I’m In Trouble Because The Darkened Heroes Are Obsessed With Me

Elsez checked the back of the note.On the back, only one phrase was written: “Magic Tower’s top floor, Tower Master’s office.” It seemed to be an instruction for interested applicants to head there.‘The posting is definitely suspicious, but still… it’s a chance to meet Rashiel.’Without the excuse of becoming his assistant, meeting Rashiel—who rarely showed himself—would be almost impossible.It was suspicious, but it was an opportunity she couldn’t afford to miss.After placing the note back on the bulletin board, Elsez pushed through the crowd gathered around it.Then, she looked up at the Tower Master’s office, located at the very top of the Magic Tower—the place closest to the night sky.It could very well be a trap.‘But if you’re the one waiting in that trap…’Then I’ll gladly walk into it, Rashiel.

****

Upon reaching the Tower Master’s office, Elsez raised a hand to knock—then hesitated.She double-checked her disguise, smoothed out her clothing, and took a deep breath before rapping on the door.“Hello. I saw the posting on the bulletin board and came regarding the job.”She waited.No response.Just as she was about to knock again, the door creaked open.But the person standing there wasn’t Rashiel.Instead, a middle-aged man dressed in a butler’s tailcoat peered down at her.Unlike most mages, who preferred robes, he was dressed in the attire of a servant.‘One of Rashiel’s people?’A suspicious outsider wouldn’t walk around a mage’s tower in such conspicuously different clothing, so he had to be someone who belonged here.“I came to see the Tower Master. Is he inside?”“He’s expecting you.”The man motioned her inside.‘I’m finally going to meet Rashiel.’Elsez swallowed hard as she stepped through the doorway, only to find the office completely empty.“This way.”The butler gestured toward the corner of the room.There, embedded in the floor, a portal shimmered with faint blue light.“This leads to the mansion.”“The Tower Master’s personal estate?”“Yes.”Elsez narrowed her eyes.“You’re bringing me there without even checking who I am? Without so much as an interview?”“That is for Lord Rashiel to determine.”The butler smiled kindly, but that did nothing to ease Elsez’s suspicions.‘This reeks of some shady cult or scam…’Still, she had no other option.Whether this was a cult, a scam, or a trap, the only way to meet Rashiel was to go through it.At least she had one advantage. Thanks to the Demon God’s power, she had nothing to fear.She was, after all, the final boss of this world.Her strength hadn’t fully recovered yet, but even now, there weren’t many things that could actually kill her.‘Might as well take full advantage of this.’Resolving herself, Elsez stepped into the portal.A dazzling light engulfed her vision.When it faded, she found herself standing in the middle of a forest.And before her loomed a grand estate.‘…It’s huge.’The size of the mansion’s grounds alone rivaled that of the Rittenhouse Ducal Estate.As she studied the towering structure, the butler approached.“This way, please.”He led her into the estate.Elsez followed, scanning the lavish interior.‘No servants?’Most noble estates were bustling with maids and attendants, yet this place felt eerily empty.After a long walk, they arrived at a parlor.“Lord Rashiel will be with you shortly. What kind of tea would you like?”“Anything is fine.”Once the butler left, Elsez took in the room.Beyond the balcony doors, an expansive garden stretched into the distance.Yet there were no gardeners.No signs of anyone tending to the grounds.The unnatural stillness sent a shiver down her spine.And then—Click.The door opened.Elsez turned instinctively, and her breath caught.Rashiel.Water dripped from his silver hair—he had just bathed.A towel hung loosely over his shoulders as he lazily dried his hair.His amethyst eyes—cold and piercing—locked onto her.Elsez was momentarily stunned.Then, belatedly, she stood and offered a greeting.“Ah, hello.”Rashiel barely acknowledged her words as he sank into the seat across from her.It was only then that she noticed—He was only wearing a robe.The loosely tied bathrobe barely concealed his body.With every shift, the fabric parted slightly, revealing glimpses of his sculpted muscles.‘…Was Rashiel always this built?’She had lived with these men before—Cassian and Tezette often walked around shirtless.But Astaire and Rashiel had never exposed their bodies.Elsez inhaled sharply, trying to compose herself.‘Okay. Just stay calm. It’s just—’Then—A single droplet of water trailed down his silver hair……and landed directly on his chest.‘WHY would the water choose NOW to do that?!’She quickly averted her gaze, her face heating with guilt.At that moment, his deep voice cut through the silence.“Your name.”“…What?!”Rashiel stared at her, baffled by her startled reaction.“Your name.”“If you’re here to work, you should at least tell me that.”“Oh—uh—right. I just—my heart’s a bit weak, so I startle easily! Haha, I’m… Anna Ritz.”Rashiel scrutinized her.She forced a smile, but an uneasy feeling gnawed at her.‘It’s like he can see through everything…’The silence stretched between them until the butler returned, placing teacups in front of them.Elsez hesitated, glancing between Rashiel and the tea.It felt… off.‘This is a trap. It has to be.’But if Rashiel wanted her dead, there was no need for poison.He had already lured her into an isolated estate, and his power far outmatched hers.If he wanted to kill her, he could’ve done so instantly.‘Not that I’d actually die, but still.’Taking a breath, she lifted the teacup to her lips.A familiar floral scent filled her senses.‘This tea…’It wasn’t particularly expensive, but it was one that Luel had often enjoyed.‘…A coincidence?’Just as she was pondering this, Rashiel spoke again.“Why do you want to work for me?”His gaze remained unreadable as he studied her.Elsez placed the cup down.The interview had begun.“For the same reason you’re hiring, despite the rumors surrounding you.”Rashiel tilted his head slightly.She continued, answering her own question.“Because it’s necessary. You need an assistant. And I need money.”Others might have tried to flatter him with words like,‘I believe in you despite the rumors!’But Rashiel would never believe such sentimental nonsense.That kind of answer would only make him suspicious.Rashiel studied her in silence—then, suddenly, he pulled out a contract and slid it across the table.“Read it and sign.”Elsez blinked.“That’s it? That’s the whole interview?”“Do you want it to be longer?”She quickly examined the contract.Job: Document organization

Hours: 1 PM – 6 PM

Pay: 2 lukes per hour, 10 lukes per day

Contract Term: One month (extension negotiable)Her eyes widened.‘Wait. 10 lukes a day? That’s 1,500 lukes a month?!’Even for a demon-slaying mercenary, this was a ridiculous salary.Greed momentarily flickered in her eyes.Without hesitation, she signed the contract.Then, flashing a capitalist’s smile, she asked,“What do I do first?”“Do whatever you want. Until I call for you.”“…Anything?”Rashiel gave a lazy nod.As Elsez stood, she made a mental note—‘I need to check the library. There might be something there to solve my problem.’But just as she turned to leave—A low voice stopped her.“Don’t leave my sight.”His amethyst eyes locked onto her, trapping her in place.