Complex power struggles…

Complicated rules of this other world…

Entangled interests…

Ugh… my head’s spinning. All I want is to live a carefree life with some daily routines. Can’t even this tiny wish be granted?

I don’t dare trust the Hero’s promises. After all, I feel he’s in the dark too.

Today is the first day—or maybe the second or third since I came here. Anyway, time is still plentiful.

If I could escape within the next day or two, that’d be perfect. I don’t want to show my face in public and expose my identity.

So I need more intel.

“By the way, Hero Lott, what do you think of Archbishop Fangzheng’s strength?”

“Extremely strong. He’s actually a master of both magic and martial arts. His magic is formidable, and his Battle Aura compensates for the physical weakness typical of mages.” The Hero didn’t hesitate to reveal this. “He ranks first among the eight Archbishops, second only to the Pope in authority.”

That strong? Huh… He sounds impressive, but… I have absolutely no concept of it.

“Compared to you?”

“He’s no weaker than me. And if he strikes first and keeps his distance, I’d be doomed because I couldn’t close in for melee combat.” The Hero’s tone was firm.

That complicates things. Honestly, it’s been tough from the start: lacking intel, lacking combat power, and only one possible ally who’s actually the enemy’s main force.

I really wish I could live like those novel protagonists who arrive in another world and live freely, developing their lives at ease!

Mom, Overdeity Mom, can’t you give me a different script?

Bad—I’m getting depressed again. No, I need to pull myself together. I can’t just sit and wait to die. After all, others can reincarnate when they die, but with my Cycle Seal, I’d truly vanish if I die.

“Lott, I have a favor to ask,” I said.

“Hmm? Letting you go is out of the question. But if you want me to marry you, I might consider being a loli… ah… connoisseur…”

Let me show you the power of knowledge! Hmph!

I clapped my hands, watching the Hero knocked down by the dictionary. So unreliable.

What kind of brain wiring does he have? He jokes around with me like we’re best buddies, even protects me at risk, yet refuses to just let me go for good.

“For world peace, for all living beings not to suffer, for a better future, Dark Lord, believe in my willpower. Even if you’re such a willful, unreasonable pretty girl, I can endure it for the world…” He groaned weakly, spitting out those infuriating words.

Turns out he’s a sunflower with brain damage. No wonder communication is impossible.

“How about it… I’m so noble, beg me to marry you.”

What’s his deal? Even after getting hit, he’s still pestering me!

“Die, die, die!” I grabbed the teacup beside me and hurled it at him, but he caught it with a raise of his hand.

He sat up, a smug look on his face. “Trying to assassinate me? You’re still green…”

Without a word, I swung the handy dictionary again. It knocked the teacup from his hand and smashed it into his face. Red tea splashed everywhere, making a bloody scene…

“Ouch…” He slowly sat up, a big red circle on his forehead, looking utterly ridiculous.

“Did you open a third eye? What a huge eye you have, as big as a cup’s mouth.” I feigned surprise but couldn’t help giggling.

“How can a girl be so violent?”

“I’ve said it before, I’m not a girl.” I flicked my hair, casually smoothing the strands by my ear.

*Gurgle~*

“What was that sound?” the Hero asked.

“Nothing, nothing! There was no sound!” I waved my hands frantically.

*Gurgle~*

“You’re hungry,” he smirked.

“Nope!” I denied flatly.

No good—I really am hungry. Though I don’t hit people when starving, I lose my edge when hungry. After all, acting tough is exhausting.

“I’m hungry…” Within three seconds, I caved. Fine, I was hungry. “Quick, prepare lunch for this king!”

“You sell some cuteness first!”

“Impossible!”

“Get in the cage and I’ll feed you QWQ.”

“Ew, you’re asking for it again. I’m not your pet. I’m the Dark Lord, Lord Dark Lord!” I patted my small chest. Yep, really small… But as a neutral being, I won’t argue about serious stuff like whether flat or big is better.

“Sell cuteness!” His face was—determined? Or eager?

“You…” I hesitated for ages. So hungry, no idea how long since I last ate. I had no choice but to put a paw near my face. “Meow pu?”

He suddenly turned away, head down, doing something unknown, constantly pulling tissues from the side… Holy crap, can he even do that with this?

Is it that lethal? I feel my decency is at risk…

“You… you, you’re not… doing that thing, are you?”

“Huh… uh… what thing?”

“WTF, stay away from me! I knew you’ve always wanted to jump me!” I quickly retreated to the corner. He must absolutely be thinking dirty thoughts, even doing that in front of me…

“It’s just… I’m bleeding from cuteness overload.” He turned around. Nothing explicit, just two tissue balls stuffed in his nostrils like green onions.

More like two big white flowers growing on his face.

“Is it that exaggerated?!!!” This cuteness act will definitely become black history. I almost ended up eating duck blood soup!

*Knock knock!* The door sounded again. I jolted, quickly diving into the cage to protect myself.

Lott just smiled, pulled out the two blood-stained tissue balls, tossed them in the trash, and confidently walked to the door.

“Wait…” I tried to stop him.

“It’s fine. This time it’s a treat—a treat I called for you.” He grabbed the doorknob.

“Wait—” “*Eep!*” A cute girl’s squeal came from the door.

Too late… I wanted to say his shirt had bloodstains or something.

“Oh oh oh, sorry sorry! This is just from a nosebleed earlier…” He stammered in panic.

“I-it’s okay, Hero-sama… I-I was just a little surprised.”

Girl, you don’t need to be so nervous talking to the Hero. He’s a herbivore type; he won’t eat you.

The Hero hurriedly buttoned his coat to cover the bloodstains, smoothed his clothes, looked up, and froze.

Hey hey, what are you seeing? From this angle, I can’t see outside at all. So annoying.

“Um… Hero-sama?” The voice turned timid and scared. Lott, are you dumb?

“My god.” I saw him mouth those words, then he quickly stepped aside. “Please come in.”

The door opened fully, and a cat-eared, cat-tailed beastkin in a maid outfit pushed a metal cart inside.