Hearing the system’s crisp mechanical chime, Lilith gave a subtle nod inwardly.

This Hero before her was clearly on the verge of defection. Just one final push—and her year-end bonus and promotion package would be secured.

Though she couldn’t fathom why the progress bar suddenly displayed two decimal places…

*Hope I’m overthinking it.*

“Well? I’ve laid everything out. No need to hesitate anymore, right? Among Demonkind, strength commands respect. With your power and reputation, you’d never be at a disadvantage in the Darklord Citadel.”

“Join us. Wealth, power, status… even that cute underclassman—all within reach. What’s there to hesitate about?”

Lilith pressed earnestly, glancing at the progress bar:

【Current Progress: 99.00%】

Yet it stubbornly refused to budge past 99.00%.

Ever since Viola had shaken off her hand and left, Alquett had seemed hollowed out. Her eyes were dim and lifeless, her entire presence rigid and corpse-like. Now she slumped on the ground, head bowed in dejection, utterly ignoring Lilith’s words.

It was as if Viola’s final words had shattered the last defense within her.

Alquett had never imagined things would come to this. Never imagined being rejected so utterly.

She’d always been the brightest star in everyone’s eyes—the prodigy adored by all.

Raised in an orphanage, she’d earned her official Hero title at twelve. At fifteen, she’d defeated the Kingdom’s strongest warrior in open combat. Now, at seventeen, she was a national idol—the model Hero revered by all, even hailed as the secret weapon destined to vanquish the Demonlord.

“Was I… wrong?”

She whispered to herself.

*How could anyone openly defy me…*

*Especially her? My most cherished friend. The one who fought beside me for so long.*

She’d defied the Church’s orders, faked her defeat, and infiltrated the Darklord Citadel—all to rescue Viola and bring her back.

*But this “salvation” I kept preaching… who was it really for?*

Had she merely craved a soulmate to fill her loneliness? Or lusted after Viola’s youthful, vibrant body to sustain herself? Or simply reveled in playing the savior—basking in everyone’s admiration as she plucked souls from the abyss?

*When I saw Viola dragged away by those goblins… I didn’t rush to save her then.*

*Only when she was broken, gasping at death’s door in that dungeon… only then did I descend like an angel to claim her heart.*

*Was that… what I truly wanted?*

A violent shiver ran through Alquett as she stared at her trembling hands. They felt alien.

*No… I’m the legendary Hero. The embodiment of justice. The savior destined to lead everyone toward light…*

Snapping out of her daze, she noticed Lilith cautiously observing her.

*Right. This evil Dragonmaid is still here.*

The fresh blood thrall curse on her should still be active. Perhaps it could be useful.

Alquett turned to Lilith, ready to activate her control over blood thralls—

Truthfully, she loathed using this power.

But even without active control, those whose blood she’d recently taken would feel subtly charmed, unable to lie to her. With focused effort, she could achieve near-total physical domination—though it drained her, demanding immediate feeding to recover.

“Look into my eyes.”

Crimson light flickered briefly in Alquett’s pupils, drawing Lilith’s gaze.

*Perfect.*

One look into these magically charged eyes, and the thrall bond would strengthen. For a short time, Lilith would obey her every command.

“Come closer. I’ll ask you three questions. Answer with your truest thoughts.”

Lilith’s spirits surged.

*This is it!*

This Hero’s script screamed “CG scene unlocked”—just like in games and shows. Time for emotional confessions and flashback montages. All about that *ceremony*.

Taking two deep breaths, Lilith forced a welcoming smile and leaned in.

Watching Lilith obediently sit beside her, Alquett gave a self-mocking smile.

*So in the end… I still need magic to find someone who’ll honestly listen to me.*

“Tell me,” she began softly.

“What am I—the ‘Hero’—to you? And… what do you truly think of this ‘Demonlord-slaying’ crusade?”

“Uh… if you’re asking me?” Lilith scratched her chin. “A Hero’s basically just a strong human, right? As for slaying the Demonlord…” She shrugged. “How should I know? *You’re* the ones shouting about ‘saving the world’ every year, charging into demon territory like it’s a picnic. Hey—still haven’t given me your answer. Joining us or not?”

Alquett frowned. She’d drunk this Dragonmaid’s blood just last night… Why did her words feel utterly unchanged?

*Is this truly what she believes?*

“…One more question. About Viola…” Alquett hesitated, rephrasing carefully.

“Does she… truly hate me that much?”

“Probably? Dunno.” Lilith shook her head.

Honestly, even after hearing Viola’s side earlier, she didn’t fully grasp their history. Viola’s icy glare had chilled *her* to the bone.

“…”

The answer clearly dissatisfied Alquett. Frustrated, she swept a strand of hair from her ear.

“Last question…

“What do you… think of me?”

“Huh?” Lilith blinked in confusion.

“Do you… like me?”

“…*What?*”

“I’ve been imprisoned by you—twice. I insulted you, slandered you, all for Viola’s sake…” Alquett’s gaze dropped to the bewildered little girl beside her. Memories of last night—and her own frantic overthinking—made her ears burn with shame.

“…Yet you never tortured me. Never got angry. You just kept coaxing me gently to join your side, always considering my interests…”

Lilith sensed the conversation veering dangerously off-track. Sure enough—

“Are you… in love with me?”

“?”

*Seriously, who does she think she is?*

Weren’t we just negotiating her surrender?!

*Squad, I need backup—today I met a creepy narcissist who claims strangers are crushing on her—*