This was the first time since I, a pink-haired loli Demon King, transmigrated to this world that I felt bone-deep fear and unease.

At first, I thought they doubted my ability to lead them because my self-introduction revealed my age. That’s why they withheld true loyalty.

But now? I saw three masked actors. Their clumsy performance exposed rehearsed coordination. No doubt—they’d plotted this long ago. Maybe even before summoning me!

Seriously, I’m just a petite, soft-spoken pink-haired loli right now! Sure, I’m technically the Overlord, but any one of them could one-shot me—well, after my passive HP-lock skill wears off. What’s the point of this charade?!

What do these High Rank Demons want from me?

After a brief spike of panic, I forced myself calm.

Even if I sensed their scheme, I couldn’t afford to tear off the mask. That’d be suicide.

*Fine.* To uncover their goal, I’d play along with their terrible act.

I buried myself in Carol’s arms, trembling slightly. My eyes—wide with anger and fear—locked onto Evelyn. I looked utterly shaken, like a kitten bullied by cruel hands. Honestly? My panic wasn’t entirely faked. This loli body amplified every flicker of emotion.

Silver-haired vampire Evelyn stared back, face a blank mask. But beside her, purple-haired Alan smirked.

Just for a split second. But I caught it.

A smug, triumphant grin.

A chill shot down my spine. Since Evelyn called him "strategist," this purple-haired Demon Kin was likely the mastermind. I activated 【Overlords Detection】 on him. Like Evelyn, he didn’t notice. No mana cost. Instant. Undetectable. My most reliable skill by far.

Alan’s stats paled next to warlord Evelyn’s—but still dwarfed mine by hundreds of times:

...

**Alan Samuel**

**Personality:** Arrogant

**Level:** LV60

**Awakened**

**HP:** 12000/12000

**MP:** 17000/17000

**Physical ATK:** 3100

**Magic ATK:** 2800

**Physical RES:** 1700

**Magic RES:** 1900

**Dodge:** 400

**Luck:** 0

**Class:** Demon Kin Strategist

**Race:** Shadow Demon (Awakened)

**Divinity:** Locked

**Key Skills (incl. passives):**

Shadow Erosion (LV6)

Shadow Assault (LV5)

Shadow Torrent (LV6)

Flash Shadow Slash (LV6)

Shadow Body (LV5)

*(Minor skills omitted)*

**Specialties:**

Shadow Avatar (LV5)

True Demon Release (LV6)

...

Fewer skills than Evelyn. Average stats. Yet he commanded two High Rank Demon women. My wariness deepened.

When my gaze lingered on Alan a second too long, his smirk melted into an apologetic smile—seamless, flawless. Without seeing the shift, I’d have missed it entirely.

*This guy’s no good.* Back in my world, he’d be that creepy uncle eyeing little girls. Cops would haul him in for tea.

...Wait. He’s literally a demon.

If my hunch was right, Alan was my true enemy. Taking him down would be my hardest, longest battle. No cops here to save me. This loli body was all I had.

*So how do I start?*

As I strategized, a warm hand settled on my head. Fingers brushed my hair—gently at first, then firmer, even ruffling my ahoge. The soothing touch short-circuited my thoughts.

*So... nice.* Warmth spread from scalp to brain, melting tension I hadn’t noticed.

I knew Carol was stroking me to calm my "fear" and boost her favor. But my traitorous loli instincts craved it.

*Tch. Whatever. A headpat won’t kill me. I’ll allow it... for now.*

I closed my eyes, sinking into the comfort.

"Great Demon King," Carol whispered near my ear, voice tender with a trace of worry. "Forgive us. You must have been frightened."

Strangely, I believed her concern was real this time.

But she stopped after a few strokes. No lingering.

I snapped back to reality. With a huff, I pushed away her arm and stepped out of her embrace. Time to face what came next.