Chapter 24: This Counts as a Reward? I’m Not Wearing an Apron, Meow!

More important tasks?

Lilia didn’t even have time to be happy before she felt hot breath by her ear.

Lucia’s voice was low, like a whisper.

“Since you want to prove your value so much…”

….

Lilia held her breath.

Here it comes!

It must be some core secret mission!

“Then…”

Lucia drew out her words.

“Go clean my study.”

“…Ha? Meow?”

Lilia’s brain froze.

Clean the study?

This is the more important task?

She thought Lucia would involve her in some mysterious research.

Or help manage the Evernight Palace’s affairs.

And this is it?

“What’s wrong?”

Lucia released her chin.

“My study is more important than the entire Evernight Palace combined.”

“This isn’t just about cleaning, meow!”

Lilia bristled.

“You’re clearly just—”

She swallowed the words that reached her lips.

The Succubus Advancement Manual: How to Turn Innate Gifts into Weapons stated it clearly—

“When the enemy provokes, don’t dance along.”

Lucia was just waiting for her to explode.

Lilia closed her eyes and swallowed the anger.

When she opened them again, a smile was on her face.

“You’re right, Master, meow.”

Her voice was sweet to the point of sickening.

“Cleaning your study is a great honor, meow.”

Lucia raised an eyebrow.

“But…”

Lilia suddenly changed her tone, tilting her small face up and fixing Lucia with her heterochromatic eyes.

“To clean such an important place, I’ll need professional equipment, meow.”

“Can Master provide it for me? Meow?”

She leaned forward slightly, imitating the techniques taught in the book.

Lucia looked at her for a few seconds.

Then, she clapped her hands.

The door to the Royal Bedchamber opened silently.

Lilith entered, carrying a tray.

That damned black velvet cloth was still draped over it.

Lilia’s smile stiffened.

Again?

Every time this thing showed up, nothing good ever followed!

Last time it was cat ears and tail; the time before, a collar with a bell.

What’s it this time?

Lucia took the tray and lifted the velvet cloth.

A white lace apron lay quietly atop it.

Ruffled edges, a huge bow, and a ridiculously cute design.

Lilia was completely stunned.

“Put it on.”

Lucia held up the apron, sizing it against her.

“It fits perfectly.”

“I… I don’t—”

“Mm?”

Just that single sound.

Lilia choked back all her refusals.

She stared at the apron, mind racing.

Calm down.

Stay calm.

Lucia’s study—

It’s the very core of the Evernight Palace!

Countless secrets must be hidden inside!

This isn’t punishment!

It’s clearly a golden opportunity!

Realizing this, Lilia grit her teeth.

“Thank you, Master, meow!”

She reached out to take the apron, her voice crisp.

“I love cleaning the most, meow!”

With Lilith’s help, she put on the apron.

The big bow at the back sat perfectly at the base of her tail.

Every time her tail swayed, the bow fluttered too.

Lilia looked down at herself.

Cat ears, maid outfit, lace apron, cat tail.

All the elements were present.

She was beyond saving.

“Very good.”

Lucia nodded.

“You look much more professional now.”

Lilia cursed fiercely in her heart.

But the sweet smile never left her face.

“Lilith, take her over.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The study was much larger than she imagined.

Towering bookshelves reached the domed ceiling.

Rows upon rows of heavy tomes filled the space.

The air carried the scent of old paper and ink.

A massive ebony desk stood at the center.

Several books and a magical lamp were neatly arranged atop it.

Lilia stood at the door, wide-eyed.

The collection here—

It was larger than the restricted section of the public library outside!

Every volume looked like a unique copy!

Jackpot!

That fool Lucia actually left her alone in such a treasure trove!

“Miss, this is the area you need to clean.”

Lilith gestured around.

“Every book here is under a restriction. Do not touch them carelessly.”

“The items on the desk are not to be moved, except for dust.”

“Cleaning tools are in the cabinet in the corner.”

Lilia nodded obediently.

“I’ll take my leave now.”

Lilith bowed and left, gently closing the door.

Only Lilia remained in the room.

She stood in place, surveying her surroundings.

Her heart pounded wildly.

World Principles: Origins and Streams.

On the Construction and Collapse of Divinity.

Thirteen Solutions to the Paradoxes of Space-Time.

Just reading the titles made her legs weak.

Lilia swallowed, tiptoeing toward the nearest shelf.

She reached out, her fingertip barely brushing a dragonhide-bound tome—

“Zzzzt!”

A spark of electricity jumped from the spine, zapping her finger.

“Meow!”

Lilia reflexively withdrew her hand, fingertips numb.

She shook her fingers.

The restrictions were real.

Forcing it wouldn’t work.

She sighed, resigned, and walked to the cabinet in the corner, opening it.

A feather duster, cloth, and several bottles of cleaning spray she’d never seen before.

Even the tools were this high-end.

Lilia pouted and began her work.

She knew Lucia was probably monitoring her from somewhere.

She had to act as professional as possible.

The feather duster swept over the shelves, scattering dust.

As she dusted, her gaze lingered on the book titles.

History, magic, alchemy, theology, planar research…

Almost every advanced field was represented.

The more she looked, the more stunned she became.

And the more excited.

When she reached the corner, Lilia’s hand paused.

On the bottom shelf, something stood out.

It wasn’t a heavy dragonhide tome.

Just a small, ordinary black hardcover notebook.

No title.

No magic restrictions.

Lilia’s heart skipped a beat.

She glanced around, checking for any unusual magic fluctuations.

Then, quickly, she reached out and pulled the notebook free.

It was light.

She opened the first page.

Neat and forceful handwriting greeted her.

It was Lucia’s script.

“Pet Rearing Notes, Day One:”

Lilia’s hand trembled.

Pet Rearing Notes?

She read on.

“Target individual: former human Hero, codename ‘Lilia.'”

“Displays high aggression and noncompliance. Possesses a certain death-seeking spirit.”

“Initial evaluation: High playability, immense training potential.”