The Demon Race—these lowly ants were unworthy.

The Demon Realm, built from faint Source of Magic and chaotic, filthy powers, held no right.

Demon Kings? In status and bloodline, before Luyi the Demon Sovereign, these mixed-blood wastes weren’t even servants.

Enough.

Luyi withdrew her senses with disdain, suppressing the urge to destroy this place.

So, what was this world’s connection to *Dusk*?

She asked herself again.

This world was utterly unlike *Dusk*’s setting.

Yet the main quest she’d accepted before losing consciousness, her restored dual SSS-rank authorities after waking, the clarifying power system, the Demon Race territories humming with familiar energy—all hinted at deep ties.

But Luyi had no clue about their link for now.

She just wanted to rest.

This body felt exhausted.

Dust clung to her from the earlier fight; walking this chaotic, filthy land made her uneasy.

“I’ve nearly mastered Demonic Sovereign Eternal Ash’s power. Since it’s just a reset, my control over authorities is better than before.”

“Constellation Dragon—I only lightly triggered Stellar Dragon Seat’s effect, yet it scared off the Judgment Knight. Proof of its strength.”

“As for Virtuous Maiden authority… that weird ‘Pure Body’ talent? Best ignored.”

Luyi analyzed inwardly. Safe here now, she relaxed, giving perfunctory replies to the Demon Race squad.

“Lord Luyi, it’s late. Rest early?”

“Hmm.”

“If you don’t mind, stay at my humble home tonight?”

Alices hesitated, then spoke, head lowered, cheeks flushed. “I’ll take you to bathe first. I’ll prepare fresh clothes and wait outside.”

“Hmm.”

Luyi replied absently, following Alices into a courtyard and upstairs.

Wait—bathing?

She snapped back to find herself undressed, sitting before a steam-fogged mirror.

Oh no!

Lost in thought, she’d forgotten she wasn’t a tough guy anymore.

She slapped her face hard to clear her head.

The misty mirror showed a flawless face.

Her clear eyes darted away. Heat or shyness flushed her fair cheeks slightly.

In the swirling steam, her pale golden hair glistened with droplets; her skin gleamed like polished jade.

Sweet. Alluring.

“I…”

She whispered. The bathroom echoed softly, making her heart flutter.

She raised a delicate arm—smooth, graceful lines.

Slender fingers, neatly trimmed nails, healthy translucent pink.

Luyi curled her fingers. Thinking of what was gone forever, she slumped, eyes dimming.

No more musician career.

But…

The joy vanished, yet not completely?

“Just… a tiny touch?”

After a long pause, she murmured to herself, face warming.

In the steam, her lovely figure trembled faintly.

…

Outside the bathroom.

Alices waited quietly in a bathrobe.

Lord Luyi fresh from the bath…

She felt an odd, inexplicable anticipation.

How did I become like this?

She noticed her strangeness—it started at their first meeting.

Awe at Luyi’s status power had made her heart race.

Carrying Luyi through the night, she couldn’t forget that pressed-against feeling.

What was this…?

Her gaze drifted to the laundry basket outside.

Small, plain white undergarments lay inside.

With… Lord Luyi’s scent…

If I can’t cling to her, maybe her clothes…

No!

Alices, you’re a Demon Race princess!

Don’t degrade yourself!

She startled at her own thought, rebuking inwardly.

But just a peek? Harmless!

Yes—I’m studying human textile trends!

Not for Miss Luyi’s scent!

Seconds later, she convinced herself.

Clutching her sleeve, she crept toward the basket.

Once. Just once!

At the basket, face red, she reached out a guilty hand.

“I’m done.”

“Whoa!”

Luyi emerged from the bathroom. The sudden voice made Alices jump.

“What’s wrong, Alices?”

Luyi, wrapped in a towel, glanced at her.

“N-nothing!”

Alices looked flustered.

Luyi wasn’t faring well either—wet pale golden hair dripped loose, no towel.

A blush spread across her cheeks, making her look tipsy, disheveled.

“L-Lord Luyi, you’ll catch cold.”

Alices whispered the reminder.

“Oh.”

“…”

“…”

Silence fell.

Awkwardness thickened the air.

Luyi avoided recalling Virtuous Maiden routines—she feared losing dignity before Abyssal Demons.

So she froze, unsure what to do.

Alices misread it—had Lord Luyi always relied on maids?

Like she once had.

Until age ten, when she was deemed worthless.

In Luyi, she saw a ghost of her past.

“Lord Luyi… shall I help?”

She asked tentatively, watching Luyi stand still.

“…Hmm.”

Luyi nodded softly.

Soon, she followed Alices into the dressing room.

Her steps were unexpectedly docile—a tiny kitten, a stark contrast to before.