Chapter 13

The first step of the plan was to secure a disguise outfit.

After all, it wasn’t just about hiding the fact that I’m an Automaton—wearing my usual maid uniform wouldn’t exactly cut it for mercenary work.

So, citing the excuse of having forgotten to pick up ingredients last time, I ventured outside the Imperial Palace once more and purchased a decent set of traveler’s clothing.

On top of that, I bought a mask to cover my face, along with bandages to conceal any exposed skin. This completed the first phase of the operation: slipping back into the palace undetected.

And now came the main event.

It was time to temporarily set aside my duties as a maid and earn some cash as a mercenary—all in the name of restoring our funds and buying Lady Yuria her dazzling dress.

Thus, on the day of execution, deep in the dead of night when everyone was asleep…

I woke alone in the darkened room, swiftly changing into the pre-prepared disguise with a determined expression as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

A plain traveler’s top and bottom instead of my maid uniform.

A stark white mask covering my face, and bandages meticulously wrapping every inch of visible skin.

And finally, the pièce de résistance: fake cat ears accompanied by a green robe to subtly conceal them.

Having completed all preparations, I scrutinized my transformed appearance, satisfied with the result. I twirled around in place, reveling in this strange new version of myself.

The concept of the disguise? A mysterious cat beastman with incredible skills who had briefly stopped by the capital during his travels, forced to take on mercenary work due to running out of money before moving on to another region.

Tracion, after all, being a bustling crossroads where countless travelers come and go daily, provided the perfect environment to remain inconspicuous among the diverse races.

Moreover, unlike most Demon Folk who tend to settle down, many Beastmen are known for their nomadic lifestyles, so there was little reason for suspicion.

As long as no major variables arose, success seemed within reach.

Repeating these thoughts to my reflection in the mirror, I tried calming my excitement but couldn’t help feeling anxious.

Above all, the guilt of acting behind the backs of beloved Lady Yuria and Mark gnawed at me, dampening my spirits whenever it surfaced.

Still, recalling Lady Yuria enduring humiliation at the party if I didn’t act, I steeled my resolve anew and cautiously slipped out of the room.

Having confirmed Lady Yuria was already asleep and knowing Mark would be powered down at this hour, exiting the Blue Palace itself posed no challenge.

The real obstacle lay ahead: sneaking through the outer walls of the Imperial Palace via the ever-reliable doggy door used during regular outings.

While usually granted implicit permission by the patrolling guards, tonight’s odd timing and suspicious appearance left no choice but to slip through quietly.

Fortunately, thanks to the well-memorized patrol schedules cultivated over time, bypassing the lax surveillance proved relatively effortless.

Silently apologizing for exploiting their goodwill, I vowed to bake delicious homemade cookies should things go smoothly and gracefully passed through the final checkpoint—the doggy door.

And thus, without detection, I successfully emerged from the Imperial Palace grounds.

The early morning Tracion that greeted me felt like stepping into an entirely new world compared to what I’d seen before.

The bright, round moon hanging high in the sky.

Empty streets contrasting sharply with daytime bustle, shops darkened and eerily quiet—a desolate yet serene atmosphere illuminated only by streetlights placed at regular intervals.

Though expected given the late hour, the contrast between this tranquil scene and the dazzling city I knew made it all the more striking.

Occasional passersby did little to dispel the oppressive stillness compared to the lively daylight crowds.

Feeling uneasy as if someone might be watching, I rubbed my bandaged arms several times and kept a wary eye on my surroundings while hastening my pace.

Even though I occasionally wandered off course—having rarely ventured beyond familiar commercial districts—it was fortunate that the destination lay near the city center, allowing me to eventually arrive safely despite minor detours.

Standing before a towering building radiating brilliant light amidst the darkness, its grandeur left me awestruck.

This was the Guild—an organization spanning the Demon Emperor’s Nation, connecting merchants, professionals, and clients through various job postings.

Though initially modeled after human cooperatives, the Guild grew exponentially alongside the nation’s development, becoming an indispensable hub intertwined with commerce and finance.

Its influence extended far and wide, even reaching into mercenary services and other industries, making it universally recognized throughout the Empire.

Surely here I could find lucrative short-term jobs.

Uncertainty lingered, but I resolved to give it a shot. If trouble arose, I’d simply retreat back to the palace.

With final preparations mentally complete, I stepped cautiously inside the impressive structure.

The interior dazzled with warmth and elegance, surpassing even the exterior’s splendor.

“Wow…”

Wooden furnishings exuded timeless charm, creating a cozy ambiance that invited relaxation. The stark contrast to the silent exterior only heightened the amazement.

Scanning the waiting area, massive bulletin board filled with job postings, and the illuminated counter despite the late hour, I marveled at how the Capital Branch exceeded expectations.

Even compared to the Blue Palace, this branch clearly excelled in many aspects—an undeniable truth, however begrudgingly admitted.

Though currently quiet due to the late hour, imagining it bustling with activity during the day painted a vivid picture.

“Welcome, customer!

We sincerely welcome you to the Tracion Guild Branch! My name is Karune, your receptionist today.

What brings you here tonight?”

Having finished exploring, I approached the lit counter with trepidation, greeted warmly by a female Demon Receptionist clad in Guild uniform.

Her kind brown hair and welcoming smile froze me solid, scattering my carefully rehearsed lines and plunging me into confusion.

Naturally so, considering my lifelong identity as a maid suddenly cast aside for an unfamiliar role—and facing a genuine Demon, albeit nowhere near Lady Yuria’s caliber.

As the silence stretched awkwardly, her cheerful demeanor shifted to curiosity. Summoning courage through visions of Lady Yuria in her elegant gown, I began speaking hesitantly.

Though timid and weak-sounding even to my own ears, the message managed to convey nonetheless.