Chapter 5

"Lisbeth, since you're new, I'll explain this just once. Lord Demon King has a terrible morning temper. Every time someone wakes her, she flies into a rage. So no one dares disturb her unless she wakes naturally. If you don't want a brutal beating on your first day, I suggest you take back your words now."

After Hilda finished, the other maids exchanged understanding glances. Hilda had given Lisbeth an easy out. They all hoped she'd just make an excuse and drop it.

But Lisbeth didn't take the hint. Instead, a smile spread across her face. She suddenly threw her arms wide and declared, "You're just waking her wrong~ As your superior, I'll show you the proper way to rouse Lord Demon King~"

"Hey! Lisbeth, you—!"

With that, Lisbeth dashed up the stairs like the wind. She raced to the second-floor hall. A loud crash echoed as the door flew open. Lisbeth vanished behind it.

"Fine. Whatever. If she's so eager to die, I won't stop her."

Hearing this, the other maids sighed together. They'd already foreseen Lisbeth's grim fate...

---

*Huff... huff...*

When Lisbeth entered the Demon King's bedroom, darkness swallowed everything. She could barely see her hand before her face. Only Christia's steady breathing filled the air. Faint light seeped through the curtains.

"Seriously, are you the Demon King or a vampire? Must you make it this pitch-black just to sleep?"

"Never mind. Time to open these curtains~ Heave ho~"

After a soft grumble, Lisbeth yanked the curtains aside. A huge single bed greeted her first. Then the room's lavish decorations came into view.

But Lisbeth didn't gasp in awe. She scanned the decor with nostalgia. "I never expected it to be this opulent back then. And after all this time, nothing's changed."

*Mmm...*

As Lisbeth studied the room, a childlike voice piped up from the bed. She stepped closer. Her gaze locked in place.

Before her lay a stunning young girl with jet-black hair. Though she looked only ten, her beauty could steal anyone's breath. Christia frowned slightly at the new light. Then, adorably, she burrowed her head under the covers. She resumed snoring softly.

"Ugh, with such a cute act, how can I bear to wake you~"

Lisbeth murmured this but still lifted a corner of the blanket. Christia slept curled up, a sweet smile on her lips.

"Since you won't rise, I'll have to intrude~"

If Hilda were here, she'd yank Lisbeth's fox ears hard. Lisbeth slipped right into Christia's bed. She gently wrapped her arms around the girl.

Next, Lisbeth blew softly into Christia's ear. "Hey, Tiel. Time to wake up~"

"Mmm... Mother, let Tiel sleep a bit longer~"

Though held by a stranger, Christia didn't resist. She buried her face in Lisbeth's soft chest. She nuzzled gently. "Mother, I love you most~"

"Mm-hmm. But Tiel, sleeping in isn't good for a good child~ Rise now, okay?"

Lisbeth's voice turned tender as she gazed at Christia. Christia nodded. "Mm~ If Mother says so, Tiel will... Huh!?"

Christia's eyes flew open. She didn't see her mother. A beastkin maid lay inexplicably in her bed. Lisbeth, oblivious to danger, nuzzled her closer. "Tiel really is a good child, actually... Gah!!!"

Before she finished, a fierce blow struck Lisbeth's stomach. It launched her out of the covers. Christia's sweet smile vanished. An icy glare pinned Lisbeth down.

"Th-that is, Lord Demon King?"

"Speak. How do you wish to die?"