That Time When I Woke Up I Become A Knight In Another World

That night, I stood in front of the inn's tiny mirror, wearing what was supposedly noble attire: a long robe, a glittery mask, and slippery shoes that could slide me straight into misfortune.

I stared at my reflection.

"If this fails, at least I'll die in style," I muttered.

The mysterious man—who claimed he had underground connections and access to everything—showed up with an invitation.

"This will get you in," he said.

I glanced at the worn-out paper stamped with a royal seal… oddly written with a blue ballpoint pen.

Hmm. Nothing suspicious here at all, right?

The party began.

The building was grand.

Classical music played like the soundtrack of a thriller film.And the guests... all wore bizarre masks: one shaped like a bird, another like a wall clock. Someone even wore a... kitchen sponge?

I swallowed hard.

"Just smile. Pretend you're important," the mysterious man whispered beside me.

We walked in.

Everyone clearly knew I didn't belong—but they pretended not to, like when you're in class and the lecturer asks,

"Who hasn't submitted their assignment yet?"

After a while, the man pulled me aside and whispered:

"The person with the key is upstairs. Their mask is purple with feathers. You'll know them by their weird laugh."

I nodded.

"So easy," I said. "Does this person also ride a dragon and walk in slow motion?"

But of course, I went.

Up the stairs. Searching.

Looking. Listening.

And… yes, I heard the weird laugh.

I approached slowly—hands shaking like it's a math exam.

But just as I was about to speak—

THE ALARM WENT OFF.

Loud sounds, flashing lights—Guests ran in panic like a massive sale had just hit the electronics store.

I turned around.

The mysterious man?

Gone.

AND THEN…

I saw a poster on the wall:

WANTED: Masked Con Artist.

Has deceived 31 nobles, 17 outsiders, and 1 duck.

...

...

I GOT SCAMMED.

And now, I'm the suspect at the craziest secret party in a kingdom that's into brainwashing, and—just a reminder—I only wanted a job, not to star in a psychological thriller mixed with detective chaos.

The party atmosphere was a mess.

The lights flickered like a cheap EDM concert, nobles were panicking and running around, and me?Yeah, I'm just some unlucky guest who got trapped in here... again.

"You! Stop!"

Someone shouted from behind me.

A small-framed man—wearing an oversized uniform and with a thin mustache that looked like it was drawn with a marker—ran toward me. In his hand, there was a notebook... and a spoon?

"Who... are you?" I asked, confused.

"I'm Officer. Royal Pavilion's Special Interrogation Team.

"He pulled a chair out of nowhere.

"Please, have a seat, Miss Mysterious Red Mask. Let's have a little chat—casual but intense."

I sat down lazily.

The Officer opened his notebook, then stared at me seriously.

"Name?"

"Aria."

"Purpose for attending this masked ball?"

"Looking for free food, maybe a soulmate. But definitely not whatever mess this is."

He nodded and scribbled something.

"Do you know who stole the royal keys?"

"Yeah, me. And after this, I'll steal the keys to heaven too," I answered flatly.

He stared. "Seriously?"

I raised an eyebrow.

"Sir, I can't even open the door to my inn room without getting lost first. Do you think I'm the thief?"

He went silent, then started writing again.

"Hmm. Your sarcasm score: 9/10. Indications of guilt... dropping."

Just as he was about to ask more, suddenly, a voice rang out:

"THE CRIMINAL HAS BEEN CAPTURED!"

Everyone turned to look.

Two guards were dragging a man wearing a purple feathered mask, treating him like a sack of rice.

"He confessed! All the evidence was found in his bag!" shouted one of the guards.

I turned to The Officer.

"Wow, impressive, sir. The only detective who solved the case without doing anything except accusing an innocent person."

The Officer blushed. "W-well... my strategy was psychological pressure."

"With a spoon?"

I pointed to the tool in his hand.

"This... this is official property, for... mental intimidation."

I stood up, greeting him with a sweet smile.

"Thanks, Officer. Please don't call me again. Unless you need someone to critique your interrogation style."

The Officer was sweating.

"N-no need, Miss Aria. You're free to go. It's clear you... aren't the culprit. In fact... you're too realistic to be a criminal."

I left the room.

Behind me, The Officer was seen eating party pudding... with his interrogation spoon.