I arrived at the grand Ashford ducal estate, its towering gates guarded by vigilant sentries. As I approached, the guards blocked my path, their expressions stern. "Halt. State your business," one of them commanded.
Without hesitation, I retrieved my adventurer's card and held it up for them to see. The shift in their demeanor was instant shock flickered across their faces as they exchanged incredulous glances. "It's… her," one of them murmured before straightening up and bowing slightly. "Please wait here, Miss Joker."
One of the guards hurried off to inform the butler, and soon, a well-dressed man emerged from the estate's entrance. He was impeccably poised, his expression neutral yet respectful. "Miss Joker," the butler greeted, his tone formal but touched with surprise. "I wasn't expecting you to arrive so soon. You only submitted the form this morning." He gestured politely toward the door. "Please, come in. My master, Duke Ashford, is awaiting your arrival."
I followed the butler through the opulent halls of the estate, the grandeur of the Ashford lineage on full display. The scent of polished wood and faint lavender lingered in the air, and sunlight streamed through towering windows, casting a golden glow.
Finally, we arrived at the duke's office. As the butler opened the door, I was momentarily blinded by the sheer radiance of the room. It wasn't just the gleaming decor that stunned me—it was the man standing inside.
Duke Elias Ashford.
His silver hair shimmered like moonlight, and his piercing blue eyes held an intensity that seemed to cut through the very air. yet his commanding presence exuded wisdom and authority far beyond his years. His appearance was so dazzling, it felt like the entire room was sparkling around him.
I stood at the threshold, momentarily caught off guard by his overwhelming aura. This was the man known as the Emperor's Sword.
Duke Ashford began speaking, his piercing blue eyes fixed on me. "You're the most dangerous woman in the Varnis Empire, Miss Joker, aren't you?"
I nodded and replied, "Yes, Your Grace, I am the Joker, but you may call me Aria."
The duke nodded, a faint hint of approval flashing across his face. "I must admit, I didn't expect the Joker herself to come here. I presume you're here to work for me?"
"Yes, Your Grace," I responded, maintaining my composure. "But before that, may I ask what task I will be assigned to?"
Duke Ashford reached for a document on his desk and handed it to me. "A week from now, my knights and I will venture into the Black Forest. The Emperor has commanded me to clear it."
My eyes widened in shock. "The Black Forest, Your Grace? Isn't that the cursed forest? The one infamous for its high-level monsters? Going there is practically suicide."
The duke sighed, his expression calm but weary. "I'm well aware of the dangers. That is precisely why I need someone with your experience. You are perfect for the job, Miss Aria. Of course, you will be handsomely rewarded. But time is tight, and I require your decision swiftly." His voice carried a note of urgency, underscored by his stern gaze.
I straightened my posture and spoke with confidence. "I accept, Your Grace. I've been bored for far too long, and this might actually be fun. And you're certain this forest harbors monsters stronger than SSS-rank ones?"
The duke's lips curled into a faint smile, his satisfaction evident. "Yes, the Black Forest contains legendary monsters—creatures almost on par with dragons."
He extended his hand, and I shook it firmly. The deal was sealed.
"If you require weapons or equipment, my aide Simon will assist you," the duke continued, gesturing toward a man standing silently at his side.
The aide stepped forward and gave a curt nod. Simon was a stern-looking man with brown hair, sharp green eyes, and glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. "Miss Aria, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said, his tone formal but polite.
I greeted Simon back politely before the duke continued, "Miss Aria, for the time being, you may stay in the guest room. I will introduce you to the knights tomorrow."
I nodded, keeping my tone respectful. "Thank you, Your Grace."
Simon escorted me through the grand mansion, showing me its opulent halls and luxurious features. As we walked, he suddenly stopped and fixed me with a serious look. "I hope you don't do anything that would harm His Grace," he said, his tone firm and unwavering.
His words caught me off guard, and I frowned slightly. "Calm down, Mr. Simon. I assure you, I wouldn't do anything to harm His Grace. I'm not foolish enough to act against a noble," I said confidently, though his warning lingered in my mind.
Simon's sharp green eyes studied me for a moment longer, suspicion flickering in his gaze. Finally, he turned and left without another word.
Now alone, I entered my guest room. It was a masterpiece of luxury, sparkling from top to bottom. From the intricate carvings on the furniture to the lavish fabrics draping the bed, every inch of the room radiated opulence. But, of course, I was used to such grandeur—after all, being Duke Mont's daughter, this was nothing new to me.
I scanned the room instinctively, looking for any hidden voice-recording devices. It was an old habit of mine, born from caution and the need for self-preservation. Once satisfied that the room was secure, I turned my attention to the massive bed.
I couldn't resist testing it out, so I hopped onto it—and instantly, my body sank into the impossibly soft mattress. It was like lying on a cloud, and for a moment, all the tension from the day seemed to melt away.
I opened my status window, scanning it for any quests or updates. Ever since I had unlocked all the playing cards, the status window had become eerily quiet, offering little to no new challenges. Just as I was about to close it, a knock came at the door.
The maid entered, carrying a tray of food. "Miss Aria, your dinner," she said politely, placing it on the table.
I thanked her and started eating. The meal wasn't particularly extravagant—not what I expected from a household as wealthy as this. "I suppose they don't think highly of me yet," I muttered to myself. Though adequate, the food seemed more suited for a commoner. It was clear that most of the mansion's inhabitants harbored some hostility toward me.
After finishing, I took a bath, letting the warm water wash away the day's tension, and soon retired to the bed. The mattress was so soft, it practically swallowed me whole, and I fell asleep almost instantly.