NOVEL NEXT Chapter 42
There are broadly two types of treasures in the world.
One type is regarded as precious only by a particular group of people.
For instance, sacred relics of a religion, national treasures of a country, or cherished possessions of a celebrity.
In fact, most treasures fall under this category.
The value of an object originally depends on the perspective of those who view it.
If a primitive tribe were to fortuitously acquire the ivory of an elephant, which they view as more important than life itself, it would merely be seen as dirty trash by someone entrenched in urban society.
However, the world is vast, and exceptions are always present.
Sometimes, there are items that are valued by most people.
Like the expensive gold and silver treasures that could feed three generations, a potion that guarantees a hundred years of healthy living, or artifacts that let one glimpse into the future.
These treasures are impossible to conceal, even if you try to stash them away, and when the winds of conflict blow forth to possess them, it wouldn’t seem strange at all.
That is the identity of the second type.
Alice suddenly thought.
Perhaps Yuria might also be someone who would be treated that way.
‘How can a human face… be this perfect?’
With slightly upturned eyes, a distinct yet subtle nose, and lips that had an understated presence.
And from her slender jawline, a naturally connected line leading to her neck.
Even though she wore nothing more than a pathetically simple cat pajamas, the slightly drowsy half-closed eyes and indifferent expression evoked images of an angel or fairy descending from the heavens.
It wasn’t just her face that stuck out awkwardly.
The overall proportions of her body, as well as her gracefully cascading silver hair—not meticulously styled—perfectly completed her form.
As if she were a masterpiece created by a doll artisan hailed as a genius of the century, Yuria was the ultimate gorgeous girl, lacking in not a single detail.
‘So that’s why… she wears a mask.’
Given her overwhelmingly charming appearance, even Alice, a lover of cuteness, couldn’t help but feel her heart being snatched away by her violent allure!
*Snap!*
“…?”
However, turning abruptly, Alice slapped her cheeks hard enough to feel the sting, desperately trying to grab the spirit that had flown far away.
What could be the reason that Yuria, who has never once taken off her mask, dared to show her face so boldly before her?
Surely it was because she believed it was safe to show her face to Alice, right?
But to betray such trust?
That would be no different than betraying Yuria.
Even though she could easily go over to Yuria right now and snugly fit her arm between her armpits to pull her in close enough to practically embrace her.
Or snuggling while nuzzling her cheek into the top of Yuria’s head to tease her until she became flustered.
Or even nibbling gently on her ears to the point where Yuria might look as if she would weep from teasing, Alice had to act as she always did with Yuria.
Thinking about how much hardship that beautiful face must have endured, the sense of duty as an adult took precedence over her desires.
‘I must protect Yuria. Let’s be a magnificent adult, Alice!’
There should be no misunderstandings here.
Alice wasn’t particularly attracted to Yuria in a sexual manner.
She felt like a cat lover who had come across the ultimate cute baby cat.
If anything, she was merely captivated by Yuria’s overwhelming charm.
Of course, once Alice’s limits were broken, and she faced an defenseless Yuria…
No one could predict what might occur after that.
“Th-then, shall we go to bed?”
“…!”
Alice’s voice squeaked as she headed toward her room with Yuria, who was taken aback by her sudden change in state.
Yuria tilted her head, watching Alice, who was now acting strange, and silently squeezed her own cheeks to think.
‘Is it truly because her face is too cute? Well… it’s Alice, so I can trust her. She wouldn’t do anything strange.’
Yuria knew well how beautiful her face was.
Of course, it was evident that she had two perfectly fine eyes, and not knowing that after looking in the mirror would simply make her a fool.
If she didn’t know, why had she worn a mask all this time?
Yet, she trusted Alice.
This wasn’t the Alice of the original story but the one she had seen with her own eyes until now.
With the certainty that Alice wouldn’t act strangely and that revealing her face wouldn’t lead to bothersome results, she concluded that there was no need to wear the mask any longer until she fell asleep.
That was temporary anyway, and she’d adapt in no time. There’s even a saying that seeing a pretty face too much can grow tiresome.
Yuria thought this way, cheerfully following behind Alice.
‘I must not touch her! Maybe later when we’re closer, but not now… I have to endure!’
Unbeknownst to her, Alice was internally shedding tears and struggling not to succumb to her desires.
“Cough, cough. Yuria, I guess I’ll just sleep on the sofa…”
“…”
“Ugh! A-alright… I got it! Let’s sleep quickly! Ah, I need to turn off the lights~”
Amidst that, Alice’s attempt to escape was thwarted by Yuria.
With the ultimate wide-eyed expression and slightly drooping eyelids, she looked up cautiously, and it was simply irresistible.
Thus, Alice and Yuria ended up laying in the same bed.
Fortunately, thanks to Alice’s bed being a double size, it wasn’t too cramped.
However, there was no way they could avoid contact with each other, and Alice’s desires and agonies showed no signs of subsiding as time elapsed.
‘One sheep… two sheep… three sheep… state of exhaustion…’
“…”
‘Y-Yuria?!’
After switching off the lights and lying together in bed for several hours, when a completely asleep Yuria rolled over in her sleep and snuggled into Alice’s arms, she had no choice but to clutch onto her own arms, looking as if she might cry.
If she were to succumb to her desires as a lover and tightly embraced Yuria, only to have her wake with an annoyed expression glaring at herself, Alice couldn’t bear that dreadful future.
‘This is impossible!’
Palpitating.
It was a night for the pitiful cat lover who simply couldn’t fall asleep.
*
Morning came, and when I awoke to a soft and squishy sensation on my face, I realized I was in Alice’s embrace.
Why am I here?
While I tilted my head, still groggy from sleep, a voice sounding weary came from above.
“…?”
“Yuria, good morning…. Can you let go of me now…?”
“…!”
I belatedly realized I was hugging Alice’s waist with my arms.
When did this happen?
With the rush of waking up, I hurriedly released my arms and pulled back as she rose, rubbing her face.
Ah, right. I slept over at Alice’s place last night. No wonder I wasn’t cold.
With my mind now clearer, I yawned and stretched my arms overhead.
‘Feels like it’s been ages since I really had a good sleep. I guess people need warmth to sleep well…’
When I encountered chills, my nose felt frozen and my body ached while sleeping in a sleeping bag at the base.
But sleeping in Alice’s house had left me without any of that fatigue; I was simply full of energy.
This is why home and beds are important!
I felt a renewed realization of that importance.
“Yuria, if you’re sleepy, you can sleep more. I’ll wake you up later.”
“….”
“Don’t need it?”
Nope. I’m not one to sleep much anyway.
I nodded slightly at Alice’s question, then stood up, following her out into the living room.
First things first, I need to wash up, change clothes at the convenience store, and then head to work.
After sketching out a rough plan in my head, I accepted a toast from Alice and munched away to fill my empty stomach.
Then, after politely declining her offer to wash up together, I finished my shower and put the mask back on along with my coat.
Wearing cat pajamas outside is a bit embarrassing, but I don’t think it’ll stand out if I cover it with a coat.
After putting the mask back on, perhaps it eased my burdens a little.
Alice, now looking much calmer than the previous night, tilted her head upon seeing me preparing to leave.
“Yuria, leaving already? Want to come with me…?”
“….”
I have to change clothes.
I pointed at the cat pajamas with my finger.
Only then did Alice seem to notice that last night I wasn’t in my maid outfit but in unfamiliar pajamas, and she scratched her cheek, looking regretful.
Still, thank you for letting me stay for the night.
I approached her, hugging her tightly as my maximum expression of gratitude.
Alice hugged me back, trying to say something, but her expression deepened in thought.
What she was thinking, I wouldn’t know, but well… it probably wasn’t something worth worrying about.
Soon enough, we shared a brief farewell.
Yet, since we would meet again in the office later, we didn’t exchange any grand goodbyes.
‘Today, I need to get moving right after work. I can’t impose on Alice’s hospitality again.’
As I exited Alice’s apartment and felt the cold air, I made that resolution.
After that, nothing unusual occurred.
Upon reaching Greg’s shop, I unlocked the door and changed into my maid outfit.
I cleaned the shop neatly and headed straight to the office without straying.
“Yuria, wait a moment…”
“…?”
Then, as soon as I arrived at the solver’s office, I was suddenly led out into the hallway by Alice.
“Um, if you don’t have anywhere to go, would you like to stay at the solver’s office?”
I unexpectedly received such an awkward proposal.
Why would I stay here?