Seeing a staff member step out, Nefu hurried forward. Honestly, these adventurers were efficient—how much time had even passed?

“Sorry, miss,” the staffer said. “Our alchemist isn’t in today. We can’t give an accurate appraisal. Please come back another time.”

*Not in?* A cartoonish question mark seemed to hover over Nefu’s head. For humans, wasn’t this a workday? How could no one be here?

A matter this vital to her life—failing right at this step!

“Understood. Thank you,” Nefu replied with a smile, though a trace of barely contained killing intent seeped into her tone.

She’d return later. That alchemist was dead. Even if she wasn’t an adventurer, she’d tear that lazybones apart.

No choice now—the path to truth was cut off. Better hurry home. What if Ophelia came back early? More trouble.

Just nearing the house, a savory aroma drifted to her nose. Following it, she spotted a new deli selling roast chicken.

Nefu smiled faintly. After such a terrifying ordeal, she deserved a little comfort.

Minutes later, chicken bone dangling from her mouth, Nefu hummed a tune and pushed the door open. Then she saw the shoes by the entrance—her heart skipped a beat. *Uh-oh.*

Ophelia was back. Sure enough, Ophelia sat on the sofa, watching her with a peculiar glint in her eyes.

*Clatter…*

The bone hit the floor. Dread coiled tight in Nefu’s chest.

“My little cutie,” Ophelia cooed, approaching with a smile. She ruffled Nefu’s silky silver hair. “Sneaking out without my permission? Has it been too long since your last little punishment? Feeling bold enough to disobey your master?”

“N-no, not at all,” Nefu murmured, head bowed. She dared not meet Ophelia’s gaze—eye contact would betray her.

“Good.” Ophelia’s hand trailed down Nefu’s hair to cup her cheek. Uncomfortable but motionless, Nefu flinched slightly as the small hand tightened, pinching just enough to sting.

“Little Nefu~ Don’t lie to me. I adore obedient girls. Now… where did you really go?”

Nefu shuddered. Pressure radiated from Ophelia like invisible chains, stealing her breath. Swallowing the urge to confront her, she took a shaky breath.

“I… saw a new deli nearby. Bought some food.”

*It’s true. She can’t suspect anything… right?*

“Buying treats and forgetting your master?” Ophelia huffed, flicking Nefu’s forehead lightly.

“I’m sorry, Master! Next time I’ll bring you some. If you have no further orders… may I retreat to my room?” Nefu bowed with a strained smile. All she wanted was to escape, sort her thoughts, plan her next move.

She’d barely turned when a feather-light question drifted behind her:

“Little Nefu… what did you go to the Adventurers Guild for today?”

The words struck like a hammer. Fear locked her limbs.

Pupils shrank. Small hands twisted the hem of her dress—fingers clenching, releasing, mind blank.

“What are you frozen for?” Ophelia sat back on the sofa in that daring nightgown, one long leg elegantly crossed over the other. She sipped her coffee, tilting her head with feigned curiosity.

“I…” Nefu turned stiffly. Her expression must’ve been strange—Ophelia’s frown deepened.

*How does she know? Is she watching me? Does she know about the milk bottle I stole?*

A wild urge surged: *Ask her—did you kill Blackfang?*

But she crushed it. If she spoke… she wouldn’t see tomorrow.

“Now, now,” Ophelia murmured, setting down her cup, chin resting on her palm. A teasing smile bloomed. “You wouldn’t hire adventurers for something naughty, would you? Our Nefu is a good girl.” She leaned forward. “Tell me everything you did at the Adventurers Guild. No lies~ I *really* don’t like… liiies~” She dragged out the last word, sweet and sharp.

Nefu’s pulse hammered. *Confess? If she sees through me, it’s over.*

*But… what if I ask about Blackfang? She’s cruel, yet… kind to me sometimes. Maybe she’d answer?*

She inhaled deeply, voice carefully even. “Master, I’ve mastered all beginner spells. I was thinking… maybe become an adventurer too. Today, I just checked what the trials involve.” She tilted her head, offering an adorably innocent smile.

*No way I’d confess.* If Ophelia thought she’d uncovered secrets… replacement awaited. The thought chilled her bones.

“I see. You could’ve just asked me. Don’t forget—I’m an adventurer too.” Ophelia ruffled her silver hair, smiling.

*She didn’t notice.* Nefu exhaled shakily, knees weak.

“Yes, Master. I’ll ask you next time. May I go now?”

Stepping out of the room, she nearly collapsed.

Thankfully, Ophelia left her alone the rest of the day. Night fell.

Tossing in bed, Nefu couldn’t sleep. Something felt off. Just as she reached for the milk bottle hidden under the bed—footsteps echoed in the hall. She instantly rolled over, feigning sleep.

The steps halted outside her door.

Seconds passed.

Then… the door slowly swung open.