Two hours later… The movie ended.
Ellen stretched comfortably, her mood thoroughly improved.
"This [Treasure-Hunting Proxies] really was fun." A smile lingered on Ellen's lips. "Though completely different from the ones I've partnered with before, the characters were far more likable than those guys."
"Looks like our tastes aren't too far apart." Sol smiled. "Anything else you feel like doing?"
"Not really. Being able to relax on a Saturday is already more than enough." Ellen shook her head, sounding a little helpless.
"You don't get Saturdays and Sundays off?" Sol asked with some surprise. "At the Cunning Hares, we always have weekends free. Sometimes even weekdays. Very flexible schedules."
Though Nicole looked stingy, she was generous with employee benefits.
Salaries paid early, plenty of vacation time, full insurance coverage. Other than the company itself being unstable, there weren't any real downsides.
Back on his old Earth, Sol would have worked for such a boss until retirement—even without "conquering" Nicole here.
Ellen gave him a glance, then explained, "Victoria Housekeeping Co. is busier than the Cunning Hares. We don't usually stop even on weekends."
In plain terms, Victoria Housekeeping had an excellent reputation and high ratings—there was no shortage of commissions to choose from.
The Cunning Hares, on the other hand, had often been mocked as Victoria Housekeeping's opposite on the forums—before Sol joined, anyway.
That's why Victoria Housekeeping's weekends were always packed.
Days like this, where she could tidy up Sol's place then relax with a movie, were extremely rare.
But honestly, if Victoria Housekeeping ever became as slack as the Cunning Hares… she might not want that either.
It was efficient, yes, but without Sol, she might be forced to start skipping meals.
"I see. Got it."
Sol nodded knowingly, though his expression was a little speechless.
Apparently, the Cunning Hares' reputation was spread across all of New Eridu.
Thinking a moment, Sol said to Ellen, "Everything's done here for today. Don't you want to go home and rest?"
"Wouldn't that be improper?" Ellen hesitated. "I came here to work. To relax this much already… if I went home too…"
Of course, she did want to go home. With half the day left, she could meet up with Ruby and the others, then have a long, sweet sleep at night.
But wouldn't that be too much?
After all, Boss Von Lycaon had told her to work overtime. He was probably still working now. Sneaking off like this… it felt both thrilling and a little sinful.
"It's fine. Today, you're my free maid." Sol tilted his head with a roguish grin, his tone exaggerated like a domineering CEO. "Woman, don't refuse my kindness. Don't defy my orders."
For a split second, Ellen swore she saw his eyes flashing—three parts violet wickedness, three parts golden-red amusement, and three parts concern swirling in his black pupils like a pie chart.
She couldn't help but smile.
How could he be this ridiculous? Using lightning and flame to fake purple and red light—it was too much!
"Fine then. I'll obey my master's order and head home."
Seeing Sol in this state, Ellen hesitated but accepted his kindness.
"Then see you next week."
Sol smiled.
"See you." Ellen stood, speaking softly. "Thank you."
"No need to thank me. We're friends."
Sol rose to walk her out.
With a flip of his hand, a lollipop appeared. A flick of his fingers peeled away the wrapper cleanly.
Before Ellen could react, he had popped it into her mouth.
"..."
The strawberry sweetness filled her tongue, leaving her no time to even be shocked at Sol's hand speed.
"Enjoy yourself with Ruby and the others," Sol waved cheerfully, "or go home and get some beauty sleep."
"Goodbye. You too."
Ellen replied softly, then turned with a radiant smile and left.
So, this is what friendship is?
She hadn't said a word, yet Sol had understood her thoughts perfectly.
Savoring the tart-sweet strawberry candy, Ellen's steps grew lighter.
Sol really is such a thoughtful friend, she mused.
"Sol, you really are a terrible scoundrel."
Baal, watching Sol, muttered in open disdain.
She knew it would earn her payback, but she simply couldn't hold it in!
As Sol watched Ellen leave, he turned back, pinched Baal's little face, and growled, "What kind of way is that to speak to your master? You should be my wingman, giving me assists. But what do you actually do? Snack, gossip, and act like a pillow! Completely useless!"
Baal pouted, letting Sol squish her face without protest. She knew better than to react—give this man entertainment, and he'd only press further.
After a while, Sol lost interest and let her go.
Sitting back on the sofa, he thought he could still catch a faint trace of Ellen's fragrance in the air.
It wasn't that he didn't want her to stay longer and maybe take things further. But after everything that had happened today, now wasn't the right time.
And like he'd told her earlier, his need for a maid wasn't that high—more for the view than for the chores.
Normally, he'd have loved to spend more time with Ellen, maybe play some games after the movie.
But today wasn't a time for gaming. Today was a time for dealing with Nekomata.
Sol hadn't forgotten that it was this little cat who had tattled, letting Nicole spring a surprise inspection and delaying his "Brother Sol Achievement" by quite a bit.
Sure, these kinds of messy entanglements were bound to happen sooner or later, and today's mishap had been partly his own carelessness.
And to be fair, Nicole probably thought of Nekomata as a loyal, righteous ally.
But as everyone knew, Sol wasn't the kind to let things go easily.
So, little kitty—ready to face the wrath of thunder?
Sol narrowed his eyes like a cold hunter awaiting his prey.
His lips curved into a mischievous grin, his voice carrying a wicked promise: "Nekomata… tonight, when you come back to bed, you'll learn who the real master of this house is."
Now wasn't the time, of course. That cat was still hiding at the Cunning Hares' office, clinging to Nicole and Anby to avoid him.
"So, there'll be more fun tonight?"
Baal blinked, feeling a little awed.
Today had already been a rollercoaster, one thing after another.
She had stuffed herself with drama, thinking Sol had already peaked for the day. But apparently, there was still an evening show lined up.
After thousands of years weighed down by erosion, she only felt depressed and pained. Now, with her Bangboo body free of erosion, she had grown far livelier.
In fact, she was becoming more like that fox priestess—always chasing after chaos for entertainment.
Of course, her favorite sight was still Sol suffering. Her second favorite was watching others suffer at Sol's hands.
No other reason—her master was just too much of a scoundrel. Even as his Bangboo pillow, she could hardly stand it anymore.