Ep 19. Footmen Through a Change of Pairs

Misaki, the student council president and the most hard-working maid at Maid Latte Cafe, faces another obstacle in the form of an upcoming footman auditions. She is to choose a new footman out of the 20 candidates, but the task is easier said than done. Each of the candidates brings something unique to the table; some are skilled, some are athletic, some are charming, while others are downright clumsy.

Misaki is determined to select a suitable footman who can cater to the needs of their customers. However, she faces a tough challenge when Takumi Usui, the kendo club captain and her secret crush, turns up as one of the contestants. Being Misaki's loyal customer, Takumi is already familiar with everything that goes on at the cafe and seems to have an edge over the other candidates.

Misaki is dumbfounded by Takumi's sudden appearance at the auditions, but she cannot let her emotions get the better of her. She tries her best to remain impartial, but Takumi's perfectionist attitude and charm make it difficult for Misaki to make a fair decision. However, Misaki knows that she must select the most qualified candidate, regardless of her feelings.

As the auditions progress, tensions rise among the footmen as they try to outdo each other to impress Misaki and secure the coveted position. Some go as far as cheating, while others simply cannot keep up with the competition. Misaki is more determined than ever to find the perfect candidate who can work alongside her and the other maids to provide excellent service to their customers.

Amidst the commotion, Misaki and Takumi share some memorable moments that highlight their growing feelings for each other. Although Takumi's participation in the auditions complicates things for Misaki, it also gives her an opportunity to get closer to the person she admires.

In the end, Misaki is forced to make a tough decision and select only one candidate. The footman who proves himself to be the most capable is chosen, and Misaki hopes that he will live up to the expectations of the cafe's customers. She also hopes that she can find a way to reconcile her feelings for Takumi with her duty as a student council president and a maid.

Footmen Through a Change of Pairs is an entertaining episode that showcases Misaki's determination to do her job and Takumi's unwavering support for her. The footman auditions provide a platform for the other characters to shine and add some much-needed humor to the series. The episode also sets the tone for future episodes by hinting at the romantic tension between Misaki and Takumi. Overall, this episode is a must-watch for fans of Maid-sama.