Is It Wrong to Want Luxury in a Dungeon? [15]

The Art of Delegation (or How to Break an Elf)

This was almost too easy.

Liliruca Arde stood with her hands neatly clasped in front of her, the very picture of a humble, hardworking supporter. She kept her expression open, her smile professional—just the right mix of earnest and deferential. Not too eager. Not too desperate. Just trustworthy enough to reel in the catch.

And oh, what a catch she was.

The adventurer standing before her—Calista, she’d overheard—was tall, confident, and hopelessly rich. From the polished shine of her armor to the way she carried herself, Lili pegged her as someone who had never once struggled with money. Perfect.

“Why yes,” The rich girl said, turning towards Lili with renewed interest.

“A strong adventurer like yourself,” she began, voice practiced and smooth, “shouldn’t waste time on menial labor! Your focus should be on battle—while I handle the burdens you shouldn’t bear.”

Lili almost laughed.

Instead, she pressed a hand to her chest, head tilting forward in a well-practiced display of gratitude. “It’s an honor to serve, Miss Adventurer.”

Behind Calista, the elf girl—Lefiya, if Lili remembered right—looked like she was about to have an aneurysm.

Good. That meant things were going well.

“Tell me more,” Calista said, clasping her hands together like she was genuinely excited about hiring someone to handle all the “annoying” parts of adventuring.

Lili’s smile widened.

She had found her mark.

...

A Few Hours Earlier

Finding good customers was an art. And like any good artist, Lili took her time.

She watched from the shadows near the Dungeon entrance, scanning the stream of adventurers passing through Babel’s grand gates. Most weren’t worth the effort.

Some were too reckless, swaggering in with cheap armor and cheaper weapons, clearly expecting to make easy money. Idiots like that wouldn’t last long enough to pay her properly.

Others were too experienced—grizzled Level 2s and 3s who already had loyal supporters or knew better than to trust a stranger offering “assistance.”

But what she wanted—what she needed—was someone strong enough to survive deep floors, naïve enough to trust her, and dumb enough to get scammed.”

And that’s when she saw her.

A tall, red-haired adventurer, practically glowing with confidence as she strolled toward the Dungeon like she owned the place.

The way she moved, the way she smirked at passing adventurers instead of cautiously eyeing them, the way she chatted animatedly with the elf girl at her side—it all screamed overconfidence.

More importantly?

The cut of her outfit, the quality of her spear, the way she carried herself like money was never an issue—

Lili knew a noble when she saw one.

Her fingers twitched.

Bingo.

Now, all she had to do was listen.

Slipping closer was easy. People never noticed her when she didn’t want to be seen. She drifted along the edge of the plaza, blending into the movement of the crowd, until she was just close enough to hear—

“Calista,” The elf stopped.

...

...

...

“Lefiya~” Calista drawled, stepping forward. “You wouldn’t be hiding something from me, would you?”

Jackpot.

Lili didn’t waste a second. She adjusted her cloak, smoothed down her expression into something pleasantly eager, and stepped into view.

“Hi, adventurer!” she called out.

The instant Calista turned toward her, Lili knew.

This one would fall for it completely.

Lili had pitched this speech dozens of times before. But this time? This time was special.

Because as soon as she started talking, as soon as she spun the words just right, Calista’s eyes lit up.

She didn’t hesitate. Didn’t overthink. Didn’t question a thing.

“Best rates in Orario,” Lili promised, keeping her voice silky smooth. “And for a first-time client, I’ll even offer a discount.”

Calista beamed.

Lefiya looked like she wanted to die.

Lili didn’t dare look at her directly, because if she did, she might actually start laughing.

“Finally,” she said, gleefully, “someone who understands me.”

Oh, she does.

She absolutely does.

...

Another day, another profit to be made in the Dungeon.

Lili followed two sets of much longer legs down the winding corridors of Floor 7, keeping her stride light, her expression professional, and her greedy little heart completely hidden.

Calista walked ahead, a spear slung across her back, humming like a noblewoman on an afternoon stroll. Completely relaxed. Completely unaware.

Lefiya, by contrast, was not relaxed.

The elf’s shoulders were tense, her wary blue eyes darting across the stone walls as she kept one step behind Calista, ready to act. Smart. Cautious. Paranoid.

Lili liked her.

Not enough to feel bad about scamming her friend, but still.

“So,” Calista said, glancing over her shoulder, “is this where you usually work, Miss Supporter?”

Lili beamed.

“Oh, of course, Miss Adventurer! I’ve been down to Floor 10 before,” she said smoothly, letting just a hint of smugness slip through. “You know—real adventurer work.”

Calista perked up at that.

“So you’re experienced, huh?” she mused, grinning. “I like that in a partner.”

Lili’s brain short-circuited.

Was—was she flirting with her?!

Lefiya made a strangled noise, somewhere between horror and exhaustion.

Lili blinked, recovered, and slapped on her best smile. “Yes, of course! I’ll take good care of you, Miss Adventurer.”

Calista chuckled, clearly pleased.

Lefiya looked like she was about to burst a blood vessel.

Despite the casual conversation, Lili’s eyes never stopped moving.

Floor 7. Not too dangerous—not for a competent Level 1. But still enough to ruin someone reckless.

She stayed a step behind Calista, watching the adventurer's movements carefully. Confident posture. Light on her feet. Expensive boots that would be hell to clean later.

No fear. No hesitation. Like she owned the place.

Which meant she was either really good… or really stupid.

Lili was betting on both.

Lefiya, meanwhile, was pure nerves. She kept casting wary glances at Lili, like she expected her to sprout fangs and attack them. Rude.

Not entirely undeserved, but still.

“So, what are we dealing with on this floor?” Calista asked.

Lili clasped her hands together, slipping easily into her helpful, informative persona.

“Killer Ants are common here,” she said sweetly. “They’re swarm monsters. Break their shells quickly, or they’ll release pheromones and summon reinforcements.”

Lefiya nodded, instantly serious. Calista, meanwhile, looked delighted.

“Swarming enemies, huh?” she mused. “That sounds fun.”

Lili internally cackled.

Oh, you’re gonna love this, Miss Adventurer.

“Purple Moths also appear,” she continued. “They release toxic dust when agitated, so it’s best to stay mobile.”

Calista waved a hand lazily. “I’m fast. Shouldn’t be a problem.”

Lili almost felt bad for what was coming. Almost.

Lefiya sighed, already resigned. “Please, at least take it seriously…”

Lili went on. “You might also see Needle Rabbits. They’re—”

“Wait,” Calista cut in, tilting her head. “Did you say Needle Rabbits?”

Lili grinned.

“Yes. Fast, aggressive, and unpredictable. They don’t hit hard, but they will try to impale you if you’re careless.”

Calista’s expression shifted. Just a little.

“...That sounds unpleasant.”

Lili’s grin widened.

“Oh, they are,” she said cheerfully. “But I’m sure you’ll be fine, Miss Adventurer!”

Calista narrowed her eyes.

For a second, just a second, Lili thought she saw suspicion there—like she knew she was being set up for failure.

Then Calista shrugged and moved on like it didn’t matter.

Lili didn’t know whether to be impressed or horrified.

...

The corridor ahead widened into an open chamber—dimly lit, rough-hewn stone, and the distant sound of chittering.

Lili slowed her steps, keeping to the back, watching. Waiting.

“Monsters ahead,” Lefiya murmured, scanning the shadows.

Calista perked up. “Oh, finally.”

Lili barely held back a snort.

“Oh dear,” she said sweetly. “Please be careful, Miss Adventurer!”

This was going to be hilarious.

Lili had never seen someone so confident about being completely unprepared.

Calista twirled her spear once, rolling her shoulders like she was about to go fencing at a noble’s garden party. Lefiya stood behind her, staff at the ready, looking appropriately cautious.

And Lili?

Lili was prepared to be entertained.

The first chittering mass of carapace and mandibles scuttled into the chamber, antennae twitching, serrated jaws clicking hungrily.

Calista grinned.

Lili prayed to every god in Orario that she was at least capable.

The first lunge came fast. The ant moved low, mandibles snapping for Calista’s legs—

She wasn’t there anymore.

A blur of motion. A sharp pivot. A silver flash.

Her spear struck clean through its head.

The monster collapsed mid-charge, dissolving into ash.

Lili blinked.

Okay, that was… actually pretty good.

Calista flicked her weapon to the side, shaking off the dust. “That all?”

More chittering.

Lili smiled sweetly. “Not quite, Miss Adventurer.”

The pheromones had already spread.

From the tunnel ahead, six more ants skittered into the chamber.

Lefiya stiffened. “Calista, they—”

“I know,” Calista sighed, rolling her shoulders. “More came.”

A pause.

Then she grinned.

“Guess I’ll just have to kill them faster.”

Lili’s respect for her competence rose slightly.

But her opinion on her brain cells plummeted.

...

The last ant crumbled to dust, and Calista huffed, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

“That was fun,” she declared.

Lefiya, who had been on standby the entire fight, sighed in visible relief.

Lili tilted her head.

“…Miss Adventurer, shouldn’t you check your surroundings before celebrating?”

Calista blinked. “What?”

And that was when the Purple Moth descended from above.

Lili saw it first. She did not warn her.

Lefiya saw it second. She tried.

“MOVE!”

Too late.

A burst of shimmering violet dust exploded into the air as Calista turned directly into it.

She froze.

Lili bit her lip.

Not in worry.

In an effort not to laugh.

Calista blinked. “Did I just—”

Her legs wobbled.

Lefiya immediately chanted throwing out a burst of wind magic, dispersing the airborne poison. “Lili! Antidote!”

Lili—who absolutely had three antidotes in her pouch—hummed thoughtfully.

“Oh dear,” she said, deliberating for just one extra second to enjoy the moment. “Miss Adventurer, are you alright?”

Calista glared at her.

Lili pulled out the antidote before she could chuck her spear at her head.

Lefiya grabbed it and shoved it into Calista’s hands. “Drink it! Now!”

Calista grumbled, downed the potion in one go, then fixed Lili with a look.

Lili innocently blinked.

Worth it.

...

The next chamber was quiet.

Too quiet.

Lili had seen this trick before.

The problem was—Calista hadn’t.

The blur of white and silver came from the shadows, launching itself at her face.

Calista’s entire body jerked.

“What the f—”

She dodged last second, the Needle Rabbit’s horn grazing past her cheek.

Lili covered her mouth.

She wasn’t even pretending to be concerned anymore.

Lefiya looked mortified.

Calista was glaring at the rabbit like it had personally offended her.

Lili wiped a fake tear from her eye. “Oh no, that was close!”

I’m going to die laughing.

Calista readjusted her grip on her spear.

Her smirk was gone.

The rabbit twitched, preparing for another lunge.

This time, she was ready.

Lili stepped back to watch the show.

The rabbit moved—

And Calista met it halfway.

A high-speed clash.

The rabbit was fast. Quick, darting, sharp—striking from angles just barely out of reach.

Calista was faster.

Her spear snapped up, blocked, twisted—

She wasn’t just reacting.

She was reading it.

A feint. A pivot. A flash of silver—

The needle rabbit fell.

Lili exhaled slowly.

Well, well. Maybe she wasn’t just a dumb rich girl after all.

The battle ended, and Lili dutifully stepped forward, offering Calista a water flask like the world’s most innocent supporter.

“Oh dear, that looked exhausting, Miss Adventurer.”

Calista stared at her.

Then she stared at pile of magic crystals in Lili’s hands.

Then she squinted.

Lili blinked up at her, all big eyes and innocence.

Oh sh—

Calista tilted her head. “Huh.”

A pause.

Then she shrugged.

Lili did not relax.

“Must've killed less monsters today” Calista mused, smirking as she dusted herself off. “Oh well, I can just seduce Loki for more valis.”

Lefiya made a horrible strangled noise.

Lili choked.

Calista grinned.

And just like that—

She let it slide.

Lili stared.

Was she…? Was she letting her get away with it?

The thought unsettled her.

---

Twilight Manor’s dining hall was bustling—laughter, tankards clinking, the occasional loud thud of an arm-wrestling match in the background.

A perfect setting for Calista to announce her genius.

She stretched, sighing with great satisfaction before leaning forward.

“Well,” she said, drawing attention effortlessly, “I’d say today’s Dungeon trip was a resounding success.”

Tiona perked up. “Oh? What’d you do?”

Calista smirked.

“I outsourced.”

The table stilled.

Raul, mid-bite, froze.

Tione’s eyes narrowed.

Gareth, in the middle of taking a sip from his tankard, slowed.

Finn raised an eyebrow.

Bete, already grinning, scoffed. “What?”

Calista twirled a lazy hand. “Why should I waste time with menial labor when I could be focusing on battle? That’s what lesser hands are for.”

A strangled noise came from Lefiya’s direction.

Tione rubbed her temples. “Calista, that’s literally what supporters are for.”

Raul’s eye twitched.

His gaze flicked toward Lefiya—just for a second.

Calista caught it. Oh?

Had they been keeping something from her?

She leaned back, clearly enjoying this.

“You should’ve seen her,” she continued. “She was so diligent. Always right behind me, ready to process magic stones, gather loot, even handle navigation.”

Lefiya’s fork scraped against her plate.

Calista didn’t notice.

“She really knows her stuff,” she mused, resting her chin on one hand. “Always so quick with advice. I didn’t even have to ask—she just knew what I needed.”

Lefiya’s grip tightened.

Tiona glanced at her—just slightly.

Calista sighed dramatically. “And her dedication! She even tried to keep me out of danger.”

Lefiya twitched.

“‘Miss Adventurer, be careful!’” Calista mimicked in a sweet, airy voice. “She was so worried about me.”

A fork snapped in half.

Calista paused. “Hm?”

Lefiya’s hands were clenched into fists.

Raul looked like he was watching a bomb slowly count down.

Finn had noticed too.

Calista, blissfully unaware, just kept going.

“She’s so reliable—always keeping me on my toes. And, I must say, she’s adorable when she smiles—”

“SHE’S SCAMMING YOU!”

It wasn’t an accusation.

It was a statement.

A desperate, borderline feral outburst, the last vestiges of Lefiya’s fraying sanity snapping in real time.

Calista simply set her goblet down.

“I know.”

Lefiya jerked back.

Her hands gripped the table.

“You—” Her voice wavered between outrage and complete mental collapse. “Then WHY—”

Calista stretched lazily.

“Cute girl.”

The entire room exploded.

Bete, fully losing it, slammed a fist on the table. “HAAAAAH?! YOU’RE PAYIN’ A GIRL JUST BECAUSE SHE’S CUTE?!”

Tiona, face buried in her hands, groaned loudly.

Tione, sipping her wine, exhaled sharply. “Yeah. Figures.”

Raul covered his entire face.

Gareth chuckled, shaking his head. “Ya don’t make it easy for yourself, lass.”

Lefiya’s entire worldview crumbled.

She stared at Calista like she was witnessing the downfall of civilization.

Calista, completely unbothered, took another sip.

“Is this not how things work?” she mused.

Lefiya’s soul departed.

A sharp whistle cut through the chaos.

“Oi, oi, oi—wait.”

Loki.

She plopped down into the seat beside Calista, grinning like she’d just won a bet.

She leaned forward, chin resting on one hand, eyes glinting with mischief.

“So lemme get this straight,” she said, smirking. “You know you’re getting scammed.”

Calista nodded.

“And you don’t care? Just because she's a cute girl?”

Calista shrugged. “Basically.”

Loki stared.

Then she slammed her fist on the table and keeled over laughing.

“BAHAHAHAHA!”

Bete, already weak from laughter, actually fell off his chair.

Raul looked ready to quit adventuring.

Finn, who had been quietly observing, exhaled through his nose and picked up his drink. “Disappointing.”

Riveria, visibly fighting a headache, pinched the bridge of her nose.

Calista? Unbothered.

Loki, still gasping for breath, wiped a tear from her eye. “Yer killin’ me, kid.”

Calista, tapping her fingers against the table, mused, “So… what’s the usual scam rate?”

---

Elsewhere, far from Twilight Manor, Lili sat on a rooftop, a sizable pouch of valis in her hands.

She weighed it carefully.

Her fingers flipped through the coins, counting.

A little extra here. A little extra there.

A beautiful, clean profit.

Externally, she sighed, stretching her arms overhead. “That was a tough trip, but we worked well together, Miss Adventurer.”

Too easy.

She smirked.

But then—

She paused.

Her fingers stilled over the coins.

Her mind replayed that last moment, the way Calista had looked at her.

The way she had squinted at the split. The way she had let it go.

Had she…?

Had she let her get away with it on purpose?

Lili’s stomach twisted.

That wasn’t how this was supposed to go.

She was supposed to be in control.

She was supposed to be the one playing the game.

Then why…

Why did it feel like she was the one being played?

She clicked her tongue, shaking off the thought.

Whatever.

It didn’t matter.

She still won.

Didn’t she?

Lili stared down at the valis.

For the first time in a very, very long time—

She wasn’t sure.

---

A/N: if scammer why cute girl? cute girl can do no wrong AHEM THIS ISNT A SELF INSERT >.>