Chapter 9
The mission Simon explained to me was simple, in short:
Gather information about the “auction” hosted by a rising criminal organization that had recently been gaining momentum—an auction held exclusively for a select group of nobles.
Of course, the method would be infiltration, making full use of Simon’s and my abilities.
And on the decisive day, I stood in front of Simon with a tearful face.
“You never said the disguise would be like this.”
“Why not? It suits you very well.”
How is someone who’s lived her whole life as a cleaning maid supposed to play the role of a noble lady?!
At that, Leila—who had come to help with my preparations—tilted her head slightly and spoke slowly.
“That’s strange. Just like Simon said, it suits you.”
My face flushed red at her words, and I looked back into the mirror.
There, staring back at me, was a version of myself dressed in a luxurious-looking black gown.
With my rough hands hidden inside velvet gloves, I did look somewhat convincing.
“Here, put on this hat too.”
To make sure I wouldn’t stand out too much, Leila placed a wide-brimmed hat on my head and gave me a faint smile.
“You’re pretty.”
“…Thank you.”
For some reason, when Leila said it, the same compliment felt far more embarrassing.
As I fumbled with my reply, Simon approached—his appearance now completely transformed.
He had brown hair and the look of a modest young man.
“Even if it feels awkward, we don’t have a choice. To enter a party with a guest list, we have to imitate someone with a similar hair color. If I were alone, I’d find a way to sneak in somehow, but…”
“I know. I’m not complaining—I just don’t feel confident.”
“What’s wrong? Ariel is usually more confident than anyone.”
“Well, I’ve never imagined doing something like this…”
“Are nobles really such a big deal? They were just lucky to be born that way. And dresses like this? Anyone can wear one if they earn enough money.”
“Gasp…”
At Simon’s calm remark, I clapped a hand over my mouth.
Having worked for three years as a maid serving nobles—and having been thoroughly educated in the proper mindset of a maid—his words were like a bomb to me.
“Straighten your shoulders. Keep your back straight. More than anything, posture and atmosphere are what matter. If it’s too difficult, think of it as imitating the young lady you used to serve.”
“The young lady…”
I pictured Lady Delia in my mind.
She always walked elegantly, chin slightly tucked.
With a refined voice, she criticized others without hesitation—and with her neatly trimmed nails, she would leave scratches on cheeks.
“Now that I’ve thought of her, I’m too angry to imitate her.”
“I heard rumors her personality wasn’t great. She must have bullied you quite a bit.”
“…I don’t want to speak badly of her now, but yes.”
Still, what was the point of dwelling on it now?
Shaking off my thoughts, I smiled brightly and straightened my back as Simon had instructed.
“Still, thank you. I think I can use her as a reference to some extent.”
“That’s a relief.”
Just as Simon shrugged, Ian suddenly appeared.
He passed right by me, greeted Leila with a glance, and then reported to Simon.
“Preparations are complete.”
“Then let’s go.”
“Yes. Let’s.”
Only then did Ian turn to me and silently extend his wrist.
Honestly, I’ll never get used to him.
I shot him a look and casually placed my hand on his arm.
Wait… Does that mean I’ll always be traveling with Ian like this? Do all the other members too?
While I was lost in thought, the space around us changed.
When I looked around, I saw a dark forest path and, in the distance, the faint lights of a mansion.
That’s the auction house…?
I had heard it was a party for nobles, but I hadn’t expected it to be this openly extravagant.
Simon handed me a mask.
“From now on, you’re Lady Hella, and I’m your attendant.”
“We’re not here for simple roleplay, so stay sharp.”
Ian added curtly from beside him.
“I know that.”
I replied flatly and put on the mask.
It was a masquerade mask that covered the area around my eyes.
“Then I’ll stand by.”
“Alright.”
After responding to Ian, Simon offered me his arm.
This was it. The real thing.
Resolutely steadying myself, I placed my hand on his arm.
Thanks to Simon intercepting the invitation that should have gone to the real Lady Hella, we were able to enter the party hall with ease.
All my worries about being caught at the entrance felt pointless.
“Still, playing a noble lady does have its perks. I don’t have to chatter endlessly.”
At my whispered comment, Simon simply let out a quiet laugh and shook his head.
Once inside, we observed the atmosphere as planned.
Before the official auction began, people were enjoying the party.
With everyone wearing masks, it was impossible to tell who they were—but it was obvious at a glance that they were no ordinary nobles.
Some looked like immensely wealthy magnates, while others blatantly exuded a sticky, intimate atmosphere without caring who watched.
They said Lady Hella—the one I’m impersonating—is quite eccentric too.
Just what kind of items would be presented at an auction capable of gathering people like this in one place?
For some reason, I had a bad feeling.
“It’s about time we move,” Simon whispered.
I subtly nodded, picked up a glass of wine, and downed it in one go.
It was stronger than I expected; my face quickly grew hot.
Why was I doing something so reckless?
To execute the plan Simon and I had agreed upon beforehand.
“Ariel, can you drink?”
“Why are you suddenly asking about alcohol?”
“I think we might need to borrow its strength.”
Simon’s explanation had been simple.
We needed to create a situation where a young noblewoman—who had been whispering intimately with her male attendant—could disappear with him for a long time without arousing suspicion.
The moment I heard that we’d “borrow the strength of alcohol,” I understood immediately.
There was no way I could act out something suggestive with Simon while completely sober!
“Lean on me.”
Get it together. This is a mission.
As Simon instructed, I leaned loosely against him.
Seeing me comply so obediently, Simon curled his lips into a smile and gently caressed my cheek.
“Well done.”
For some reason, my already warm cheeks burned even hotter.
This is acting too… right?
Skillfully supporting me, Simon exchanged a few words with one of the party attendants and secured guidance to a lounge.
And so, very kindly, we were led to a lounge—one that even had a bed.
Once the attendant left and the sound of footsteps faded, Simon suddenly shoved me onto the bed.
“W-What are you doing?!”
I lifted my head sharply to see him standing before a mirror, loosening his tie.
“Get a grip. It’ll be a problem if you really get drunk.”
“I’m not so weak that I’d get drunk from one glass.”
“Is that so? That’s good, then. Your face was so red.”
Y-you fox…!
“Still, thanks to that, no one will suspect anything. You did well.”
His smiling face looked especially wicked today.
“…I don’t think anyone’s around.”
After listening at the door for a moment, Simon’s expression turned serious as if nothing had happened, and he beckoned to me.
Silently, I followed him as he opened the door.
Simon moved stealthily through the corridors as if he were intimately familiar with the mansion.
It was all thanks to thorough prior investigation.
So this is what Simon looks like when he works…
That serious gaze.
I was so used to seeing him chase money or throw sarcastic remarks that this side of him felt unfamiliar.
I need to do my best too. I can’t make a mistake.
Diligently following behind him, we soon arrived at a locked door.
Simon turned to me and gestured silently with his eyes.
It was finally time to show the results of my training.
As the Captain had taught me, I released the magic power I had been controlling.
A faint glow spread, and with a crisp click, the lock disengaged.
My eyes sparkled as I turned to Simon.
Did you see that?
Simon let out a soft laugh at my expression and stepped inside.
I followed immediately, locking the door behind us and looking around.
The room was immaculate, with every item arranged in perfect rows.
“This is…”
As I marveled, Simon seemed to feel the same.
“It’s almost obsessive.”
“Whose room is it?”
“The owner of this auction house.”
“What? And we’re just blatantly sneaking in here…?”
At that moment, footsteps sounded from beyond the door.
Reflexively, I turned to Simon.
What do we do?!
Without a word, Simon grabbed my arm and pulled me into a large cabinet in one corner of the room.
In my fluster, I ended up curled up on his lap.
Our faces were so close our noses could almost touch.
Before I could fully process it, the door we had locked opened again, and multiple presences entered.
I carefully lifted my head and glanced at Simon.
As if the darkness and the mingling sound of our breathing didn’t exist, he frowned slightly, focusing on the narrow crack between the cabinet doors.
Just as he noticed my gaze and was about to look back at me, a voice spoke.
“No issues with the auction preparations, I trust?”
It was a low, dignified voice.
