A silver-haired girl with fluffy fox ears atop her head slowly opened her eyes.

She frowned slightly. Her muddled mind made her feel uneasy. Her gaze fixed on the extravagantly decorated ceiling, filled with confusion.

She moved her hands, struggling to rise from the soft bed.

"You're awake?"

Sitting beside her, I watched her stir. I reached out and patted her head. "You're awake," I said slowly. She instinctively turned to me.

"...Eh?!"

She froze upon seeing me. After a pause, she let out an indistinct but adorable sound.

"Xia?! Y-you! How are you here?! Huh? M-my body? What's wrong with it?"

She shrank back like she’d seen a ghost. Noticing her body’s strangeness, she stared in shock at her pale hands and legs. Then at me. Finally, she seemed to grasp it. With a sorrowful face, she forced a grim smile. "Heh... Am I in hell? Are you the Soul Reaper? Can I know why? And if you punish me... go easy. I hate pain."

"...Don’t overthink it. You’re not dead."

My lips twitched. I stepped forward and karate-chopped her forehead.

"Ow! Wait—what did you say?"

She clutched her head, tears welling. Then she blinked at me. "Daenerys, you’re not dead. Simple as that."

I sat back, crossed my legs, and stared at Castillia’s former Valkyrie.

"...I’m not dead?"

Daenerys stared blankly at her body, repeating it.

"Ah, technically you died. But I revived you." I sniffed, smiling. "Your old body was beyond saving. I scanned it—over ten weakening curses. Seriously, how many enemies did you make?"

"...So this body is yours?" Daenerys gaped at herself. After a long silence, she eyed me suspiciously. "Why?"

"First question: yes." I nodded. "Don’t worry. This body’s stronger than your old one."

I paused, smile widening. "Second question? Two reasons."

"...Two reasons?"

Daenerys muttered it.

"Yep." My grin didn’t fade. It made her fidget—I loved that. "First: Hawthorn."

"Hawthorn?" Daenerys stiffened. "That child? Where is she?"

"Relax. She’s in this castle. I’ll return her later." I smiled. She clearly cared—after all, she was like Hawthorn’s mother. And died for her.

"Day before yesterday, at the border, some punk kid waved Hawthorn around. Claimed he inherited your will to defeat me. Modern Champions are so weak... Though, sudden power makes anyone cocky. I spared him. Took Hawthorn. His army retreated after he failed. Then I learned about you two."

I spoke slowly.

I’d spared him to keep my reputation intact.

"I struck a deal with Hawthorn. I’ll wipe out everyone who harmed you. Revive you. In return, she serves me as my Maid for a millennium... Lucky you were strong. Your soul hadn’t been claimed yet. Or saving you’d be impossible."

"...I see."

Daenerys nodded, voice low.

"Then the second reason?"

She pressed on.

"Second reason? Heh. Forgotten something?" I narrowed my eyes at her. "Our pact: while alive, I’d block invasions of Castillia Kingdom. You wouldn’t fight. And you owe me a favor... Thought death erased debts?"

"...No wonder you’re the Overlord." Daenerys gave me a weird look. "Saving me was planned. Hawthorn was accidental. You just used me to blackmail her?"

"Heh. No wonder you’re Castillia’s Valkyrie. Sharp mind."

True. I’d targeted Daenerys. Meeting Hawthorn was pure luck. How could I waste that chance? I tricked her easily.

Hawthorn, a newborn sword spirit, was too naive. She missed my obvious scheme. Now she’s stuck as my thousand-year maid... What a successful Overlord! I’m so proud.

"Enough explanations. From today, you’re my Maid. Drop ‘Daenerys.’ Your name’s Lily now. Objections?"

I watched Lily.

"Even if I object, you’ll ignore me." Lily sighed. "You still control this body. I don’t believe you’d gift it freely."

"Correct. Ultimate control’s mine. But daily? You’ll have freedom."

"Still... can I raise one objection?"

"Go ahead."

"Why a twelve-year-old girl’s body? Molded after my past self! And why beast ears and a tail?!"

Lily frowned, glaring at me.

"Because you’re cutest at this age."

I chuckled, answering instantly.

When we first met, Lily looked like this. Hawthorn’s power froze her growth. It took centuries to mature. But her younger form suits my taste best.

I don’t dislike busty Daenerys. But a tsundere in a tiny body? Far cuter—

"Also, Lily... how should a servant serve her master?"

I grinned wickedly at her elegant Gothic dress.

"...Help! Where’s a lockable room nearby?!"

Lily paled. She rolled off the bed, scrambling toward the door!