One night passed.

Suran woke early. After washing up, she slipped into white thigh-high stockings and her maid uniform. She strapped a thigh holster around her leg, secured her dagger, then lightly adjusted the tight spot on her stockings for comfort.

She stepped before the mirror, smoothed her appearance, and glanced toward the bed.

Lyasis still slept, cradling the thick *Apprentice’s Grimoire* in her arms.

Last night, after their shared bath, Lyasis had meant to read just a little before bed—but got utterly absorbed. Her power was innate; she’d never tasted the wonder of magical knowledge. This thorough, detailed grimoire offered her a thrilling new world. No wonder she’d stayed up far later than usual.

“Let the young mistress sleep a little longer,” Suran murmured.

She approached the bedside, watching Lyasis’s peaceful face and slightly parted lips. A fond smile touched her own. She leaned down, pressed a soft kiss to Lyasis’s cheek, then tiptoed out.

The moment Suran stepped into the hall, a familiar figure caught her eye.

“Hey, good morning~”

Clara, now in maid uniform, held a bag of bread, ready to head downstairs.

“Good morning,” Suran replied with a slight, graceful nod. “Off to work at the tavern?”

“Y-yes!” Clara stammered. Seeing Suran’s poised elegance beside her own casual stance, she flushed, bowed hastily, and added, “Have you had breakfast?”

“Not yet. Just about to buy some.”

“Try these cream buns! I pre-ordered them last night—they arrived fresh this morning.” Clara shook the bag.

“Hmm… how much?”

“No charge! I, uh… decided to diet. Can’t eat too much. Might as well share!” She eyed Suran’s flawless figure, pinched her own waist, and declared her new plan.

“I can’t accept that.”

“Oh, hush! We’re both maids. Meeting twice in one day? That’s fate.” Clara pulled out two buns. “Call it a friendship gesture. Okay?”

“Yesterday was twice in one day. Today too,” Suran noted.

“Oh? So you’re heading to *Bobo Tavern* again?” Clara arched a brow. “Hehe~ That juice you drank yesterday? My own blend. Pretty good, right?”

“Compared to my skill… still slightly lacking,” Suran said calmly. Meeting another maid meant asserting excellence—she *was* House Virellete’s maid, after all.

“Whoa… I feel that unyielding aura. Even among maids, gaps exist,” Clara sighed. “But friendship? No problem.” She beamed. “I’m Clara. Pleased to meet you.”

“Really? Woo~ I deal with grumpy, booze-soaked men all day. Making friends with someone as elegant as you? A rare joy!” Overjoyed, Clara shoved the entire bag into Suran’s arms. “All yours! Off to work—see you later~” With a flutter of wings, she vanished.

Suran returned to the room, arms full of buns. The door opened to reveal Lyasis already seated on the bed, reading the grimoire.

“Good morning, young mistress,” Suran bowed.

“Good morning, Suran.” Lyasis blinked up at the buns. “These are…?”

“A gift from Clara—the Avian girl. I met her in the hall… and made a friend.” Suran held nothing back.

“You made a friend?”

“Y-yes.” Suran’s gaze dropped. “Before you, I…”

“That’s wonderful.” Lyasis closed the grimoire, stepped down, and approached. “We’re both lonely girls. If you find joy first, I’ll cheer for you.”

“Young mistress…”

“Still… a little pity.”

“Hm? Why?”

“I wish *I’d* made a friend first. Then I might’ve seen Suran’s jealous face.” Lyasis clasped her hands behind her back, eyes crinkling with mischief.

“I—I wouldn’t be jealous! If *you* made a friend, I’d sincerely congratulate you.”

“Suran… you hesitated.” Lyasis had watched every flicker. Catching that tell, her lips curved slowly upward.

“No, I didn’t—Mmph!”

Before Suran could finish, Lyasis rose on tiptoe and sealed her lips with a kiss.

“~Mwah~”

Even the firmest words melt under a kiss.

“I love your reaction, Suran,” Lyasis said, satisfied. She plucked a cream bun from Suran’s blushing arms. “Breakfast time~”

…

After eating, Lyasis dove back into the *Apprentice’s Grimoire*. Noon drew near.

Suran had promised the trio a meetup at *Bobo Tavern* before midday. Time to go.

Their inn stood mere steps from the tavern—no wonder they kept crossing paths with Clara.

Soon, Suran and Lyasis reached the door.

*Jingle~ jingle~*

The bell chimed as Clara fluttered over. “Welcome~ You’re here! Three adventurers said to send you upstairs when you arrived.”

“Thank you.” Suran and Lyasis climbed up.

The trio spotted them instantly, waving. “Over here!”

They sat. Hushang leaned in. “So? The magic book’s price?”

“200 silver coins.”

“Ah, got it—wait, *what*? 200 silver coins!?”

Silence.

“How much less than the subjugation quest bounty?” Suran pressed, expecting their shock.

“We checked this morning,” Hushang said weakly. “An F-rank quest… only offers 20 silver coins.”

Awkward quiet settled over the table.