"No, no, don’t cry yet! Your master didn’t mean that." The Great Demon King, who could never bear to see his cherished ones weep and was soft-hearted despite his tough exterior, instantly fumbled to wipe the tears from the girl’s eyes.

Terrified, Lily clutched Ink Ash’s hand tightly. Her petite body trembled slightly as she choked out her question, "Then why? Lily just wanted to share this joy with you... but Master looks so displeased?"

"I’m happy you found your life’s purpose, truly," Ink Ash replied. "But... didn’t we agree you’d become a hero? What about... what about defeating the Demon King?"

*He’d planned to train his disciple to slay the Demon King. Why did she suddenly want to be a queen? At this rate, his flawless scheme would collapse!*

Blinking rapidly, Lily suddenly beamed with admiration. "So that’s it! No wonder you’re my master!"

"Huh?" Ink Ash tilted his head, his expression vivid with confusion. *I didn’t even get it. How did she figure it out?*

Nodding seriously, Lily stood up and declared passionately, "I understand. Whether becoming a hero or a queen, both paths lead to the same goal. Master once taught me to work for the welfare of the many, to benefit society."

Hearing her heartfelt words, Ink Ash desperately wanted to slap himself. *Why did I open my mouth? Why did I spout nonsense... See, I’ve led her astray?*

Clenching her fists, her resolve hardening, Lily announced solemnly, "I’ll grow stronger and improve constantly on the path to queenship. Until finally—before Master’s eyes, I’ll personally defeat that evil Great Demon King!"

Ptooey! Staggering, Ink Ash collapsed to the ground, spewing a mouthful of fresh blood.

*As the mighty Demon King, undefeated in battle... how could I ever reach the point of spitting blood?*

Anxiously supporting him, Lily asked worriedly, "Master... Master, what’s wrong?"

"Nothing. Just... overjoyed. I’m... so proud!" Trembling, Ink Ash stroked her cheek and peacefully closed his eyes.

*Don’t misunderstand. From a god’s-eye view, he was perfectly nestled against his disciple’s ample bosom—seizing a free feel.*

In the end, despite fretting over how to play both roles on stage, their broad-minded (or rather, thick-headed) Great Demon King chose to support his disciple.

*After all, dime-a-dozen heroes can’t compare to a future queen. Tsk, imagine being trampled under Her Majesty’s feet... Pah, that sounds off somehow.*

A fierce flame reignited in his eyes as Ink Ash revised his plan—

*Decided. I’ll train my disciple to become the world’s most domineering, overbearing queen!*

"Master, master!" Lily pouted, pressing down on the golden strand of hair that stubbornly sprang up (a sign of her royal power). "This hair won’t lie flat no matter what!"

Watching her adorably airheaded struggle, Ink Ash—hit with a critical dose of cuteness—grinned wryly. "Uh... tricky? Well, I’ll keep this silly disciple for now. She’s cute anyway."