Sol looked at Ellen's flushed and indignant face, the corners of his mouth curving upward as he spoke easily. "Alright, I'll stop teasing you. Actually, I'm heading out soon, so I wanted to make my feelings clear before some other scumbag tries to snatch you away."
"Though I trust your taste—no one but me could ever catch your eye—I still have to tell you that I like you."
Not saying what you feel is foolish; silence only gives yellow-haired punks the chance to strike.
Ellen wasn't the type to be easily swayed, but Sol figured he should still leave a mark. Maybe next time he came back, there would be progress.
"Other scumbags? So, you're admitting you're one yourself?"
Ellen rolled her eyes, utterly at a loss for words.
"People should be open about who they are," Sol said, stretching lazily. "I heard sincerity is supposed to be the ultimate move. I thought you'd throw yourself into my arms after hearing that. Guess that saying's fake—it doesn't work on this scumbag."
"Doesn't Nicole get mad when you act like this?"
Ellen couldn't help asking.
She still remembered how jealous Nicole had been the last time she'd come over.
"I've already cured that."
Sol's lips curled into a mysterious smile as he recalled his [Unshakable Vajra]'s Kidney.
He'd given Nicole both a professional goal to pursue and complete satisfaction physically.
These days, she was so busy with both that she didn't have time to get jealous.
"Do whatever you want. Either way, I won't fall for a scumbag."
Ellen huffed confidently.
Sure, her relationship with Sol might have crossed the line of friendship a little—but at most, he was just a male best friend.
If he wanted her to fall for him, it was way too early.
"Is that so?"
Sol tilted her chin upward, a teasing glint in his eyes. "I don't believe you."
If she really didn't feel anything, she'd probably be reaching for a pair of scissors right about now.
"You're not seriously thinking of kissing me, are you? I'm warning you—my teeth are sharp!"
Ellen straightened up defensively, locking eyes with Sol's deep, bright black pupils.
But inside, her heart fluttered uncontrollably. She didn't want to imagine what it would feel like if he did kiss her—soft lips, damp warmth, and that strange racing heartbeat…
Suddenly, her body felt hot, and the silky fabric of her maid uniform seemed to sting against her skin.
Damn it, I shouldn't even be thinking about that.
"I won't. If I wanted to kiss you, you wouldn't even have time to react."
Sol glanced at her rosy lips and chuckled.
"Don't even think about it!"
Ellen's fangs lightly scraped together as she glared at him.
If he wasn't going to do it, why stare so long? Was teasing her really that much fun?
"Then I'll save it for when I get back from my trip."
Sol said it lightly, as if talking about the weather.
"You're really going on a trip? To the Outer Ring?"
Ellen asked in confusion.
"No, much farther than that."
Sol shook his head, smiling. "It's a vast and spectacular world. I can't wait to see it. I'll probably be gone for a month… maybe longer."
Life in New Eridu was comfortable, sure—but sometimes you needed a little thrill.
"That sounds really far."
Ellen blinked, still not quite understanding.
In her world, New Eridu was the world. There was nothing beyond it—at least, nothing she could imagine being grand enough for Sol to describe as "spectacular."
Still, the thought of not seeing him for over a month left her oddly empty.
If he weren't such a scumbag, she thought, we'd probably make great friends.
"It's getting late, and I've hugged your tail long enough." Sol glanced at the time, releasing her tail with a smile. "That's it for today's work. Go hang out with Ruby, Lynn, and Monna. While you're still young, you should focus on being happy."
"…"
Ellen didn't know what to say.
Just a moment ago, he'd been a flirtatious scumbag—now he suddenly sounded like a doting father.
She looked at him hesitantly. "Then… I'm going. Don't regret it later—you won't get to touch my tail for a whole month. Are you sure you don't want to hold it a little longer?"
She didn't even know why she said that.
Maybe when you know you won't see someone for a while, you can't help but soften up a bit.
"No need. When I'm back, I'll hold it all I want."
Sol got up and walked her to the door.
"Hmph. When you come back, I might not let you."
Ellen huffed, trying to sound cool.
"Your tail, your rules."
Sol only smiled. The things he liked, he always found a way to get.
"Then… goodbye."
Ellen gave him a small wave.
"Wait—not yet."
Before she could react, Sol pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips against hers.
He pried her lips open gently, then deepened the kiss.
"Mmph!"
Ellen froze, eyes wide in shock as she stared at him.
It happened so fast—too fast for her to react.
Her whole body seemed to melt into his embrace, his breath brushing against her cheek as their mouths stayed locked together.
Her body first tensed, then went soft, unable to withstand the veteran's assault. She could only surrender helplessly to the rush of heat and instinct.
Kissing wasn't anything extraordinary in theory; physically, it wasn't so different from holding hands.
But in practice, the feeling was worlds apart.
The difference lay in what the body released—those raw, chemical urges born of primal desire.
After what felt like an eternity, Sol finally released her sweet, fragrant lips. Thanks to the high-quality lollipop she'd just eaten, they really were sweet and fragrant.
"I told you—if I wanted to kiss you, you wouldn't have time to react."
Sol steadied her shoulders, a hint of pride in his tone.
"That's because you used force!"
Ellen's cheeks were burning red as she struggled to save face, blaming the whole thing on his overwhelming strength.
Yes, that had to be it—he'd used his power, so she couldn't fight back.
Everything was his fault.
"Maybe at the start," Sol said with a small laugh, "but after that… who knows?"
He didn't bother to expose her excuse.
Apart from the first instant of his sneak attack, he hadn't used any strength at all afterward.
If anything, Ellen's natural power should've been enough to throw off several grown men.
"…"
Ellen's gaze darted away, unsure of what to do or say.
"Well then," Sol said, smiling, "I'll take that as your farewell gift. I'll tell Lycaon that from now on, each maid can come here every other day to help tidy up. Think of it as your rotation day off."
"Each maid?"
Ellen's sharp ears caught it immediately, her small fangs grinding together.
He'd just kissed her, and already he was thinking about Rina and Corin again?!
"Lycaon's helping me check Belobog Heavy Industries' construction schedule, you know that. And honestly," Sol said, patting her head, "I don't really like having men clean my house."
"Who said I'm jealous!"
Ellen shot back instantly.
Still, she had to admit—his arrangement was considerate.
If it had really been just her coming alone, she'd have felt awkward about it.
"Mhm. Then let's pretend you're not jealous." Sol smirked, opening the door. "Goodbye, then. Have fun for the rest of the day."
"I'm not jealous," Ellen muttered under her breath as she finally left his apartment.
When she looked back one last time, Sol was still standing there, smiling and waving.
Her chest suddenly felt warm.
Though she'd never admit it aloud—
He really was a very comfortable person to be around.