Humans are so strange. After days of observation, this was yet another conclusion Nefu had reached.

Just yesterday, they’d treated her with such casual disregard she’d nearly lost her patience and wanted to kill them. Today? Suddenly, utmost courtesy.

Not only had they brought her heaps of delicious food, but even sent two female humans to help her change clothes?

Are humans really this fickle? Nefu stared at the scene before her, still unable to process what was happening.

“Miss, please raise your arms,” a maid beside her said.

Nefu stayed silent but lifted her arms obediently. The maids slipped a thigh-high dress over her.

Humans really love this fabric stuff…

Nefu scratched her head. She couldn’t fathom it—so thin it offered zero defense. Why wear it? Weren’t they afraid predators would strike?

The dress felt constricting. Nefu frowned slightly, her cute little brows knitting in displeasure.

“Miss, we’re departing. Please board the carriage.”

An elderly butler entered, sized her up, and gave the order.

“Yes…”

“Mr. Butler, about our payment…” Ivan and the one-eyed man trailed behind. Only after Nefu and the maids boarded did the butler turn.

“Once the auction ends today, proceed directly to the Anlina Auction House.”

“Understood, absolutely understood.”

Delight flashed across their faces.

Though the carriage had rolled far away, their thrilled whispers still drifted into Nefu’s ears.

Hearing their nauseating chatter, a flicker of irritation rose in her chest. Her pupils snapped into vertical slits. A low, displeased snort escaped her throat.

Suddenly—the carriage jolted hard, throwing everyone inside off balance.

“What happened?!”

“Mr. Butler, I don’t know! The horses just… collapsed!” The coachman pointed ahead, utterly baffled.

“Fetch another carriage immediately! This cargo must arrive on schedule!”

“Yes, sir…”

---

Ophelia climbed the steps, gazing at the grand building. A faint smile touched her delicate features. Glancing at her invitation, she stepped inside.

“Honored guest, please present your invitation.”

After showing it, anticipation glimmered in Ophelia’s eyes.

Rumor said adventurers had captured a rare monster subspecies and brought it to the twentieth floor—a perfect specimen for her magical research!

Naturally, it’d be auctioned. Skimming the catalog, her focus locked onto the final blind box segment.

No sign of the monster earlier? Proof enough—the blind box held it.

Her fingers clutching the invitation trembled slightly.

A new research subject at last? Thrilling.

She found her seat, hugged her knees, and waited quietly.

As guests filed in, the auction began.

Early items were dull trifles. Treasures from the labyrinth might dazzle commoners, but to Ophelia? Worthless.

Soon she crossed her legs, fiddling with her fingers, growing impatient for the finale.

Sophie had even sent a detailed mission brief mid-auction—but Ophelia didn’t glance at it.

*Pfft. Deal with the mission later.*

Just as drowsiness crept in, bright lights flooded the hall. *Ending soon?*

Ophelia sat up straight, elbow propped on the armrest, lips curving faintly upward.

Finally—the moment she’d waited for.

“Next: the blind box segment. Starting bid—one gold coin…”

“Three thousand gold coins.”

Ophelia waved her hand before the auctioneer finished.

Three thousand?! Every eye snapped to her. *What if it’s trash?*

Whispers spread: *Did she know the contents beforehand?*

Many suspected it—but none dared bid. She was president of the Valkyrie Guild. No one risked offending her.

“Three thousand—first… second… any higher? Third! Sold! Congratulations on winning the blind box item.”

*Yes!* Ophelia subtly flashed a victory sign. If she tamed this monster, it’d be utterly epic.

“Miss, please follow me.”

“Alright.”

Down a long corridor, then a sloping passage underground. Ophelia’s smile widened. Iron cages lined the path—*one hundred percent certain*.

“We’re here.”

The staff member stepped aside.

Before them: an iron cage draped in red cloth. Inside… undoubtedly—

Ophelia stepped forward, ready to unveil it herself.

*Come on, my dear treasure. I’ve finally got… you?*

Her smile froze.

No monstrous beast awaited. Only a small, slender girl.

*What?! A child?!*

Ophelia spun toward the staff, gaze sharp and demanding.

“As you see, a human girl,” the staffer said, stressing *human* deliberately, as if warding off misunderstanding.

“You could train her as a maid. The higher-ups seem fond of—”

“Stop. Enough.”

Ophelia cut him off, disappointment flickering across her face. She leaned closer to see the girl’s features.

At that instant—the girl lifted her head. Azure-blue eyes opened.

And in them, pure, untamed ferocity erupted…