Evelia carried an empty plate, having overheard plenty of chatter about Arman along the way.

In aristocratic and social circles, opinions on him were sharply divided. The noble ladies’ looks-obsessed comments weren’t worth weighing, while politicians’ disdain for military men stemmed largely from bias—if not outright jealousy.

Those old scholars understood the grueling decades of study needed to climb the ranks. Yet they couldn’t fathom how an uneducated ruffian—who’d never set foot in a classroom—could become Captain of the Royal Knights, even after nearly losing his life multiple times in service.

Here in the manor, Arman’s soldiers were fiercely loyal to their captain. Their praise for their dependable leader was so glowing Evelia wondered if they were all plants, trying to pitch their bachelor captain to her.

They called him cheerful, optimistic, loyal, kind, gentle, and steadfast—a fighter who could endure anything. Not exactly polished for high society, sure, but wilderness survival? Second nature. He could handle kitchen duty too, whipping up bizarre-looking yet edible field rations. Unwavering loyalty. Single-minded dedication. Literary skills? Lacking. Combat prowess? Unmatched. These virtues alone were impressive—never mind his striking looks.

Frankly, Evelia doubted anyone could be *that* perfect. But watching the knights’ eyes light up with genuine fervor… she almost believed it herself.

But if he really was that naive… how had he survived this long?

What possible talent could a seemingly guileless fool possess to rise to Captain of the Royal Knights? Noble heart? Pure sincerity?

…Way too far-fetched.

She sighed, heading toward the kitchen with the empty plate. Though fatigue never touched her, she needed time to sort out what kind of man Arman truly was.

Could the old butler have been pulling strings all along? That stern-faced man certainly seemed like Arman’s trusted confidant. If Arman was purely a battlefield commander, he’d need a strategist—and Lug, the old butler, fit the role perfectly.

*That difficult old man…* Evelia steeled herself. Honestly? Dealing with the somewhat clueless Arman suddenly didn’t seem so bad.

After all, clever people were always harder to handle than fools.

“I can’t believe we’re assigned to the Captain of the Royal Knights’ manor…! So exciting…!”

“Right?! Handsome knights everywhere~~ Ahhh, I’m melting~~ Look at those muscles and those uniforms~~!!”

“Can’t wait to see them training, all sweaty! They’ll *definitely* take their shirts off! Then I’ll—”

“Ew~ Get a grip~!”

Just as Evelia reached the kitchen door, hushed but fervent squeals spilled from the maids’ break room. Even whispered, their excitement was impossible to miss.

“Have you read that new romance novel?”

“The one with the knight and the maid?”

“Yes! You’re a fan too?!”

“Of course! That’s why I’m *so* thrilled! A love story between a knight and a maid? So sweet…!!”

“Imagine… him kneeling under the moonlight, vowing his heart—”

“Kyaaa~~!!”

…What *are* these women even doing?

Evelia stood before the half-open door, wincing at the shrieks. She’d always been solitary; even back at the organization, everyone spoke sparingly. This sudden noise felt like nails on a chalkboard—especially the high-pitched squeals.

“Oh! Miss Evelia! You’re back! Thank you for delivering snacks—we saved you this!” A maid thrust a delicate blueberry cake toward her.

“…!”

“Try it! The chef’s specialty!”

…Overwhelmingly warm.

From Arman down to the staff, this manor radiated a hospitality that felt utterly alien to her.

“Thank you,” Evelia accepted the tempting slice. Her mission required blending in.

“What were you discussing?” She disliked sweets, so she steered the topic away. Big mistake.

“Knights! Obviously—*knights*!”

“Who doesn’t love a gentle yet powerful knight? Absolute dream man…”

“And Lord Arman… like a novel’s hero! A smile as bright as the sun~~”

…Their rose-tinted glasses were *blinding*.

Evelia set the cake down, studying the lovestruck girls. *What exactly is *right* about him besides his face?*

She silently scoffed as their chatter spiraled.

“Why’s Lord Arman still single? Secret marriage? Protecting his love from danger?”

“He doesn’t *look* married… He’s twenty-six, not ‘nearly thirty’!”

“Maybe he just hasn’t met *the one*?”

…*Or maybe *he’s* the problem.*

“What if *we* live the novel plot? Knight and maid romance! He’s single—we’ve got a chance!”

“Dream on… Someone like him? Only a top-tier maid could get close…”

“…Someone exceptionally beautiful…”

All eyes suddenly locked onto Evelia.

“…?”

She tilted her head, expression blank. Their gazes gleamed like rats in the dark.

“The *only* stunning senior maid here is *you*, Miss Evelia!”

“…Huh?”

“And you’re Lord Arman’s personal attendant! You could totally win his heart like in the novel!”

“…?”

Question marks piled up in her mind.

“Haven’t you read it?”

—*Do I need to?*

She shook her head gently, forcing a polite smile.

“*This* one!” A maid shoved a violently pink-covered novel into her hands. The cover showed a black-silhouetted knight kneeling before a pink-silhouetted maid.

…Uncanny déjà vu.

*The Maid’s Knight*—bold title, floral accents. Simple. Sweet. Cloying.

“It’s about a little maid melting a cold knight’s heart with kindness! They confess, defeat villains, live happily ever after~~”

—*So cliché.*

Evelia’s internal monologue had been nonstop since arriving. *Is my sanity eroding?*

“The maid’s journey to capture the knight’s heart… So sweet! You’re our age—you’ll love it!” The maid pressed the book into her arms like a true evangelist.

*As if I’d enjoy childish fluff.*

But then—

*Capture the knight’s heart.*

…Ridiculously cheesy.

Yet… wasn’t that *exactly* her mission?

Second Prince’s order: extract Crown Prince intel from Arman by any means. Gaining his trust was key. And if she could… *win his heart*?

She’d never learned how to charm men. No time. No opportunity.

But now?

Knight and maid. Perfect roles. This novel wasn’t fluff—it was a field manual. A walkthrough.

Evelia’s hand stilled.

She took the book.