The Former Assassin Becomes a Noble Lady

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I have no name. To me, a name is just a temporary tool used to complete a mission.

When I’m not on a mission, people around me simply call me “Third.”

I think I had a real name at some point, but… after more than a decade, the memories of those times are pretty much gone.

Right now, I’m just one of the best (or not), elite (just lacking manpower), secretive (with zero recognition) assassins in the Beltlin Continent.

My sword, honed over more than ten years, boasts a 0% mission failure rate (number of missions attempted: 0).

Then, I received a call from the Guild Master.

“Third. I’ve heard you can use aura without obstruction now.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

At the Master’s words, I drew the sword at my waist and coated it with aura. A dark aura, fierce enough to swallow light, shimmered over the sharp blade.

“Hahaha! Those swordmasters who strut around probably couldn’t handle aura as well as you at your age. The moment you become a swordmaster, our organization will be the continent’s first assassin guild to have a swordmaster. Everyone will fear us.”

The Master’s hilarity was so hard to contain that I wanted to deliver a clean hit, but since I had the servant bond engraved, there was nothing I could do. I just grimaced.

“In any case, I called you here to finally assign you your first mission.”

“If I’m being deployed, it must be quite a tough one.”

“Hmm… You’re the only one in our organization who can do it.”

“So, who am I supposed to assassinate?”

Although I lack practical experience, I’ve become a cherished assassin honed by the guild. If I’m being deployed, it must be anything but ordinary.

Is it a high noble with many political enemies? The head of a competing merchant guild? Or maybe a local lord who oppresses his tenants?

No matter who it is, they can’t avoid my blade.

“You just need to assassinate Lady Selian, daughter of Marquis Deretia.”

?

Not the Marquis himself, but his daughter?

“The Deretia family produced the first hero. Now that a new Demon King has appeared, she’s one of the strongest candidates for a hero. However, the client doesn’t want the Deretia family’s power to increase.”

“The threat of the Demon King and all that, but it’s more important to take care of their own safety.”

“That’s what allows people like us to survive.”

“Still, if she’s a hero candidate, it’s definitely not an easy mission. So, that’s why it’s something only I can do.”

“? Well, that’s right. To put it simply, the target, she’s set to enroll at the Empire Academy. As you know, the Academy isn’t easily accessible. Especially for her, being the daughter of a marquis and a hero candidate, it’ll be particularly hard to approach.”

“Then I need to first find a way to infiltrate the Academy.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that part. We’ve already secured ways to get close to the assassination target. You just need to handle the target.”

“Indeed, Master. So, what do I need to do?”

“You’ll also infiltrate as an Academy student. However, even among Academy students, the target will be wary of a strange man like you. If we have enough time, it should be fine, but the sooner, the better. We’ve finally found a solution.”

The Guild Master gestured to one of his subordinates, ‘Seventh,’ who had been standing behind. Following his gesture, Seventh went out and soon returned with a shabby-looking old man.

“This is the mage we’ve gone to great lengths to acquire. We stumbled upon him by chance, but he’s the only one researching unique magic in the continent.”

“I’m Sem Mogra. You’ll be working together in the same organization from now on.”

I nodded in greeting as I received the offered documents to review the personal information.

– Elysia Frentz, 18 years old.

The young lady of House Frentz, which was destroyed by an attack from rampaging demons during the Demon King’s resurrection ritual.

Originally, Elysia had died due to that incident, but she disguised herself as having survived with a maid who was working for the Frentz family at the time, using rumors and funds. After the maid’s death, Elysia, now alone, aimed to build achievements and restore her family by entering the Academy.

There are various detailed accounts, but summarizing it, that’s pretty much the content.

?

Is something off?

“Lady Frentz?”

As I tilted my head, the old mage spoke up.

“During your mission, you will become ‘Lady Frentz.’ With my magic, of course.”

What the hell is this nonsense?

“Wait… So you’re saying I’ll pretend to be a girl with illusion magic?”

“Don’t compare it to such low-grade magic!”

The old mage’s fury was evident, unlike his calm introduction earlier.

“What I’ve developed is not illusion magic but real magic that transforms you into a woman! Many have tried, but none succeeded!”

Was that what made it unique in the continent?

“But, um… if I’m a girl, don’t I need to do makeup or something? I have no idea how to do that!”

“Are you looking down on TS magic? Generally, a TS would become a perfect and flawless girl without needing makeup!”

The old mage’s chilling voice conveyed his serious intent.

They say there are many odd mages, and indeed…

“O-Okay. Truly impressive magic.”

Whether I thought so or not, I soothed the old mage to calm him down.

Anyway, this is my first mission. I can’t afford to be careless.

Thus, over a month’s time, I memorized my temporary identity and familiarized myself with the basic etiquette and manners of being a noble lady.

And finally, on the eve of enrollment.

I stood before the old mage to receive the TS magic.

“As I said, my magic will turn you into a woman. It’s not illusion magic, so there’s no duration, but should you wish to revert later, you just need to receive the magic again.”

Having heard that already, I nodded lightly.

“However, since the magic is still being improved, there may be side effects that we haven’t confirmed yet… Although I’ve confirmed that there shouldn’t be major issues, you shouldn’t worry too much. Now, please stand on the magic circle.”

Upon following the mage’s guidance and stepping onto the magic circle, Sem Mogra began to chant incantations holding his staff.

After a lengthy ritual, light began to emanate from the staff and circle.

That light soon began to envelop my body, and at the same time, I felt a surge of heat that could only be described as burning.

At the end of the scorching pain, the blinding light faded away, revealing my form.

Slimmed arms. Two peaks rising on my chest. A narrowed waist paired with broader hips. Smooth legs.

It seemed my stature had shrunk too, as I felt my original clothes hanging loosely on me.

When I moved my limbs, they felt slightly awkward, but I had no trouble moving.

I picked up the mirror I had prepared beside me to check my face and came face to face with a beautiful girl grimacing slightly.

The once dull and dark black hair transformed into soft, glossy silver hair. It seemed to have grown long, falling below my shoulders.

After changing into the prepared women’s clothing, my previous appearance completely vanished, leaving only a slender young woman.

“This is perfect. The Master didn’t bring him for nothing.”

“You now see the greatness of TS magic, right? I’m off now; unlike how I look, this magic consumes a lot of mana.”

Now, all that remained was the time for the decisive moment.

My sword gleams, and the tip is ready to deliver judgment.

*

Griffin Academy

As the continent’s top state academy, it’s highly regarded by nobles within the empire and even those from other countries come to study here.

Unlike other prestigious private academies, the Griffin Academy has no status restrictions for admission, meaning even commoners can enter if their talents are recognized.

Of course, that said, it’s quite difficult for commoners to gain admission, so the ones who actually enroll are mostly those with talent and some backing.

Griffin Academy teaches four main fields.

Swordsmanship, Magic, Administration, and Theology, with several divisions within each faculty.

I’m in the first swordsmanship class. Coincidentally, that’s the same class as my assassination target.

So it’s not odd that she’s standing right in front of me during the enrollment ceremony.

With beautiful golden hair tied in a ponytail that couldn’t be captured in a photograph.

Caught behind swaying hair was her fair nape.

Her height seems to be just a bit shorter than my new height as a girl, as I catch a glimpse of her crown.

Noticing my gaze, Selian turned her head to look at me.

As our eyes met, she smiled brightly before turning her head back to the front.

It’s a bit regrettable that I have to kill this innocent girl, but I am a professional assassin. My sword holds no mercy or hesitation.

“With that, we conclude the enrollment ceremony for Griffin Academy. Welcome, new students.”

With the Headmaster’s concluding remarks, the enrollment ceremony, which lasted two hours, finally came to an end.

Following the homeroom teacher into the classroom, students immediately began to cluster into groups with those they knew.

Of course, since I don’t know anyone, I quietly took a seat at the back and observed my assassination target.

Being a celebrity, many boys and girls gathered around her.

As Selian joyfully conversed with them, she glanced around the classroom, seemingly searching for people she recognized.

Naturally, it was expected that she would come to meet my gaze.

I thought her gaze would only linger for a moment, but instead, she slowly approached me, still looking into my eyes.

Wondering if someone was behind me, I looked back but saw no one passing by.

Before I knew it, she had come right in front of me and pulled out the chair beside me to sit down.

“It’s nice to meet you. You were the one standing behind me a bit ago, right?”

I didn’t expect her to approach me like this, but as it turned out, it was a good opportunity, so I greeted her back with a smile.

“I’m Elysia.”

“What a pretty name. I’m Selian Deretia. My close friends call me Seli.”

Bowing my head as I greeted her, she did the same in return. Despite the academy’s rule against differentiating between nobles and commoners, her natural gesture of bowing is something seldom seen among nobility.

“Oh, Deretia… the name of the first hero…”

I had thoroughly researched her, yet I reacted as if I was hearing it for the first time.

“Yes. You have a good memory. I’m indeed that Deretia.”

Her head tilted slightly, and her smiling seemed to embody pure innocence.

“Since it’s a well-known story, I doubt anyone wouldn’t know.”

Even though it’s a story from centuries past, no one would be unaware of the hero who defeated the Demon King. Especially now that the Demon King has been resurrected.

“But, what about the others…”

The students who had followed her closely were unable to react to her sudden action, glancing around nervously as they stood circling us.

It was a situation where they couldn’t help but notice.

“Oh my… I’m trying to sit here, but… what will you all do?”

Ultimately, Selian took the seat beside me, while her followers filled up the spaces in front and to the sides.

To let their guard down and come forward like this so easily. TS magic must have worked wonders.

*

“That’s how it went down. I think an opportunity will present itself soon.”

After returning to the dormitory, I reported the day’s events through the communication magic stone. The dormitory contains single, double, and quad rooms mixed together, but for the sake of my mission, I chose a single room. Even if a single room is expensive since it’s meant for nobles, considering the rewards after completing the mission, it’s a reasonable investment. I’m not going to live in the academy for four years after all.

Of course, all authority and responsibility concerning the mission lie with me, so I only report as needed, but since this is my first mission, I ensured it was thorough.

– That’s good news. Do you have any suspicious individuals around you?

“No suspicious individuals. However, it seems I’ll need some time to have a private meeting with the target. There are too many people around.”

– I see. Your mission is crucial for the future of our guild. Absolutely no mistakes… hmm? What’s going on? Who the hell are you! How did you get in here…!

A loud commotion erupted from beyond the communication magic stone.

Sensing something amiss, I immediately shattered the communication stone. If the guild’s communication stone were ever seized, our location could be tracked.

Quickly changing into my black assassin garb, I stealthily slipped out of the window.

Though the guild was far away, with a night to travel, it’s not an impossible distance. What’s important now is not the mission itself but the situation at the guild’s main base.

Swallowing an unknown sense of unease, I threw myself into the shadows.

*

“With the Demon King’s army causing chaos, it’s even more of a headache with these guys running amok.”

“What are you worried about? If it’s the lord or the young lady, I can understand, though.”

Two men stood guard before a hidden entrance to the guild. Judging by their gear, they were not mere ruffians but fully armed soldiers. The emblem of House Deretia adorned their armor.

It’s hard to see this ambush as a coincidence. For whatever reason, details about the assassination request have leaked.

As soon as I grasped the situation, I maintained my concealment in the shadows and sneakily infiltrated the guild through a secret passage.

I wasn’t worried about being caught. After all, I am just the one targeting the youngest sword master. I’ve undergone years of training as an assassin, and while becoming a girl has reduced my physical strength and made moving my aura inconvenient, my senses have only sharpened.

As long as the sword master isn’t here, I’m confident I won’t get caught.

While remaining hidden, I examined the inside of the guild, where the few remaining guild members lay scattered across the floor, cold corpses.

To be honest, the guild members were all experienced in ambush tactics, so there weren’t many like me skilled in swordsmanship. Given that my presence was exposed, dying was the only outcome.

I hadn’t confirmed the bodies of Sem Mogra and the Guild Master, who had been summoned for this mission.

After all, being an assassin guild, there wasn’t exactly a friendship to be distraught about when a guild member died. But that duo was different.

I slowly moved my steps toward the Guild Master’s room first.

There were guards at the door, but they didn’t seem to have noticed me.

Sneaking in, I found the Guild Master’s corpse still lying there, not yet removed.

The Guild Master and all the guild members are dead. The continent’s best (or not), elite (just a manpower shortage), secretive (with zero recognition) assassin guild has now completely perished.

Me, the only survivor, can hardly choose to inherit the will of the assassin guild.

Why would I? I’m just thankful to have finally gained my freedom.

But for total freedom, there’s something I must collect. I reached into the Guild Master’s arms to find something. However, the item that was usually kept there was nowhere to be found.

The scroll engraved with the servant bond of each guild member.

As long as this exists, I cannot be free. If I encounter someone holding that scroll, I would have to obey their commands.

To keep himself safe from retaliation and rebellion, the Guild Master always carried that around; it wasn’t likely he would randomly store it away somewhere else today.

One of the thralls who attacked the guild probably took it. I don’t know who, but all I can do is pray not to run into them.

I turned my steps and this time headed towards the room where the mage was staying.

Sem Mogra. The continent’s only TS mage lay on the bed as a corpse, seemingly unaware of the ambush.

– As I mentioned, my magic will turn you into a woman. It’s not illusion magic, so there’s no duration, but should you wish to revert later, you just need to receive the magic again.

The old mage’s words spoken while I received the TS magic replayed in my mind.

‘Should you wish to revert later, you just need to receive the magic again.’

“Shit… damn…”

This is bad. Really bad.

I scanned the room in vain hope, but it was definitely a lifeless corpse.

Then what about my body? How do I return to my original form?

Without a way to revert back, I’d have to go to the academy without a choice.

Just when the daughter of a marquis nearly got assassinated, and the people around her vanish?

It’s practically a blatant confession that I’m an assassin.

Had I been able to revert to my male form, even if I became wanted, it wouldn’t have been an issue, but that too is utterly impossible.

Freedom? What’s that again?

Turning my head, I caught sight of a mirror.

What stared back from the mirror was not the ‘man’ I had seen for 16 years, but a strange girl with silver hair and long locks.

The so-called best (or not), elite (just a manpower shortage), secretive (with zero recognition) assassin ‘Third’ no longer exists.

Whimper, baby Elysia.

Elysia must be protected.