Chapter 27
"Huh? So she really is like me—a male soul stuffed into a girl's body?"
"Yeah. But did you have to spell it out again?"
"Ah, no, just... a little surprised."
After seeing Ovelia nod firmly, Lisbeth turned to Stalos, who was still pounding the floor. A trace of sympathy flashed across Lisbeth's face. She sat right in front of Stalos and patted her shoulder. "You're Stalos, right? I totally get how you feel. If my chest were as flat as yours, I'd be crushed too."
"Right?! Exactly! I've begged Ovelia so many times, but that damn glasses-wearer refuses to give me bigger breasts! Do you know what it's like? Staring at that flat body after every shower—the despair, the sorrow—it's beyond what any normal person could understand!"
Stalos poured out her grievances like she'd found a soulmate. But neither noticed Christia's face darkening completely in her chair, nor Hilda's desperate urge to yank Stalos upright.
"Stalos, this is in front of Lord Demon King! Watch your words. And get off the floor—you'll make him angry..."
"Hmph! Hilda, how could you understand my pain? What's Lord Demon King's anger compared to the grief in my heart? Who'll fix that?"
"Stalos, I told you to stop! If you keep this up, Lord Demon King will—"
"Old lady, you're missing the point."
"Huh?"
As Hilda tried to cut Stalos off, Lisbeth blocked her. She puffed out her chest proudly. "You know? Since coming to Demon King's Fortress, I don't know how I'd survive without these. That happy moment after every shower—that's what keeps me going! So Stalos, I mourn your flat chest... but as a fellow breast-lover, you can always lean on me."
"Sniff... Lisbeth..."
"Stalos..."
The two hugged like allies. Christia's gaze turned icy.
"But Lisbeth, having such great breasts must be amazing! Amazing!" Stalos gazed at Lisbeth with tears welling, tugging her sleeve. "They must feel so soft! Since you said I can rely on you... can I squeeze them sometimes?"
"Hmph. No way!"
"Huh?! How can you show them off but refuse to share? Is that human?!"
"Of course it is! Showing off is one thing—my breasts are for me alone. Besides, you were a guy once. Doesn't it creep you out to have a man touch them?"
"Damn it! For a second, I thought you were decent! Turns out you're just human after all!"
The pair, hugging moments ago, now glared like they'd brawl. Christia, silent until now, radiated dark aura. She fixed them with a cold stare. "Stalos. Lisbeth. If I hear the word 'breasts' one more time from either of you, you're dead."
"Y-yes!"
"S-sorry, Lord Demon King!"
Sweating and kneeling, they shrank under Christia's glare. She sighed. "Stalos. Introduce yourself."
"Ah, right." Stalos took a deep breath. "I'm Stalos Kafarnel. One of Lord Demon King's Personal Maids. I assist Head Maid Hilda with cleaning duties. Please take care of me."
"Mm. Likewise."
Chastened, they stayed quiet. Only Angelina remained.
"Angelina. Your turn."
"Ah... yes." Her voice trembled slightly. She steadied herself. "I'm Angelina Cardolanka. One of Lord Demon King's exclusive Personal Maids. My duty is guarding him. Please take care of me."
"A-ah... likewise..."
Angelina's presence alone made Lisbeth tense. Hilda clapped her hands. "Now that we're acquainted, dedicate yourselves fully to Lord Demon King. Lisbeth, it's time for your assignment."
"Huh? My assignment?"
"Each Personal Maid has a specialty. Elinest handles potions. Ovelia develops magic. Angelina guards. I manage Lord Demon King's daily needs."
"Then what about Stalos? Why's she just your assistant?"
Hilda shook her head wearily. "She lacks a unique role for now, so she assists me. Same for you, Lisbeth—you'll be my assistant too."
"Personal Maids also oversee regular Maids in cleaning Demon King's Fortress. Since neither of you has a specialty, you'll help with general cleaning alongside them."
"Oh... got it... Wait! Does that mean Stalos and I are basically useless flunkies?!"
"...She actually said it out loud."
In the end, Lisbeth realized: though both were Personal Maids, she and Stalos were still just errand-runners.
