That said, Ellen still didn't go too hard on him. She simply led Phaga to his own room, which was right next door to hers.
Then she snatched the key from Phaga's hand, unlocked the door, flicked on the light, and tossed the key back to him.
Warm, gentle light instantly filled the sixty-square-meter room, shutting out all the noise from the outside world. Every piece of furniture was draped in white covers, quietly waiting.
Waiting for the day an unseen master would arrive—someone who would gently tear away those covers, rescue them from the stifling darkness, and bring them into the light.
Leaning against the doorframe, Ellen said coldly, "This is your room. I'll grab a blanket and quilt from Lycaon in a bit. Make do for now."
Phaga nodded silently.
But it wasn't really "making do." The room was fully furnished, everything one could need was there. The bedding was lacking, yes, but it couldn't be called shabby.
Suddenly, Phaga crouched down, swiped a finger across the floor, rubbed it between his fingers, and muttered in surprise, "Not a speck of dust."
"Hmph!"
Ellen closed her eyes and let out a nasal snort, a faint trace of pride crossing her cold face. "Of course. We may have some side ventures, but at our core, we're a housekeeping company!"
"So when the Qingyi Officer asked if [Victoria Housekeeping] was really a housekeeping company, you lied?"
Phaga turned back with a half-smile, his eyes carrying a teasing glint. "Side businesses, huh? I'd bet most of what you do is side business."
"Your combat ability, I'll admit, is impressive. But in other areas..."
Bang!
Ellen, embarrassed and furious, threw a punch without a second thought.
This guy—he was just too infuriating!
Back when they were classmates, he could go three days without saying two words.
But now, after getting just a little closer, he had the guts to tease her like this?
A loner? No way. He was clearly a chatterbox in disguise!
If he dared act like this now, what would he be like after they'd worked together a few more times? Unacceptable!
She had to set the rules straight right now.
Newcomers should respect their Seniors!
Smack!
Phaga's hand shot up, catching Ellen's fist.
Ellen struggled, but couldn't break free. His grip was like an iron clamp. In raw strength, she was nowhere near his level.
Worse yet, with her current stance, she couldn't even use her tail—the strongest part of her body.
Ellen narrowed her eyes, pretending to think. After a moment, she put on an angry face. "Let go of me!"
Phaga shrugged helplessly. "If I let go, you'll just hit me again."
"Pfft. Just let go. I won't hit you."
"Really?"
"I don't lie."
"But you just lied to the Qingyi Officer from the Public Security Bureau... Oh, I get it. You call that 'selectively telling the truth.' So... are you about to swing your tail at me next?"
Ellen: "..."
Damn it! Why is this guy so sharp!
Buzz—
Buzz—
Ellen's phone suddenly vibrated. She grabbed it, glanced at the screen, and switched to speaker.
"Hello?"
"Ellen, have Phaga come down for dinner. And remember to maintain the proper etiquette of Victoria Housekeeping."
Lycaon's deep voice came through.
"Got it."
Ellen hung up right away, her expression going cold again. She struggled to break free from Phaga's grip.
To her surprise, Phaga released her cleanly this time. Ellen, who had been pulling with too much force, nearly lost her balance.
"Hmph!"
But with her battle experience, she quickly steadied herself with her tail and walked off without falling.
"Hey, Ellen. How about helping me move tomorrow?"
Phaga followed her, casually tossing his coat into the room.
Ellen spun around, anger still boiling. She was about to refuse—but her eyes caught on the white T-shirt under Phaga's dark coat.
The edge of the right sleeve was faintly stained with crimson.
That was from the Dead End Butcher's punch!
With Phaga's reflexes, he shouldn't have taken a hit like that. But back then, Ellen had been so exhausted she could barely stand.
Without meaning to, Ellen swallowed back her rejection, crossed her arms, and snorted, "Fine."
Then she stormed off without giving him a chance to say anything else.
Phaga only shrugged and silently made his way down to the first-floor dining hall.
A round table was covered with dishes, a feast of variety and fragrance, enough to make his mouth water.
But Phaga restrained himself, forcing a calm demeanor as he sat down and waited for Lycaon and Rina, the clear heads of the household, to speak.
Lycaon watched carefully. Rina smiled faintly. After exchanging glances, they both gave a subtle nod.
Calm in all circumstances, maintaining restraint.
That was the most important quality for members of Victoria Housekeeping.
In contrast...
Lycaon and Rina turned their heads.
Ellen was already skillfully using her chopsticks, grabbing a piece of meat and popping it into her mouth without hesitation.
Lycaon sighed. Rina covered her mouth with a soft giggle and whispered, "Looks like Phaga will be able to take on more commissions than Ellen in the future."
Ellen instantly looked up, confused. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"It's nothing. Ellen has her own charming ways. She doesn't need to change."
Rina shook her head slightly, then brightened. "Since Corin is still out on a commission, Phaga's welcome banquet will have to wait."
"I've already discussed it with Mr. Lycaon. He'll host this one. When Corin returns, we'll combine her homecoming feast with Phaga's welcome banquet."
"Then Phaga will get to enjoy a feast personally prepared by me—Head Maid Rina."
"Ahem!"
For some reason, Lycaon coughed twice, cutting her off. His tone carried a mischievous edge.
"Alright, Rina. Let's leave future plans for later. The kids just got back from the Hollow and they're tired. Let's eat."
Ellen raised an eyebrow. "Don't be like that. I was looking forward to Rina's cooking."
"Ellen. Quiet."
"Oh."
...
After dinner, everyone got up to leave.
Phaga offered to help wash the dishes, but Rina gently refused, smiling as she ushered him out of the kitchen.
"You just came back from the Hollow. Get some rest. Or maybe help Ellen catch up on her studies—that wouldn't be a bad idea either.. I saw her report card. Straight B's across the board—balanced, but nothing outstanding."
Before long, Phaga was half-pushed, half-pulled back into Ellen's room.
Ellen sat with one leg up, chewing on a lollipop. Her shark-tail nightcap swayed lazily as she asked, "What are you doing here?"
"Rina told me to tutor you."
"You're good at school?"
"Perfect scores in everything except English."
"Tsk! Why not English too?"
"Even if the original author came back from the grave to take the exam, the teacher would still dock him a couple of points on interpretation."