Chapter 17

"Calm down, calm down, I tell myself. There’s still time before the invisibility fades. If I panic here, everything ends."

As the Hero, Lisbeth had surprisingly strong mental fortitude. Even in this utterly desperate situation, she suppressed the urge to smash the wall and flee, choosing instead to stay perfectly still beside the bathroom door. Silently, she observed Hilda and Christia soaking in the bath.

"Ah… nothing beats a pre-sleep soak…"

"Yes, but Lord Demon King, I’ll dry your hair thoroughly before bed. Please don’t rush to sleep."

"I know, I know."

After Christia entered the bath, Hilda’s vigilance dropped sharply. Seeing this, Lisbeth spotted a glimmer of hope.

Perfect. Hilda’s attention was fully on Christia now. She could sneak open a crack in the door, shrink her body, and slip through. Shrinking would waste her last chance for the day, but this was no time to hold back. Clenching her teeth, Lisbeth crept slowly toward the door.

Got it.

Her hand touched the door handle. She took a deep breath and gently pulled.

Please, please, please—don’t look this way!

As she pulled, Lisbeth nervously watched Hilda and Christia, fearing they’d turn at any second. Luckily, they stayed engrossed in their chat, eyes averted.

"By the way, Lord Demon King, what exactly did Lisbeth do to make you throw her in the dungeon?"

"Hmph. That damned Buxom Fox spouted nonsense—claiming my chest won’t grow even after two hundred years. Then she flaunted her useless fat right in my face. How could I not be angry!"

No, no—I wasn’t lying! Even in two centuries, yours will still be flat as a board!

Had Christia heard that thought, she’d have beaten Lisbeth to a pulp instantly. Dejectedly, Christia touched her chest. "Hilda, is it really impossible for me to grow bigger? They say Mother’s bust was already well-developed at my age."

"It’ll grow, Lord Demon King. Just promise me you’ll sleep and rise early from now on."

"Mm, of course!"

Listening, Lisbeth wore a grief-stricken expression and shook her head helplessly at Christia. But she had no time for their chatter now—every focus was on easing the door open.

Almost there.

A small gap appeared. Just a little more, and she could shrink and slip through. But Christia’s next words froze her in cold sweat.

"Hilda, did you place a listening stone in Lisbeth’s cell?"

"Huh? Lord Demon King—such a high-grade stone wouldn’t be wasted there."

"What did you say?!"

Christia shot upright, glaring. "Hilda, how could you leave her alone?! Who knows what that secret-filled Hero might do? I ordered absolute surveillance!"

"Y-yes, my oversight. What now?"

Hilda realized her mistake and sought Christia’s orders. The Demon King waved a hand. "What else? Rush to the dungeon! Hilda, dry me now—we’re checking what that Buxom Fox is up to!"

"Yes!"

Hilda sprang up and charged for the door. Lisbeth darted aside, letting her yank it open. Though helpful, Lisbeth clenched her teeth and bolted out recklessly.

Damn! She noticed too fast! No choice—finish this quickly!

Lisbeth escaped the bathroom, but now she was truly racing against time.