Tilea's Worries

"Hah, hah, phew…" Miless took a deep breath.

I’m so nervous.

Right now, I’m standing in front of Elizabeth’s mansion, ready to carry out my spy mission.

Honestly, I feel like I’ve been tricked by Ortissio.

Why is a mere student like me breaking the law and risking my life to pull off a robbery?

Despite the unease, I made this decision myself in the end.

I will infiltrate Elizabeth’s mansion and steal her fortune.

It’s for a noble cause.

Someone as evil as her shouldn’t be allowed to use that much money for wicked purposes. This is for the world, for the people, and most importantly, for my dear friend Timu-chan.

The mission to rob Elizabeth’s mansion...

Can I really do this?

No, I can’t think like that. I have to do this. I *will* do this!

If we don’t drain Elizabeth’s funds, Timu-chan will forever be a target of assassins.

It’s fine. I’ve gone over this plan with Gil-san countless times.

I trust him completely. Out of all the soldiers serving Timu-chan, Gil-san is one of the most capable.

According to Gil-san, Elizabeth has amassed at least tens of billions of gold in ill-gotten wealth. It’s no exaggeration to say the riches of the entire capital are concentrated here.

How much evil must one commit to hoard that kind of fortune?

Elizabeth regularly hosts extravagant parties.

Desperate to restore her dwindling authority, she constantly throws parties to gather allies and expand her connections with influential people.

And today is one of those party days.

It’s the perfect chance to get close to Elizabeth. Her guards will be focused on protecting the VIPs at the party, so they won’t be paying much attention to spies.

I’ve been preparing for this day.

I’ve had a dress made that’s fit to stand alongside even the highest-ranking nobles. I’ve also prepared some fake military secrets from Timu-chan’s camp as a decoy.

These gifts should be more than enough to win Elizabeth over.

The first step is meeting Elizabeth in person.

I don’t expect to be able to explore the mansion freely on the first day. My priority is to gain Elizabeth’s trust. If I can find out where the vault is, that would be a bonus.

Steeling my resolve, I approached the gate of Elizabeth’s mansion.

One of the gatekeepers noticed me and gave me a suspicious look.

"Who are you?"

"Um, I’m a student from the same academy as Elizabeth-sama."

I handed over my student ID, which serves as proof of being a magic student, to one of the gatekeepers.

My hands trembled with nervousness, but I managed to keep it together.

The gatekeeper examined my ID, eyeing me up and down as if sizing me up.

"I’ve never seen your face before."

"Well, this is my first time coming here."

"...A first-timer, huh. You’re in your second year at the magic academy, and not even in the same grade as Elizabeth-sama. Do you have an invitation?"

"I don’t, but I really need to speak with Elizabeth-sama. Could you please let me through?"

"No way. We can’t just let anyone without an invitation stroll in here."

"Please, I just *really* want to get close to Elizabeth-sama. Can’t you make an exception?"

I tried my best to put on a pleading expression, looking up at him with hopeful eyes.

"Hmph, lately, we’ve had a lot of people like you. All desperate to curry favor with Elizabeth-sama. So, you want to crash the party just to suck up to her?"

"Y-Yes."

The gatekeeper sneered at me with disdain.

He must’ve assumed I was some poor noble desperately clawing my way to the top.

It was humiliating, but better than being suspected as a spy.

"Well, I can’t say I don’t understand your desperation. Elizabeth-sama’s influence has been growing lately."

"Right? That’s why I’m begging you, please!"

I bowed my head toward the gatekeeper.

"Hmm... what to do, what to do..."

"Please!"

"Alright, I’ll let you in."

"Really?!"

"But, you see, I’m on duty. Unless I get a little something in return, I can’t just let you in without an invitation."

The gatekeeper smirked and glanced down at my exposed leg peeking out from the dress.

How disgusting.

They say if you want to know the true nature of a house, look at its servants. How true.

Perhaps I overdid it with the flirting.

The gatekeeper’s getting cocky.

Maybe it’s time to show a bit more dignity.

"...I won’t tolerate disrespect. I may be the daughter of a baron, but that still means something. Now let me through."

"A baron, huh? And what of it? You’re just a poor noble who can’t even join Elizabeth-sama’s faction. You think that attitude’s gonna help you get in here?"

"And do you want to risk it? Nobles have the right to strike down anyone who insults them. Are you willing to die?"

I raised my hand toward the gatekeeper, ready to cast a magic projectile, hoping to intimidate him.

"Go ahead and try it! You’re probably lying about being a noble anyway. Besides, I’ve got Elizabeth-sama’s permission to cut down any suspicious persons on sight!"

The gatekeeper shouted, his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw at any moment.

This isn’t going to end well if I keep provoking him.

It seems my noble rank isn’t going to work here.

But that’s fine. I anticipated this.

Time to move to Plan B: use the money-loving key player.

"That’s enough. Could you confirm with Lord Ronde? He can vouch for me."

"W-What?! You know Lord Ronde?"

"Yes."

The gatekeeper visibly panicked.

"If you’re lying, I’ll make you regret it."

"I’m not lying."

"Y-You’re lying. If you knew Lord Ronde, you’d have an invitation."

"I simply didn’t receive my invitation in time. I’ll have it with me next time."

"This can’t be... such nonsense—"

"Just go check with Lord Ronde, and you’ll see. Or do you want to anger me even more?"

I pressed him more firmly this time.

The gatekeeper, clearly flustered, hurried inside to confirm my story.

Exactly as planned.

Ronde is one of Elizabeth’s top five closest associates. If word got out that one of his companions was treated poorly, the gatekeeper would surely lose his head.

A few minutes later, the gatekeeper returned with Lord Ronde himself.

The gatekeeper, now fully aware of my connection with Ronde, was sweating profusely and trembling in fear.

"Ah, Miless, so you came," Ronde said.

"Lord Ronde, it’s a pleasure to see you."

"Miless, I take it you don’t have an invitation?"

"N-No, I’m afraid not. I wanted to join Elizabeth-sama’s faction so badly, as I’ve mentioned before. Knowing it’s against proper etiquette, I couldn’t help but come to today’s party."

"My, how impatient you are. You know, I was about to get you an invitation soon."

Hah, as if I’d believe that.

I knew that if I waited for an invitation, Ronde would drag things out, demanding favors in return.

I couldn’t afford to wait. Timu-chan’s life was at stake.

"I apologize. I was so eager to pledge my loyalty to you and Elizabeth-sama that I let my feelings get the better of me."

"Still, coming without notice—"

"Oh, Lord Ronde, I feel so strongly about this. I’d be honored to repay your kindness with something... something truly special."

"Hmph, very well. Since you’ve come all this way, it would be rude to turn you away now. I’ll get Elizabeth-sama’s approval."

"Thank you very much."

"Miless, remember to show your gratitude."

"Of course, Lord Ronde. I’m always grateful for the favors you’ve granted me."

"Indeed, I’ve gone through a lot for you. It’d be nice to see that gratitude in something tangible."

Ronde made a show of rubbing his thumb and forefinger together, openly hinting at a bribe.

What a greedy scoundrel...

When Gil-san briefed me about this, I couldn’t believe it.

Ronde’s family is of count rank, one of the top ten noble families in the royal court. Yet, they’re drowning in debt.

It’s the result of generations of extravagant spending by the family’s heads.

And even in such dire straits, Ronde couldn’t give up his luxurious lifestyle, putting the family in even worse financial ruin.

He’s the perfect target for bribery.

"Of course. I’ll show my sincerity, just like last time."

"Good, good."

Ronde smiled in satisfaction.

Previously, Gil-san had given me a large sum of money as part of the plan. I handed that over to Ronde.

"You’re quite lucky, Miless. I heard they recently discovered a new mine on the Vincent family’s land, saving your noble title."

Yes, the cover for my wealth is the profits from a newly discovered mine in the Vincent family’s territory.

"Indeed, it was fortunate. And I owe it all to your support, Lord Ronde. I look forward to continuing our relationship."

"Yes, yes, let’s keep things mutually beneficial."

Ronde gave me a sly grin.

He clearly saw value in maintaining a relationship with me, thinking I was some nouveau riche upstart. He was eager to strengthen our ties

.

Thanks to that greedy pig, I was able to attend Elizabeth’s party. Ronde would also help pave the way to getting close to Elizabeth.

A few minutes later...

Ronde secured my invitation to the party.

Accompanied by Ronde, I cautiously stepped into the mansion.

...So, this is Elizabeth’s mansion.

The place was filled with countless works of art. A chandelier shone brilliantly in the center of the room, while lavish multi-course meals were laid out everywhere.

The opulence was overwhelming.

Elizabeth’s wealth was on full display. It was more luxurious than the homes of many lesser nobles.

In fact, this mansion could rival the palace of the Arcdas Kingdom.

However, lately, I’ve seen some truly top-tier furnishings. Compared to the eastern kingdom, this was underwhelming.

For example, the grand chandelier in the center of the room...

The beautifully formed arms of the chandelier were made of diamonds. It must be worth billions.

Normally, I would’ve been awe-struck.

But now...

*Sigh* No matter how luxurious the decor, I doubt I’ll ever be impressed again.

"I’ll see you later, Miless."

"Y-Yes."

Ronde left to greet the other nobles.

Despite his debts, Ronde was still one of the top ten nobles in the kingdom, so many other nobles were eager to get on his good side.

He would likely be tied up in greetings for a while.

I was free for the moment.

Perhaps I could slip out of the party and scout the mansion.

At the very least, I wanted to figure out where the vault might be.

I glanced at the exit.

Most of the guards were focused here.

It’s the perfect chance.

No, wait.

Rushing this would be a mistake.

First, I need to meet Elizabeth. If I don’t gain her trust, I won’t be able to explain myself if I’m caught sneaking around later.

I need to find Elizabeth.

I began searching the party for her.

And then...

There she was.

Wearing a lavish dress, surrounded by countless followers. Every time Elizabeth said something, the crowd erupted in praise.

There are too many people around her right now. It’s not the right time to approach.

Turning my back on Elizabeth, I moved to the edge of the party.

The room was packed with people.

Famous figures were everywhere.

I hadn’t realized Elizabeth’s faction had grown so strong...

These people are all enemies of Timu-chan.

I need to remember their faces.

I carefully observed the attendees.

There were a few faces I recognized. Some of them were whispering about me.

They were mostly the sons and daughters of nobles, glaring at me with disdain.

Well, it’s no surprise. Everyone knows I’m part of Timu-chan’s faction.

Even Ronde was suspicious of me at first.

As Timu-chan’s top ally, he grilled me, trying to figure out my true intentions.

But in the end, Ronde’s greed won out. Desperate for money, he didn’t question me for long before pulling me into Elizabeth’s camp.

Of course, the attendees weren’t just nobles. There were powerful merchants here too.

Basu, Fodo, Edinburgh...

The usual suspects.

They’re the financial powerhouses backing Elizabeth.

Some of their daughters were also present, hoping to catch the eye of a noble.

They wore layer upon layer of expensive fabric, adorned with extravagant diamond and sapphire jewelry, on their ears and necks.

Most of the other attendees looked the same—shining like over-the-top princesses.

Sure, they look nice. But all they talk about are other people’s misfortunes or how great they are. No matter how much makeup they put on or how fancy their dresses are, their ugly natures still show through.

This is why I hate noble parties.

I’d rather not stay here long. That’s the honest truth.

But I have to put my feelings aside for the sake of the mission.

I scanned the crowd again.

And then...

Huh, there’s quite the beauty over there.

Blonde, with stunning hair.

The other women here are beautiful too, but this one’s different. She stands out.

She’s not wearing any jewels, and her dress is plain. But her natural beauty more than makes up for it. The atmosphere she exudes is on another level.

She’s nothing like the arrogant and haughty girls I’ve been seeing.

There’s something so warm and gentle about her—wait, is that Tilea-san!?

Why is Tilea-san at Elizabeth’s party!?

I couldn’t believe it. There, standing in the room, was Tilea-san, someone I knew all too well.

She was dressed in a party gown... and chomping down on a piece of meat.

I was still in shock from seeing someone who shouldn’t have been here when...

"Yoohoo! Miless-chan, you came too!"

Tilea-san noticed me and waved, all while holding a hunk of meat in one hand.