Almost as I used healing magic on my wound, hurried footsteps echoed outside the door. They faded quickly, sounding frantic.

Those two humming guys had bolted the moment I shattered the glass ball—no hesitation at all!

This wasn’t what I’d pictured. I’d expected them to try breaking in, get blocked by Carol’s magic barrier, waste time, and then get caught by my arriving minions. Instead, they just ran off without even testing the door.

But I snapped to it—they’d said earlier, "Just confirming the Overlord’s location is enough." Were they mere scouts? Were stronger assassins coming later?

No, no. Something felt off. Their actions made zero sense.

I shook my head. My ahoge twirled slightly, mirroring my utter confusion.

The footsteps vanished. Silence settled back. Everything felt peaceful except for this pink-haired loli Overlord, pressed against the dark red door smelling of old wood like a total fool, ears straining to listen.

So what was I even doing? After all that analysis, was I just hiding in this room like a coward?

I’d waited patiently for minutes, but Carol hadn’t shown. She should’ve rushed over the second she heard the glass shatter, right?

Those two shady guys had knocked, fled, and I’d thrown the crystal ball. Could I open the door and check?

“...”

I stared up at the doorknob—way taller than me. It was carved with a hyper-realistic skull, screaming "no good kids allowed." Well, as the Overlord, I wasn’t exactly wholesome either.

Okay, very dark aesthetic. But why so high? No rights for lolis?

I frowned, stood on tiptoe, and barely gripped the knob.

Then pulled my hand back.

Gripped it again.

Pulled back once more.

“Hmm...”

Pre-transmigration, I wasn’t this indecisive. But now, opening this door felt impossible.

A choice had to be made. Curiosity and caution warred in my head—caution won.

Forget it. Curiosity killed the cat. Carol had stressed: don’t open the door. So I wouldn’t.

What if their retreat was a trick? They might be lying in wait. Stepping out would be suicide. (Though unlikely.)

This room was safest. Since spotting a traitor in our ranks, my security had tanked. I didn’t distrust everyone—but close enough.

Worst of all, even after deducing everything, I couldn’t change a thing. Knowing about the traitor, I still wouldn’t dare solo them outside. I had to follow Carol’s script—obediently waiting here.

I pouted, annoyed. Seconds later, a brand-new, mind-blowing idea hit me.

Wait—I should reframe this. I’d already chased off those jerks who woke me. I should just sleep. I couldn’t do much anyway. Better to nap than act like an idiot at the door.

I nodded, enlightened. Traitor problems? Minions’ job. Outside drama? None of my business. Right now, this loli Overlord just needed rest—that’s the boldness and grace of a true Demon Kin ruler.

I dashed to the soft bed, stretched, flopped down, and drifted off almost instantly.

Just like me.

So smart, wow.