The truth serum was scarce—only this tiny vial remained. Suran certainly wouldn’t waste it on Black Hare.

“I was just joking earlier. Don’t take it to heart.”

After dispelling Black Hare’s odd thoughts, Suran beat a hasty retreat without looking back.

She headed straight to find Lyasis.

Just as Suran stepped out of Thornwood Forest and into the Crimson Garden, her ears twitched at a familiar call:

“Suran, Suran~”

Suran swiftly hid the vial behind her back, tucking it into the large bow tied at her waist. The next second, Lyasis popped out from the flower bushes.

*Like a cute little surprise suddenly appearing!*

Slightly surprised, Suran asked, “Miss, what are you doing?”

Lyasis wore a mage’s robe, a pointed hat perched on her head, wooden staff aimed playfully at Suran. “Fireball! Biu!”

“Ugh—”

Suran instinctively played along, pretending to be struck and tumbling backward.

Regret hit her the moment she fell.

*Oh no! Why did I reflexively play along?!*

*The vial’s right behind me—if it shatters?!*

If broken, her efforts would vanish—and Lyasis might uncover her plan. Disaster.

Luckily, after the “noisy trio of sisters” had knocked over a previous batch, Black Hare switched to sturdier bottles. Cushioned by the bow’s fabric, the truth serum survived the fall intact.

Still, Suran paid a small price.

The hard glass dug sharply into her back.

“Suran, your reaction was so real! Did it hurt?” Noticing Suran’s fleeting wince, Lyasis hurried over and helped her up.

“N-no… Thank you for your concern, Miss…”

“No need to be tough. You fell just to play with me. Where does it hurt? Let me check…” Lyasis’s small hand reached toward Suran’s back.

Suran felt touched by her thoughtfulness…

*But absolutely cannot let her touch the serum!!*

“Miss.”

Suran gently caught Lyasis’s wrist, paused two seconds, then pressed the girl’s palm to her own cheek. “No matter where I’m hurt, a single caress from you here will heal everything.”

Lyasis blinked, a soft blush blooming on her cheeks. She smiled, stroking Suran’s face tenderly. “Are you teaching me ahead of time? For when, on our future adventures, you get hurt because of me?”

“I am willing to bear any harm for you, Miss.” Suran held her hand, voice steady with devotion.

A maid’s loyalty, plain to see.

After speaking, a quiet ripple stirred in Suran’s heart.

Though the words were a spur-of-the-moment lie to hide the serum…

They felt utterly true.

“Suran, do you think I can become a mage?” Lyasis’s voice pulled her back.

“Of course, Miss.” Suran rose. “You carry the noble Nightfiend Bloodline—a natural mastery of magic flows in your veins. With your brilliance, any spell will yield to you.”

Lyasis had given nearly all her power to Suran, choosing this fresh path herself. This mage attire was selected by Suran, just as Lyasis wished.

“There are so many kinds of mages~ I wonder what our first dungeon will look like… what spellbook we’ll find first.” Lyasis tilted her head toward the sky beyond the Crimson Garden, eyes shimmering with longing. “I can’t wait to adventure with you, Suran.”

Suran’s heart swelled with the vision of their journey ahead.

*No… stop imagining.*

*Or I’ll never want to leave.*

“Miss.” Suran took a slow breath, feigning calm. “Are you thirsty?”

“Hmm? Not really, but afternoon tea time is near. Will you brew me some, Suran?” Lyasis clasped her hands behind her back, glancing at a nearby bench. “I’ll wait there, okay?”

“Please wait a moment, Miss.” Suran bowed deeply and turned toward the manor.

…………

Manor Kitchen.

The truth serum was tinted but odorless, vanishing instantly into liquid.

Suran uncorked the vial, poured a measure into the freshly brewed tea. It dissolved without a trace.

“Phew…” She pressed a hand to her chest, breathing deeply to steady her racing heart.

*This is it.*

*Just a gentle hypnosis… a few questions. Nothing to fear.*

Black Hare confirmed it was perfect—zero side effects. Lyasis would remember nothing. No aftermath.

*This time… it’ll go smoothly.*

Suran patted her cheeks, exhaled slowly, then placed the cup on a tray and walked toward the garden.

Lyasis sat serenely on the bench. At the crisp click of approaching maid shoes, her face lit up. She turned with a smile.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Miss.” Suran offered the tray, bowing slightly so the cup sat within easy reach.

“Thank you, Suran.” Lyasis took the cup, stirred gently, blew on the steam, and sipped.

Suran watched intently. The moment Lyasis drank, her eyes locked onto the girl’s face.

Lyasis noticed the stare. “Suran? Is something on my face? Why are you looking so hard?”

“N-nothing…” Suran’s gaze darted away, heart pounding.

*She’s still watching me… stopped drinking…*

“M-miss?”

Suran glanced up—and froze.

Lyasis remained turned toward her, but her expression was blank, eyes vacant. Utterly still. Like stone.

*Hypnotized?!*

*Whoa—the serum worked instantly!*

*Success! Nice!!*