Creak—

The sound of the door opening outside interrupted Lilith’s thoughts.

“Hey kid, are they awake?” Doros called from the hallway.

“Mmm… Senior Lilith is awake,” came a muffled reply. “But Alquett’s still…”

“Oh… human bodies are fragile. She’ll need more rest,” Doros said reassuringly. “Don’t worry—no serious injuries. She’ll be fine. Oh! This special ointment I bought erases scars. Take it.”

“Thank you… uh, who’s this beside you?”

“Shh~”

Doros’s hushed, mysterious tone drifted in. Then the door swung open.

“Lilith dear, look who’s here~”

Doros stepped inside, grinning. Her leather strap bikini and perky, bouncy bust filled the view. As a succubus, her curvaceous figure could silence any woman with envy—but Lilith’s eyes widened at the person behind her.

She stood only chest-high to Doros. A rebellious ahoge spiked from her head. Dark circles under her eyes had faded. She wore a familiar white lab coat, oddly paired with black stockings and knee-high boots, her delicate face unmistakable.

“…Great Demon King?”

“Shh shh shh—” Doros frantically signaled quiet. “Miss Lucy snuck out to visit you. Keep it secret.”

“Eh… uh… got it…”

Lucy, far more approachable than during their palace meeting, walked to the bedside. She sat naturally, peeled off her white gloves, and gently placed a small, soft hand on Lilith’s forehead.

“How bad are the injuries?” Her voice was warm, yet carried a superior’s aloof distance—though a hint of concern lingered.

“Mmm… it’s okay. Doesn’t hurt much now…” Warmth spread from Lucy’s palm.

“Next time, think carefully before acting alone. Don’t push beyond your limits.” The Demonlord’s dark eyes held unreadable emotion; her voice turned hoarse.

Lilith could only smile bitterly. *It was just an accident… no “pushing” involved. And this sounds exactly like my mom… Weird coming from a loli shut-in Demonlord.*

“Lord Lucy, can you heal Lilith?” Doros suggested. Lucy glanced at her, paused, then shook her head.

“Dragonkin resist common magic. Spells rarely work right on them. Only dragon healing magic can fix this.”

Doros frowned. “You mean…?”

A flicker of joy crossed Lucy’s lips. She stood abruptly. “Don’t worry. I’ll tell your mother to come treat you soon.”

“Mmm… okay…”

“By the way.” Lucy’s tone shifted. She narrowed her eyes at ‘Number One’ in the corner. “Lilith, this glaring thing beside you—what is it?”

“Uh…” Lilith started to explain, but the Demonlord examined Number One’s body. “Hmm. Crude magic circuits, but exquisite craftsmanship. Worth studying. Can I take it?”

Lilith imagined Number One injected with tubes, sliced for research, floating in a green formalin tank. She shuddered. “Of course, Lord Lucy. Please do.”

“Today’s new Demon City recruits were your task,” Doros explained. “But since you got hurt… Lord Lucy came personally after hearing you recruited the Hero. She’s pleased.”

Lucy nodded. “Postpone the recruits. Lilith’s recovery comes first.” Her aura sharpened as she turned to Doros. “…Where’s the Hero?”

Doros’s seductive smile faltered. “Uh… the Hero…”

“That’s me!” Alquett burst in from the doorway, mustering courage to face the Demonlord. *The infamous evil ruler… so tiny?* She stared at the petite girl a head shorter than her.

The room’s temperature plummeted. A heavy silence thickened between them. Lucy looked up at Alquett condescendingly, then at Number One, finally at Lilith. “Remember our agreement? About her.”

“Of course, Lord Lucy. Are you…?”

“I’m taking this Hero too.” Her calm, resolute tone brooked no refusal.

Alquett trembled, legs weakening. She pleaded with Lilith—but saw only helplessness.

“…Go. Obey the Great Demon King,” Lilith whispered.

“Heh heh heh… Hero. Today, you finally fall into my hands.” Lucy’s evil grin spread. She grabbed Alquett’s wrist with a triumphant chuckle. Number One vanished into a black hole.

“!” Alquett jolted. “What are you doing? I belong to Lilith now!”

“I know.” Lucy dragged her out, unmoved.

“Wah—! Help! You can’t! I joined Demonkind! Lord Lilith, save me! I served you—I bled for you!” Heart-wrenching wails echoed from the hall.

“Quiet! You’re mine now!” The screams muffled into choked sobs, then cut off. The silence was chilling.

Doros and Lilith stared at each other on the bed.

“What agreement did you make with Lord Lucy…?” Doros asked.

“Uh…” Lilith’s bitter smile was all she could manage. “Something about… showing my belly… and such—”

*I hope she’s okay…*