Do greet them properly, won't you?"
I stared at the door like it was the entrance to my impending doom.
Still in the pink maid outfit.
Still jingling with every reluctant step.
And somewhere deep down, I knew…
This was only the beginning of my suffering.
To be continued…