That day, I easily dealt with Lux and claimed the Great Secret Treasure for myself.

Before the kingdom sealed its borders, I crossed this sea—barely more than a strait—along a pre-planned route. I arrived on the continent of Barbra, in Cassol.

Then, under the alias Nelis Sizer, I entered the Lord's Mansion as a maid.

Why a maid? I could slip in during the mansion’s regular hiring drives. Lowly servants had perks: low status, unnoticed by nobles, and free movement. I could exploit lecherous lords when needed. Chores doubled as exercise. Truly, a multi-purpose choice.

As for the Great Secret Treasure?

Shaped by my wish, it became this:

“An otherworldly space that permanently maintains ecological stability, ideal for insect breeding, with an area nearly the size of a small nation.” That’s what I made the Great Secret Treasure become.

I call it the “Insect Chamber.” As the name implies, it stores my brood, breeds new species, and serves as a hideout when needed.

The link between this space and reality is my hair. When I need an insect, my hair grows long, curls, and coils into a vortex-shaped door—the gateway to the Insect Chamber.

All my kin dwell there, breeding endlessly at my command.

After confirming Mr. Debro was sound asleep, I used insects to dress him in pajamas. Then I tiptoed out of the room—

“You are… Sizer?”

—and ran into someone.

Deep blue high heels clicked crisply against the floor. She rounded the corner, meeting me head-on.

She was the picture of a noble lady.

Rare ink-blue hair cascaded to her waist. Dark golden eyes held noble charm. Her features were flawless; fair skin glowed faintly. She stood about my height, but the heels made her seem taller.

I bowed instantly, not daring to slacken. This was a major figure in the Lord’s Mansion.

“Good day, young lady. How may I serve you?”

As I bowed, I glanced down. Posture and attire were impeccable. Good.

But a trace of displeasure flickered in her eyes.

“If I’m mistaken, I apologize. But… weren’t you just leaving Mr. Debro’s room?”

“Yes, young lady.”

“…”

“Please don’t misunderstand. Mr. Debro only asked me to clean his room,” I said, lifting the cleaning tools I’d been holding. “He’s sleeping now. Is there something you need from him?”

“…Oh, nothing. I just saw you leaving and asked.”

She nodded. I bowed again and watched her depart.

“Oh, Sizer.”

“How else may I serve you?”

She turned, hesitated briefly, then smiled warmly and steadily. “Debro’s misdeeds are no secret. If he troubles you, tell me anytime.”

“Mm… Thank you for your concern, young lady.”

Worry shone in her eyes—not feigned benevolence, but true concern. I could only smile back.

She walked away gracefully. Every servant greeted her warmly—not out of duty, but heartfelt affection.

…Truly remarkable.

She was Aisia Cotis, only daughter of Lord Sanelis Cotis—a true noble lady, seventeen and a half. Beautiful, noble, and multi-talented, skilled in alchemy. Yet approachable to all, courteous even to servants. Thus, beloved especially by the staff.

Mm, in everyone’s eyes, she was indeed a good girl.

But this wasn’t reason enough to recall the insect I’d just secretly placed on her.

——————————————————

Aisia walked to the mansion’s top floor. She passed through a long corridor to this door.

Her father’s office. Where he received honored guests.

She knocked lightly. Silence hung for seconds. Then a familiar voice sounded from within.

“Aisha?”

“I’m here, Father.”

“Come in.”

Magical wards on the door deactivated automatically. Aisia pushed it open and stepped inside—

“…”

In under two seconds, she scanned everyone in the room.

A truly luxurious lineup in every sense.

Nine people filled the space. Roughly split into four factions: one trio, three pairs.

She understood the intense magical fluctuations now. Eight were at least Sorcerers. Four had likely reached Great Sorcerer or Great Battle Spirit level.

Great Sorcerers and Great Battle Spirits were a nation’s peak fighters. Marae had billions of people, but only a few dozen reached this level. Seeing one was rare—yet four stood here.

Then, one of the four strongest—her father Sanelis, a Great Battle Spirit—spoke. His voice was deep and raspy, like a worn heavy sword.

“This is my daughter, the future master here. Let her be informed. Any objections?”

The others nodded. Under nine pairs of eyes, Aisia bowed and stood behind her father, trying to fade into the background. Beside her were Pierskori, the mansion steward and Sanelis’s confidant, and her stepmother, Luna.

“Good. Let’s begin…”

Sanelis scanned the room. Though three others matched his level, his presence dominated slightly with home advantage.

He memorized each face, then slowly named them.

“Heavenward Tower Special Investigation Team: ‘Blue Flower’ Glori Visa and ‘Dark Engraver’ Elen White…”

The elderly woman in heavy robes (Great Sorcerer) nodded. The thirty-something woman in black beside her (Sorcerer) stayed silent.

“Pantheon Divine Vanguard: ‘Silver Punisher’ Saint Anthony and ‘Stellar Cascade’ Stella Gondel…”

The old Holy Knight with flowing gray hair (Great Battle Spirit) bowed solemnly. The young woman with silvery-white hair (Sorcerer) waved smilingly.

“Knighthood Special Task Force: ‘Flower Sword’ Sako Sieu and ‘Spiral Butcher’ Butcher.”

The handsome, elegant middle-aged man (Great Battle Spirit) flicked his hair and bowed extravagantly. A stark contrast to his burly, scar-faced companion (Battle Spirit).

Sanelis nodded.

“First, as Lord of Cassol, representing this city and all its lands, I ‘welcome’ your arrival.”

He stressed “welcome” heavily. His cold eyes held no warmth.

“Now, regarding the recent uproar over the ‘Great Secret Treasure of Zelah,’ let us discuss it thoroughly.”