"Huh? Succubus Milk has a silky, sweet texture—perfect for making ice cream to savor on its own. What’s the issue?"

Beatrice flinched at His Majesty’s sudden enthusiasm, leaning back instinctively as she blinked her beautiful eyes, her voice tinged with nervousness.

She couldn’t fathom why the Demon King reacted so strongly to this.

"Yes, yes! That’s it—ice cream! Such a magnificent word!"

"Just the name sounds extraordinary, elegant. If I serve it to Noah, the flavor will surely conquer her!"

Ledyah’s eyes sparkled with stars. But after a brief moment of awe, she stroked her chin, puzzled.

"So… what exactly is ice cream?"

"Uh… it’s sweet, cold, and smooth. It melts in your mouth like a layer of snow made from milk, coating your tongue."

Seeing Ledyah’s lingering confusion, Beatrice opened the kitchen fridge and pulled out a white tub of ice cream.

Demon King’s Castle had furnaces burning eternally and cold storage rooms kept perpetually frosty. Sadly, for Ledyah—who’d never set foot in a kitchen—these were uncharted territories.

"Enough talk, Your Majesty. Please taste it yourself."

Beatrice lifted the lid, scooped a spoonful, and offered it to Ledyah’s lips.

Ledyah didn’t hesitate. She took the spoonful boldly, embodying fearless pioneer spirit.

"Mmph!"

Instantly, the icy chill made her grimace. She hunched her shoulders, convinced her tongue was frostbitten.

But then, the silky cream melted on her tongue, flowing down her throat. The cool sweetness flooded every corner of her mouth, refreshing and pure. Ledyah’s cheeks flushed slightly.

"So… delicious…"

Her eyes widened in disbelief. How could such a unique, heavenly dessert exist without her ever tasting it in her entire life as a Lich?

The sensation echoed Noah’s tongue invading her mouth—both soft, stimulating, penetrating deep.

Yet opposites: Noah’s tongue was warm and wet; ice cream was cold and dry.

And though sweet, it lacked depth. Ledyah felt the initial thrill faded too quickly.

Nothing like the lingering aftertaste of sipping Noah’s freshly drawn Succubus Milk.

"Where… where can this dessert be bought?"

Ledyah composed herself. The flush from her earlier thoughts vanished.

She opened her eyes, gazing at Beatrice’s usually expressionless face—now flickering with subtle hope and worry—and spoke slowly.

"It’s imported specially from the Holy Empire. Mostly enjoyed by the demon and mage maids, and Crimson Lotus Knight Elytes, to cool their fiery cravings."

Beatrice replied crisply after a pause.

Though her face remained still, her shifting aura and eye movements betrayed her emotions.

As a top-tier living doll, even the faintest ripple was unmistakable.

"I see."

Ledyah nodded slightly. She understood why the maids never served this to her. Liches had lower body temperatures and were hypersensitive to cold.

Honestly, for a split second, she’d thought it was an icy torture meant to ruin her taste buds.

Still, the smooth melt left a strong impression.

"Beatrice, do you have experience making ice cream with Succubus Milk?"

Ledyah made her decision. She pulled a chilled bottle of Succubus Milk from the fridge, shaking it gently. The creamy liquid sloshed inside.

"A little, Your Majesty."

The ever-capable Beatrice answered modestly.

"Then, by my command, you will assist me. Use this precious Succubus Milk to craft the world’s finest ice cream. Not a single drop wasted."

Ledyah narrowed her eyes, radiating the Demon King’s crushing authority.

"Yes!"

Beatrice bowed her head as if accepting a sacred duty, her reply firm and resolute.

"Astolfo, come here. Help me plan a feast to welcome Noah back. What dishes pair well with this Succubus Milk ice cream dessert?"

Ledyah beckoned. Astolfo hurried over, hands clasped professionally, and suggested several options after careful thought.

"Oh, one more thing."

Ledyah paused mid-preparation. "Summon the royal tailor. Have them make a maid outfit in my size—flattering, alluring. Something that’ll delight Noah."

"Understood, Your Majesty."

Astolfo curtsied slightly.

"Shall the design match Lady Noah’s homemade style?"

"What do you mean?"

Ledyah blinked, confused.

"In short… do you wish to wear the same outfit as Lady Noah?"

Astolfo stated it flatly.

"Mmph!"

Ledyah’s face flushed crimson. She recalled Noah in that maid dress and turned away stiffly.

"L-Let’s keep it… conservative…"

The blush spread to her ears. Her usual stern crimson eyes clouded with a misty haze.

If the outfit was too risqué, she feared Noah might devour her before dessert even arrived.

Beside her, Beatrice’s cheeks also pinkened. Astolfo’s words sparked forbidden thoughts—imagining the pure-faced Holy Maiden posing like a photo model in a maid uniform.

So thrilling!

"Yes, as you command."

Astolfo bowed and left the kitchen with Ledyah’s orders.

At the door, she shot Beatrice a lingering glance from the corner of her eye.

Guilty, Beatrice avoided her gaze, pretending to focus on her work. Then she paused, head tilting in confusion.

Wait… have I even done anything wrong?