“Huh? How could that be? Just ask Blackfang if you don’t believe me.”

Nefu grabbed Blackfang by the front leg and tugged him over. Roused from a deep nap, the dog let out an unhappy whimper.

But sensing Nefu was in trouble—and fearing he’d catch heat too—he let out two half-hearted barks.

“See, Master? He’s barking ’cause he’s hungry,” Nefu said guiltily, hands clasped behind her back. Her fingers twisted the fabric of her dress, heart thumping.

“It does seem that way… But why are you sweating so early? It’s not even hot. Could you be coming down with something?” Ophelia patted Nefu’s head, voice warm with concern.

“No… I’m fine.”

“Good. Go wash up and join me for breakfast in the living room. Oh—and do you still need me to show you how?” A hint of hopeful anticipation colored Ophelia’s tone.

“N-no! I can manage!” Nefu waved hastily and bolted toward the bathroom like she was escaping. Ophelia watched her flustered retreat and smiled knowingly.

True to her word, Nefu didn’t keep Ophelia waiting. By the time Ophelia stepped out of the kitchen, the girl sat obediently at the table. Ophelia offered a faint smile.

Knife and fork in hand, she regarded the girl across the table with gentle regret.

“Little Nefu, I’ll be out today and won’t return until evening. Lunch will be on the kitchen counter. Can you manage on your own?”

“Huh?” Nefu froze, expression stiffening.

Noticing the shift, Ophelia chuckled softly. “I know you’ll miss me. Don’t worry—I’ll be back soon.”

To Ophelia, Nefu felt less like a servant and more like a beloved pet. No matter her expression, Ophelia always wanted to cuddle her.

What she didn’t know? Nefu’s panic had nothing to do with missing her. Joy bubbled just beneath the surface—she was barely holding back a grin.

*Finally… this nuisance is leaving.* To Nefu, the day suddenly felt radiant, brimming with light.

She rubbed her cheeks to mask her smile, cleared her throat lightly.

“I can manage. But… Master, may I go outside?” Her voice trembled with nervous hope.

To her surprise, Ophelia agreed instantly. “Of course. Just don’t wander far—and take Blackfang with you. He’ll keep you safe.”

“I understand…” Nefu gave a tiny nod.

After breakfast, Ophelia left in sleek combat gear. The *click* of the front door shutting sent Nefu pumping a tiny fist in triumph.

*She’s gone!*

Unbeknownst to Nefu, Ophelia’s outing was because of her.

At Anlina’s city gate, a towering woman stood arms crossed, eyes closed. Passersby stole glances—over two meters tall, muscles coiled like a beast’s.

After a while, she opened her pale brown eyes, locking onto the black-robed figure before her.

“Took you long enough. Last again, President Ophelia?”

“Ah, what can I do? Had a little cutie to care for,” Ophelia shrugged, utterly unrepentant.

Urius sighed. A Tier-5 powerhouse of Ares Guild, she’d have punched anyone else for that attitude. But this woman? President of the Valkyrie Guild. One of Santiana City’s three Tier-7 adventurers.

“President, please follow me. Black Serpent Guild and others have already moved ahead. I’ll escort you to the rendezvous.”

“Mm. Lead on.” Ophelia yawned, nonchalant. Urius’s eye twitched.

“Our mission is to clear Levels 21 to 25. As the highest-ranked—”

“Nah, nah. Command? Not for me. Just tell me what to do,” Ophelia cut in, waving a hand.

*She just wants to slack off,* Urius realized. She bit back further words to spare her blood pressure.

At the assembly point, murmurs of discontent rippled—but no one dared speak up. *She’s the strongest here.*

“Captain… shouldn’t we say something to her?” a newer Black Serpent Guild member whispered.

“Speak up? You *want* to get flattened?” Her captain rolled her eyes. “You have no idea how terrifying crossing her is.”

“But… isn’t she just a mage?”

“*Witch*, kid. A *Witch*. Master of magic *and* all sorts of… strange things…”

“Strange things…?”

Back home, Nefu stared at the sofa. A life-sized doll of Ophelia sat there.

After Ophelia left, Nefu noticed—the contract’s suppression hadn’t faded. Tracing its source to the living room, she’d nearly jumped, thinking Ophelia was still there.

*She copied the contract’s core onto this doll!* Hope flared. *Destroy it… and I’m free!*

She lunged. Just before her fingers touched the doll—*zing!* A green light repelled her hand. Ophelia’s voice echoed through the room:

“Knew my naughty little kitten would try this~ Remember: next time, I *will* punish you.”

Deep underground on Level 23, Ophelia—who’d been casting spells with a blank face—suddenly smiled. Urius frowned.

“What is it?”

“Nothing,” Ophelia murmured, eyes glinting. “Just my little kitten being naughty again. She’s in for a scolding when I get back~”