I was a Warrior?

Lady Yuria, the embodiment of grace, had prepared a dreamlike party that seemed too perfect to be true. But after that magical night passed, life returned to its usual rhythm.

Every day continued as it always had—meticulously cleaning every corner of the Blue Palace, tending to the gardens with care, developing new dishes for Lady Yuria’s pleasure, brewing delicious tea to aid her studies. It was an unchanging routine, not unlike any other day. And since the Blue Palace was located in such a remote area, rarely did anyone pass by. In a way, this repetitive pattern of daily life was inevitable.

Not that Lady Yuria ventured out much either. Even when she did leave, it was only to take a brief stroll in the small garden right next to the palace. Compared to the tireless servants of other royal families who accompanied their masters on dozens of outings each day, my life here at the Blue Palace was tranquil and peaceful.

Of course, deep down, I couldn’t deny there were moments when I wished to explore more places like them. But for me, the happiest place in the world was always by Lady Yuria’s side. Wherever she was, that was where I wanted to be—it was a truth pure and unwavering.

Still… sometimes, just *sometimes*, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to have something exciting break the monotony of our days. Like how, during my last trip to the market, I stumbled upon a dazzling *wandering theater troupe*. Or another time when I came home late expecting scolding but found everyone had secretly prepared a surprise party for me instead.

New stimuli from the outside world—unexpected surprises—they didn’t happen often, but wouldn’t it be nice if they occurred occasionally? Just as this small wish began to form within me…

Surprisingly enough, fate seemed to answer my prayer. Only problem? The good news came hand-in-hand with bad news.

“Kaya, don’t be shocked, but listen! I’ve been invited to attend the celebration marking Mother’s birthday! This has never happened before… it still feels so surreal.”

At the same time, Mark approached me solemnly. “Miss Kaya, I’m truly sorry, but despite all efforts, things aren’t looking good. We need to confess the truth to Lady Yuria and figure out a plan together…”

On one hand, we had the unexpected honor: Lady Yuria being invited to the Demon Emperor’s grand birthday banquet—an event no one could have foreseen. On the other hand, the Blue Palace’s financial situation had deteriorated beyond mere budget cuts; we were now officially in the red.

Hearing both pieces of news on the same day left me stuck between conflicting emotions—unable to laugh or cry. While celebrating Lady Yuria’s first entry into high society should have been exhilarating, the timing couldn’t have been worse with our dire economic state.

Logically speaking, Mark was right. Discussing the issue openly with Lady Yuria and adjusting expenses accordingly would be the best course of action. Cutting back on food costs and reducing unnecessary expenditures might help us gather enough funds.

But the timing… oh, the timing! How could I bring up such harsh realities when Lady Yuria was already lost in anticipation of the upcoming banquet?

There was only one solution then: solving the financial crisis without letting her know. And that meant finding a way to earn money discreetly.

Sure, some might question whether this was even feasible. However, Tracion wasn’t just any ordinary city—it teemed with opportunities. Among countless ways to make money, perhaps joining guild missions suited my skills best. Especially those requiring combat prowess.

With a mask concealing my identity and careful attention paid to my exposed skin tone, maintaining my Automaton disguise wouldn’t prove too difficult. Given my abilities, completing these missions would likely feel effortless—a perfect fit for my current predicament.

Yet, why hadn’t I pursued this path earlier? Simple. As Lady Yuria’s loyal maid, I held steadfast beliefs against using my powers for personal gain. Doing so risked compromising my identity as a servant and accepting myself as merely a weapon—a role I despised.

Despite numerous temptations over the years, I’d resisted acting on them until now. But circumstances demanded reconsideration…

Should I protect Lady Yuria’s blissful dreams, even if it meant breaking my principles? Or cling stubbornly to my ideals, potentially ruining this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?

This dilemma weighed heavily on me, affecting my daily routines. Even Lady Yuria noticed my distracted demeanor, though she remained blissfully unaware of the cause. Meanwhile, Mark grew increasingly concerned about my silence.

I considered confiding in him, knowing his rational nature would likely dismiss the idea outright due to perceived risks. Trusting Mark wasn’t the issue—but revealing the precarious finances might lead to unwanted exposure.

Then, one fateful day, while wavering between options, a decisive moment arrived.

“Wait… Lady Yuria, are you serious?”

“Yes, unfortunately, our means don’t allow for extravagance. But I’ll be fine! After all, the real significance lies in simply attending the banquet.”

Watching her try to brush off the matter with forced nonchalance, I realized what I’d overlooked entirely: securing a proper gown for the occasion.

How could Lady Yuria attend such a prestigious event—the Demon Emperor’s own birthday celebration—in anything less than exquisite attire? Without appropriate dress, she’d undoubtedly face ridicule from the elite circle.

Worse still, given her distinct appearance compared to others, she’d stand out painfully among the crowd. Their disdainful gazes and cruel whispers painted a vivid picture in my mind.

Even Lady Yuria must have foreseen this outcome yet chose to persevere anyway. Perhaps because opportunities like this might never come again…

At that realization, something snapped inside me. Determination surged forth, replacing hesitation. A gown? No problem—I’d find a way, no matter what.

Protecting Lady Yuria from humiliation far outweighed minor compromises to my principles. Secretly devising a plan under cover of darkness, I resolved to act decisively.

Back in my room, I envisioned nothing but Lady Yuria resplendent in a dazzling gown, shining brightly at the banquet. Whatever it took, I’d make sure this vision became reality.

—

Meanwhile, deep within the heart of Tracion, near the Imperial Palace, trouble brewed elsewhere.

In a tidy office at the Capital Security Headquarters, a young demon sighed deeply, rubbing his face wearily. Clad in crisp uniform, he sat slouched amidst piles of paperwork.

Dark circles marred his otherwise handsome features, betraying exhaustion. This was none other than Maxwell, Team Leader of the Secret Security Division’s Third Squad.

Once destined for greatness, his promising career now faced complications thanks to one particular individual.

Sitting casually across from him, legs crossed, filing her nails leisurely, was a sultry-looking feline-human hybrid. Her black leather jacket and short skirt exuded rebellion, contrasting sharply with her human-like appearance save for pointed ears, tail, and slit-pupil eyes.

A striking example of a Black Feline Beastman, she drew stares wherever she went. Yet Maxwell’s troubles stemmed less from her looks and more from her unpredictable nature.

Lifting his hand briefly to glance at her again, he groaned inwardly. Why had life become so complicated lately? Reflecting on recent events, he traced everything back to this enigmatic woman.