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“Do you even realize what you’ve done?!”

A few days after the social event ended.

Dmitry, returning from his training, bit his lip hard.

“…I know.”

“You know, and yet you acted so recklessly?”

In front of him, his father was shouting, with a letter in an envelope beside him.

“Today, we received this letter from the Speda Ducal Family! Read it!”

The content was predictable.

Sure enough, the letter from the envelope was a protest about his behavior at the social event.

“What were you thinking?”

“It seemed like the right time to challenge them.”

Hunting a Direwolf at the coming-of-age ceremony was considered bragging.

He had assumed it was just a bluff.

Even if it were true, he didn’t believe she had done it alone. He saw it as a perfect chance to undermine Luciana, a rival faction member.

“Just making excuses, after losing the argument and leaving the social event early, only hurting your own standing.”

Indeed.

Although it was frustrating, he had no comeback. Everyone knew Luciana usually responded to his challenges with light denial or silence.

But this time, she had actively defended herself and even counterattacked.

“I’ve told you repeatedly. Flaunting your petty pride and making an enemy of the Speda Ducal Family’s daughter does our family no favors.”

His pride wounded.

Dmitry’s face twisted in anger at his father, Count Baltrion’s words.

He was proud of his physical strength, superior to his peers.

In the North, the creatures hunted at coming-of-age ceremonies were a way for noble heirs to show off their prowess.

Dmitry was no slouch himself, having caught a notorious Northern orc a few months ago.

But Luciana’s Direwolf catch had outshone his achievement.

Already often compared in terms of family status and prowess, he felt inferior and jealous.

These dark emotions soon found an outlet. He was sure he could outdo Luciana in political maneuvering, “Spend a month in confinement to cool your head.”

But even there, he had failed.

“Damn it…”

Back in his room, Dmitry unleashed his anger on the floor.

His father, the family head, had ordered it. He couldn’t seek revenge against Luciana and had to lay low in the estate for a while.

But in his frenzy, Dmitry suddenly calmed down.

“Actually, this is good. There’s a martial arts tournament in a month. With the Amplification Orb…!” His room filled with a sinister laugh.

Dmitry’s mind was already a month ahead, imagining himself defeating Luciana.

* * *

“That guy, he wore a thick mask at the social event. Is he always such a troublemaker at home?”

Even in the strictest noble households, there are blind spots.

Spaces between the floors of the tall, dignified buildings – one such unavoidable gap.

Here for one reason.

[Luciana’s Affection: 40 (Trust)]

[Current Psychological State]

[Pleased that Hans, disguised as herself, had tricked Dmitry Baltrion.]

[However, she regrets not having a plan to cause substantial harm.]

The affection, jumping from a negative to a notable positive, was a satisfying shift from the first impression.

This infiltration also gave insight into simple psychological states, suggesting a plan for real damage.

If I could check the Speda Ducal Family’s rivals while also growing stronger, why not?

-What? You want information on the surrounding nobles?

Preparation was easy.

Yegor happily provided a map when asked about understanding friends and foes after the social event incident.

Dmitry Baltrion, you’ve made a mistake. If you thought it would end with public embarrassment, you were sorely mistaken. He was going to pay dearly for his arrogant actions against Luciana at the event.

“Using your family’s relic, huh?”

Security magic alarms? Just a touch and they’re useless.

Not for nothing is it called a master key.

“But a martial arts tournament…”

True, between the coming-of-age ceremony and Dmitry’s recent mention, the North seemed to focus heavily on military training from a young age.

And Dmitry seemed confident.

Even if relying on a relic’s power, there’s no rule saying you must compete on pure skill alone.

“Using a relic to push forward is the right approach.”

Both Luciana and this guy, high nobility certainly has its perks in creating a gap with better equipment.

“Sorry, but that just makes it more tempting.”

Clearly, the relic Dmitry mentioned, the Amplification Orb, must be linked to enhancing certain abilities.

It was something I needed as well.

“Shall we go get that item then?”

I jumped down from a narrow space where only bugs would roam, landing in the corridor. I had the Face-Changer Mask with me. It clung to my face as I put it on.

Definitely high quality.

The person I disguised as had free access to the mansion and the vault where the relic was stored, and was also an easy character to impersonate.

That person was…

“Who’s there?! Oh, it’s you, young master.”

Dmitry Baltrion.

A soldier guarding the large door to the basement bowed his head to me.

I remembered Dmitry’s behavior and spoke.

‘I am a spoiled brat.’

“Annoying me first thing in the morning. Just open the door.”

“Excuse me, but may I ask why you’re going to the basement?”

But this soldier was the type who wouldn’t forget his duties even in the face of a noble’s intimidation.

“I don’t need to tell you.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t let you down without a reason. It’s the master’s orders.”

Using authority wouldn’t work on someone so principled. ‘Should I just overpower this soldier? I can pick the lock and go in.’

But I immediately dismissed that option. It was too risky without a surefire way to overpower him.

“Tch. I came for a relic.”

So I confidently made up a story.

“A relic, you say?”

“Yes. There’s a martial arts tournament in a month. I need the Amplification Orb for it.”

“Did you inform the master about this?”

This vault surely contained relics that only the master could use.

In other words, even as an heir, there were limits to what relics I could take.

If he mentioned the Amplification Orb so boldly, it must be within an heir’s authority to take.

“Do I need my father’s permission to take out such a relic? Just use your discretion.”

Even if the soldier was principled, in a hierarchical society, there are ranks among humans.

Compared to Luciana, a Count’s heir certainly had enough clout to override principles.

“Alright. Come this way.”

Eventually, the giant door opened without much resistance from the guard.

“The Amplification Orb is in room 108.”

“What are you waiting for? Lead the way.”

He shook his head and replied.

“I’m only assigned to guard this door. I can’t enter. You know that, right? The guardian will attack me.”

‘I didn’t know there was a double guard.’

“Tch. That’s your problem. I’m here, so there won’t be any issues.”

“I’m sorry. The master said that the Ice Spirit only recognizes Baltrion blood. Even with you present, there’s no guarantee it won’t attack me.”

“Useless. I’ll go in myself. Just close the door.”

“Yes, understood.”

A bit of a problem. They even unleashed a high-quality guardian that reacts to bloodlines.

“The Face-Changer Mask is useless now.”

Once inside.

As soon as the door closed, I took off the now-useless mask. The spirit wouldn’t be fooled by it anyway.

“The lock on the vault can be picked, but the real problem is the Ice Spirit.”

The situation was worse than before.

While I could have an advantage over the guard using trickery, it was useless against the Ice Spirit.

“Damn. It’s a shame to leave now after coming this far. I just need to sneak out the Amplification Orb quickly.”

If only I had a bit more time, I could have taken all the relics.

Regretting, I headed towards room 108, as instructed by the guard.

The vault was secured with a double layer of magic, likely involving blood or iris recognition.

But to my master key, all locks were equal.

Just as I was about to use the tool…

“Damn it. How did it sense me so quickly?”

As if to drown out my grumbling, a harsh gust of freezing wind swept through the vault.

“You’re not of the Baltrion bloodline.”

An ice sculpture of an old man with a meticulously groomed beard stood before me.

It was undoubtedly the Ice Spirit the guard had mentioned.

“Eliminating intruders.”

Despite its kind appearance, it held an icicle spear that looked deadly. It pointed it at me and began to slowly advance.

* * *

Alex, the guard protecting the Baltrion family’s vault, couldn’t believe his eyes.

“Are you deaf? I said I came for a relic, now open the door!”

To his confusion, Dmitry, who had entered the vault just an hour ago, was making the same demand.

Was he dreaming?

Rubbing his eyes didn’t help. The young master, clearly upset, didn’t disappear or turn out to be a hallucination.

“Sir, excuse me for a moment, please.”

Slightly flustered but having grasped the situation, he realized one of them must be an audacious thief.

“What the… Are you crazy? Why aren’t you opening the door and instead…!”

Respect for Dmitry was the last thing on Alex’s mind. He first needed to confirm if this was indeed Dmitry.

“Please forgive my rudeness.”

Dmitry tried to resist, but he couldn’t escape the burly grasp of the gatekeeper, a former knight.

Alex pulled out a small needle, pricked Dmitry’s finger, and let the blood drop onto a magically imbued paper.

The Baltrion family crest bloomed on the paper, proving Dmitry’s innocence. Only then was he released from Alex’s grip.

“How dare you touch me! You’ll pay for this!”

Despite the real Dmitry’s furious threats, Alex feared something else more.

Would the Count dismiss him, or worse, order his execution?

He didn’t know, but he had to clean up the mess.

“Emergency!”

-Ding Ding Ding!

The bell that only Alex could ring, indicating an intruder in the vault, echoed throughout the Baltrion estate.

“We must catch the thief!”

Preparing for what might be his last duty as a guard, he rallied all available forces within the castle.

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“Lady Elizabeth, you look beautiful as always.”

“Oh, you flatter me. You’re also well-dressed, my lady.”

In the reception room, there were several children who seemed to be my age.

“Lucy-!”

One of the jovially chatting noble ladies greeted me warmly upon seeing me.

Elizabeth Frontal.

A lady from the Frontal family, who operated a trade guild in the north, and in the original story, she was a childhood friend who defended Luciana until the end.

And now, she was clinging to me.

Yes, to me, not the Luciana she adored so much.

‘I feel sick to my stomach…’

Despite it being my own doing, I couldn’t help but sigh. 

Inpimyeong–The tool commonly used by criminals in the west to hide their identity worked flawlessly.

It even changed my voice and physique, thanks to the thief’s disguise skills.

Elizabeth, sticking close to me, chattered like a canary.

What would happen if she knew the true identity of the Luciana she was earnestly looking for – just a man wearing an Inpimyeong, indulging the young lady’s whims.

-Tsk. I trusted you, but you’re useless.

-Ignoring my advice again, the young lady did as she pleased. I must report this to the Duke.

-I’m sorry, but you’re fired.

A chill ran down my spine at the thought of these words.

“Back off, Liza.”

“But it’s been so long! Didn’t you miss me?”

Despite my cold tone, she clung to me, flaunting her closeness.

“Right, I heard about your coming-of-age ceremony. You caught a direwolf? That’s impressive!”

What would Luciana have said?

Despite being on a deviation, she was a character with strong loyalty and a sense of belonging to her family…

“It’s nothing. Just doing my duty as a member of the Speda Ducal family.”

“Humble as ever, that’s just like you.”

Luckily, she didn’t suspect my fabricated response. She quickly turned and led me to the group she was originally talking with. I continued the conversation, nodding or responding briefly in line with Luciana’s typically taciturn nature.

Just two more hours to endure until the social event ends.

-Everything’s full of praise here. I still don’t get it, though.

But as always, things don’t always go as expected. A man at the opposite table stood up abruptly, looking dissatisfied. He was noticeably taller than the others of his age, and someone I recognized.

-Dmitry Baltrion, the man to be most wary of.

A person Luciana detested, the most repulsive figure.

Just like Elizabeth, he was from a powerful family in the north, the Baltrion earls. I recalled briefly.

-Not just in the north, but in any region, there are two factions. The Imperial faction, which respects central authority, and the Noble faction, which prioritizes personal and familial interests.

I remembered this from my lessons with Yegor. The Speda Ducal family, being engaged to the Crown Prince, would be considered part of the Imperial faction.

On the other hand, the Baltrion earls were part of the Noble faction. Though their title was lower than that of the Speda Ducal family, they were one of the few families who could boldly counterbalance them.

“Is that what a true coming-of-age ceremony means?”

He glared at me sharply.

‘Yes, that’s why Luciana avoided these gatherings.’

So-called social events, but really a battlefield of wit and intrigue among the nobility. Even the future Luciana in the game, though not showing it much, disliked such gatherings.

The same is true now. Great achievements always attract envy and jealousy.

Catching a direwolf, a notorious monster in the north, at the coming-of-age ceremony should have been a celebratory event, but not so welcome news for the Noble faction.

“What are you trying to say?”

Elizabeth, taking offense on my behalf, spoke to him nonchalantly.

“Good question, Frontal. A coming-of-age ceremony is a sacred rite for northern nobility, to be faced alone. We need to scrutinize whether her achievement of bringing soldiers to catch the beast is truly hers alone.”

One problem led to another.

From the friendly greeting of a childhood friend to now facing the opposition’s scrutiny. For the Noble faction’s Dmitry, downplaying Luciana’s achievements was a natural strategy.

I pondered for a moment before speaking.

“How distasteful. If you’re a guest of our house, at least show some basic manners. I wish you’d refrain from projecting your inferiority complex here, Dmitry Baltrion.”

‘Luciana would have definitely stood up firmly in such a situation.’

She wouldn’t have stayed silent after an insult to herself and her family.

“Inferiority complex?!”

“Well, isn’t a direwolf a more valuable prey than my coming-of-age hunt?”

I remembered Yegor’s admiration and the event being a rare occurrence in decades.

Dmitry seemed to be upset about something, probably feeling inferior to Luciana’s achievements.

“You might as well admit your defeat and stay quiet.”

I discreetly covered my mouth with a fan, a lady’s accessory, and turned slightly. The message was clear:

-I find you unworthy of my words.

Openly mocking him wasn’t befitting of a noble, so I chose to convey my disdain indirectly, as was their custom.

I was amazed amidst this. The fan’s feathers were extraordinary – they were from the colorful tail of a peacock from the southern jungles.

Holding it was like holding a mansion in my hand.

“…Desperate to change the topic because you’re running out of excuses.”

The atmosphere among the noble children was not in Dmitry’s favor.

He tried hard to turn it around.

“It doesn’t matter what the prey was. Isn’t it shameful to tarnish the sacred coming-of-age ceremony by seeking others’ help?”

Some people who were half-convinced now started to murmur again.

‘He’s getting too emotional.’

I looked at him with narrowed eyes.

Despite our factions being different, he’s also a northern noble. Being outright called a loser based on the hunt must have wounded his pride.

‘But his point is quite sharp.’

It’s a great achievement, but there’s no incontrovertible evidence like a crystal ball recording. And everyone knew I went hunting with the ducal soldiers on my coming-of-age day.

Any response would lead to a tedious debate.

“Why aren’t you responding? Do you, as a noble, have a conscience that’s ashamed to make excuses?”

“It’s laughable. I thought you weren’t worth responding to, but fine. What do you want? Proof to satisfy you?”

“Ha! I’m not sure how trustworthy your evidence will be, but it’ll be amusing to see and judge it.”

Dmitry, smirking confidently.

He was shamelessly ready to find fault, no matter what I presented.

“Just wait. I’ll bring the proof you’re so eagerly demanding.”

After freeing myself from Elizabeth’s grasp, I stood up and headed towards the door. The looks I met were a mix of doubt and belief.

‘I wish a quest would pop up now.’

That would be incredibly helpful.

I forced myself to stop smiling. Imagining Luciana giggling helped me regain composure.

Counter propaganda with propaganda,

Adding more sensational information to counteract provocative news – a Korean virtue.

“Look at this.”

Returning to the reception room, I held a small white bundle of fur.

“Did you bring a pet as your evidence?”

“Tsk. Clearly inexperienced. Don’t you understand?”

I clicked my tongue and lifted the bundle high for everyone to see.

“It’s a direwolf pup. If the strictly rule-abiding stewards and knights had seen it, they would never have let me bring it alive – my hunting dog.”

I wasn’t sure if the Speda ducal knights really prioritized rules that much.

But that minor detail was insignificant in front of the captivating element of a direwolf pup.

Reactions varied greatly upon accepting it.

“A direwolf pup?”

“Wow. I’ve seen wolf pups, but a direwolf is new.”

From mere curiosity to

“Isn’t that dangerous?”

“How could you bring one of the northern three great monsters inside…”

Fear and astonishment. Quite a diverse human landscape. No one doubted it was a direwolf pup. Its unique, jewel-like, silver-tinted white fur under the chandelier was undeniable.

“…This can’t be considered proof!”

“I went along with your game, and this is how you respond. How petty.”

Dmitry, still not giving up on challenging Luciana, was technically not wrong. It was all circumstantial evidence, not conclusive. 

‘But he’s losing even his own faction’s interest now. Continuing to say that makes him look oblivious.’

“I’ve provided the evidence you wanted. What more do you expect?”

There’s a timing for checks and balances.

Overdoing it often backfires.

Luciana, if she were watching from the other side of the screen, would have seized this opportunity to sharply corner Dmitry. Her intuition was second to none.

“To my eyes, you appear to be causing disruption with your thoughtless criticism fueled by jealousy.”

“But, that’s not true! I was just trying to reveal the truth!”

Despite his defense, the surrounding gazes were icy cold.

“Even if we assume you’re right for a moment, what can you really do about it?”

Snap!

I closed my fan and showed my face, deliberately frowning to express my annoyance.

“A mere count, and that too an heir who hasn’t even inherited his title yet, dares to question my achievements announced by the Speda Ducal family?”

“……”

“It’s ridiculous. As an heir, you can’t even formally protest family against family. The best you can do is spread petty rumors in a social gathering like this. Quite laughable.”

I asserted my authority with ease.

Being from a Ducal family isn’t for nothing. Backed by the most influential nobility in the north, there was no reason not to use it.

“I can’t stand to see you anymore. If you have complaints, prove them in the sacred way you keep talking about. If you’re not thinking of a duel, then understand your place and leave.”

Dmitry’s options were limited. As a leader of the noble faction, admitting fault would be too damaging to his pride.

A duel over something like this?

“Excuse me.”

Without another word, I decided to simply leave my seat.

Elizabeth, approaching me, expressed her admiration, followed quietly by other young ladies.

“Wow… Lucy, that was impressive! To make that muscle-bound snob retreat on his own. I thought you’d just ignore him as usual.”

“Until now, I did it for the unity of all northern nobility, but this time it was too much, so I had to be a bit harsh.”

“Can I touch it?”

“Feel free. But be gentle, Friede might get scared.”

After he left, the hostile atmosphere turned into a genuine social gathering as if by magic.

“Kyaa! So cute!”

“Even a ferocious direwolf has such an adorable puppy phase…”

These were still children, not yet adults. Regardless of being from the noble or imperial faction, they couldn’t resist something as cute as puppies or kittens.

It was a bit noisy, but I tolerated it graciously.

With Friede attracting all the attention, my role was to quietly blend in and then leave.

My goal was just compensation for this overtime work.

[Quest Condition Completed]

[Luciana’s Favorability Updated.]

[Exceeded Target Achievement]

[NPC ‘Luciana Speda’s’ current psychological state is additionally revealed.]

As I enjoyed a moment of respite, leaving Friede to entertain, the system notified me of the quest completion.

An unexpected bonus included.

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“Huh, taming a monster, huh?”

The Duke of Speda couldn’t believe what his daughter was saying. He scanned the creature she was embracing with a mix of astonishment.

“In my life, I’ve seen it all. Your brother wanted to raise a bear when he was young, and here you are, going a step further,” he mused. He enjoyed falconry himself, but this situation was different – the issue was that the creature was a monster.

The Duke’s eyes narrowed at the creature’s whimper.

Though still young, the silver mane resembling its eyes clearly identified it as a Direwolf, one of the three greatest monsters of the North.

“Taming a monster to kill other monsters. I thought it a fitting way to forever honor my coming of age,” his daughter explained.

Her words seemed reasonable at first, but really?

Looking at her gently stroking the Direwolf’s head, who would believe she had such intentions?

“Lucy, if this creature harms the townspeople in any way, I won’t hesitate to eliminate it,” he warned. The wildness of monsters and their hostility towards humans were on a different level from ordinary wild animals. This small wolf might look cute now, but it could become a problem later.

“I understand. If it comes to that, I’ll take its life myself, so don’t worry,” she replied firmly.

But the Duke could see a faint tremor of hesitation in her determined blue eyes – a feeling only a family member could perceive.

“Sure you will…”

“…Trust me on this.”

As a Duke, he couldn’t ignore the potential danger of a monster within the city walls. But as a father, he also understood the disappointment his daughter would face if he killed the monster she brought home after her successful coming of age ceremony.

A helpless cub, it wouldn’t harm to watch it for a while.

“Remember this. If you fail, I will do it myself.”

It was a compromise, leaning more towards a father’s heart, but also a stern warning from a Duke as he stood up.

“Are you allowing it?”

“Consider it a coming of age gift. I trust you’ll manage it well.”

“Don’t worry! I’ll instruct the servants to take thorough care of it,” she assured him, her face lighting up with joy, which brought a slight smile to the Duke’s face as well.

* * *

After the Direwolf entered her room, my life as her servant changed for both better and worse.

“Are you hungry? I’ll bring you some milk right away,” I said, noting the wolf’s whimper.

The upside was seeing Luciana’s usually cold demeanor soften more often, making my work enjoyable.

But the downside was the massive increase in my workload.

“Hans, why are you spacing out? Hurry up with the milk.”

From managing waste to grooming and feeding, these tedious tasks naturally fell to me, her dedicated servant.

“Yes, right away!”

At least I had the reward of watching the cute wolf cub and the beautiful Luciana.

But dealing with Yegor, the old man who gave orders without lifting a finger, was far less pleasant.

“What’s its name?”

“It’s named Friede, which means ‘traitor’ in the Northern tongue.”

An odd name for a pet. I looked back and forth between the wolf and Luciana in disbelief.

“It’s appropriate for a creature that will turn against its own kind,” she remarked

“True,” I conceded, though I wasn’t sure about the name’s suitability. As long as it performed well, what did it matter?

“So, what’s next on the schedule?”

Luciana, seemingly reluctant, turned away from the wolf engrossed in its milk to ask me. The life of a high noble was busier than I thought, keeping me equally occupied managing her schedule.

“It’s 2 PM… You have a social gathering with other noble children prepared soon.”

“Hmm,” she frowned, clearly unenthusiastic.

“You’re not looking forward to it, are you?”

“You catch on fast,” she replied with a wry smile, running her fingers through her long hair.

It was unusual for her to show such open disdain.

“I hate the mind games. Those who couldn’t stand a chance against me in a fair sword fight act all high and mighty in front of me. It’s unbearable.”

This was the so-called destiny of high nobility.

She seemed stressed about securing her position amid the tangled interests of various noble families.

“Why not skip the event, then?”

“That might work. I could use our sparring as an excuse.”

“…On second thought, skipping might not be the best idea.”

Luciana’s skill level was too high for a regular soldier to spar with. Only three groups could realistically face her in a duel: the knights of the Ducal family, her father Duke Speda, and myself.

It was an effective training method, as no matter what technique I used, she would always find a way to counter it, naturally improving her skills.

But for me, sparring with her was excruciating.

With mana training, physical exhaustion, and servant duties to attend to afterward, I preferred to avoid dueling with her if possible.

“Just kidding. I wouldn’t cancel an event that my father and other nobles organized on my own accord.”

“Indeed, that makes sense.”

“You seem a bit too happy about that.”

Oops, I need to manage my expressions better.

“Oh, look at the time. I’ll lead you to the drawing room.”

“Changing the subject, I see…”

Ignoring her displeased look, I headed to the drawing room where the social gathering was to take place.

* * *

Luciana glanced down at her dress.

The rare purple dye obtained only from certain monsters in the East, combined with the occasionally found diamonds from the Western magic stone mines, made this dress perfect for showcasing the prestige of her Ducal family.

‘Uncomfortable.’

While aesthetically pleasing to others, the dress was restrictive and cumbersome to move in.

The only reason she wore it was for the social event.

Her high-heeled shoes were another story.

At social events, even a small weakness could become a target for scrutiny. Her slightly shorter stature was no exception.

Though restrictive, she had to wear them to conceal her perceived flaw.

Her gaze drifted to Hans, walking ahead. His steps were light and carefree, devoid of the dignity expected in such a setting, but also free from the chains of rank and responsibility.

His freedom stood in stark contrast to Luciana’s discomfort in her high heels.

“I’m envious,” she muttered.

“Huh? What did you say?”

It was the same during her coming of age ceremony and now at this social event.

The advantages of being a noble lady were clear, but so were the constraints.

She wished she could toss aside these social events and restrictive clothes, armed only with armor and a sword.

“I thought you were free.”

“Free? I have to wake up early for all sorts of chores. Plus, being a newcomer and a Westerner, the servants and maids subtly disrespect me. And recently, there’s been the care of Friede…”

As Hans spoke nonchalantly, he turned to look at her and then fell silent.

“Is there something bothering you?”

His voice carried a cautious note when he spoke again.

“It’s nothing.”

“Your face says otherwise. Problems lighten when shared. Why carry a log alone? Just talk to me.”

As a mere baron’s son, he probably couldn’t relate to her struggles. But there was hope that, like during her coming of age ceremony, he might come up with a solution.

“What would you do if I skipped the social event?”

“That would be difficult. Yegor would scold me for letting you stray.”

A dead end, then.

True, finding the Direwolf den during her ceremony was a stroke of luck.

Cunning can’t always be relied upon.

“Forget it. It was just a thought. Don’t worry about it.”

Disappointed, her tone turned cold. She moved past Hans towards the drawing room. This was her home; she didn’t need his guidance.

‘…She’s upset.’

Her emotions were always so transparent.

He sighed inwardly as he watched her storm off, upset.

But his mind was made up.

‘I’m already on thin ice.’

Ever since her coming of age ceremony, the head servant has been on his case, giving him no rest.

And if he gets caught helping Luciana break the rules again?

‘I’ve told you time and again, a servant must prevent their master from going down the wrong path.’

Enduring another round of endless nagging wasn’t appealing, so he silently followed her.

*Ping*

A notification sound accompanied a message on his status screen.

[Quest Alert!]

[Resolve NPC ‘Luciana’s’ Desire for Rebellion]

[Reward: Check Luciana’s Favorability Level]

That favorability level, unchanged since his awakening, except right after the ceremony.

Well, he had to see if it had changed after all he’d been through.

He whispered this excuse to himself as he quietly followed her, growing colder in the distance.

* * *

“Actually, there is a way to skip the social event without anyone knowing. If you cooperate a little, we can avoid drawing attention. It won’t bring shame to your family either.”

Luciana stopped in her tracks at my unexpected proposal.

“That sounds promising. Let’s hear it.”

“But you can’t get angry, okay? I didn’t mention it earlier because I thought you might not like the idea.”

I fumbled in my pocket and pulled something out.

“What’s that?”

“It’s something I acquired from a notorious criminal in the West.”

Luciana realized immediately what it could be used for.

“You have my permission. But can you pull it off?”

I grinned, confidently responding to her challenge.

“Complaining twice is too much, three times is asking for trouble. I assure you, with just a little bit of information, I can do it better than anyone.”

It was a risky move that could tarnish the family’s name if anything went wrong.

The old me, before joining her, would never have allowed it.

“Your confidence is convincing.”

I had already made up my mind.

The thrill of rebellion I experienced during her coming of age ceremony wasn’t something I could just forget.

The chance to feel that freedom again was worth any risk.

And with me on the job, I was sure to handle it well.

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“How long do you plan to lie there? Can you still claim to be a servant of the Speda Ducal House after this?”

Luciana was holding the head of the Direwolf Alpha she had just defeated, apparently as proof for her coming of age ceremony.

“It seems you’re pleased…”

“Of course. We need to return promptly, so get up.”

She must be eager to boast about it to her family.

I wanted to respond accordingly, but it wasn’t going as I hoped.

“Just a moment. I am trying to get up. Ugh.”

I didn’t expect to have muscle pain all over my body just from a little running.

Despite trying hard to stand, using strength in my thighs and calves, I only felt a slight loss of power and ended up sitting back down.

“Oh dear.”

“Tsk. No time for groaning.”

As if resigned, she extended her other empty hand to me.

“Hurry up and grab it.”

Who would have thought I’d get to hold the hand of my favorite character?

Even though it’s not bare skin and I only feel the coldness of metal, it’s still something.

“Ouch! Why are you gripping so hard? Did I do something wrong?”

“Hm? Sorry. I didn’t think I was using that much strength.”

Indeed, a formidable mid-boss, I truly felt the difference in our strengths.

Still, with her adjusted strength, I managed to stand up with her help.

“Are you feeling okay now?”

“Thanks to you gripping my hand tightly earlier, my legs feel a bit better.”

My body still aches, but I can’t just lie down.

[Calculating your reward.]

The dungeon clear reward appeared, and it was hard to resist.

Squeak.

A young wolf pup, a significant contributor to Luciana’s successful coming of age, whimpered softly.

This was the real reward of this dungeon.

It was often used in the original work.

[Young Direwolf]

[Item Category: Pet]

[Normally, Direwolves are too wild to be tamed. However, if the pup is young enough to have not seen its mother, it’s a different story.]

[If raised with care, this frail life form can become a strong and loyal companion.]

[Can assist in combat when grown]

[Can wear a saddle and carry only its owner when grown]

Usually, pets are just for show, nothing more or less.

Even if they have some functionality, it’s just auxiliary.

But this one is different.

It takes time and cost to raise, but it’s worth the effort due to its combat ability.

“What will you do?”

I glanced at Luciana, trying to gauge her reaction.

Although it’s a reward, it’s still a monster.

Luciana might decide to deal with it immediately.

“Direwolves are a nuisance in the north. We must exterminate them.”

As expected.

The sword that had just pierced through the fur of adult Direwolves was now aimed at the pup.

Her principle was simple.

Kill the monsters threatening the people outside the castle, a spirit of noblesse oblige.

‘This is problematic.’

Of course, her mindset is righteous.

But now, it’s harmful. The dungeon reward might go to waste.

“Isn’t there another option?”

“…Another option, you say.”

“Yes. It’s still a newborn. It can be tamed.”

Luciana scoffed at my words.

“Ridiculous. You think a wolf can be tamed? Even if possible, it’s useless. Stop talking nonsense and move aside.”

Hmm, usefulness. How do I explain this?

Can I use it as a mount when it grows?

Can it replace hunting dogs?

‘No, it’s pointless.’

There are alternatives. Use horses or dogs, there’s no need to save a monster for that.

“Is there more you wish to say?”

Suddenly, she asked, glancing at her waist.

She was tightly holding the Direwolf Alpha’s severed head, as if it was precious.

For me, the young Direwolf was the reward, but for Luciana, the most significant reward from her coming of age ceremony was proving herself with what she had achieved.

I have an idea.

“Wouldn’t bringing back a live creature be better proof of valor than a dead one?”

I quickly voiced the strategy that came to mind, and her helmet tilted to the right.

“Evidence?”

“Yes. Using the northern menace as a substitute for a hunting dog. It will make everyone aware of your achievement in the coming of age ceremony.”

The head of a dead wolf is just a momentary honor.

But what if it’s shown continuously while being carried around?

The answer was simple.

The sword aimed at the young wolf wavered slightly, then sheathed.

“That’s an interesting idea. Taming a monster, never thought of that.”

She casually tossed aside the head of the Alpha Wolf, which she had been holding dearly.

Then, unlike how she had pulled me up, she gently picked up the young wolf with both hands.

“Not a bad idea after all.”

Her gentle touch caressed the head and back of the young Direwolf.

‘An unexpected side to her.’

I always thought she was cold and serious, but she had this side too.

“Maybe you should name it.”

“A name, huh? Yes, I should think about it. A name befitting a creature that will hunt down its own kind. Something grand.”

“Great idea. Let’s think about it when we return to the castle. For now, since we’ve dealt with the Direwolves, how about we make our way out as quickly as possible?”

By now, Yegor and the soldiers must be in a frenzy.

I fiddled with the unused flare in my pocket.

‘I entrusted you, and you dare…!’ I could imagine the steward grabbing the back of his neck in frustration.

“I don’t feel confident in facing the increasingly severe scolding in real-time.”

“Funny, I was thinking the same. Yegor’s nagging can be a bit tiresome.”

Laughing, we exited the cave without deciding who would go first.

* *

“Steward, there’s nothing around here!”

At the soldier’s report, Yegor clutched his throbbing head.

“The worst coming of age ceremony.”

What’s the point of bringing so many soldiers?

What’s the use of assigning a servant?

These people were meant to protect Luciana from potential threats, yet the very person to be protected had dismissed them.

“Hans Byron…”

Trusting an outsider was his biggest mistake.

Whether Luciana dragged him along or he took the lead.

If the former, he was incompetent, and if the latter, weak. Either way, Yegor was displeased.

“If only they would shoot a flare. The sun is setting, and they’ll struggle against the monsters at their peak.”

He needed to find them before nightfall.

“Keep searching! Lady Luciana and Hans’ horses were here. They must be nearby, don’t even think of returning until they’re found.”

“Yes!”

“Steward!”

Another soldier rushed in just as he gave the order.

Expecting more bad news, he was about to dismiss him.

“We found her! Lady Luciana!”

“Bring her immediately.”

Perhaps it was a stroke of luck.

They found her just before it got completely dark, enough time to return to the castle.

“…I’ll leave Lady Luciana to the Duke, I need to focus on Hans.”

It’s incredibly hard to dissuade a master on the wrong path.

But he couldn’t shirk that responsibility. That’s the duty of a servant.

Even if it means being a bit harsh, he had to teach him right.

“Thankfully they’re safe…”

Unfortunately for Yegor, his plans shattered the moment they met.

The soldiers dragged not just anything, but the infamous corpse of a Direwolf.

“Safe? I returned with the greatest achievement of my coming of age ceremony.”

It made sense why Luciana spoke so proudly.

Yegor, a nobleman born and raised in the North, knew all too well the dangers and importance of the coming of age ceremony. He too had memories from his youth, of impulsively going out alone for his own ceremony. But coming of age in the North was harsher than most realized, often leading to the deaths of young people. Yegor himself had faced life-threatening situations against Northern monsters, which is why he always insisted on deploying a large force for these ceremonies.

“I told you, I was sufficient alone.”

“…Lady Luciana.”

Yet, Luciana’s brave demeanor reminded Yegor of his own youthful days. A long-forgotten vigor throbbed in his chest.

A young girl before him was embodying the ideal of every Northern noble: fearlessly facing monsters.

“Hey, that’s a bit disappointing. I helped quite a bit, to the point of exhaustion.”

“…Stay quiet. Are you clueless?”

“No, really, I think I’ve hurt my knee dragging all those wolf corpses here. Ouch.”

Their interaction seemed more like that of friends than a servant and master.

Usually, Yegor would have reprimanded Hans severely.

For disrespecting his master.

For not stubbornly following Luciana during the hunt.

“Hans, you…!”

But seeing the result they had achieved, Yegor was speechless.

What if he had persisted in dissuading Lady Luciana?

What if Hans had successfully stopped her as he hoped?

They might have completed a superficial ceremony, capturing only unimpressive prey.

But Luciana, defying his admonitions, had caught several of the North’s most formidable monsters.

“…Take good care of Lady Luciana. Don’t let your guard down now that it’s safe.”

“Ah, yes! Of course!”

Yegor’s deep wrinkles hid a smile.

There was no need for a stern lecture now.

It would be wrong to dampen the pure joy of Lady Luciana, who had achieved a great feat at her ceremony.

“Yegor, Father would be proud, wouldn’t he?”

“Undoubtedly. Capturing the North’s three major monsters in a coming of age ceremony hasn’t happened in nearly 40 years.”

“Haha, is that so?”

After some thought, Yegor nodded satisfactorily, noticing Luciana’s triumphant hand gestures.

“Um, Lady Luciana. May I ask what you’re holding?”

“Oh, this? It’s a living trophy. I subdued the monster and tamed its offspring. A perfect achievement for the Speda Ducal House’s ceremony, isn’t it?”

“What?”

Yegor’s eyes wavered.

Did she intend to raise the monster?

Would the Duke accept it?

‘…Well, it’s out of my hands now.’

Nodding, Yegor silently prepared to leave.

With the ceremony concluded and Lady Luciana having made her mark, he had no right to dictate what should happen next.

The eventful ceremony had come to a successful close, and now everything, including the decision to raise the young Direwolf, would be in the Duke’s hands.

But still.

‘I’ll need to start preparing to persuade the retainers.’

The young lady had reignited a passion from his youth.

It was only right to support her to this extent.

‘And Hans, he’s impressive too.’

He must have contributed significantly to capturing those Direwolves. His body bore many minor wounds.

Yegor finally understood the Duke’s warning.

‘I need to be more thorough.’

Unaware of the intensified training awaiting him, Hans followed Yegor, relieved to have escaped immediate reprimand.

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From the middle to the latter part of the story, the Northern region served as the pivotal area for the protagonist’s growth in the original game. As someone with a rudimentary understanding of game development, I suspect the presence of fierce monsters and demons in this area was likely a deliberate design choice for leveling up.

Danger often comes with valuable rewards, and indeed, hefty treasures were hidden here.

[Direwolf Cave]

[The nuisance of the snowy mountains, the Direwolves, have long tormented the people of the North with their agility and excellent coordination.]

[But now, the counterattack begins. Clues left by them, such as tufts of fur, footprints, and droppings, all point in one direction.]

[Eliminate them and claim the peace of the Northern residents and the treasure hidden in the cave.]

“It’s my coming-of-age ceremony, but you seem more excited than me.”

“Adventure is something everyone yearns for. I am no different.”

…Though I said that, it was hard to deny the excitement of my first battle in this otherworld.

Luciana seemed to notice my eagerness with a curious look.

“…Well, it’s better to have enthusiasm than not. Lead the way.”

“Please wait. Hmm, there are footprints over there.”

As we approached the location indicated on the status window, the traces became more frequent.

“This is…”

“It seems we have found their lair.”

Endless darkness.

The gaping maw of the cave invoked a fear of the unknown.

“I’ll take the lead from here.”

However, exceptions always exist.

Driven by a desire for honor, Luciana strode confidently into the cave.

‘Oops’

“Wait a moment!”

“What now?”

“Where is it acceptable for a servant to put their lord in danger first? I’ll lead.”

Compared to other dungeons, this one wasn’t very difficult, but the rewards were substantial.

It’s like a sparrow can’t just pass by a millet field.

There might even be relics hidden along the way. Unaware of this, Luciana raised her eyebrows as she stepped forward.

“Who asked for help? I can overcome my coming-of-age ceremony alone.”

“Attendees are necessary. Let me lead.”

‘Just yield this much, given my own struggles.’

Arguing over who should go first, we both advanced deeper.

“This is strange. Not even a single Direwolf or pup in sight.”

Luciana murmured in disappointment.

It might be a futile effort.

Anxiousness was apparent in her blue eyes behind her visor.

“Direwolves are clever creatures. They usually avoid direct confrontations with humans.”

I answered succinctly.

In the wild, overrun with hostile monsters, even minor injuries can limit hunting abilities.

Hence, while they may hunt livestock, they generally avoid direct confrontations with humans.

‘They’re hiding so well in their own home.’

“Hmph. The creatures are audacious.”

-Thump!

A kick, fueled by frustration, struck the cave wall.

“Don’t worry too much.”

“Do you have a plan?”

She asked, and I gave a sly smile.

Having seen the ending through a simple game, I knew how to navigate even a small dungeon like this.

Whispering my plan, Luciana listened intently with a skeptical expression.

“If they won’t come out, we have to force them out. Even if it means disturbing something precious to them.”

“Something precious?”

“Follow me.”

At the central pillar of the cave’s deep section, at 2 o’clock direction, and then left at the fork.

Luciana looked puzzled.

“Huh? Why is there snow here?”

There was an unusually thick snow pile blocking a passage, something that shouldn’t be inside a cave.

“Doesn’t this look suspicious?”

I nodded, pulling out a shovel from my bag.

The Direwolves’ habit of living in snow.

Although meant as camouflage from predators, it stood out to humans.

‘I never thought my first use of a shovel in another world would be for clearing snow, not treasure hunting.’

The snow, laboriously dragged in by the wolves, was gradually cleared.

However…

“Huff, huff.”

…I had forgotten about my own physical limits.

Eagerly shoveling with the desire for relics, my breath became labored.

“You’re too weak physically.”

“What can I do, being born this way?”

Perhaps the game is still just a game.

The Ice Maiden, with her sharp and captivating charm, was brutally honest in her assessment of me, which felt particularly harsh.

[Strength: 2]

The truth of it stung all the more.

I made a decision.

‘I must improve this pitiful strength, by any means necessary, be it through a potion or an artifact.’

Then, Luciana spoke.

“We should consider some strength training later.”

“Haha, I’ll strive to meet your expectations.”

A surge of energy revitalized my arms at the thought of training with my favorite character—a reward in itself!

The excitement of this unique experience in the game fueled my digging.

And finally,

-Creak.

The snow blocking the entrance was cleared enough to hear faint whimpering from inside.

“Is this a pup?”

In the corner of the cave, a wolf pup that had not yet opened its eyes was curled up.

The artifact I had been seeking, and a treasure dearly guarded by the wolves.

[The artifact is currently unattainable.]

[Clear the dungeon to acquire the artifact.]

But it wasn’t going to be that easy. The pup, somehow aware, tried to bite with its tiny, blunt teeth.

[Pup Direwolf]

The status window showed only red text, indicating a monster.

Luciana sighed lightly.

“Considering it’s a Direwolf, this could save face, but it seems pointless to have come all this way for this.”

“Just wait. Didn’t I say we’d target their most prized possession?”

-Awooo.

I smirked and gestured behind me.

Before I could even gesture, an astonished Luciana had already turned around.

Apparently annoyed at the thought of us touching the pup, the cave’s true inhabitants revealed themselves.

The Direwolves, aptly named, covered in fur that resembled jewels.

“Heh. This was your plan.”

“Using the pup as bait to hunt the whole pack is quite efficient, isn’t it?”

Luciana’s look turned sour, as if she was staring at something wicked or demonic.

I shrugged nonchalantly.

Swoosh~

As the wolves closed in, Luciana lowered her stance, sword in hand.

Showing their infamous coordination, the wolves began to encircle us.

They were clever creatures.

Naturally, Luciana and I stood back-to-back, resisting their encirclement.

‘Should I use the pup as a hostage?’

No, that’s not right.

In this cave, fighting with one hand tied might be disadvantageous.

Using the pup as a hostage wouldn’t sit well with Luciana.

What she wanted was…

‘A fair fight.’

“Can you handle them?”

“As you’ve seen before, my swordsmanship and magic are useless. I can’t defeat them.”

Luciana, with her back against mine, clicked her tongue at my honest response.

I knew my limitations better than anyone, with my knowledge of the game.

Strength 2, and Magic 1.

Stats worse than a newly created player character. Hardly enough to penetrate the defenses of mid-level dungeon monsters.

Unseal the artifact, Tut?

Sadly, the wolf fur didn’t trigger any unlock.

“Tsk. I’ll have to add swordsmanship to the training plan.”

“I’d welcome it. I’ll be a loyal servant, or rather a faithful dog, and commit to the training.”

“Don’t be happy about it!”

Luciana responded firmly, her aura glowing as brightly as in our previous duel.

“Can you hold them off?”

“Of course. Don’t worry about me.”

I grinned and stepped back, readying my stance.

My ‘Stealth’ skill isn’t an S-rank for nothing. And these aren’t some boss-level monsters with unpredictable patterns. Their attacks are all visible to me.

“Of course, I can’t defeat them.”

“That’s enough. Just keep them at bay!”

And then, as a wolf lunged with a roar,

We both sprang to our sides, swords swinging!

Left, right, upper right!

Dodging claws and teeth non-stop, occasionally countering.

Though it wouldn’t be fatal, targeting eyes, hind leg joints, and bellies would surely weaken their strength.

-Crunch!

“Stay down, and be the sacrifice for my coming-of-age ceremony.”

From behind me, Luciana’s voice rang out, a mix of excitement and ferocity as she dealt with the incoming Direwolves one by one. True to her role as a key character and mid-boss in the game, she advanced, leaving a trail of deep red in her wake. The fallen bodies of the Direwolves bore the clear marks of her handiwork.

But…

‘…It’s not enough.’

Though skilled, her excitement in the heat of battle was apparent. Instead of quick, efficient kills, there were signs of overreaching and tension.

Her composure fell far short of the mid-boss Luciana I had encountered.

So, I stood in front of a Direwolf twice the size of the others.

-Growl…

“Wow, facing one head-on really is a different feeling.”

They say when you stand in front of a bear or tiger, the fear instinctively makes your legs go weak.

That’s exactly how my trembling knees and legs felt right now.

In the unnamed king’s dungeon in the game, I was confident I wouldn’t die and could converse with him, thanks to my gaming experience.

But this opponent, although intelligent, was a beast-like monster, unlike the unnamed king, devoid of reason.

It wouldn’t consider my words more than a potential meal.

“Think you can get to Luciana without going through me first?”

Still, I had to do it. Letting this one go would only complicate things.

For the growth and safety of my favorite character, it had to be done.

-Direwolf Cave Strategy

…The difficulty of this dungeon depends on the tank’s skill level. Also…

I recalled a strategy I once saw online.

‘Individual Direwolves aren’t too threatening. It’s their unity, that buff called ‘solidarity,’ that’s the problem.’

This buff, activated by the pack leader’s command, dramatically increases their base stats.

Their organized surprise attacks are significant obstacles, preventing the player from leveraging their skills effectively.

The standard solution was clear: one tank draws the boss monster’s aggro, preventing it from giving buffs.

“Wouldn’t hunting be easier without that bulky armor? Just me, unarmored?”

I made a small cut on my hand with a dagger, letting the blood’s scent fill the air.

Waiting for the blood to pool in my palm, I flung my arm, splattering droplets right up to the boss monster’s snout.

Its red eyes widened in response.

Despite being a boss, it was still a monster at heart, true to its nature.

-Awooo!

Indeed, a boss-level creature. Its howl echoed through the cave, startling even the knight who was elegantly fighting the subordinate wolves.

Even some of the fighting wolves hesitated and stepped back.

However, inside me, a new emotion began to sprout, different from fear.

“Huh.”

A thrilling sensation surged from my fingertips.

It was similar to when I faced a real sword in the duel with Luciana.

A cool rationality settled over my burning heart and rushed to my feet.

This wasn’t fear, but something closer to exhilaration.

To confirm this mysterious feeling, I watched every move of the beast, as if time slowed down.

The slight lift of its right front paw was a common claw attack pattern.

‘I just need to roll to the left.’

The shaking of its hind legs, a frontal charge pattern, could be easily avoided by moving to the side. The growling and sharpening of its teeth indicated an instant-kill pattern.

It was aiming for my neck.

A fleeting joy thundered through my mind.

I saw every move. It was just like the game.

My clumsy body managed perfect evasion.

-Growl…

The Direwolf leader also showed significant change.

Initially frustrated at not catching its prey, it roared in annoyance.

But as time passed, it grew tired from the continuous, irrational evasions.

“Stubborn one, aren’t you? How long will you keep chasing?”

Of course, my situation wasn’t much different. My chronic lack of stamina, and the mana draining from constant skill use, were nearing their limits.

Yet, my face was stretched into a grin, exhilarated like never before.

Yes.

Thrill.

It was just like riding a roller coaster at an amusement park or doing extreme sports like bungee jumping.

The experience of fear, the accomplishment of overcoming it, and the thrill, all surged up my spine.

I was oblivious to my gasping breaths and the exhaustion weighing down my body like waterlogged cotton.

“Well done.”

As I was entangled with the beast, a clanking noise and a voice came from behind. It seemed Luciana had dealt with the subordinate wolves, her armor stained with the crimson blood of the beasts.

“To summarize in two words. I took quite a tumble, didn’t I? Any chance of a bit more praise?”

“More than I expected. Leave the rest to me.”

I collapsed on the spot, unable to move back.

Exhausted and sprawled on the ground, I could still witness the end of the boss monster I had toyed with.

Luciana, having gained considerable experience in fighting the minions, and the boss, exhausted from our tussle.

-Crunch!

With a single scream, Luciana plunged her sword into the neck of the weary alpha wolf, bringing her tumultuous coming-of-age ceremony to a close.

[Boss Defeated]

[You have cleared the dungeon ‘Direwolf Cave’ with NPC, ‘Luciana Speda.’]

[Calculating rewards.]

‘This message. It’s just like in the game.’

A smile twitched at the corners of my mouth, rising in elation.

My chest swelled tight with a sense of achievement. 

Then, 

Clank, Thud.

“Are you alright?”

Luciana, having approached and lifted her visor, looked at me with concern.

‘Typical me.’

To think, this young girl’s few words of praise could make me so giddy.

‘But then again, she is my favorite character.’

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