"Mmmph..."

The leopard-eared girl in bed let out a muffled, unintelligible sound, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

"Hmph... I never expected the Dark Lord to be so vigorous..." Ona’s ears twitched as she lay sprawled on the bed, chiding softly. I sat bare-chested on the edge, gently stroking her long ash-white hair. "Did it hurt?"

"Of course it did... Your Majesty has no sense of restraint..."

Curled up on the sheets, Ona peered up at me with timid crimson eyes. She pouted slightly, her right index finger lightly pressed against her lips—adorable as a little creature.

Truthfully, for a Demon, she resembled more of a mischievous imp—

"Ho, so bold on your first time? That surprised me."

Watching Ona, warmth bloomed in my chest. Though petite, her eighteen-year-old frame was exquisitely sculpted: lightly golden-brown skin radiating health and a hint of wildness, a supple body honed by training far more enticing than fragile porcelain dolls. A rare delicacy—that was my verdict.

"Master... you’ll keep your promise to me, won’t you?"

She sat up, shuffled closer, and burrowed into my arms like a spoiled pet, nuzzling my neck.

"Heh. Rest easy. What I promise my Maid, I deliver."

I dipped my head, nipping her earlobe. Her tiny gasp sent satisfaction curling through me.

"I understand... But... Dark Lord," Ona blinked, a faint smirk playing on her lips as she pointed toward the door. "Our senior seems rather displeased, doesn’t she?"

I froze. The door stood ajar. Framed in the doorway was Wuluwu—a golden-haired girl.

Her telltale Elf ears were hidden by arcane magic. Gone was the lavish gothic gown, replaced by plain sackcloth. A collar circled her neck—slave’s mark or mere ornament? Beneath her calm expression smoldered fierce fury.

"Yo, Lulu. Back already? Your sneaking’s improved—I didn’t sense you."

I grinned, feigning ignorance, and beckoned her over.

"I’ve been back awhile. Your Majesty was... occupied." Her gaze slid to Ona on the bed. "You claimed things weren’t as I imagined. So what is this? Care to explain properly?" Her tone stayed flat, betraying nothing.

"Ah, after crushing a horde of Champions and human armies, a man needs to calm his nerves." I sprang up, grinning. With a flick, the door slammed shut. "Always close doors behind you. Wouldn’t want outsiders peeking, hmm?"

"If you’re razing the city anyway, what does it matter who sees?" The Elf girl’s voice remained eerily calm. I chuckled.

"Heh. Maybe I’ll feel generous later and spare them."

"...As you wish, my Dark Lord."

"Then stop that tone."

I vanished, reappearing before her. My hand clamped her throat, lifting her slight frame off the floor. My smile never wavered. "Know your place. I permit equality—but overstep, and you displease me. Your jealousy today crossed the line. Understood?"

"Y-yes... my Dark Lord."

Her choked reply came fast. Brief as it was, the chokehold’s terror held her rigid—no struggle dared.

"Good."

I eased my grip, setting her down. As she gasped, I dipped low, cupping her chin. My lips claimed hers—warm, yielding. My tongue explored leisurely before withdrawing, a silvery thread linking us. "Not yet... Trust me. I keep every vow. What I promised you, you’ll have. Nothing I swear is broken—unless I die."

"For now? Do your duty quietly. You know me."

Her face flushed crimson. I ruffled her hair, chuckling as she hid behind small, trembling hands.

"Ah... a fine night."

I shrugged on a robe. With a gesture, the window flew open. Stretching toward the starless, cloud-choked sky, I sighed.

Pitch-black night, no moon—perfect for slaughter and arson.

"Master... shall I accompany you?" Ona’s ears flicked. She’d wrapped herself in a quilt, hiding her exposed body.

"Hmm... Rest, Ona. Wuluwu, come with me. Bring that sword."

I glanced at the Hawthorn Oath on the table—the blade I’d seized. Best let the newly claimed girl recover gently.

"I can carry it myself. No need for her."

As Wuluwu moved to obey, a third female voice cut through the room.