“Are you participating too?”

Nefu tilted her head up, a puzzled look on her face.

“Weren’t you supposed to attend as a special guest?”

“Oh? You knew about that.”

“Yes. So doesn’t that mean you’ve already joined in?”

Nefu was genuinely confused—what did Ophelia mean by that?

A flicker of panic crossed Ophelia’s face. She touched her nose and chuckled nervously.

“Y-yes, of course, little cutie. You’ve got a point.”

Noticing Ophelia’s odd expression, Nefu’s heart sank. *Did I upset her again?* Uneasy, she stepped behind Ophelia and whispered softly,

“Master… shall I give you a shoulder rub?”

*She’s being unusually proactive today.* Ophelia blinked in surprise, then smiled.

“Sure! My shoulders are so sore from brewing potions lately.”

*Potions?* Nefu’s mind flashed to the sweet milk she drank every morning. *Were potions really in it?* Honestly, she’d grown used to the cloying taste, and her body felt fine… but—

Her gut screamed: *Something’s wrong.*

Placing her small hands on Ophelia’s shoulders, Nefu hesitated. “Master… what are your potions for?”

Ophelia leaned back into the sofa, voice casual. “Oh, plenty. Some kill. Some knock you out. Why? Has my little cutie gotten curious?”

She turned, lips curved—but to Nefu, that smile felt threatening.

“N-no, Master,” Nefu shook her head quickly. “I-I was just… curious.” She shrank back, voice barely a whisper.

As she kneaded Ophelia’s shoulders, her gaze drifted to the snow-white nape of her neck—a vulnerable spot, she knew. *One sharp strike… she’d be out cold.*

Her heart thumped. *Wait—would Ophelia ever relax this much around me? She must have a backup plan.*

Catching Ophelia’s contented smile from the corner of her eye, Nefu snapped her gaze away, clearing her mind.

Then—her fingers slipped.

Ophelia settled deeper into the couch, eyes locked on Nefu, a faint smile playing on her lips.

“Little Nefu… be honest. Ever thought about ambushing me when I let my guard down?”

*What?!* Nefu’s heart skipped a beat. *She read my mind?! How?! A warning?* Fear flooded her eyes. Her hands tightened—

“Ow! Little Nefu?!” Ophelia winced, shooting her a reproachful look. “Trying to murder me already?”

“N-no, Master! I didn’t mean to!” Nefu flustered, panic rising.

“It’s alright, little cutie. I’m satisfied with your service today.”

Ophelia stood, buried her face in the crook of Nefu’s neck, inhaled deeply, then nuzzled her with a blissful sigh. *Yep. One sniff of this cutie lifts my mood.*

Unexpectedly, she pulled back, ruffling Nefu’s hair.

“Off you go, little one. Rest up. Tomorrow—you *will* bring me the strongest monster.”

*She’s… letting me go?* Nefu froze, disbelief lingering. But she hurried toward her room without looking back—completely forgetting she’d never answered the question.

Ophelia watched her door for three seconds. Then, a faint, eerie smile curled her lips.

*Will she really play the obedient special guest tomorrow?*

…

The next day, Nefu stood in the Adventurers Guild recruitment square, brows slightly furrowed.

*Amy’s usually here first. Where is she? Got cold feet about the Minotaur?*

Shrugging it off, she closed her eyes, waiting quietly. *Maybe going solo is better.*

A sudden commotion drew her gaze—just the special guests arriving. Nothing unusual.

Yet Ophelia’s face surfaced in her mind. Against her will, Nefu glanced over.

And doubt prickled her chest.

Ophelia stood at the edge of the guest line, visible at a glance—but something felt *off*.

Her smile was as captivating as ever… yet her eyes held none of the playful spark she usually showed Nefu. Like a puppet. A hollow marionette.

Nefu looked away. *I should check closer…* But the match was starting. She forced her focus back.

Just then—

“Miss Nefu! Sorry I’m late!”

Amy’s face was flushed, breathless as if she’d sprinted the whole way.

Nefu stayed silent. *She’s expendable. A nuisance, and I’d drop her without hesitation.*

Amy’s eyes flickered with fleeting interest—gone in a blink. She fell into step behind Nefu, cheerful as ever.

“Miss Nefu, what are we hunting?”

Weaving through the jungle, Amy tilted her head, hands clasped behind her back.

Nefu frowned, voice curt. “Floor thirty. The Minotaur.”

“Wow! So impressive!” Amy’s eyes widened, then she nodded knowingly, a cryptic smile tugging her lips.

Nefu froze. Turned. Stared.

“Weren’t *you* the one begging me to give up on the Minotaur?”