“Today isn’t a worship day, right? Are they repairing the square? What’s wrong? Any problem?” The Hero looked at me.

“No.” I said it, but my eyes were already on those kneeling people carving the array.

I pulled up the inherited knowledge of magic arrays in my head, peeled out the key parts from what they drew, then guessed the purpose.

They were definitely modifying the array—right at its core.

First, the core coordinate pointed to something nonexistent. They wouldn’t waste effort. I could only assume it’s a coordinate even I can’t grasp.

Second, a lot of extra array lines looked severed. That’s not normal.

But if the stone is special, and mana surges forward on inertia, it could smash through and link them into one. If it connects, then…?

Blood sacrifice.

Blood offered, life traded for life.

How much mana would it take to punch through those breaks? Who could bear that force? Maybe only… a Dark Lord’s physique?

Cold sweat slid down my cheek.

“What’s wrong? You okay?” Lott asked, worried.

“I’m fine…” I answered, almost perfunctory.

Being the Dark Lord sucks. The strong want to control and use the Dark Lord. The weak fear and hate the Dark Lord.

The world sings of the Dark Lord’s malice and the Hero’s eternal epic. They forget the Dark Lord started as a child, knowing nothing, just exploring slowly.

This life, the Dark Lord is caged, barely able to move. I’ve done nothing, yet they pin crimes on me. Even in death, I’m a tool.

Mom! Where’s the promised invincibility? Where’s my cheat?

You just wanted a daughter, didn’t you!

It’s not all on Her Majesty, my mother. Maybe she doesn’t get this place either. With her thick nerves, she’d totally do this.

Honestly, if no one were trying to harm me, I’d settle here. If I could give the world some peace, I’d consider it.

No… that’s a dangerous thought. Erase it.

“Hey, Lott. In other people’s eyes, by this world’s aesthetics, am I scary?” I turned and asked the question buried for ages.

“Not really…”

“I want the truth.”

“Actually, you’re really cute… it’s just—” He scratched his head. “A white‑haired loli in anime is super cute and popular, but in reality…”

“Like a monster, right?” I finished for him.

“Not exactly… maybe a bit uncanny. But honestly, people fear your Dark Lord identity.” He suddenly nailed it.

“You’re terrible at comforting.” I flashed a wicked grin. “How could I possibly care about looks?”

I squinted toward the square. Everything was in full swing. The carving would probably finish in a day.

Time was pushing me. I couldn’t slack anymore. If I don’t escape soon, I might face soul‑scatter oblivion. I refuse that ending.

Besides, there are two little angels waiting for me to win them over!

I glanced at the Hero with the corner of my eye. Maybe he helped me sincerely, but he’s really not trustworthy. I don’t want to die here for his “justice.”

If I can, I want to try that plan I’ve been cooking up.

“Sir Hero… um…” I shuffled closer, awkward. “I want to go out and play.”

He blushed, but turned his head and declared righteously, “No.”

“Tch, so cold.” I rolled my eyes. “I want the bed tonight.”

“No. Your fox fur is comfier than my bed.”

So stubborn. I pulled my last trump card. “Hero big brother, interested in some underage compensated dating?”

“Uh… how much?”

Scumbag! Figures! I misjudged you! You actually agreed!

“Minimum three years, up to capital punishment,” I said in a sweet voice.

His face changed at once. “You’re underage!? Don’t come closer. I’m not going to jail!”

“I swear you’ll die of stupidity someday!” I shot him a fierce eye‑roll. “This is another world. There aren’t all those messy laws. And you’re the Hero—you can ignore them.”

“Huh? That… kind of makes sense.” He suddenly stared hard at me. A bad feeling prickled.

Did I just tell him something I shouldn’t?

Ugh… not good.

“Dark Lord little sister~ In that case, why don’t we—”

“Wah! Don’t come near! I’ll—I’ll scream for help!” He stepped closer. I finally realized what was off.

If this guy evolves into a carnivore, I’m in danger!

“Stay back… Military police! Military police, save me! The Hero is about to mo—” I didn’t finish. My left foot hooked my right, and I pitched forward, balance gone. I tried to adjust my center, failed, and lunged ahead.

Lott was right in front. I dove straight into his arms.

Bad. Very bad.

He caught me, but I froze, not daring to move. My heart thumped. My hands tucked at my chest. I felt his hand settle on my back.

“Don’t touch me…” I couldn’t find my balance while folded forward, so I stayed in his arms, stuck in that pose.

Also, this height difference is too moe. I don’t even reach his chest…

“Relax. I wouldn’t do anything.” His palm rubbed my head. That gentle pressure was addictive, like a drug.

Good. Still the herbivore type. If I don’t push, I won’t get pushed.

I leaned into his chest. “Bad boy. Headpats.”

I acted comfy, moving my head a little. Mmm… it did feel nice. Almost addictive.

I eased my angle, guiding his hand where it needed to go. Embarrassing, but it’s the only way.

He touched my horn… The tingling came again. The nerve impulse flooded from the crown down to places unmentionable.

“Mm… don’t touch my horn… it feels so weird… I can’t hold it… let me go… quick!” I wriggled out of his arms and bolted into the bathroom.

Big loss. If I can’t get out, I’ll want to bash my head into tofu and die.

So, the plan begins!