"Anything? Really?"

"Of course, Miss."

Hearing Suran’s words, Lyasis visibly wavered—voice laced with excitement and hesitation: "Then… I’ll need to think carefully about it, okay?"

Suran’s smile deepened.

After all, *in certain moments*, she was always on top. Yet daily life? Constantly outmaneuvered by Lyasis—more than a little embarrassing.

Now, finally seizing the initiative and turning the tables? A quiet swell of triumph filled her chest.

Truth be told, Suran adored that scheming little devil—always flirting, teasing, toying with her.

But this honest, straightforward Lyasis? *So* cute. Sweet-smelling, soft, clingy, and such a skilled coquette…

Nope. Stop. Drool incoming.

"No rush, Miss. Take your time," Suran said, tucking stray thoughts away. She gently stroked Lyasis’s head, eyes warm. "First, we earn the 200 silver coins. After that? Whatever you ask—I’ll fulfill it."

"Then… it’s a promise?"

"Mm. A promise."

Sealing their "mysterious agreement," they headed to the restaurant. Fuel up before the hunt.

…

Afternoon.

Main gate of Lobet City.

The fully geared trio waited, double-checking packs.

"Ah! Big Sister Maid’s here!" Ruby waved eagerly at the two approaching figures.

"All set?" Suran asked.

"Ready, Big Sister Maid!" Hushang jiggled his pack. "Gear and supplies—solid. We can protect ourselves."

"Mm. Good enough." Suran gave a slight nod.

She never expected them to fight. Just quest support and field experience. Safety first.

"Confirm the quest details once more," she said.

"Yes!" Hushang handed her the scroll.

Class C Subjugation Quest: [Proceed to the outskirts of "Stone Village," northwest of Lobet City. Eliminate all "Granite Stone Giants" feigning slumber. Retrieve their magic cores.]

Reward: [200 silver coins]

"The last one—'Venomous Mist Giant'—was unclear. But *this*? Obviously a stone golem," Hushang mused. "Big Sister Maid, as an assassin… easy for you?"

Stone-types favored magic. Physical classes struggled.

"No issue," Suran replied calmly. "Store-bought daggers aren’t top-tier, but more than enough for *this level*."

*This level* meant "Warrior-class"—surpassing Common, Elite, High Elite. Only true warriors dared face them. One misstep? Death.

Hushang’s curiosity burned brighter. "Big Sister Maid… have you considered the guild assessment? With your strength… surely Class A?"

"The one to join the guild is Miss," Suran shook her head, glancing at Lyasis. "I am her maid. No other title needed."

"Oh… alright."

The trio sighed inwardly. Knowing she was strong—but *how* strong? The mystery stung sweetly.

Just then—footsteps behind them.

Suran turned. Hankus. Leading his squad out of the city.

*Recovered already? Their priest’s good.*

"Mr. Hankus," Lyasis spoke, voice cool and sharp. "You *did* say what you’d do if we met again… right?"

No elegance now. Pure mockery. Deliberately reopening old wounds.

Hankus clenched his jaw, eyes locked on the ground.

Suran stood silently behind Lyasis—gaze steady, unblinking.

"…Move out!" Hankus barked, scrambling away with his team. Pathetic. Satisfying.

"Let’s go," Suran said, pocketing the scroll like 200 silver coins already earned.

"Go!" the trio cheered—nervous, excited—marching ahead.

Suran and Lyasis followed.

Lyasis’s steps were lighter, bouncier. Not yet an adventurer… but this? *This* was the real adventure she’d dreamed of: teaming up with Suran.

Five figures vanished toward Stone Village.

…

Outside the city walls.

A woman in military uniform lifted a pipe to her lips—flame flickering at her fingertip—

*Snatch.*

"Ugh, Androde! How many times? Quit smoking!" A girl dangled upside down, mask hiding half her face, high ponytail swaying. Sleeveless top, shorts, black thigh-highs—a ninja silhouette. Eastern features peeked through. "If you lose your voice… I won’t hear it anymore!"

"Got it."

"*Again* with that tone… Never mind." She peered toward the departing group. "The assassin spotted in capital Rhein—is it really her?"

"No doubt. Matches Princess Philoire’s description exactly."

"Should I follow?"

Androde didn’t answer. His fingers brushed her thigh.

"Eep!" She tumbled off the roof. "Androde! What was *that* for?!"

"Your skill isn’t enough. Even criminal Elsa broke under her interrogation. Think your ticklish body would last?" he said flatly.

"Hmph… So sure I’d get caught?" she muttered.

"We can’t reveal ourselves yet. Stay in the city, Chun." He leaned close, eyes locked on hers. "HQ assigned you to assist me. You’ll obey. Understood?"

Chun’s ears flushed crimson. She swallowed.

"…Okay."