Though he really wanted to say "Consorts, be seated!", the sliver of courtesy he still possessed made Sol abandon the idea.
He coughed lightly. "Everyone, please sit. You're the hosts tonight—it feels a bit awkward if I'm the only one seated."
"You are Victoria Housekeeping's most distinguished guest tonight. We must offer you the utmost service." Lycaon bowed gracefully, voice gentle.
He thought it might be a good chance to let Sol experience their true professional service, and perhaps win some favor.
This was their final goal after all—to draw Sol closer.
"So, what you're saying is… I'm your master right now?" Sol's eyes lit up, courtesy hanging by a thread. "Meaning—I can do whatever I want?!"
In a flash of inspiration, several schemes rushed into his mind, each more delightful than the last.
Like having Ellen step on his back in black stockings.
Having Corin cosplay Huo-Huo, brewing potions like a sugar witch.
Or Rina the head maid transformed into a dominatrix queen.
Hell, even force Lycaon to perform the Magical Girl Transformation dance.
A wolf-man performing a magical girl routine? That, he absolutely had to see.
Tsk, tsk… too thrilling.
"…"
Lycaon froze at Sol's smile, a chill creeping up his back.
Never had he seen such a complicated expression—it was almost demonic.
Rina and Ellen shivered involuntarily, while Corin was already trembling in fear.
The thought of letting Sol "experience the ultimate Victoria service" evaporated instantly. Lycaon snapped back to his senses.
"Master, we shall do our utmost to fulfill your requests… but I hope they remain… reasonable."
"Well, fine then." Sol looked disappointed. "In that case, please just sit down. Let's talk properly."
What a pity. Those glorious ideas had to be shelved for now.
Still, time was on his side. He'd arrange them eventually.
"As you wish."
Lycaon motioned for Rina, Ellen, and the others to sit, their posture much more restrained.
Then he turned to Sol, sincere. "Mr. Mercer, we're deeply grateful for your intervention today. You resolved a major problem for Victoria Housekeeping."
"No need to thank me—you paid for it." Sol shook his head, smiling. "Though, that Ethereal wasn't simple. Why were you involved with it?"
"Forgive us, we don't know much ourselves—only that it may have ties to the Fall of the Old Capital." Lycaon's tone grew apologetic. "We were commissioned by our master to hire you, both to eliminate the threat and… to witness your strength."
"If this caused offense, please accept our apologies."
He had laid out the truth, though phrased delicately. Some things simply shouldn't be spelled out too plainly.
"At least you're honest."
Sol nodded.
"This is one-point-two billion Dennies in commission fees. Please accept it." Lycaon placed a card on the table with solemn care. "You can withdraw it at any bank. No password required."
"…One-point-two? Didn't we agree on a crisp one?"
Sol didn't reach for the card, frowning.
An extra two billion wasn't something he'd extorted—so why?
"This is Victoria Housekeeping's gesture of sincerity. We regret certain… omissions." Lycaon's voice was steady, genuine.
Since Sol was clearly not allied with that side, they owed him compensation for their test.
True partnership required real sincerity. Tricks might work in the short term, but once revealed, they left unhealable cracks.
"I can feel the sincerity—and I like it."
Sol finally took the card, pocketing it with ease.
He admired that kind of straightforwardness—an extra two billion as apology.
As for the little probing? He didn't mind. His power would come to light eventually. Near invincible as he already was, he had no need to hide.
Besides—he has his system with him. Today's peak wasn't tomorrow's.
The only annoyance of being tested faded away under Lycaon's earnest words and hefty gesture.
One-point-two billion Dennies meant another big round of gacha pulls.
But to be honest though… another streak of one-hundred-pulls were messy. There was too much junk, that it was hard to sort through.
A dozen purple weapons, a skill list longer than a parchment scroll—he didn't even know which to use.
Troublesome!
Still, better too much than too little. Stockpiling was smart—the endless years ahead would surely demand it all eventually.
Meanwhile, Lycaon was also lost in his own thoughts.
Their plan to win Sol over had made little progress. He needed to push harder.
But clearly, Sol preferred directness. Roundabout persuasion was just asking for trouble.
After deliberation, he looked Sol in the eye. "Mr. Mercer, may I ask… what do you think of Victoria Housekeeping?"
"A capable agency team," Sol answered without hesitation. "And as clients, among the best I've dealt with."
"Then it seems your impression of us is favorable." Lycaon exhaled in relief, smiling. "Would you consider entering a long-term partnership with us?"
"You mean, hire me again in the future?" Sol arched a brow, smiling. "As long as you can pay, I don't mind keeping active. Victoria Housekeeping is a worthy partner."
"Your praise honors us! You'll be Victoria Housekeeping's most distinguished partner."
Lycaon was overjoyed.
Hiring someone of Sol's caliber wasn't about money alone—it required bonds.
And with repeated commissions, rapport would build naturally.
Especially since Ellen was already his friend—that was another link in their favor.
"Well then…" Sol leaned back, grinning. "As your most distinguished partner, do I get a discount when I hire Victoria Housekeeping?"
Lycaon chuckled, playing along. "Half-price. And every two days, you receive one day of single-person service—completely free."
Sol blinked—then broke into laughter. "Now that's what I call half-price."