"Why am I shorter than little Hawthorn?!"

The next morning, Lily froze on the spot when she saw her daughter. After a long pause, she spun around and kicked my knee hard, snarling at me.

"Ouch! Didn’t I tell you last night? Your body’s shaped from my memory of you back then—it’s not intentional. Besides, counting your ears, you’re way taller than Hawthorn."

I grinned at Lily, spreading my hands innocently. Her kick? It’d shatter a normal person’s bones, but to me, it was no threat.

"Ears don’t count as height! And I’d be an idiot to believe you!"

Lily gritted her teeth.

Lily stood beside her daughter Hawthorn now. Ignoring Lily’s fluffy fox ears, she was actually two centimeters shorter. Ordinary folks might miss it, but Lily’s strength let her spot the tiny difference instantly.

If it were obvious, she might’ve let it slide. But she knew my Overlord personality well—this gap was absolutely my doing.

Still, side by side, they looked like twins—

"Heh, feeling bold today?" I teased with a sly smile after her outburst.

She fell silent.

"Also, Lily… how should a servant serve their master?"

Last night, I’d just mentioned it casually. Lily panicked like a scared animal, darting around the room. I laughed until I rolled on the bed, stomach cramping.

She eventually buried herself in blankets, only her head poking out as she bared her teeth and yelled, defiant. But exhaustion hit fast—she sank into deep sleep.

I stroked her ears and cheeks, marveling at their softness, then tucked her in gently.

Lily was drained from her body change, so I held back… though Hawthorn’s menacing glare from the next room helped.

I’d demanded Hawthorn serve me a millennium—but only for combat. She could kill for me, yet ignore daily orders. She could kick my face anytime, and I couldn’t stop her.

Lily was under my thumb now, so she wouldn’t dare disrespect me. But I didn’t want to sour things fast—I’d just tease her lightly. Heh, as the Dark Lord, how could I resist bullying the Champion?

"Dark Lord, playtime’s over. Pending matters need your attention," Cecilia said softly from the side.

"Oh, right."

I tapped Lily’s nose quickly. "I’ve sacrificed so much time for you lately…"

"Eh?"

Startled, Lily froze. Her fluffy ears shot up; her cheeks flushed slightly.

"Almost forgot…"

I flicked my finger. Collars appeared on Lily and Ona’s necks—Ona’s had chains like Wuluwu’s, Lily’s had a lock.

"Huh?!"

Lily stared blankly at her collar. Ona touched hers curiously, even intrigued.

"W-what are you doing?!"

Lily tugged the lock—uselessly.

"Now you’re mine. I do as I please."

I licked my dry lips, grinning wickedly.

"Cecilia, help me with the documents. Your ample bosom boosts my focus by a hundred percent. Wuluwu, as senior maid, guide these three. I’ve no time for maid rules."

"As you wish, my Dark Lord."

I chuckled inwardly at Lily’s reaction. Dizziness washed over me, but I hid it.

"Wuluwu, teach them my rules. They’ll be maids—must know how I operate."

Wuluwu nodded obediently.

"I’ll listen well to the senior~" Ona’s fluffy ears twitched.

"Good."

I paused, eyeing Hawthorn and Lily.

"A-as long as it’s not unreasonable… I’ll obey." Lily tugged her collar, blushing, and turned away.

"Same," Hawthorn replied flatly.

"Perfect. Get along well, everyone~"

Satisfied, I nodded and left with Cecilia.