A splash of water soaked Eris' face.

Glistening droplets slid down her chin before dripping back down into the basin.

She gazed at the water, waiting for the ripples to settle down enough to form her reflection. But before the image could fully emerge, she scooped down another handful and splashed it across her face.

After quick gasp of breath, she let out a deep, long sigh.

What is wrong with that girl?

Slowly, the garbled image grew clearer, and soon enough, she was staring at her own sullen expression.

I've heard rumors of her accomplishments, this so-called Lord Heroine. But seeing the real thing right before my very eyes, I can only come to the conclusion that these are two completely different people. As far as I can tell, she is no more than she looks: a spoiled child of a noble.

And even then.

I've never heard of a Lord who couldn't afford an estate.

Wiping a towel across her face, she headed out of the washroom and back into her bedroom.

To think she's even staying at this very inn, just next door... like a mere commoner.

She slipped into her uniform seemingly in a daze. She did her buttons, tied her hair, all with a vacant expression in her eyes, as she fell deeper and deeper into thought.

I even looked forward to meeting her, after hearing about her becoming the new Lady of Dellwick.

She made a bitter smirk.

But what a disappointment.

And then, a sigh.

I thought I was finally moving up in life, but now... now I feel like my goal is slipping farther for every minute that passes. But what choice do I have?

And with one, final, adjustment of her collar, she muttered to herself, "Hang in there. Good things will come if you keep at it."

With her glasses in hand, preparations were complete.

Eris' work day had begun anew.

The first task was a morning rendezvous with her lady's knight, a perky girl who insisted on going by the name of Rika. The two had just left the inn. And on their way to the guard post, the topic of discussion somehow came to be what nickname Eris was to go by.

"Miss Evrika," she said with the best business-like tone she could muster so early in the morning, "please don't bother. Eris is fine."

While it was at the girl's own request, she couldn't quite bring herself to act so familiar, as to refer to her by a nickname. It was all so sudden. Furthermore, there was no way she was going to accept one for herself.

"Ehh? Are you sure?" The girl said, cocking her head in a notably saccharine manner that slightly disturbed Eris.

"Of course. Remember that we are still at work. It would simply be improper."

The girl, at first, seemed unconvinced. "…is it?" But then, she quickly turned back around with a warm smile, "Well, okay, then!"

Somehow, it took her by surprise, how she backed down so easily - a relief, though it was. She had half-expected an inane argument coming, similar to the ones she witnessed between the two girls. Indeed, something seemed subtly off with Evrika since that morning. Her personality, though largely the same, didn't come with the same fizzling pep that she often exhibited in tandem with Sylphia.

How strange. Perhaps she is bad with mornings? Well, if it that means that she would be easier to deal with, then that is all the more convenient.

I have nothing against her, per se, but I can't say I'm comfortable being around someone as... upbeat as her. But she is nevertheless, a person very close to my Lady, it wouldn't hurt to build a good rapport with her. Theoretically.

Grey awaited and a couple of his subordinates greeted the two ladies with a salute upon their arrival, saying, "Good morning, Miss Secretary, Miss Carlisle!"

"Good morning." Eris merely nodded as though it were a given.

Meanwhile, Rika's expression was a bit more bashful as she said, "Morning, you guys!"

Sparing not a single moment, Eris went straight to business. "Report, Guard Captain. How are the guards adjusting to their new shifts?"

"Yes, ma'am." Grey replied without shifting from his stiff salute. "There were a few cases of tardiness yesterday, but given a bit more time, I'm sure my men will adjust to their new assignments."

"Very well." Eris walked over to the desk and inspected the documents recording the activities of all the guards in rotation. "Did Miss Ann prepare these?"

"Yes, ma'am. She worked into the night to finish them too, poor girl. I wish there was a way we could help her, but..."

"I see."

There seem to be a few mistakes, but it's legible enough to understand without any problem. She's quite clever for a such a young girl... Is that the difference of being able to study in an Academy? I wonder how different my life would have been if I had an education...

She rubbed the ridge between her eyes.

No. No. Focus. There's no time to be fantasizing about pointless things. I have a job to do.

"Hmm..." she grumbled, "this is unsatisfactory."

Manpower is insufficient, several sets of equipment needs refurbishing, and the guards are poorly trained for their tasks. Tsk. For now, I've left the training of the guardsmen to Miss Evrika, but there isn't a long-term solution for the other problems, all because a certain someone hasn't any more money before the next tranche of taxes come in.

The brat pestered me over dinner yesterday about using the administrative funds, but there is no way I am going to waive my salary over this.

Once she had flipped past the last page, she laid the documents right back down on the table. "Any reports from the patrols on the road?"

"None, Miss Secretary."

So they haven't reached full gear yet? That's a relief. It's far more difficult to calm them down once they get bold enough to set up tolls.

"I see," she replied.

After a few moments, Rika approached and gave her a tap on the shoulder. "Eris, do you still need them? I'd like to start with their training."

"Mm. You can have them. Take care, Miss Evrika."

"Okay! See you later!"

With a review of yesterday's reports ahead of her, Eris' thoughts went to her employer. She had asked Evrika about her before they left the inn, but all she got was that she out to do some unspecified 'errands'.

Where in the world did she run off to, anyway?

Now that she was alone, her frustration was free to surface on her expression.

And what errands could she possibly be running that are more important than her duties as a Lord?

Alas, all she could do was sigh in resignation and start her own work.

Once she gets back to the castle, she'll regret not working more diligently.

"Hah..." A low moan escaped Eris' lips as she relaxed her back onto her chair. "All done."

She looked idly left and right at the interior of the guard house.

A warm ray of sunshine peeked in from the window, slipping through a small split between the pair of plain, white curtains.

Hm. It isn't even noon yet? I finished earlier than I thought.

And she had an idea why. The documents were well kept and stored. Everything was organized in an intuitive fashion. It was the mark of a budding secretary.

I wonder why Miss Ann goes to the trouble of helping out with the paperwork here? She isn't being paid for the job she does, as far as I know.

She pondered for a bit, but ultimately concluded that she simply could not understand her motivation. But whatever the case may be, the fact was that with Ann's help, solicited or not, she had finished her own job in no time at all.

However, she now faced some unexpected free time on her hands. With all of her tasks done, and no one around to give her new orders, there was but one thing left for her to do.

With a dissatisfied sigh, she got off the chair and fixed her clothes.

I guess I should find the brat...

Sylphia had been the Lady of Dellwick for a few weeks now, and quite a few people have gotten to know her face. Moreover, that head of pinkish silver stood out in the village mostly populated by black and brown. It was no time at all before Eris came across someone who had seen her loitering about.

But that's strange...

The path her lady supposedly took led to the forest adjacent to the village and nothing more. Unless she had some acquaintance who lived along that road, there was nothing for her to see there.

I'd thought she was meeting with Dante, but he ought to just be patrolling between the market and the stables... Did she get lost along the way?

Nonetheless, she followed the trail. She diligently scanned every corner for the faintest sign of the little brat. She kept not just her eyes, but ears on alert. If she was lucky, she might just come across the weeping of a lost girl.

Then, right as she turned the next corner, she staggered back from a thud on her abdomen.

"Oof!" cried a little girl, though not the one she was looking for.

Despite the dull ache from their collision, Eris instinctively reached out and held the girl in her arms, lest she should fall to the ground.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

"Uuu...?" The girl slowly opened her eyes, lifting her face and meeting eyes with the woman she bumped into. Immediately, her eyes lit up. "Ah! You!"

"...huh?"

"You're Miss Secretary!" she yelled, holding a large smile on her face.

"Yes, I am...?" Seeing the girl liven up like that relieved Eris, and she soon let her go with a pat on the head. "Were you looking for me?"

"Mm!" With a bright nod, the girl then held her fist up to Eris' hand and delivered to her a small, crumpled piece of paper.

Her gaze sharpened.

Its crisp sound as she unfurled its creases betrayed the fact that it was good quality paper.

Inside was a short message:

'Basket Weaver's. Tonight.'

Could this be...

"Mmuh!" the little girl then grunted all of a sudden.

"Huh?" Startled, Eris quickly put the message away. "What-"

She was then greeted by the girls open hands, reaching out as though she was asking for something.

"...what is it?"

"Reward!" Her eyes glimmered. "He said you'll give me, if I give you that!"

Eris' eyelids twitched.

I knew it...

Turning her head away, so as not to show the innocent girl her frustrated expression, she then clicked her tongue.

...that bastard.

Once she had calmed down a little, she pulled a couple of copper coins from her pocket and crouched down.

"Little girl," Eris said, dropping the coins into the girl's hand, "here."

"Woaaaah!" In her excitement, the girl hopped in place, ogling at the coins in different angles and enjoying the dull sparkle along their edges when the sunlight reflected upon them. "Thanks, Miss Secretary!"

The girl was about to dash off when Eris grabbed her hand. "Hold on."

"Hm...?"

If I remember correctly, this is Mr. Peterson's daughter... He's usually out for the harvest at this time, so she's probably alone at her house...

Tsk. How unpleasant.

Eris then placed her hand over the girl's head, saying, "You shouldn't talk to strange people."

The girl cocked her head in response. "Strange...?"

"Mm. Strange. Like old men you don't know, wearing a shady cloak and asking you to do things for them."

The girl gasped. "Oh!"

"Mm." She nodded. "That is a strange person. Don't trust them. Don't talk to them. And if you see them again, tell me right away. Okay?"

"Okay!"

The girl's unreserved cheer drew a tiny smile from even Eris' dry lips. And with a pat on the girl's head she sent her off. "Good. Run along now."

"Hihihi!" The girl dashed off, weaving and skipping around the few people walking the streets. She would then disappear behind the next row of buildings, but not before leaving a big wave for the secretary.

Take care.

A cool breeze blew in, as if to fill the void left by the spunky young girl.

Eris took in a breath.

And let out a sorrowful sigh.

If only certain other little girl was as obedient as that...

One more time, she scanned left and right. Aware, as she was, of the futility of such a gesture, she still, after all, wished to knew where her lady had gone. But even so, a more pressing matter had risen.

Tsk. Tonight, huh? I knew we were going to meet sometime soon, but not this soon... I still have a lot of things to prepare.

That night, Eris arrived at the designated place.

It was a remote sidestreet. Very few people lived there, much less roam its narrow streets. There, she sat on a small, wooden bench intended as a waiting area for the weaver's customers.

The cold wind brushed against her cloak, partially revealing her face under the dim moonlight.

Her eyes swivelled from side to side. Due to the nature of its location, and given the time of day, whoever it was who still roamed the streets could only be one of two things - her contact, or a guard. But since all guards carry oil lanterns, it was easy to spot from afar, giving her ample time to hide herself, if necessary.

And so, she waited.

And waited.

She sat there for almost an hour, basking all on her lonesome beneath the moonlight, before she finally lost her patience.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Where is he!? Any longer and I'm going to look suspicious! Should I change location for a while? There should be a guard assigned to patrol this area, and it would be a mess if I get questioned under this outfit.

Just as she stood up, the door of the basket weaver behind her slid open, with a loud clack.

She jumped from the sudden noise. Turning around, she saw before her a man with balding white hair and blank, jaded eyes staring out at her. Without his hood, she recognized him perfectly.

Eris clicked her tongue and leered at him. "Roderick, I thought I told you to cut out your games."

"Game? This isn't a game." He snuck the dagger in his hand back into his pocket. "How the hell was I supposed to know it was you? For all I know, you were found out and replaced by an informant."

"You should have noticed that security was tightened recently. I couldn't just stroll around the middle of the night in my work outfit anymore." Next, she brought out a few sheets of paper from under her cloak and handed it to him. "I have a new Lord now, you know, and she's here in this very town. Here, some basic information about her."

"Yes, I heard. The heroine, wasn't it? Or so the rumors say. I suppose you're charging a premium, now that your job has gotten harder."

She smirked.

Not really, that snot-nosed brat clearly hasn't any idea how this world works. And whatever power she has, if she even has any, doesn't seem to factor into my work... But since you brought that suggestion out yourself, I sure wouldn't mind a raise. I still have to thank you for that stunt you pulled earlier...

"Don't worry," she replied, "since you're still my number one customer, I'll go as lean as I can."

He sneered, "Go to hell."

"No thanks. I'm certainly not looking forward to your welcoming party in the afterlife. If I die, I just want to rot away."

"Hm? Not reincarnated?"

"Do you still hold delusions that scum like us are going to be reincarnated?"

"Bahah, like hell I do."

"Anyway, let's get on with it. A patrol will be coming around soon."

"Right, come on in."

The two headed deeper into the shop, past the display area. Unfinished baskets and the tools and materials used to make them were strewn all across several rooms. By the looks of it, no one had given the place a proper clean for months.

"Make yourself at home." Roderick said. "I'll get something for you to drink."

He pulled a door leading into a small room, ushering his guest inside while he walked further into the back. A short table and a couple of chairs stood at the center, seemingly prepared for this very meeting.

"So," Eris asked as she sat down, "the basket weaver's in your pocket now too? Must be nice, having a large enough budget to waste money on worthless agents."

"He's the cheapest I can find that had this accommodation. Plus, he's alone. His son's out joining Duke Hemmingsworth's army."

"Hmm..." Her eyes turned to her surroundings.

At the far end of the room was a small table, atop which a single flower leaned by its stem against an urn. In stark contrast, that single corner was the only place in the house that was clean to a polish. Even the flower, despite being without a vase, remained fresh and verdant.

Eris' eyes fell. "...I see."

When Roderick came back, he had in his hand, two cups and a flask.

"Still a waste of money." Her eyes followed his hands as he placed the cups on the table; one of which, he slid over to her. "I'd have just taken one of the abandoned houses around the rim of the village."

"Shut up, you damn miser," he said, before filling Eris' cup, "I'd much rather pay a little for some accommodation!"

"Whatever." Shifting gears, she then straightened her back and put on her work face. "So? You must have an urgent job for me."

She lifted her cup and took a whiff of its scent. It had a deep, nutty texture that distinguished it from regular beer.

Hmph. Not as exquisite as I expected... but it will do.

"Hrmph, yes." He took gulped down his cup in one go and let out a heavy breath. "Orders from the top."

A heavy pressure accumulated around her chest, pulling her attention away from everything but the words her companion spoke.

"The food caravan job is axed," he said, with a dire tone.

"Really? Just like that?"

He nodded. "Asking is clearly getting us nowhere. So we act."

The two shared sharp glances with each other.

"What do you suggest?" she asked.

"Hmph." He smirked. Then, from within his robes, he pulled out a rectangular object and slid it across the table, to Eris.

She inspected it for any suspicious marks, but it seemed to be an ordinary wooden box with a slide-off top. After careful inspection, opened the package.

All at once, her eyes widened and Roderick's face knotted into a grin.

"A-are these-" Her voice faltered at the sight of a brilliant glimmer emanating from within. Even against the pale moon, the streaks of gold coursed vividly against drab backdrop of the shop's interior.

Large, thick coins lined the container, stacked tightly side-by-side. The fit was so perfect that even when she gave the box a shake, no noise was made.

Despite her struggle to regain her composure, she managed to squeeze out the one burning question in her mind. "How much is this?"

"Fifteen. And this is just the down payment. The full reward is twice this."

Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "With this much, he could simply buy the food he needs, can he not?"

"Pheh." Roderick shook his head. "You really don't get it, do you?"

Eris's brows furled.

"It's not really about the food, you know?" A wicked smile fell on his lips. "It's much, much bigger than that."

She grit her teeth and muttered, "Dellwick itself..."

"He-heh..." With a smug waggle, he relaxed himself in his seat, adding, "Well, even for a mind as sharp as yours, that's probably out of reach, for the moment."

Her eyes twitched at his remark.

"So, here's the real issue. The boss isn't very pleased by your young lady's attitude."

...huh?

"He'd apparently received a rather arrogant letter, coming from her."

"Ah."

"Hmm. It seems you know what I'm talking about."

Of course I do. I wrote that 'strong' reply, after all.

Clearing her throat, Eris then asked, "And? What does he want?"

Roderick then hunched down and intertwined his fingers. "He wants to punish her. Whatever it is - a scandal; an accident. He wants to embarrass her; to crush her spirit. And so-" He pointed to the box of gold coins. "-I've brought you that."

Her gaze sharpened further. "...what do you have in mind?"

"Kidnap her."

Immediately, she felt a cold sweat form on her forehead.

"Bring her to me. Roughed up if necessary. No, wait - I should say, you should rough her up a bit, to start with. That ought to set the right mood for what I have in store for her. Heh heh."

This sickening man...

"Do you even have any idea of what you're asking of me?" she asked, "You want me to kidnap a Lord; the Heroine at that! Are you insane?"

No, it's not only insane... if something like this does happen, even if my involvement is never uncovered, the blow to my reputation, and to Dellwick's, could be irreversible!

"Not at all." He snickered. "I know you've done some amazing feats in that past."

She felt a chill run across her skin, for a moment, but fought it off.

What a foolish bluff. There's no way for you to know. You'll have to do better than that.

Leaning back on her chair, she crossed her legs and said, "Don't take me for a fool, Roderick. There are some risks that simply cannot be covered by gold."

"Tsk. You say that... but you only want a bigger reward. Don't you?"

Eris closed her eyes for a few moments.

That's not entirely wrong, but...

In her head, she calculated all the associated risks involved in kidnapping her own employer.

Though she is a low-ranking Lord, I can never underestimate her title as heroine. I know very little about her, but I know well enough about the mythos of the Legendary Heroes. These are people that normal humans like us cannot possibly match. In addition to that, she even walks around with a bodyguard. A Royal Knight, at that. Of my contacts, there is, at least, someone I can count on to deal with such a threat… but to then capture a hero afterwards?

No, every angle points to suicide.

As she opened her eyes, she then gazed into the pale, dead eyes of her interlocutor.

But this is one man I can't underestimate, either.

Despite how he seems, he's as ruthless as they come. Should I refuse this job, something, or someone, is coming for me. That's for certain.

That means-

As her thoughts drifted back to his earlier words, an idea sprang up in her head.

"Hmm..." Her eyes swept down as she then held her chin.

"What?" His voice carried the strain of impatience in its tone. "Just so you know, this is as much I can give you as downpayment, you damn gouger."

"No... That's not it."

In essence, what the client really wants is to shove their foot into Dellwick's door. And the absolute aim is to wrest the village away from the brat.

Honestly, I would be satisfied with anyone else taking over, even if it is that shameless pig.

And if I do it right...

Her lips began to unfurl.

"Hrmph?" he grunted, "What are you smiling about?"

"Say," a sultry voice escaped with her breath, "what would your client say if I could bring Dellwick to the table?"

"Ng-!" His face contorted in disbelief. "Are you serious!?"

She grinned. "Absolutely."

He took a breath and held it in. His fists clenched and his back arched forwards, his full attention now laid upon her lips. And with an intense expression, he said, "...Let's hear it."

By the time Eris had finished explaining her scheme, her companion had been left speechless, his hand fixed upon his mouth, rubbing it up and down profusely.

"Genius," said the old man in a wavering voice, characteristic of his apparent age.

"Hmph." Meanwhile, the wily secretary just sat there, with a triumphant smirk on her face.

"It all makes sense! Yes..."

With a tiny prod, the secretary fixed her glasses, and said, "The client is making a foolish request out of a burst of emotion. This emotion clouded his judgement, making him lose sight of the true prize. Such things will just get us, the footsoldiers, killed. In such times, it's imperative that a different course of action is laid out; one ostensibly similar in goal to his outburst, but steered in the correct direction-" She shrugged. "-Right?"

"Yes... yes. I see." He centered his gaze at her. "As expected of a professional! Heheh. You truly are the ace in my sleeve. I knew I had no better person to entrust this job than you!"

She giggled. "Enough with the flattery. You know I'm expecting a much larger reward for this."

"Hah!" In his excitement, he brought his hand down on the table, giving it a few good hits. "Of course I know! Listen, if this thing pulls through... Gold? Bah! That is nothing. Nothing. Compared to the heights you can attain. Trust me. I can guarantee it."

Though she covered her mouth with her fingers, her smile was so wide that it nonetheless peeked out on both sides.

"That's good to hear," she said.

"So I trust that amount is enough to start with?"

"Hmm, yes. I believe so." Her eyes turned to one side.

It doesn't take much to get bandits to start running amok, anyway.

"In that case," he said, "I will handle everything on the boss' side. There shouldn't be any problem at all. On your signal, the 'reserves' can come in and 'Guard' Dellwick against the bandits."

"When that happens, I will begin paying off the bandits to stop their attacks."

"Heh heh heh... then, the boss can rub it in that little girl's face that she can't protect Dellwick by herself. All while the soldiers get 'provisions' as payment. Truly two birds with one stone."

She smirked. "You leave that to me. I am sure that despite her obstinance, she could not possibly resist handing over the food for the soldiers, when it's her own village that they are defending."

"And this scandal... it'll certainly travel to many Lords. I can see it now. Slowly, confidence on her ability as a Lord will fall, and soon enough, Dellwick itself will be stripped from her, and, having been there to defend it from the very beginning, it will likely be re-awarded to..."

"The client..."

"Splendid!" A jovial expression was carved on his wrinkled face. "This is absolutely... just splendid! You never fail to impress. With that sharp wit of yours, my dear, just stick with me, and I promise, you will go far. You will never even have to worry about money again."

"I'm sorry," she shook her head and chuckled, "but I prefer to remain in freelancing."

And don't call me 'dear', you wretch.

Then, adjusting her glasses once more, she added, "But I'm always available for any requests from you."

"Oh? Is that so? Well, however you like it, I suppose."

Just as their conversation was winding down, the lamp light of the patrolling guard became visible from outside the window.

Both of them immediately went silent.

They followed the globe of light as it passed the front of the store, where Eris sat not too long ago, and finally, disappear again in the next corner.

Roderick heaved a sigh of relief. "Well, then, you be careful on your way back now. Damned place is swarming with guards all of a sudden."

"Don't worry about me," she then slipped him a wily smirk, "I was the one who organized their new shifts and patrol routes, after all."

"Huh? How the hell did you-" He snorted and shook his head in disbelief. "Hah, hahah... what more can I say? Really."

"Well, then-" Her chair screeched against the wooden floor as she stood up. "-you be careful now."

"Yeah, get out of here."

Eris slowly opened the shop's door, slowly, so as to not  make any sound as she stepped out.

Without looking back, she began walking. In that cold of night, all she had to keep herself company were her own thoughts, coalescing slowly into a concrete plot.