Chapter 42

    In this world, treasures generally fall into two categories.

    The first includes those deemed valuable only within certain groups.

    For instance, religious relics, national treasures, or prized possessions of famous individuals.

    In truth, most treasures fall into this category.

    After all, the value of an object depends on the perspective of those who behold it.

    For example, a primitive tribe might prize an elephant’s ivory above all else, but to a materialistic city dweller, it might appear as nothing more than filthy trash.

    However, exceptions always exist.

    Sometimes, there are treasures valued by almost everyone.

    Such treasures might include gold and jewels worth enough to sustain three generations, an elixir of eternal youth that guarantees 100 years of perfect health with a single sip, or artifacts that allow one to glimpse the future.

    These treasures are so undeniably valuable that hiding them is nearly impossible, and the pursuit of such treasures often justifies bloodshed.

    This is another kind of treasure.

    Alice had a sudden thought.

    Perhaps Yuria herself was one of these treasures.

    ‘How can someone’s face... be this perfect?’

    Her slightly upturned eyes, her delicate nose and lips that stood out without being overbearing, and the sharp, elegant line of her jaw leading naturally to her slender neck—all of it harmonized flawlessly.

    Even though she was wearing nothing but that ridiculous cat onesie, the mildly drowsy, aloof expression in her half-lidded eyes evoked images of an angel or fairy descending from the heavens.

    And it wasn’t just her face that stood out unnaturally.

    Her proportions, from her head to her body, were balanced perfectly. Even her silver hair, which wasn’t styled or groomed but fell naturally, seemed to complete her composition seamlessly.

    Like the masterpiece of a legendary doll-maker who poured a lifetime of effort into creating their ultimate work, Yuria embodied the very essence of an ideal, flawless beauty.

    ‘So... that’s why she wore the mask.’

    Alice couldn’t help but feel captivated by Yuria’s almost violently mesmerizing charm, her heart stolen as though seized by an invisible hand.

    Slap!

    “...?”

    Abruptly, Alice turned away and smacked her own cheeks hard enough to leave them stinging, snapping herself back to reality.

    There was only one reason why Yuria, who had never once removed her mask, would show her face so openly now.

    It was because she trusted Alice, believing it was safe to reveal her face to her.

    And to betray that trust?

    That would be no different from betraying Yuria herself.

    Sure, she wanted to approach Yuria right now, slip her arms under Yuria’s and hug her tightly from behind, their bodies pressed together.

    Or rub her cheek against the crown of Yuria’s head, take a deep whiff, and tease her until that cool, indifferent expression crumbled into a pout.

    Or gently nibble her ears and tickle her until she squirmed.

    But no. She couldn’t act on such urges.

    Here and now, Alice had to behave as if nothing had changed, treating Yuria as she always had.

    Thinking of the hardships Yuria must have faced because of her stunning beauty, Alice’s sense of duty as an adult overpowered her desires.

    ‘I need to protect Yuria. Be a responsible adult, Alice!’

    Let it be clear: Alice wasn’t romantically or sexually attracted to Yuria.

    Rather, she was like a devoted cat lover seeing the ultimate adorable kitten for the first time, utterly bewitched by Yuria’s overwhelming charm.

    Of course, if Alice’s limits were to snap in front of an unsuspecting Yuria...

    What might happen then was anyone’s guess.

    “Well, uh, shall we... go to bed?”

    “...!”

    Alice’s voice cracked slightly as she awkwardly guided Yuria toward her bedroom.

    Alice sat up sluggishly, rubbing her face as if wiping away invisible weariness.

    Oh, right. I stayed at Alice’s place last night. That’s why I wasn’t cold.

    Stretching my arms overhead with a big yawn, I reflected on how I felt.

    It’s been a while since I’ve slept this well. Guess people really do need a warm place to sleep.

    Back at my base, sleeping in a sleeping bag meant waking up with a freezing nose and aches all over.

    But after sleeping here at Alice’s, I woke up feeling refreshed, my body full of energy.

    So this is why having a proper home and bed is important.

    I couldn’t help but feel a renewed appreciation for them.

    “Yuria, if you’re still sleepy, feel free to go back to bed. I’ll wake you up later.”

    “....”

    No need.

    I wasn’t the type to sleep a lot, anyway.

    Nodding at Alice’s suggestion, I followed her lead as she got out of bed and headed to the living room.

    Time to freshen up, change into my uniform at Greg’s shop, and head to work.

    Mentally mapping out my schedule, I accepted a slice of toast from Alice and devoured it to satisfy my grumbling stomach.

    When Alice asked if we should shower together again, I politely declined.

    After taking a quick shower on my own, I put my mask back on and bundled up in my coat.

    Sure, walking around in cat onesie pajamas was embarrassing, but if I wrapped myself up tightly in the coat, no one would notice.

    Perhaps it was the return of the mask that calmed Alice, who now seemed far more composed than the night before. Tilting her head, she asked:

    “Yuria, are you leaving already? Why not go together?”

    “....”

    I need to change my clothes.

    Pointing to the cat onesie I was still wearing, I watched as Alice’s expression shifted.

    She seemed to realize for the first time that I hadn’t been wearing my maid uniform last night and scratched her cheek awkwardly.

    Still, I was grateful to her for letting me stay the night.

    To show my thanks, I walked over and hugged her tightly.

    As someone who couldn’t speak, this was the best way I could express my gratitude.

    Alice hugged me back and opened her mouth as if to say something but stopped, her expression turning pensive.

    Whatever she was thinking, it didn’t seem like something I needed to worry about.

    And so, we parted ways with only a brief goodbye.

    Since we’d see each other at the office later, there was no need for anything elaborate.

    I’ll have to put in some effort to find a new place right after work. I can’t keep relying on Alice’s kindness.

    Stepping out of Alice’s apartment into the cold morning air, I made a firm resolve.

    Afterward, everything went smoothly.

    I arrived at Greg’s general store, used my key to unlock the door, and changed into my maid uniform.

    After giving the store a quick cleaning, I headed straight to the office without getting sidetracked.

    “Yuria, can I talk to you for a moment...?”

    “...?”

    The moment I arrived at the office, Alice pulled me aside into the hallway.

    “Do you... want to stay at the office if you don’t have anywhere else to go?”

    Out of the blue, I found myself faced with this unexpected and troubling suggestion.

    Why would I stay here?