The next morning.
Still lying in bed, Sol received a message from Zhu Yuan, letting him know that everything had been resolved.
He couldn't help but smile in relief. Something like yesterday—fun to play along with and ending well—could definitely happen a few more times.
Looking toward the window, he saw the sun already hanging high in the sky.
"Sigh, I'm really becoming lazy… sleeping until I wake up naturally every day. Man, I kinda miss those internship days of nine-nine-six."
Sol stretched, lifting Nekomata and Baal off his chest and setting them aside, yawning as he did so.
Those were such fulfilling days—endless work, long hours, and every month came the hard-earned paycheck that made it all feel worthwhile.
He almost wanted to go back and feel that fiery drive again.
Then he thought about it more carefully. If he actually had to go back to nine-nine-six… forget it.
After washing up, Sol casually pulled a card from his desk—a bright blue limited edition set.
A small surprise—at least it meant his luck today wasn't bad, even if the card itself didn't matter much to him.
"Master, there is a new message waiting for reply."
Artemis's voice sounded softly.
A shimmering blue light screen appeared before Sol, filled with rows of cute female avatars that almost made his eyes go blurry.
Raising a brow, Sol noticed a message that surprised him.
[Ellen: Have you finished your work lately? Want to resume your previous free maid service? Don't misunderstand—I'm not trying to slack off. I just don't want you to feel like you're losing out.]
A vision of a lazy, half-reclining shark girl flickered before Sol's eyes.
Back when he had taken down that special Ethereal codenamed Odin, he'd earned a reward from Victoria Housekeeping Co—a free maid service twice a week.
But since a few things had happened afterward, he had temporarily set that benefit aside.
After thinking for a moment, Sol replied to her.
[Sol: Then come over today. The room's still as clean as the last time you organized it, but if you just want to come by and rest a bit, I don't mind.]
[Ellen (instantly replying): I'm not trying to be lazy! I just don't want you to feel cheated, that's all.]
The girl lay sideways on her bed; her fair face faintly flushed as her tail lazily slapped against the mattress.
How could anyone think of her like that? Caring for a client's well-being was Victoria Housekeeping's first priority!
Even if there was also the minor reason of not wanting to find another client's lost property… that was just secondary.
[Sol: You're always so considerate, Ellen. Come on over. I'll let Von Lycaon know.]
[Ellen: Received! I'll be there soon!]
Ellen stretched her snowy white arms out from under the covers, waving them cheerfully.
A whole extra day of rest every week—it made her feel like she was secretly dozing off under the teacher's nose. So good!
Meanwhile, Sol messaged Von Lycaon, who quickly gave a positive response.
Von Lycaon had been a little surprised—it had been a week since he last heard from Sol, and he thought Sol had forgotten the arrangement.
But since the message came through, it seemed their partnership with Victoria Housekeeping Co. would continue smoothly.
Before long, Ellen arrived at Sol's apartment.
Dressed in her black-and-white maid uniform, she looked even more charming than before.
Nekomata gave her a cold glance, completely indifferent. Last time Ellen came over, Nekomata had tipped off Nicole, and after that chain of events… she had ended up as Sol's cuddle pillow—molded into his shape, no less.
Hmph!
The cat girl let out a tiny snort and turned to walk toward the next room.
She didn't care about that shark maid anymore—after all, she was a higher-class pet! Sol couldn't sleep without her at night!
…Wait. Thinking about that made her feel pathetic.
Tears welled up in Nekomata's eyes. Today was another day of working hard—she and Nicole had to go out and earn money to pay off Sol's debts.
Ellen looked at the retreating Nekomata with confusion but didn't dwell on it. Whatever. As long as the cat didn't bother her.
Sol welcomed Ellen inside with a grin. "So, what's this about? Messaging me so early in the morning?"
"Ugh." Ellen sighed. "It's almost time for the Housekeeping Association's evaluation day. Boss Lycaon told us to take on more commissions before then, so we've been working overtime every day. There's overtime pay, sure, but I'd rather get a proper break."
She was still a high schooler and had already learned the pain of a working adult's schedule.
School during the day, maid work after classes—she hadn't had a real rest in days.
Coming to Sol's place to maintain Victoria Housekeeping's key partnership technically counted as work, so she wasn't slacking.
Still, she felt a little guilty—with the maids rotating between three shifts, she'd basically stolen Corin and Rina's turns.
"Sounds like you've been through a lot."
Sol nodded, feeling a bit sympathetic. He'd been there before.
"Right?" Ellen nodded in agreement, then straightened up and said, "Anyway, whatever needs doing, just tell me. I'll get it done quickly and perfectly."
Then I can finally relax for a whole day.
"Doesn't seem like there's anything to do."
Sol glanced around the room—clean, bright, perfectly tidy.
It was still in the same pristine condition Ellen had left it last time, with Nekomata maintaining it regularly ever since.
"Looks like you're right," Ellen said, scanning the spotless room and nodding.
It was still exactly how she'd arranged it. Clearly, Sol had been quite satisfied with her work.
Though now, she found herself a little frustrated—she'd done too good of a job.
"But if I came here, I should at least do something," Ellen said, sounding conflicted. "Otherwise, when Boss Lycaon asks, I won't know what to tell him."
"I've got an idea," Sol said with a sly smile. "Just tell him you were providing emotional support. That should count as service, right?"
"And… what exactly do I have to do for that?" Ellen asked curiously.
"Same as last time," Sol replied, smiling lightly. "Give me a quick shoulder massage, then take a nap here to relax. Afterward, you can go hang out with Ruby, Lynn, and the others in the afternoon."
"That doesn't sound right…"
Ellen hesitated, though she seemed tempted.
Sure, she'd get to relax, but wouldn't that mean Sol was wasting one of his maid service days for nothing?
"We're all friends here," Sol said with a soft laugh. "No need to worry. But if you really feel bad about it… then just let me touch your tail again."
"That's… not impossible," Ellen murmured, cheeks flushing as she nodded slightly.
After all, he'd already touched it once before. Doing it again wouldn't make much difference.
Probably.