The Maid's Deadly Devotion
I'd clearly confirmed Asti entering the room with White Mask and Mu Yeon. And reminding myself this was a dark fantasy world, I'd made damn sure the door was locked tight. Sure, I figured she had some special ability or whatever—why else would she offer to help with clears down the line? I'd drifted off pondering how to get closer to Asti tomorrow.
But then someone was shaking me awake. I opened my eyes to see Ria sweating bullets, trying to rouse me.
"…Ria? What's…."
It was still the dead of night, so I was about to ask why when I heard the metallic clank of gears grinding. Realizing it was coming from the front door, it burst open.
"…Asti?"
Spotting her enter with perfect deference, that's how I ended up here.
"…What the hell? Why are you doing this?!"
She loomed over me expressionless, gripping a knife in both hands, poised to stab down. It was like staring at an emotionless psychopath. And this tiny girl—where the hell was she getting this strength? Even with my chef-buffed body, barely resisting was all I could manage.
What do I do? Shift my weight and roll aside?
As I scrambled for a way out—
Thwack! Something hit with a crisp smack. Turns out Ria had body-slammed Asti's face. Proving it, Ria stood between us with arms spread wide, a lump rising on her head.
Seizing the brief opening, I braced for more attacks—and caught something weird. Asti was staring at Ria with a blank, dazed look.
The odd part? She was making a dazed expression at all. Even the coolest, toughest human should reel in shock at an Outer God. Unless you're a cold-blooded type like Hunter. But Asti looked… familiar with her. No, more like puzzled, as if she couldn't comprehend Ria's actions.
And it didn't stop there. Peeking from behind, Ria wore a cowed expression she'd never shown any other Outer God.
What the hell was this? Why were they acting like they knew each other?
Right as a thought clicked—
Asti sheathed her knives in a flash and bowed deeply.
"My apologies. Good night, Master."
Like nothing happened.
"H-Hey, wait!"
I grabbed at her, but she just left the room.
What…? She tries to kill me, then brazenly calls me 'Master' and dips? At least stay consistent!
Fuming like I'd fallen for clickbait, a community post popped into my head.
Sigh. Was this the 'weird shit'? Daily near-death experiences as a prerequisite? And what's her deal attacking me anyway? Is this her idea of slave service—some S&M play?
…Enough complaining.
"…Ria?"
Even after Asti left, Ria hung her head, looking anything but calm. I called softly.
She flinched like startled, then turned with a smile that felt off somehow.
I wanted to ask what was up, but she shook her head and hopped into my pocket.
Just my imagination? Makes sense—they're from totally different places; no way they know each other.
…But seriously, can I even sleep now? What if she stabs me again?
Ignoring the crushing fatigue was impossible—my human body had limits. Worst case, Ria wakes me. With lingering unease, I passed out.
And unfortunately, Asti's assaults didn't end there.
"…Did you sleep well, Master?"
"If you're gonna attack, drop the act! Why grit your teeth just to say that?!"
Morning hits, and bam—same routine as last night.
"Shall I prepare tea, Master?"
"Don't call me Master. And no tea! You're poisoning it, right?!"
"…Tch."
"You just clicked your tongue! Admit it!"
Post-breakfast, she tries poisoning me.
"Master. If I may be so bold, could you hold me?"
"…In a crowded place like this?"
"Yes. Rubbing cheeks would be even better…."
"…Now you're gunning for social suicide!"
Wandering the village, she aims for my reputation.
…Reminded me of my cousin, and her doll-like cuteness tempted me to cheek-rub anyway. Secret's safe.
Anyway. After today's chaos, I crashed onto the bed, exhaustion hitting hard. I'm trusting the advice for now, but it reeks of a scam. Asti's behavior screams trap. Even if it's a masterpiece with crowds, a community mod gatekeeping entry? BS. Should've trusted comments!
Too late for regrets. I'm the fool now. If I tell her to go free….
'I've become a useless doll now. Got it.'
"…Gahhhh!"
Powerless, I clutched my head, writhing on the bed. Is this right? Really?!
Knock knock knock.
Someone rapped. Gotta be that biteable assassin, clueless to my despair.
"No way! I'm embracing the 'aesthetics of solitude' today!"
I yelled at the door, but it creaked open anyway. Seeing who it was, I knelt politely.
"…Master. You've come."
"Aesthetics of solitude aren't bad. Or is this your vow to manage rails with me forever?"
"…I've committed a grave sin."
"Haha, got it."
Our benevolent—now kidnapping—White Mask forgave me with a light laugh.
"So, what's the business…?"
"Ah, gotta finish off the lesser dragons tomorrow, so time to leave the village."
She glanced at the door. Curious, I followed her gaze—
Creak—.
…That loose-screw maid, peeking with one eye, eyeing me like a vulture!
I see you! That glare screams opportunity!
"Wondering what to do with her."
"Ah."
White Mask tossed the question, oblivious to the vibe.
I'd assumed we'd take her, but slaying lesser dragons was dangerous. She could get sacrificed. Rondan round-trip wasted time too. That headline loomed—no way I'd abandon her.
"Or leave her here, kill the dragons, come back…."
"I'll follow."
White Mask's wise plan—cut off by Asti.
Stay quiet!
"Hm?"
"Where Master is, is where I belong."
"Still, it's dangerous."
"It's fine."
Asti clasped her hands to her chest.
"Without Master, my body and mind would've broken. Dying to help you would be an honor."
"…That article and this maid."
White Mask rubbed her forehead, groaning 'Urgh….', pointing at Asti.
"Fine! We'll take her. But stay in the train. It's dangerous outside."
"…Thank you for your kindness."
Whoa. Insane. What otherworldly method acting? Cold as ice to me, now faintly emotional, demure.
Same person?
"Rest up. Early start tomorrow."
"Yes."
Asti left at White Mask's word. She turned to me.
"She really likes you. Makes me feel bad for wanting to leave her."
…No, Master! That's not it!!
So much to refute, but seeing White Mask—mask hiding tears?—I gave up. No convincing her.
…Dammit!
We moved efficiently come morning, boarding the noisy train back to the lesser dragons. Jouncing ass be damned—I'd reached the realm of napping against the window.
…Though the maid's needle at my throat kept waking me.
Fighting sleep, the train halted. We piled out, heading back.
"…What."
Mu Yeon panicked first.
"…She's not supposed to be here."
White Mask looked displeased, plans awry.
The Dragon Slayer—we'd expected gone—stood right there, head swiveling like she was searching.
Did our wipeout tip her off?
"Not in the plan. Guess we skip this time…."
White Mask's words cut short.
BOOM!
An explosion rocked behind us. Chilled, we turned slowly—the train was ablaze.
"…Asti!"