"Of course. Precisely because I’m such a dangerous individual, His Majesty the Demon King appointed me to this position."

Avel’s smile deepened with understanding. From this owl’s handler, she sensed a distant resonance.

In a sense, they were both pure, rational—even borderline fanatical.

It was precisely because Avel devoted herself entirely to the Demon King that she’d committed acts bordering on treason: *hoping the Demon Race would lose this war*, and *allying with two Holy Maidens from the Church*.

A thoroughgoing rationalist and consequentialist—this was the persona Avel revealed to them. And it was exactly why they deemed her a trustworthy ally.

"Next, to gather intelligence, we must first secure identities for you to stay within the Demon King’s Castle."

Avel sized up Isaac before her, then flashed a mischievous grin.

Isaac shivered. That smile, that gaze—they felt hauntingly familiar.

It was the same expression worn by the Church’s elder sisters when they promised to "dress her up prettily."

...

Thus, Isaac and Joshua infiltrated the Demon King’s Castle as "a new maid and her personal belongings."

"Now I must carefully investigate Sister Noah’s situation and whereabouts, hmm!"

Isaac meticulously maintained the hunting rifle in the armory, reviewing last night’s events with Joshua while clenching her tiny fist in determination.

"But be careful," Joshua suddenly warned. "The Hunting Knight and Tower Knight—those two knights who guard the Demon King’s side—don’t stand watch during the day. Avoid them. If they recognize you..."

...

*Hmph hmph hmph~.*

Noah, radiant with energy, packed a homemade lunchbox in the elegantly decorated kitchen. She’d deliver it to the Demon Lord, who’d skipped breakfast.

Though Ledyah’s unique constitution meant she felt no discomfort from fasting, an empty stomach was still an empty stomach.

A proper wife couldn’t let her hardworking husband go hungry~.

Humming a cheerful tune, Noah set off toward the audience chamber.

Her silk-stockinged feet danced lightly atop invisible five-centimeter heels.

Every step sank into plush softness, like walking on a luxury crimson carpet. The exquisite sensation underfoot drew soft, contented hums from her lips.

*Last night’s Demon Lord... was exceptionally fervent~.*

Memories of their intensity made her lips curl upward. A faint flush colored her exquisite face as she licked her lips like a predator anticipating its meal.

*It felt rather nice down there too. Letting the Demon Lord have his way occasionally... isn’t so bad~.*

Noah’s gaze drifted upward, lost in fantasies of being cherished again. A blissful smile graced her lips.

"Hey! Healing Saintess!"

A rude, unfamiliar male voice snapped her out of her reverie.

Noah turned to see a tall young man in a crisp suit—though it couldn’t mask his thuggish aura.

His jet-black hair spiked rebelliously upward. His expression was arrogant, swaggering like a street thug. Despite the formal attire, he looked like a wolf stuffed into human skin.

His features were striking—perhaps the idol type in last century’s dramas.

Some might admire that feral charm. But Noah felt nothing.

*She had zero interest in boys. Not even the cutest ones.*

*Soft and sweet girls were the best!*

"Yes? How may I assist you?"

Noah’s smile was flawlessly polite. She placed a hand lightly over her chest, every inch the poised, elegant lady.

Her grace never faltered, no matter the company.

"Ah! I need to know—is there a petite girl among your companions? Wields a scythe? Has some special ability to see weaknesses? Yes! That’s all I need!"

The youth had meant to glare down at the sheltered Saintess, forcing her to spill the intel he wanted.

But Noah’s revealing outfit caught him off guard—the suggestive slit in her dress, the deep cleavage, the generous curves barely contained.

Coupled with her ever-present, warm allure, he struggled to keep his eyes in check. His hands jammed into his pockets, whistling awkwardly to hide his fluster.

For a centuries-old boy, Noah’s presence was simply... overwhelming.

"Oh? You mean her? Has the Hunting Knight developed feelings for that child?"

Noah’s eyes lowered slightly, long lashes casting seductive shadows. Her voice turned teasing.

"W-What?! No! I just—I must repay the humiliation she inflicted! ...I’ll take my leave! Goodbye!"

The Hunting Knight—young Wolfman Wolf—wore an expression of disgust and panic. He stammered out his excuses before fleeing like a startled rabbit.

After that first glance, his eyes never dared to meet hers again.

*Such a cute boy. He just gave away rather interesting intel~.*

Noah chuckled softly, as if she’d just teased an adorably flustered stray. Her already cheerful mood lifted further.

*Little Isaac caused quite a ruckus trying to save me... Joshua might be with her too...*

*Where are they now? Judging by that boy’s words... they’ve probably infiltrated the castle already, searching for me~... Hmm. I should visit them soon.*

Deciding to see her old companions felt as natural as choosing to drink a glass of water later.

Her mind, altered by the Essence of the Moon, seemed broken in places—allowing her to do things once deemed shameful with ease, reshaping her worldview entirely.

Yet she remained Noah. She remained Baitong. Only her perception of her former self had blurred.

*She didn’t care whether she was Noah or Baitong. Didn’t care about allegiances or titles. To her, only the present moment was undeniably real.*

*Well then~ First, I’ll feed this love-filled lunchbox to the Demon Lord.*

With that thought, Noah resumed her light, skipping steps, humming her cheerful tune all the way to the chamber where Ledyah met the Sovereign of the Court.