Chapter 12: W-What Are You Trying to Do?

I’m screwed. I’m so screwed.

That voice—it was the killer maid!

Clarette had heard the knights talking about this maid’s fearsome exploits.

The leader of the bandits who kidnapped her?

Slaughtered silently and cleanly by this woman.

Even though Clarette had an epic-tier talent, she lacked combat experience and was still low-level.

If she ran into her now, she’d be done for—completely and utterly.

Run?

Like that would help.

Her tense expression quickly relaxed into a nervous smile.

“Miss Layla, I couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d take a walk around camp. And you are…?”

The maid was perched on a branch above her.

The moon hung like frost in the sky, casting a silver glow that shimmered down onto her dangling ice-blue hair.

Her lashes fluttered like they were dusted with frost.

Moonlight traced the black-and-white lines of her maid uniform, glinting off the metal gauntlets she wore, reflecting a blade-like gleam.

Her eyes, crystalline as ice, locked onto Clarette with a cold, cutting gaze.

Clarette felt a chill crawl down her spine.

She could practically feel the killing intent—dense and tangible—coiling around her like a noose.

It was as if that gaze was warning her:

“Move an inch, and your head’s coming off.”

This confirmed everything for Clarette.

The lady’s kindness had been a lie!

A trap set to toy with her, to make her taste despair before finishing her off!

Realizing this, Clarette even felt a small wave of relief—thank goodness she was smart enough to spot it early!

So… what now?

Her eyes flicked around, calculating quickly. She already had a plan.

Layla narrowed her eyes.

As an assassin, she had excellent night vision, and she could clearly see the blush blooming across Clarette’s face—and the strange, sparkling light that flickered in her emerald eyes.

A sudden, shameless scent wafted through the air.

Layla’s gaze sharpened as she instinctively gave off a flicker of hostility.

What is this woman doing, wandering near milady’s tent in the dead of night?

Don’t tell me…

Night assault?

That idea flashed through her mind, and Layla’s opinion of Clarette plummeted.

Her killing intent flared again—Clarette flinched from the pressure.

She was already making X-rated suggestions to Lady Irene during the day—what did she mean by “toy,” and “please don’t break me”?!

Just listen to her—what kind of filth is running around in that brain?

Does she think milady is so desperate she’d go for anyone?!

This plain, no-curve brat only has a pretty face.

As if that would make milady hungry for her.

The more Laila thought about it, the more convinced she became.

This girl must have known Irene already.

Pretending not to know her at first?

That was just bait to spark Irene’s interest!

Laila had received professional assassin training, including acting lessons—she could tell this brat wasn’t doing a very good job at faking it.

She had clearly seen the flicker of excitement in the girl’s eyes the moment she met Irene.

Her instincts screamed at her—this girl is hiding something.

Laila narrowed her eyes.

She can’t be allowed to get close to milady.

I need to drive her off.

Once we reach the next town, she’s out!

With that thought, Laila smiled faintly and said, “I’m just doing a bit of night watch.”

“Night watch?” Clarette blinked, puzzled.

“But… aren’t the knights on duty for that?”

Laila shook her head.

“They’re fine for spotting wild beasts or the remnants of some bandit scum. But when it comes to shameless pests… they might not be as sharp.”

As she spoke, Clarette noticed Laila shoot her a look—calm, but chillingly meaningful.

And she immediately got the message behind that gaze and those words!

Thinking of running, are you?

Dream on.

You’re milady’s bedtime dessert, got it?

And if you dare try it again—don’t blame me if my arrows find their mark.

Clarette had overheard the knights talking about Layla’s insane archery skills.

Apparently, all those bandit leaders were taken down with clean, instant headshots from this very maid!

In that moment, her whole world shattered.

Her face went pale as snow.

To Laila, this expression only confirmed her worst suspicions: this shameless wench is playing hard to get!

Just waiting for Lady Irene to make the first move, huh?

Acting all pitiful and innocent on the outside, while hiding such filthy, disgraceful thoughts inside.

And then—Laila’s eyes narrowed even further.

She saw Clarette’s emerald eyes shift slightly, and a smile creep onto her face.

Laila’s heart tightened.

What now?

Is she cooking up another nasty plan?!

Clarette, however, had made up her mind: if escape wasn’t an option, and she might get silenced anyway—then there was only one strategy left!

Irene dabbed her rosy lips with a silk handkerchief, carefully choosing her words as she spoke.

“You have the potential to one day reach the pinnacle of all adventurers. There’s no need for you to give up here.”

Her tone was gracious—almost gentle—but to Clarette’s ears, it sounded like a loaded threat!

Look at that maid over there, brushing her lady’s hair with that sweet little smile—she’s totally ready to snap my neck if I say the wrong thing!

In that instant, Clarette replayed her words in her head—and realized her fatal error!

Of course!

There was no sincerity!

This woman was sharp.

She probably saw right through Clarette’s lack of genuine feeling the moment she opened her mouth.

In that case… there was only one path left!

As for what happens afterward…

I’ll worry about it then!

The only thing that mattered now was gaining this dangerous woman’s trust!

With a look of resolve in her eyes, Clarette took a bold step forward.

And Irene, who had been calmly sipping tea just moments ago, froze in place—clearly stunned by what Clarette was about to do.

Y-You—what do you think you’re doing?!