The next day, Nefu still felt oddly off. But unlike yesterday, the moment she opened her eyes, she was already sitting upright on the bed, muttering curses at herself under her breath.

"Nefu, what on earth did you do yesterday?!" Clutching her little head with a pained expression, she recalled her actions and nearly slapped herself. Was that behavior befitting a monster?

How could she have wagged her tail and begged a human for mercy? What was she even thinking? She—she’d acted so strangely. It had to be Ophelia’s weird magic forcing her hand.

Truthfully, shame was the least of it. What made her want to vanish into the floorboards was remembering how she’d curled up quietly on the Witch’s lap like a house cat—and dozed off without noticing.

Waking in her own room today made it painfully obvious who’d carried her back.

She had to admit—lying on the Witch’s pale, smooth thighs *had* been comfortable. But Nefu still branded it a disgrace! The ultimate disgrace!

Just as she buried her face deeper into the bedboard in shame, the door swung open, jolting her upright.

"Oh my, little one~ You actually slept peacefully today," Ophelia said with a knowing smile. Nefu, oblivious to the teasing undertone, scrambled up and stared at her like facing a dire threat.

"Is *that* how you look at your master, little kitty~?"

Ignoring Nefu’s protests, Ophelia pinched her cheeks, smile lingering. But Nefu’s sharp instincts caught a trace of danger in the air.

*Not good!*

Heart pounding, she ducked her head, eyes locked on her toes, frozen still.

Ophelia sighed inwardly. *Still the same girl… Training will take time. But today—business first.*

She tossed the maid outfit to Nefu and gently pinched her cheek. "You left these at my place yesterday. Hurry up and dress. We’re heading to Floor 21."

"What?!"

Nefu’s head snapped up, eyes flashing with unmistakable excitement.

Did Ophelia mean… she’d finally take her to the Underground Labyrinth?

"M-Master… am I allowed to go too?" she asked timidly.

"Of course. I need someone to carry the luggage."

Ophelia’s smile looked gentle—but only those who truly knew her would spot the lack of warmth.

How could she leave Nefu alone again? Last time, the girl nearly burned the house down. Without her time-magic scroll, repairs would’ve cost a fortune. Just recalling the estimate made Ophelia’s vision darken.

Better to keep the girl close. Protecting her was effortless for Ophelia—and hadn’t Nefu awakened innate fire magic? Perfect chance to teach her a thing or two.

"Hurry up and change?"

Ophelia glanced back—Nefu still sat motionless on the bed, staring fixedly at her, unmoving.

Realizing the unspoken request, Ophelia chuckled helplessly. "Change quickly. If you’re not at the door in five minutes… I’m leaving without you~"

As she stepped out, she murmured under her breath, "Strange… so affectionate yesterday. Why back to her old self today?"

Only after the door closed did Nefu carry the clothes to the mirror. Days of strict training had taught her to dress herself.

Staring at her reflection in just undergarments, she irritably patted her chest.

She disliked these assets. Their slight sway shifted her balance with every move. What if she stumbled mid-battle because of it? Dangerously so!

She was now certain: she’d truly become female. But *how*? That was the crucial question.

Nefu figured she must study human gender behaviors closely. Her mind held only the little prince’s memories—but after digging through them for insights on the opposite sex, she concluded: utterly useless. Zero help.

Guess she’d have to figure it out herself…

No time to linger. If Ophelia grew impatient, trouble would follow.

Sighing, Nefu picked up the maid dress and began dressing step by step.

…

Labyrinth floors connected via passages of all sizes—primary battlegrounds where monsters endlessly emerged. Ideal training grounds for rookie adventurers.

Ophelia bypassed the widest path with Nefu and Blackfang, slipping instead into a narrow, winding corridor.

Reason one: avoid recognition. Reason two: a single basic attack from her might obliterate monsters *and* nearby adventurers.

The cramped path promised a dull walk—but Nefu observed everything with wide, curious eyes.

Born a monster on Floor 20, she’d never dreamed of leaving before devouring the little prince. Now, in human form with his memories, confusion stirred: these paths were so obvious… why had she been blind to them before?

Moving through rugged tunnels, she felt no fatigue—only warmth. A sense of belonging.

The labyrinth felt like a mother, stirring instinctive comfort.

"Little Nefu, stop daydreaming! Watch your step—don’t trip. That backpack holds something priceless. Worth more than you’d fetch if sold."

"Yes…"

A sliver of light ahead signaled arrival: Floor 21.

Stepping out revealed the familiar forest—identical to Floor 20’s landscape, if one ignored the several overwhelmingly powerful monster auras Nefu sensed.

Any single creature emitting those auras would rule Floor 20’s entire forest alone.

Still, strong as they were—they were no match for her.

Nefu let out a light snort.

Just then, Ophelia whipped her head toward her. "Step back—monster!"

A deep-blue lizard-like beast lunged at Nefu. Dodge seemed impossible—

Then, the unbelievable happened…