Chapter 21

"Hilda, faster."

"Yes."

After cleaning herself and changing into fresh clothes, Christia hurried with Hilda toward Lisbeth's cell. But since the cell was in the Lower District of the Demon King's Fortress, they still had a ways to go.

"Ugh, damn it. I should've kept a secret passage straight to the Middle District's teleportation array. Walking wastes so much time."

The Demon King's Fortress was enormous, and secret passages often sped up travel. Yet Christia's orders had sealed most passages in the Upper District. Hearing her complaint, Hilda felt a trace of guilt.

"My Lord Demon King, I sincerely apologize. If I'd thought harder, this wouldn't have happened."

"No, it's my fault. I didn't instruct you—you shouldn't blame yourself. But let's hurry."

"Yes."

After comforting Hilda, they reached the teleportation array to the Middle District. Before stepping in, the Magic Array activated. A maid in the same Maid Outfit as Hilda stepped out.

"Eh? Lord Demon King, Hilda—what are you doing out so late? Off for a rendezvous like me?"

"Elinest, do you think everyone's as shameless as you? I've told you: as a Personal Maid, don't chase regular maids."

This was Elinest, one of Christia's six Personal Maids. Her silver-blue hair flowed like a waterfall down her back. Delicate features and a naturally alluring aura made others easily fall for her. Her sky-blue eyes were slightly watery from a late-night yawn. If Lisbeth were here, she'd flee on sight—Elinest was the one who'd teased her in the Secret Passage.

"Oh, Hilda. I just answered the little sprites enchanted by me~ But seriously, what's your midnight mission?"

"Nothing. Just checking on Lisbeth in the cell."

"Lisbeth? Ah, the new Personal Maid? Her rumors swept the Demon King's Fortress. Hunted by the Lord Demon King on day one, thrown straight into a cell to reflect. Everyone wants to see her now."

Lisbeth's story had spread like wind. Hilda shook her head helplessly. "Sigh... I don't even know what to say about that idiot."

"Whatever. We're in a hurry—step aside, Elinest."

"Huh? Oh, sure~ But first, Lord Demon King, let me hug you!"

"Elinest, I said we're in a hurry."

As Elinest reached out, dark energy surged from Christia's body. Elinest skidded to a halt, inches away.

"Oh, ahaha—Lord Demon King's in a mood. I'll sleep then~"

"Mm, rest early. I need your help with potions tomorrow."

"Yes~"

Elinest left the array. Christia sighed, watching her go. "Alright, time to move."

"Yes."

---

"Damn it! Faster, faster!!"

While Christia headed to the Middle District, Lisbeth dashed toward its Secret Passage. She'd nearly been caught in Hilda's bathroom earlier—but the passage was the quickest route to the Lower District. Still, she felt too slow. She didn't know where Christia was.

"Hey, Alex, calm down. Rushing won't change your speed."

"I know. But I'm still so worried."

Clothilde's voice echoed in Lisbeth's mind. Lisbeth replied inwardly. With Clothilde now a sigil on her hand, they could communicate directly. Clothilde couldn't hear all her thoughts—only when Lisbeth chose to speak. Yet she sensed Lisbeth's anxiety.

"Don't panic. Reach the Lower District first. Prepare the shrinking magic—you used it to escape, right?"

"Mm, yes. I'll cast it the moment I enter the cell."

Lisbeth sped through the passage to the cell. Seeing no movement, she breathed a sigh of relief. Then Hilda's voice rang from the entrance.

"Open the cell now! I need to check on Lisbeth."

"Yes."