"Alright, I trust Lanche, so I believe what you say," Kestia spoke up.

"Tell us where that organization is," Fenlei asked.

Lanche didn’t waste words. He tossed a simple map to Kestia. "You know what to do next. Handle it yourselves."

With that, he turned away with a flourish.

Kestia glanced at the map. It marked a location and bore a name—"Penitence Chamber."

When she looked up again, Lanche and Enami were gone.

"He’s strong," Kestia remarked.

"Stronger than you?" Yufi asked, uncertain.

Kestia paused. "Hard to say."

Yufi grew more confused. "Lanche... how does he know someone like that?"

"I don’t know. He’s always had wide-ranging friends," Kestia replied. It felt normal—he was just that strange sort of person.

"Enough talk. We must act fast," Fenlei said, a hint of anticipation in her voice.

She cared nothing for Lanche; only that they could solve the immediate problem. Time was tight—they had to move before anyone else.

"We strike tonight," Yufi added, setting aside her grudges.

Kestia nodded and tucked away the map.

Once again, she’d relied on Lanche.

But she didn’t mind.

That evening, Kestia personally led the raid on the Penitence Chamber stronghold.

Her overwhelming ice magic ensured no surprises. Dozens were captured smoothly.

This was no longer Lanche’s concern. He had to punish his disobedient employee first.

After parting with Kestia’s group, he dragged Enami to a deserted corner. He pinned her hands against the wall and spanked her bottom hard.

"Don’t act on your own!" Lanche scolded, delivering several sharp smacks.

How could he relax as a boss with unruly staff?

"Ow! Ah! Ow!" Enami yelped, deeply wronged. "I didn’t expose you! How else would you gain trust? You should thank me!"

"Hmph. I don’t need your initiative!" Lanche glared sternly.

"Your job is to do exactly as I say. No extras—so I can enjoy my tea in peace. Understand?"

Enami grumbled silently, rebellious inside.

Why obey completely? Helping him at all was generous enough.

Seeing this, Lanche sighed. "Fine. Go. I don’t need you."

He released her, waved dismissively, and walked away.

Enami stared blankly at his back, stunned he’d actually left.

"Hmph. I don’t believe it," she muttered, rubbing her stinging bottom. She glanced at her chest. That pervert wouldn’t really abandon her.

She was confident in her looks. Her petite figure was cute, and she’d grow more.

Soon, she couldn’t resist sneaking after him—but Lanche was nowhere to be found.

"Huh? He really left?" Panic flickered in her chest.

"Fine! Go! I don’t care!" she snapped, forcing bravado as she stomped off alone.

But she had nowhere to go. Assassination jobs used to sustain her, but her reputation was ruined now. Survival was luck enough—forget new missions.

Anxiety tightened as she walked. She fought it down, searching for solutions.

At least the Penitence Chamber was now targeted by the Knighthood. They’d ignore her for now.

She doubled back, hiding to check if Lanche was nearby laughing at her.

Dusk fell. No sign of him.

Of course—Lanche was home for dinner.

He’d left early, no games with Enami.

If he couldn’t train her, he didn’t need disobedient staff.

Lekui could help with chores. Why keep Enami?

He wanted loyal, obedient subordinates—even under Domination—to feel secure as boss.

The Domination skill alone wasn’t enough.

Maybe other races would perform better. Should he treat employees kindly?

But no—if he had to coax them, it betrayed his expectations for Domination.

"Are my expectations too high?"

"Ah well. Slow progress."

Lanche dropped the thought. He’d revisit it later.

Home, dinner was delayed—waiting for Kestia.

After a long wait, a letter arrived. Kestia wouldn’t return tonight; progress had been made.

Sileus beamed. "Progress is good."

"Her Highness also thanks Young Master Lanche. Again, he aided her," Sileus added, gazing at Lanche like a proud father-in-law.

"What did you do?" Lekui asked suspiciously.

"Weren’t you just strolling the village? How help Her Highness in the Royal Capital?" Liya marveled.

Lanche smiled silently, sitting back to wait for dinner, radiating mystery.

"Since Her Highness won’t return, let’s eat. Serve Young Master Lanche first," Sileus announced as butler.

Liya and Lekui brought the food. The four ate quietly—a household rule Lanche always honored.

After dinner, Lanche strolled leisurely again.

He felt like the true second master here. A comfortable life, supported by others—perfect.

"What exactly did you do for Her Highness?" Lekui pressed, hurrying over to scrutinize him.

She couldn’t fathom it. She was powerful Dragonfolk, yet stuck cleaning, while this useless human kept achieving feats.

"Want to know?" Lanche grinned mysteriously.

"Won’t tell." He turned away, hands behind his back, smug.

Lekui’s face hardened with anger.

After hesitation, she followed, whispering, "If I help you... can I help Her Highness too?"

Lanche studied her. Her clumsy loyalty was oddly endearing.

"What do you think?" he asked, intrigued.

Lekui stayed silent.

Words failed her, but she ached to be useful.

Lanche considered. "Alright. I’ll use your strength when needed."

"Now—pour me tea," he added, seizing the chance to order her.

Lekui snorted but obeyed.

Liya approached Lanche, resigned. "Don’t bully my sister. She disliked you because she thought Her Highness had no choice. She grieved for Her Highness—everything was for her sake."

"Don’t worry. I won’t bully her," Lanche chuckled.

Liya sighed helplessly. She’d just have to watch closely later.