I closed the door, refusing to dwell on Princess Caiwen’s possible expression—or even think about it at all.

I already had a step-by-step plan. This meant I wouldn’t stay passive anymore.

The future might be incredibly tough, but I had to push forward—not just for her, but more for myself.

The corridor was silent. I smoothed my messy white hair. Long hair was such a hassle, but they say it’s a girl’s asset, so I wouldn’t cut it.

Weird—why did I even care? Ah, right. I was doing this to adapt to my identity.

My little cloth boots made almost no sound on the carpet. I was still nervous. After all, I wasn’t some scheming mastermind or cunning plotter. My immature plan had only a direction—I’d go by feel and figure out details later. It’d probably be full of holes.

Besides that, I had things to confirm. But I didn’t know the palace well, so I needed to find someone to ask.

After being out of that cage so long, my stamina had recovered. Facing ordinary people—even burly men—wouldn’t be a problem.

Still, caution was wise.

Far down the wall was a small door set into it. Clearly not a big room. The door wasn’t locked; I pushed it gently, and it opened.

The tiny room held only a shabby wardrobe and a sofa piled with cute handmade cushions. This must be a servant’s break room—judging by the style, for maids.

I closed the door and watched through the crack, waiting. Mealtime was near; a maid should come to tidy up.

As expected, a blue-and-white figure flashed by. Someone was coming!

A girl in a blue-and-white maid uniform approached, but the narrow crack and light diffraction made her blurry.

She got closer, entered—now was the time.

I leaped out from behind the door, grabbed her wrist, and twisted it behind her back. With my other hand, I covered her mouth, pressing my whole body down to pin her on the sofa.

Flawless! If not for the height difference, it’d be perfect!

Cough… Watching the maid beneath me muffle sounds and squirm, my lips twitched. I think I…

Caught a cat?

Wasn’t this the catgirl who brought meals to the Hero that day? I felt like flipping a table. Sure, catching anyone would do—but I really didn’t want to target someone I knew!

And! Damn it, stop sweeping your tail over my panties!

I lifted my leg to pin down her restless tail, leaned in, and kicked the door shut. Pressing close to her ear, I growled in a low voice, “Dark Lord here. Make even a peep, and you’re dead!”

It took her a moment to accept reality. She whimpered “uh-huh” twice, then suddenly widened her eyes in terror and nodded frantically.

She hadn’t understood my words—what kind of IQ was this? Ugh, I was exasperated!

“Next, I’ll ask questions. Answer honestly—you can only nod or shake your head. Lie even a little, and I’ll kill you instantly. Got it?” I warned in a fierce tone.

(Frantically nodding)

Good. I’d scared her successfully. Seems I had some talent for playing the villain.

“Just now, did the Hero go to an early meeting with the Archbishops?”

(Frantically nodding)

“Has their meeting ended?”

(Frantically nodding)

Bad. My heart sank. Their meeting ended too quickly. Had they discovered I’d escaped? No—if they had, the palace wouldn’t be this quiet.

“Is the Hero on his way back? If he’s already in his room, shake your head.”

(Frantically nodding)

“Are you an idiot?”

(Frantically nodding)

(Paused, then frantic head-shaking)

Sigh. I sighed inwardly. For a naturally clueless airhead like this perfect catgirl maid to not have been eaten yet? It was a miracle.

But with the earlier setup, I moved to the most important question. It seemed I had to trust her.

“After parting with the Hero, did the Archbishops go together to another room to continue talking?”

(Frantically nodding)

Just as expected—the Hero was kept in the dark too.

“Where are they?”

“Mmm~ mmm… mmm~~ mmm” The cat-eared maid blushed, making muffled sounds and shaking her head.

Meow! This question couldn’t be answered with just head movements—awkward. I bent down and blew cold air on her neck: “I’ve placed a curse on you. Make any move against me, and in one second, you’ll be headless. Understand?”

“Mmm” (She whimpered and nodded)

Good, obedient. Actually, I was just bluffing. First, I had no magic left—curses were impossible. Second, such magical curses only existed in novels; even the Dark Lord couldn’t do that.

I released her. She shook her head violently, gasping for air like a cat scrambling out of a fish tank.

“You pinched my nose just now—I almost suffocated,” she said, still shaken.

What? I pinched her nose? Was I that stupid? No… the feel just now…

A maiden’s lips… ahem, I’d covered her nose earlier.

Silently apologizing, I repeated: “Where are they?”

“Go out, turn right. At the third corridor, turn right again. The third room on the left.”

“You won’t lie to me?”

(Shook head) “You helped me.”

“Huh?” I froze.

“They allowed me to take care of the Hero’s daily needs.”

So that’s it. Was that considered help? No wonder she knew so much.

“Lie to me, and you’ll die horribly in front of everyone.” I released her hand and stood up, letting her rise.

“Next, do exactly as I say.”

(Nodded.)

“Run immediately to find the Hero. Tell him I sent you to say I’m still in the palace. Then have him come to that room’s door to find me. Tell him I won’t run away.”

“What?” She looked surprised.

“Do as I say,” I glanced at the door. “What’s your name?”

“Yeluo,” she answered hesitantly.

“I’m He Yu, He Yu Merlin.”

“Merlin…”

“I am the Dark Lord. Go now. Remember, don’t leave after it’s done.”

“Mm.” She lifted her skirt and dashed out in a panic.

I watched her rush out, finally relieved.

Archbishops, let’s see what scheme you’re plotting.