Damn right she just did.

She just called him a dog.

The crazy rich noble lady called him a dog.

'Where is her daughter heading again... the academy, is it? Hmm, well then, let's do dog duties.'

Lucien grinned—the grin was a bit forced. He wasn't one to pretend agreement with something he completely detested. But these days, he'd been learning a lot.

The first thing he was learning was how to be wicked and ruthless. After making enemies for being a good guy, he figured he might just cross over to the other side and make the whole thing worthwhile. At least he wouldn't feel bad when exerting his vengeance.

But it was a process, and the past week had been filled with thinking for Lucien. He'd been trying to figure out the best path to wickedness.

And it seemed like Lady Varlyeth was about to provide him an answer.

"Woof woof, Lady Varlyeth..."

The lady laughed and staggered back.

Her laugh was completely unbefitting of her acclaimed luxury, her elegance and beauty. She laughed like she came from the gutters.

She even squeaked, swallowing mucus as she spoke mid-laughter.

"What the— squawk, what the hell was that?! You've got jokes!"

Lucien masked a spiteful expression with a gentle bow.

'Wait, you bitch. I'm going to make you eat those words.'

The lady calmed down and ran her hand through the furry scarf around her shoulders.

"Everybody may praise you as the slayer of monsters, but to us higher-ups, you are only a dog that needs to be fed properly. I am glad to see that your fame hasn't rotted your head."

Lucien almost wanted to pause and ask himself: "Does she have beef with me?" It was strange—what warranted the insults? Were nobles just rotten to their cores and full of themselves?

The lady settled elegantly into the sofa and crossed one leg over the other.

"Well then. The details of this mission... I'm sure you'd be somewhat acquainted with it. My daughter gained admission into Ustrus Magic Academy."

She laughed triumphantly for a moment.

"Oh, good Atrioch, my daughter—the talent of the Federation! The headline news is going to captivate everyone in the city. Aha aha... I can't wait for it."

Her expression slowly turned grim.

"However... those rotten slum dwellers!"

She gritted her teeth, stifling a curse or two. Then she exhaled and looked at Lucien.

"Boy, what I need—as simple as it may sound—is not simple. Crossing the slums can be quite disastrous. So you have to be careful, but eventually, if you cross it, you can get to the forest, cross it, and get to the academy. I will remit your reward when you return."

Lucien looked down for a moment, noting her words.

"When I return, right?"

The lady nodded.

"Yes, when you return."

Lucien nodded.

"Alright then. Where is the young lady I shall be escorting?"

"One minute..."

The lady looked up and shouted.

"Valerie!!"

A thin voice responded almost immediately.

"Yes, mother!"

A second later, a young girl with short hair and dark eyeliner lining the edges of her eyes hastily ran down the stairs and stopped with a grin, briefcase in hand.

She was also donned in a much simpler gown, and she looked like she was in her early teenage years—thirteen or fourteen.

The lady looked at her daughter, a little surprised.

"You're all ready?"

She nodded energetically.

"When I heard you mention that it might be the famous Adventurer Cien, who slayed monsters and discovered the Mist of the Forgotten, I was incredibly gladdened at heart. I think this time, I will reach the academy."

Lucien looked at the girl.

'Will you look at that... this one at least has sense and isn't like her mother.'

Lady Varlyeth released a pleasant smile.

"I hope so, my girl."

Her expression went somber for a moment.

Valerie slowly walked forward and gently patted her mother's back.

"Don't worry about me, mother. I'm going to get to the academy, and I'm going to become a Great Mage like Gayanna."

Lucien's eyes flinched for a moment.

'Uh?'

Meanwhile, Lady Varlyeth chuckled.

"How about we leave folklore and stick with reality for now."

Valerie's expression darkened.

"You don't believe me...?"

Seeing her daughter's grim expression, Lady Varlyeth quickly shook her head and waved her hands.

"What? No, no, no, no—why would I not? I'm just saying, slow and steady wins the race..."

She forced a grin.

Lucien shook his head.

'This one sucks at being a mother.'

He looked over to the young girl.

"I promise to bring you to the front gate of the academy. Don't worry—trust in me."

Valerie grinned happily.

"The pleasure is mine, Adventurer Cien."

Lucien's lips almost turned downward.

'Poor kid, victim of her circumstances...'

Lady Varlyeth stood up.

"Chris, show them to the carriage and assign them a driver."

"Uhm, if I may..."

The lady looked at Lucien.

"You may..."

Lucien looked at the lady with a straight expression, his voice clear.

"I think we should travel by foot. Perhaps the carriage could be one of the things drawing attention."

The lady frowned with displeasure.

"You want my daughter to walk all the way to Ustrus?"

Lucien bowed slightly.

"I apologize—then you can just spare a little money for public transport, or for me to rent a public carrier. One less attention-seeking than what the richest lady in the whole federation would own."

The girl looked at her mother.

"Adventurer Cien does make a valid point. Perhaps we need to be more conservative... mother."

Lady Varlyeth's expression went sour. She muttered to the side.

"At this point, I don't even know whose side she's on."

She exhaled.

"Alright... Chris."

The servant boy immediately ran up the spiraling stairs. Barely a minute later, he was already coming back, holding a pouch of gold coins.

Lady Varlyeth looked at Lucien.

"This is a hundred thousand lumens. It's a short journey, and I understand that this is quite excessive, but like I said—steak for the dog."

"Mother!"

Her daughter reprimanded her.

But Lucien only grinned.

"Woof woof, Lady Varlyeth."

At least he was going to get a lot of money out of this.