Surviving As The Villainess's Attendant

"You’re awfully prepared for a parasite in hiding."

That hit closer than she knew.

I shrugged.

"Caution’s how I’m still breathing."

And bluffing. Lots of bluffing. But I didn’t say that.

For a second, she just stared at me, lips pressed into a thin line.

Then she exhaled and nodded—barely.

Progress.

"There’s a small underground passage northeast from here,You’ll find it beneath a hollowed-out tree with silver moss around the base. Can’t miss it."

She didn’t respond, but I saw her posture shift slightly. Still guarded. Still suspicious.

"There’s a guest down there," I added. "Nothing too troublesome. You can handle it."