"Impossible... You are Lady Euphemia, the Pride Witch, aren't you?" Aileen stated with near certainty.

Back when Euphemia held the title of Pride Witch, Aileen had already served as her maid.

The previous head maid was dismissed by Euphemia after a critical mistake.

Naturally, the capable Aileen rose to become the new head maid.

She remained utterly loyal to Euphemia until her severe injury, and to this day, she had never erred.

When Cecile usurped the Pride Witch title, Aileen wasn't by Euphemia's side—if she had been, Cecile wouldn't have claimed it so easily.

As head maid, Aileen managed not only Euphemia's daily life but also Cecile's routines, etiquette, and magic lessons.

Cecile had grown up under Aileen's watchful eye.

Cecile trusted Aileen so deeply because, beyond her flawless record, Aileen's loyalty was absolute—but only to whoever held the Pride Witch title.

Now, that title belonged to Cecile herself, and she'd allow no one to take it.

"I've told you, you're mistaken..."

Winnie refused to let Aileen recognize her, but Cecile had other plans.

"Just as you said, she is indeed Euphemia-sensei, your former master."

"Mother!" Winnie spun around, glaring at Cecile.

"My apologies." Aileen bent down to gather the papers she'd dropped.

"Euphemia... sensei?" Imoxiu stared blankly at Winnie, as if struck dumb.

Why did his mom call her "sensei," yet she called Mom "Mother"? What was really going on?

Imoxiu's little head couldn't process it all.

Cecile gently ruffled Winnie's hair, smiling. "Be honest with yourself. No need to be shy."

Winnie shot her a withering look.

If she were truly honest, she'd silence Cecile forever—no second chances—by obliterating her with forbidden magic!

This traitor only won through underhanded tricks!

In a fair fight, Winnie knew she'd never lose to such a weakling.

Watching Aileen sort the papers again, Cecile waved a hand. "No need for that trouble. I'll read; you report."

Papers on the floor and in Aileen's grasp swirled like snowflakes under magic, unfolding before Cecile.

"I lost composure, Master." Aileen straightened her posture, regretting her lapse.

A proper maid should always appear perfect and comforting to her master.

"We'll discuss Demon Hunt later..." Cecile tossed aside the bulk of the documents. "Start with the rest."

Aileen's efficiency was unmatched—she'd uncovered so much on Demon Hunt in just half a month.

Cecile would compare it to her own knowledge later.

External game lore was vague, missing key details—like Demon Hunt's global branches. She knew some headquarters but not all locations.

"Shengen Kingdom's unrest is settled. Per your orders, we installed a middle-class proxy ruler until the next king is chosen. He'll fulfill his duties to you, though others may resist him."

"Holy Moon Kingdom, under your domain, has rebelled. Its state religion, the Holy Knight Pontiff, rallied multiple churches in support. They march on your Veronan Castle with great force. Crushing them the old way would cost time and energy."

"The Western Blood Clan seems to be conducting strange sacrificial rituals. For safety, please send investigators."

"Strange phenomena are erupting worldwide. Collected data suggests projections of otherworldly beings—possibly hell demons influencing reality, or unknown spirits causing chaos. I'll verify and report."

"These screened lists contain personnel with no ties to us, suitable as the first core for the Luminous Cathedral. But their loyalty to you is paper-thin. I fear their indoctrination might make them defy you."

"After all, the Luminous Cathedral is fundamentally your enemy. If it grows beyond control, the damage to you would be immeasurable."

Aileen covered every angle, prioritizing Cecile's commands and interests above all.

She was the perfect maid.

This avalanche of crises didn't faze Cecile.

It was inevitable.

The era of grand chaos was coming—the Pride Witch, as its epicenter, would become a target.

More chaos meant faster, more precious growth for the protagonist, with a perfect excuse for their slow build-up.

This trope never failed.

But Cecile wasn't that idle, unprepared Pride Witch anymore.

Her hidden cards were more than enough to handle this storm.

"You handled Shengen Kingdom well. Keep it chaotic. Neighboring kingdoms will fixate on it. Heh, let Demon Hunt push their United Kingdom plan slowly..."

Cecile grabbed Winnie by the collar, lifting her up.

"Mother, I warn you—don't push it!" Winnie struggled, then crossed her arms defiantly.

The threat sounded like a child's pout with "Mother" tacked on.

"Holy Moon Kingdom is yours, sensei. Crush the rebels—but crush their spirit, not their lives. Make them too scared to rebel. Or, if you stir their defiance further, that's fine too. But don't spill innocent blood for revenge... or else..."

Cecile conjured a sheer, gauzy dress like the one An once wore, grinning. "This will be your everyday outfit from now on."

Winnie turned away, her face slightly flushed. "Fine, you damn traitor!"

Most would reject such attire—only a demon like An loved it.

Hmm... Cecile eyed the dress, then Winnie.

If Winnie wore this, fights would be so much more convenient. Anytime, anywhere...

"Imoxiu, you go too."

"Huh? Why?" Imoxiu doubted he'd get to act if Mom's sensei was there.

"Because you don't understand what a Witch truly is. Just casting spells makes you a useless mage."

"Aileen will handle cleanup. I'll brief you later..."

Cecile produced a projection magic stone and tossed it to the red-dressed little girl on her back. "Take this. Go play with Euphemia again."

"Will it be as fun as last time?"

"Maybe."

"Giggles! Mom's the best!" Helena kissed Cecile's cheek.