While carrying the cake, Caro had already learned the full situation from Arnold. Arnold had originally wanted to meet Hua Fanlin and gauge her stance—to form his own judgment.

If Hua Fanlin insisted he was guilty—if she believed the Adventurers’ Guild notices, past wanted posters, or other claims from the Demonhunt Squad—and showed him clear disdain, he’d simply add Fanlin House to his blacklist. Treat them as strangers… or enemies.

But if her prior pursuit of him was forced by national pressure, and she personally chose to trust him? Then he’d still accept her as a friend.

This reasoning might seem a tad arrogant. Yet after Caro woke him up, Arnold resolved to face his feelings honestly—no more half-hearted approaches to life’s complexities.

So he began sorting his relationships. He’d done much in the past… but how did others truly see him? With gratitude? Suspicion? Something else?

When Arnold finally found Hua Fanlin, she agreed to trust him—but only if he helped her sister Mistie break free from her engagement. Only then could he prove his intentions were pure.

“If I were you, I’d have turned and walked away already~” Caro teased Arnold mercilessly for his doormat act. “Did you wrong her before?”

Arnold kept carrying the cake. “Don’t say that. Honestly, I feel for Mistie too. She’s such a gentle girl. If she doesn’t want this, I want to help.”

“You sure you’re not making excuses? Though… Hua Fanlin *is* stunning. A woman like her? Definitely lively in bed. Look at her physique—years of training, zero flab…” Caro critiqued openly. “Well, I’m hoping for fun drama. But practically—after you ‘rescue’ Mistie, what then?”

“—Return her to Fanlin House. We’re even,” Arnold replied without pause. “Like you said: hearing her put it that way, anyone would walk. If you don’t trust me? Fine. I don’t need your trust. That’s logic.”

“True,” Caro nodded—but felt a contrary itch. “What if she’s… a tsundere?”

Arnold blinked. “Tsundere? What’s that?”

“Um… not straightforward. She *does* trust you but’s too shy to say it, so she acts tough. Deep down? She likes you. Possible?”

Arnold stared at her like she’d lost her mind. “Serious? A noble of her standing? Her upbringing forbids that. Hua Fanlin’s reputation here is spotless—humble, respectful, sincere, brave. I believe she meant every word.”

Right.

From Caro’s past talks with the Knight Captain, Hua Fanlin was unexpectedly kind. Yet… a misunderstanding lingered between her and Arnold.

*Good.*

Misunderstandings mean stories. Stories mean fun. Caro’s imagination spiraled into wild, bizarre scenarios.

“Anyway—if you want front-row seats… how about a maid role?” Arnold, as “captain,” had that authority.

*Maid?*

Not bad. But Caro hesitated: “What if some powerful noble sees my beautiful face and gets ideas? As a maid, I can’t resist. I’m weak, after all.”

“I’ll watch over you,” Arnold said solemnly. “No one will harm you.”

He’d just tested a tiny social skill.

“You’re not bad, kid!” Caro patted his shoulder.

Arnold’s expression was pure conflicted-emotion meme material.

After assigning Caro to maid duty, he pulled a book from his pocket: *One Hundred Ways to Make a Woman Fall for You*.

Rumor said it was penned by a foreign “Prince of Romance,” packed with dating wisdom.

“Stare deeply into her eyes and vow eternal protection (✗).” Arnold crossed it out.

*Predictable tactics won’t work on Caro… Trouble.*

*Just confess?*

His eyes dropped to the book’s bold opener:

“Never confess to make her love you. Confession isn’t a battle cry—it’s a victory toast. Confess before she loves you? You’ll only disgust her.”

Arnold nodded. If Caro didn’t love him yet… would she feel creeped out? Awkward? Vanish forever? *No—!* He couldn’t bear that.

He turned the page: “Show her your handsome side. A focused man is the most attractive man.”

*Tonight. I show Caro my handsome side.*

Fanlin House’s reception hall brimmed with local elites—the powerful, titled, wealthy—all invited. Thankfully, the space was vast, never feeling cramped.

A crimson carpet ran center-stage. Flanking tables, draped in snow-white linen, held artfully shaped candles and delicate dishes.

Candlelight’s soft gold glow blended with overhead crystal chandeliers, leaving faint, intimate traces in the air.

Maid Caro moved gracefully among guests.

This world’s maid uniforms were classic, practical—unlike those Japanese-style maid outfits from a certain island nation, which had long lost function.

*Hmph. Nobles, huh? This fabric’s nicer than my clothes… Should I job-hop to a noble house next? At least snag a uniform.*

She performed her duties faithfully. Exhausted yet buzzing with adrenaline, she waited—waiting for the protagonist’s entrance.

Then—the grand clock struck eight.

A girl in pure white emerged like a storybook princess. Mistie had always been lovely, but in full regalia? Breathtaking. Her youthful face, pure and flawless, harmonized perfectly with the gown. Like a blooming lotus, she stole every gaze.

*Stunning!*

*After Arnold “rescues” her… could I maybe… squeeze her hand?* Caro’s thoughts drifted. *Wish I could go further… but I lack the necessary equipment.*

*Damn. Why’d I become a girl?*

She’d sighed over this countless times—but today’s frustration burned sharper. *Where’s that jerk Arnold? He promised to watch me…*

*What if some noble *does* notice me? My looks aren’t bad…*

Silly worry. Mistie was undeniably the star. Not even her sister Hua Fanlin—radiant in knight armor, famed for beauty—could dim her light.

Caro nearly cursed.

*Even if she dislikes Arnold… must she act this obviously? Broadcasting collusion?*

*Wait.*

*She doesn’t want Mistie returned?* Caro’s eyes narrowed. A smirk tugged her lips. *I need a pen. NOW.*

Then—a sharply dressed man appeared.

Jet-black formalwear shimmered faintly in shifting light (though closer inspection revealed nothing). *Magical beast hide?* Caro had no clue.

Handsome enough to be an idol back home. Slender frame—not a swordsman.

*A mage?*

As predicted, he strode down the carpet toward Mistie. Raised a hand. Flicked his wrist—

A bouquet of vibrant flowers materialized. Petals drifted from midair, weaving a dreamy scene.

“Mistie, my love—you shall be tonight’s most radiant pearl.”

Flashy. Undeniably.

*Petals from nothing… MAGIC!*

*Using magic for *this*? Damn mages are so extra! Should’ve picked mage class!*

Her bard path suddenly felt… bland. Caro groaned inwardly.

*Show-off!*

*…But someone’s about to out-show you.*

Just then—

A gale howled through the serene hall!

“Eeek!!!” Noble ladies shrieked.

A heavy, thunderous CRASH—

Someone now stood between Mistie and the flower-bearing man.