"Hey, check out that maid over there—she’s stunning!"

"Seriously gorgeous! So elegant, with a flawless figure and skin. I wonder what her skincare secret is?"

"But… why’s a maid here? Did the Adventurers Guild start hiring maids?"

In an instant, countless gazes converged from all directions. Suran was long accustomed to it; Lyasis remained absorbed in her book. Unfazed, the two stood serene—while the trio beside them felt the pressure mount.

"T-there are so many people staring…"

"Are rookies like us… really worthy of standing next to such an elegant maid?"

"Don’t overthink it," Suran encouraged gently. "Just do what you came for. If helpers are allowed, accept a subjugation quest. I’ll wait outside."

"Y-yes! Please wait just a moment, Miss Maid! If all goes well, we’ll pick the perfect quest for you!"

The trio nodded and stepped into the guild building.

Though the exterior hinted at its scale, the interior never failed to awe—vast beyond expectation.

The first floor bustled: adventurers formed parties, scanned quest boards plastered with subjugation notices and private commissions. Tear a slip, confirm at the central counter, then depart.

The trio headed straight to the receptionist.

"Um, excuse us…"

Before they finished, she smiled warmly. "Ah, it’s you! I asked the ‘Examiner’ about your morning query. Her exact words: *‘Connections are a vital form of power for adventurers. If you have a reliable helper—proceed.’*"

Relieved smiles passed between them. *Great—we can actually help Miss Maid!*

They quickened their pace, split up, and rushed toward the task boards.

...

Outside the guild, Suran stood poised beside Lyasis.

Lyasis immersed in magical theory; Suran watching over her.

A tranquil scene—

ruined the moment an unwelcome voice cut in.

"Beautiful maid~ Blocked by guards while visiting? Let me escort you inside!"

A scruffy warrior sidled close, flashing a smarmy grin. "I’m Hancus, captain of the ‘Goddess’s Hand’ assault squad—an independent branch of the Adventurers Guild. Quite the notable figure here. One word from me, and those guards step aside."

He casually jiggled the golden adventurer insignia on his shoulder—a blatant boast.

*Class C*, Suran noted. Seasoned, yes—but utterly insignificant before her. His flirtation reeked of frivolity and clownish pride.

"No thank you. We appreciate the offer," Suran declined politely.

"Aw, standing out here’s tiring! Come on, I’ll show you to seats inside," Hancus persisted.

*Rustle.*

Lyasis turned the page—sharper, louder than before.

Ordinary ears wouldn’t catch it. But Suran knew: earlier, even amid whispers and stares, her pages had whispered softly. Unchanged expression, yet the force betrayed irritation.

*Disturb the mistress’s peace? Unforgivable.*

"Miss Maid? Why won’t you—?"

"I believe I was perfectly clear," Suran interrupted, voice glacial yet impeccably polite. An aura of chilling authority radiated from her. "So… would you kindly take your leave?"

Hancus paled, stumbling back. Humiliation flared into anger. "You—!"

"Captain, let’s not waste time," a squad member urged, pulling his arm.

"...Hmph. Lucky this time. Hope we never cross paths again." He shook free, shot Suran a glare, and stormed inside.

"Among countless adventurers, such types are unsurprising," Lyasis murmured. She closed her notebook, gaze serene yet piercing. "Suran—if he troubles us again… I permit you to set aside maid etiquette."

"Yes, my lady," Suran replied with a slight, solemn nod.

This was Lyasis’s first encounter with disrespect beyond the manor. Kind souls had greeted them until now—Hancus shattered her calm. That permission? A seal undone.

Next time, he’d meet *Assassin Suran*.

"My lady," Suran shifted tone lightly, "what wisdom did the apprentice’s notebook share today?"

"I studied *Domination Magic*," Lyasis replied. "Meant to command beasts or monsters—but with refinement, it could govern puppets… even living humans. Simply put: I’m ready to master the *Requiem of the Marionette*."

"My lady, so impatient—we haven’t even bought it yet," Suran said with a wry smile.

"Not listening~!" Lyasis stuck out her pink tongue playfully. "I have one hundred percent faith you’ll present it to me. Would you ever disappoint me?"

"I will not fail you, my lady," Suran vowed, eyes sharpening with resolve.

Even if the trio’s plan failed—she’d find another way. Two hundred silver coins. No matter what.

*How are they faring inside…?*

Just then—a sharp shriek pierced the air from within the guild:

"Eeek!!!"

Suran’s brow furrowed instantly.

She recognized the voice.

It was Ruby, the elf girl from the trio.