Lilith suddenly tensed up.
*Oh no… She actually threw the match on purpose. It had nothing to do with me at all…*
*If His Excellency the Demonlord asks for details… how do I even answer that?*
No choice. Guess honesty really is the ultimate move…
Just as she was sweating bullets, the Demonlord spoke again.
"Not bad. You did well. Such a promising youth—reminds me of my younger self."
She patted Lilith’s shoulder with the hand that had just been digging into a chip bag, crumbs scattering everywhere.
Lilith’s mouth twitched. She bit back the urge to complain after a long hesitation.
"Your Excellency flatters me! It’s all thanks to your brilliant leadership. Without your guidance, I’d never have gotten this far. Your talent and power are beyond my reach—I don’t even measure up to a tenth of you!"
"Hmm. Good. You understand."
The Demonlord nodded, thoroughly pleased—the first time her gaze had left her sketchbook all meeting.
"Since you’ve done such a great service, I’ll wipe your last punishment clean."
Lucy stroked her chin. "Your mother wanted you to develop your career here in the Darklord Citadel. Become one of my four top lieutenants, my right hand. What do you say?"
"I… I’m quite content in the dungeon’s logistics department right now…"
*After all, with tensions this high—even without the Hero on their side, the Citadel’s still on the brink of collapse. Any day now, they’ll storm our gates.*
*And if they start treating me like some elite warrior on par with the Hero? I’ll be thrown straight into battle and die instantly.*
*Logistics is safer. I can slack off anytime. Plus, the succubus department head ‘motivates’ me daily. Way better than some fancy title.*
"Hmm… Alright, fine."
The Demonlord carelessly wiped her mouth with an elegant sleeve, then sighed lightly.
"Those ungrateful humans… I sheltered them in their ignorance. Taught them science and culture. Shared medical and spellcraft techniques. Calmed disasters they couldn’t even fathom. And now? They bite the hand that fed them."
Getting worked up, she slammed the armrest—crushing half the chips in her bag.
"This is utter rebellion!"
"Yes, yes! Your Excellency is absolutely right!" Lilith chimed in smoothly. *Humor the child. Stroke her fur the right way.*
"While I’ve been locked up developing new potions, the Holy Kingdom took advantage. They’ve pushed right to our doorstep."
Lucy’s eyes narrowed, then landed on Lilith. "Since you captured their Hero, you clearly have skill. I’ll promote you to Junior Warden."
"Thank you, Your Excellency!"
"From now on, you handle all dungeon prisoners—especially valuable ones like the Hero. ‘Train’ them properly. Pry useful information from their lips."
*…So torture and interrogation it is.*
*Is it too late to buy ‘Interrogation for Dummies’?*
"That Alquett… She’s been causing trouble outside Demon City daily. Annoying. Focus on breaking her. Estimate how long until she’s tamed."
The Demonlord pursed her lips, head tilted, delicate brows furrowed in displeasure.
"I want to see her roll over and show her belly in apology!"
*…Is that all you want, Your Excellency?*
"Ah… that Hero’s will is ironclad. Extremely stubborn. It might take time to…"
"How long?"
Lilith scrambled for an answer, holding up three fingers.
"Three days? Too long!"
*Wait—I meant three weeks!*
"Two days. Or I dock your bonus. No awards or promotions this month either."
"Huh?!"
Lilith’s face fell like a deflated balloon.
"Get it done, and your year-end bonus triples. Monthly salary increases by two thousand."
Instantly, Lilith shot upright, eyes gleaming with renewed purpose.
"Your Excellency’s wisdom is unmatched! Leave it to me! In just two days, I’ll turn that so-called Hero into a loyal subordinate—like me! If you say east, she’ll never go west. If you say ‘fetch the dog,’ she won’t chase chickens!"
"Good. I’m counting on you."
The Demonlord nodded, satisfied.
"Then I’ll take my leave—"
Lilith bowed deeply, turning to exit—when Lucy yanked her wrist from behind.
*Why does everyone keep grabbing me from behind lately…?*
"Wait. Strange magic clings to you."
Lucy frowned, eyes fixed on the bandaged wrist.
"Have you… been attacked by Vladimir’s clan recently?"
"Eh? No… I don’t recall seeing them…"
Lilith was baffled. But the Demonlord shook her head gently, pressing a hand over the wound.
Magic pulsed from Lucy’s palm into the bandages. She released Lilith.
"…There. The blood servant curse is lifted."
"…What curse?"
"A trivial thing. Your own resilience would’ve broken it soon enough—just slower."
The Demonlord waved it off casually. "Perfect timing. My new potion line launches soon. Take these trial bottles to Vladimir’s clan on your way back. Test the effects."
She produced three bright red plastic bottles from her lab coat like a magician.
"Your Excellency, what is this…?"
Lilith took them. Commercial labels were stuck haphazardly on the bottles…
"Just tomato juice. Now go—I’m tired."
"Yes…"
Lilith studied the thick liquid.
*So His Excellency’s a researcher?*
*Never judge a book by its cover…*
…
Not far from the Demonlord’s chamber, Lilith’s shoulders slumped.
Promises were easy. Delivery was hard.
*Before, maybe…*
*But after last night? Alquett’s burning with rage over Viola. She’s sworn to hunt me down. Even with reason, emotion, or a megaphone blasting 24/7 in her ear—convincing her to surrender won’t be easy.*
*Especially… with only two days.*
*Why did I flash three fingers? Why not just state the time needed? Making my own job harder…*
*I should slap myself.*
*Beep-beep-beep-beep—*
Her pocket chimed—the magic crystal communicator cutting through her thoughts.
"Lily? Is that you?"
Her department head’s voice, urgent.
"Yes! What’s wrong?"
"Done with the Demonlord? Emergency! Get back now—the Hero you caught yesterday? And Viola? Both gone!"
"What?!"
Lilith froze, her mind reeling.
*Impossible.*
*Alquett was a wreck. Where could she go?*
*How did she escape that cell?*
*Where’s Viola?*
*My bonus!*
"I’m coming—right now!"
