Klaun and his men waited for Enami’s signal.

Out of robbery habit, they crouched behind the carriage door to stay hidden.

They didn’t notice Lanche had already packed Enami away.

After satisfying his curiosity, Lanche clapped his hands. He grabbed a stone, hurled it at Liya and Lekui’s carriage, then ducked back.

The impact startled the maids awake.

The drugged smoke inside was colored but odorless. It didn’t affect them—only alerted them something was wrong.

They exchanged a glance.

"Lekui, don’t disturb Her Highness’s rest," Liya instructed softly.

"Understood, Sister," Lekui nodded.

The maids stepped out of the carriage cautiously. They saw the drivers huddled together. The men flinched guiltily when spotted.

Ignoring them, the maids scanned the woods behind the drivers—as if already seeing the attackers.

Klaun raised his hand gravely. Ready to rob them by force.

In a blink, both maids vanished from sight.

The air turned scorching tense.

Klaun heard bodies hit the ground. He turned, stunned.

The famed boxing champion lay headless. Not even a whimper escaped him.

"Please do not disturb my master’s rest," the elegant maid murmured.

Klaun gaped around. Only the carriage drivers remained alive. The others—all dead in an instant. Blown heads. Pierced chests. Frozen solid.

He realized he’d survived only because he stood near the drivers. Mistaken for someone needed to drive.

Klaun dropped to his knees like the drivers. Didn’t dare lift his head.

Such overwhelming power crushed any thought of resistance.

"Sister, all threats are eliminated," Lekui returned, voice calm.

Liya nodded. "I’ll check on Her Highness."

She walked toward Lanche’s carriage.

She knew Kestia couldn’t be harmed by mere humans. Still, she opened the door carefully.

Inside, both Lanche and Kestia slept peacefully. Liya closed the door softly. Relief washed over her.

Lanche sighed inwardly. Slept soundly again.

Dawn broke.

Remembering last night, Lanche rose early to inspect the scene.

Kestia was already awake, ordering the convoy to prepare for departure.

Everything seemed undisturbed.

"Good morning. Would you like breakfast?" Kestia approached.

"Uh... I’ll eat in the carriage," Lanche replied.

"Very well. We depart now. Reaching the Royal Capital sooner is better. I dislike the wilderness." Her tone stayed calm.

"Right. Let’s go." Lanche nodded, half-convinced last night was a dream.

*Wait—where’s my captured cutie?*

"Huh? When did we pick up an extra passenger?" He squinted at Klaun.

"I—I’m a driver! Just a driver!" Klaun stammered, terrified of speaking too slow.

Kestia nodded. She didn’t care if he was truly a driver. Liya and Lekui had handled it. "Move out."

Lanche accepted her silence. She clearly didn’t want him involved. No need to ask.

The convoy resumed. The drivers worked with frantic eagerness. They served Lanche’s group with exaggerated care—especially the new one.

The journey to the Royal Capital, originally five days, took less than three.

Lanche observed their destination. A rustic town surrounded by golden wheat fields. Villagers bent low, harvesting the bounty.

"Nice view," he remarked, satisfied.

"Land near the Royal Capital is precious. Hard to find suitable estates. I chose this location instead," Kestia explained softly.

"Fine by me." Lanche had no objections.

This wasn’t remote. Mansions and castles dotted the hills—homes of the wealthy and noble. Close enough to the capital.

Kestia smiled faintly. Glad he liked it.

Sileus stood waiting at a grand mansion’s entrance. The perfect butler, ready to receive them.

After unloading luggage, the drivers scrambled to help.

Lanche slipped into a carriage unnoticed.

He opened a cabinet.

Met a pair of crimson eyes staring back.

Lanche grinned. *Almost thought you vanished.* No sound. No food or water for three days. Impressive endurance.

"Good. You really want to live, don’t you?" he asked.

Enami nodded tightly, eyes locked on him.

Her will to survive impressed him. Exactly the hardworking servant he needed.

If she’d caused trouble, he’d have scrapped his plans. But she was perfect.

"Excellent. From now on, you obey me."

He dragged her out like luggage. Stacked her with bags. Sneaked her to his assigned room.

Lekui glanced his way but didn’t question it. Never imagining a girl hidden among the trunks.

Inside his room, Lanche set Enami on the floor. Only when sure Kestia’s group hadn’t noticed did he relax.

"Now, don’t blame me for what happens next. You tried to kill us first. Call it... punishment~"

He grinned, eyes crinkling.

Enami tensed.

*Is he making me his bed slave?* She’d expected it. Survival meant future escape.

Kutra Demon Kin lived long. She could outlive Lanche.

Death wasn’t an option. Too much left undone.

"One thing first—you’re not human, right?" Lanche loosened her gag, serious now.

Enami hesitated. Shook her head. Whispered: "I’m... Subhuman."

She dared not reveal her Demon Kin blood. Humans killed them on sight.

Lanche didn’t doubt her. Countless races existed here. He’d never seen a Demon Kin anyway.

As long as she wasn’t human, he could test his abilities without guilt.

His smile turned wicked.

"Perfect. You’ll work for me. Zero wages. No weekends off. No holidays. No insurance. No meals or lodging. And no internship certificate!"

"*I’ll* sip tea all day. Hahahahaha!"

The boy’s laughter grew maniacal.

Enami stared, utterly confused.

*Bed slave? What’s he talking about?*