"Hehe~ Demon Lord, for a delicate, pure, and utterly obedient maid like me, have you been brewing countless naughty, twisted thoughts in your heart?"

Noah’s pretty face lit up with a mischievous smile. Hearts flickered faintly in her pink eyes.

In truth, Ledyah could barely hold back. She swallowed hard, her crimson eyes darting away slightly.

"Nope~ Before the main event, we must refuel properly."

Noah smiled gently, pressing Ledyah’s shoulders to seat her on the bed. She bent over, pulling a plate from the cabinet.

The tight maid uniform accentuated her rounded curves. Her ultra-short skirt rode up with the motion, giving Ledyah a clear view of the lovely scenery.

"Ta-da! Chilled matsutake chicken, Demon Lord... oh no, Master, please enjoy~."

Noah sat respectfully beside Ledyah, spearing matsutake toward the young Demon King’s lips. Her generous curves nearly brushed against Ledyah.

The cool aroma made Ledyah’s mouth water. After the border trip and sweating in the bath, her human form felt truly empty, craving something rich.

"Wait, Noah."

But she stopped Noah’s hand again, deciding to hold back a little longer.

"Since I’m human now, I’d like something hot. Okay?"

She gazed at the angelically beautiful girl. Her pink lips parted, her tone lighter, almost friendly.

Noah’s fork hand paused slightly. Then she beamed a natural smile.

"Of course, Master~ Whatever the Demon Lord desires, I’ll gladly accept."

"After all, tonight, I’m your most loyal maid~."

She placed the matsutake back, murmured a prayer. Golden holy flames sparked at her fingertips, warming the plate below.

The flames were fainter than candlelight. Even holding the plate, Noah felt no heat.

Soon, the cooked chicken and matsutake released a savory aroma.

Noah snuffed the flames, reaching for the fork. But Ledyah snatched it first, spearing chicken to Noah’s lips.

Fried scent mixed with the Demon King’s musky perfume. Under Noah’s surprised gaze, Ledyah turned away. Her long lashes drooped, hiding crimson eyes shimmering with shyness.

"D-don’t misunderstand."

She wanted to reward her devoted maid, but Demon King pride forbade directness.

She stammered like a flustered schoolgirl, face averted.

"I just... seeing all you’ve done, I thought... I should do something for you too... that’s all..."

Close enough.

How cute, Demon Lord~.

Noah’s smile widened. She took the matsutake without hesitation.

Feeling the fork lighten, Ledyah turned back. Noah chewed blissfully.

"Delicious! Food from Master’s hand... tastes best~."

Noah savored the happy flavor. Ledyah felt a sudden twinge of guilt.

The magic in her palm vanished instantly.

Just a little longer. No rush. Ledyah resisted the thought.

Noah swallowed, took the fork, and offered chicken to Ledyah’s lips.

"Since I got Master’s reward, this maid must work harder~."

She smiled softly, unaware the room’s—and the entire Demon King’s Castle’s—mood was shifting silently.

...

Under the moonlight, atop Demon King’s Castle, the Tower Knight stood statue-still. Shield and weapons strapped to her back, arms crossed, she seemed to scan distant foes.

Her fortress-like armor radiated solid reliability.

Patrolling Royal Guards glanced up, eyes filled with reverence.

"Tonight too, the Tower Knight guards our lands."

"Yes. With her here, the Demon King’s rule stays secure."

They straightened, lanterns held high, patrolling harder.

"Zzzzzzz..."

The garrison’s role model had her head lowered. Up close, faint snores would be heard.

"Hm?"

The Tower Knight jolted awake. Through her helmet visor, she locked onto the ten o’clock wall section.

Just now, the castle barrier had rippled there.

Unseen by guards, almost missed by her—a hidden white figure.

"A rat sneaked in..."

She understood. Lips moving silently:

"I’ll report to the Hunter. Hiding this well... no ordinary rat......"

...

"By the way, Demon Lord... oh no, Master, I found your secret~."

After feeding Ledyah the last bite, Noah watched her brightening eyes, smiling fondly.

Feeling their near-touching warmth, Noah casually shared this amusing discovery.

"? What secret? Tell me."

Ledyah smiled back, intrigued. No one dared probe the Demon King’s secrets before.

"Those things you hid, wanting to use on me~."

Noah whispered, stood, and opened a wall compartment. A display-case closet revealed countless special items.

"Th-this is!"

Ledyah’s face flushed crimson. Staring at the array, she stammered wordlessly.

Inside the shallow space lay every imaginable special prop.