I Became the Cute One in the Troubleshooter Squad

Chapter 25: Temporary Worker at the Problem-Solver’s Office (4)

“Well then, I’ll head out first. Good work today!”

“Yeah, good work.”

“See you tomorrow, Yuria! Bye-bye!”

“….”

Bye-bye.

I waved gently at Alice, who seemed to be in a rush to leave.

Was she really that happy just because I waved back?

Her face lit up with a radiant smile as she waved enthusiastically before hurrying out of the office.

She likes me too much… It’s almost confusing.

Her genuine fondness for me was unmistakable, and it was something I couldn’t dislike, even if I tried.

Alice was the type of person who gave affection freely, without expecting anything in return.

It was an impressive mindset that someone as petty and small-minded as me couldn’t hope to emulate.

Of course, her fondness sometimes involved physical affection so overwhelming it made me break out in a cold sweat—but I could always draw boundaries.

Alice wasn’t the type to push if I firmly rejected her.

“You did well today, temp worker. Must’ve been tough with all the quirky clients… Here’s your day’s wages. Check it.”

“…!”

After Alice left, Raven scratched the back of his head awkwardly and handed me an envelope, likely feeling guilty about how unexpectedly busy the day had been.

Already getting paid for today!

Grateful, I eagerly accepted the envelope, opening it with a soft rustle.

Inside were crisp, freshly withdrawn bills—still warm from the ATM. Counting them, I noticed there were two more bills than what we’d agreed upon.

Is this extra?

Waving the envelope at Raven to clarify, he chuckled lightly and shrugged as if it were no big deal.

“Those two are a bonus. Buy yourself some snacks on the way home. Need me to walk you back?”

“…!”

“Guess not. Fine. Just get home before it gets too dark, and don’t get into trouble.”

With a lazy wave, Raven turned and strolled back into the office.

A true man of the times—someone who wouldn’t lift a finger unless asked but would still help if needed.

If I’d nodded, he probably would’ve grumbled but walked me all the way home, which brought a smile to my face.

Well, time to go.

I carefully tucked the envelope into my skirt pocket, bowed deeply toward Raven’s retreating back, and quietly slipped out of the office.

It’s cold. It might actually snow soon.

The nighttime winds of Nighthaven were sharp and icy, cutting through the streets.

Most people were bundled up in thick coats, and without one myself—just my maid uniform—the cold seeped mercilessly through the fabric.

Just yesterday, it had been chilly but bearable. Now, my breath puffed out visibly in the frigid air.

Maybe I should buy a coat with this money.

Clothes are a long-term investment, after all.

With that resolve, I hurried into the first clothing store I spotted.

“Oh, how adorable! What are you looking for, dear?”

“….”

“This coat? Hmm… It might be too long and cover your whole body…”

That’s the point. Walking around in this maid uniform is embarrassing enough as it is.

Ignoring the shopkeeper’s hesitation, I handed over the money and bought the long coat without a second thought. The hem fell to my thighs, offering much-needed coverage.

As soon as I stepped back outside, I felt immediate warmth.

“Welcome! Are you taking this to go?”

“….”

“One basic sandwich? Got it!”

With my newly purchased coat and a wrapped sandwich in hand, I retraced the path Greg and I had walked earlier.

Even in a city as lively as Nighthaven, the streets grew quieter the farther I ventured from the bustling downtown.

By the time I reached the gray district where Greg’s general store was located, the streets were almost deserted.

It’s incredible Greg set up a shop in a place like this.

Then again, it was the kind of quiet area that made it easier for me to visit unnoticed.

Using the emergency key Greg had given me, I unlocked the store’s door.

“Ugh, it’s freezing in here! Let’s block the windows first.”

The interior was bone-chillingly cold, thanks to the broken windows that vampires had shattered.

Using thick cloth, I covered the gaps where the glass was missing and turned on the heater.

I swept out broken shards and dust with telekinesis, then thoroughly mopped the floors.

After cleaning, I noted the repairs that still needed attention: replacing the glass tomorrow and patching up the walls temporarily with sponges until Greg could fix them properly.

The store finally warmed up, and I took off my coat, draping it neatly over the sofa.

Changing into the casual clothes I’d left behind yesterday, I washed up in the bathroom and returned to the sofa with my maid uniform in hand.

“Not bad, but not great. Maybe a 6 out of 10.”

Munching on my sandwich, I mentally scored it. It wasn’t bad for its price, but it wasn’t something I’d want twice in a row.

“Work in the maid uniform, relax in casual clothes… I’ll need more outfits for daily wear. Also, scarves, gloves—it’s winter, after all.”

Sighing at the realization of how much money I’d need, I finished the sandwich and slouched onto the sofa, gazing at the ceiling.

“I only came to clean, but I don’t feel like moving anymore.”

The sofa was warm and cozy, far more comfortable than my freezing, makeshift bed back at my base.

Maybe I could just sleep here? I did clean up the place thoroughly—surely I’ve earned it.

But no, taking advantage of Greg’s absence felt wrong.

Resigned, I curled up on the sofa, letting the warmth soothe my tired body. After a while, my thoughts drifted to the Tesseract hanging around my neck.

“When will it wake up? And what exactly happened yesterday?”

Why did the Tesseract speak? Why did it help me? And how would its presence change the original storyline?

The uncertainty felt overwhelming, like being adrift in an endless sea. Gripping the Tesseract tightly, I steeled my resolve.

“No matter what happens, I won’t regret it. I made this choice.”

I shook off the heavy thoughts with a self-deprecating chuckle and patted my cheeks. Then, folding my maid uniform neatly, I placed it on the sofa.

After double-checking the lights and heater were off, I took one last look at the quiet store before closing the door behind me.

“I’ll be back tomorrow.”

I silently wished for another peaceful day, though in a city like Nighthaven, peace felt like a foolish hope.

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