"Mmm... so comfortable."

Lying on the bed, I savored the Elven Princess's massage for a while. Then, I let out a satisfied sigh.

"Alright, that's enough."

"Yes."

When I felt it was time, I spoke to Wuluwu. She understood instantly and slid off my back, sitting beside me.

"Huff..."

I sat up straight, stretching my shoulders. A series of crack-crack sounds echoed.

"Wuluwu, teach Ona massage later. This is seriously blissful."

Ona watched my content face, her ears twitching nonstop. Clearly, she was curious.

"Understood, Dark Lord. I'll teach Ona."

Wuluwu nodded obediently. Ona wagged her tail excitedly.

"Hehe, please be patient with me then. I'm a bit slow and wild."

"Don't worry. Just don't be hopelessly dumb."

Wuluwu replied flatly.

"Hehe, ignore Wuluwu's cold face. She's actually sweet."

I chuckled at Ona's words, patting Wuluwu's head. Then I flopped back onto the bed.

"Come on. One on each side."

After resting my head on the soft pillow, I beckoned to Wuluwu and Ona. They lay down beside me without hesitation—Wuluwu, used to my requests, obeyed calmly. Ona seemed eager to comply.

As they settled, my arms spread out. I held them both.

"Huff... Embracing two beauties like this? Life's peak. Pure joy~"

I cradled petite Wuluwu in one arm and curvy Ona in the other.

"Huh meow? Dark Lord, are you saying you're happy?" Ona tilted her head, unfamiliar with the phrasing but grasping the meaning.

"Close enough." I smiled. "Ancient Eastern talk. I've forgotten most of it—just a few phrases left."

"Oh? Ancient Eastern?" Ona blinked. "I know of it, but never heard speech like that."

"Dark Lord's wisdom is vast. Even I must admire it."

Wuluwu added.

"Haha, that flattery's overkill." I ruffled Wuluwu's hair.

"...I don't know ancient phrases. And you truly know more than me, Dark Lord. I only have magic talent."

Wuluwu closed her eyes slightly, replying earnestly.

Though Wuluwu looked like a young teen, she was an Elf. By Sun Elf standards, she'd lived through over ten human generations.

As she claimed, her magic talent was real. She cast high-level spells effortlessly. Before joining me, she'd nearly devoured the Sun Elf royal library. Mine was open to her too.

"Long life brings wisdom."

I answered her.

"By the way..." Ona nuzzled my chest, her face coy. "I thought you'd want something wilder tonight."

"No energy for that now." I rubbed her ears. "Peace is nice sometimes. Trouble's coming soon—I need rest."

Ona pondered, then nodded thoughtfully.

"Sleep time. Sleep time. Sleep time..."

I took a deep breath, ready to drift off with them.

Suddenly, soft knocks echoed.

*Knock knock—*

"...Damn. Who needs me now?"

I snapped awake, annoyed.

"Shall I open it?"

Wuluwu asked.

"Hmm... oh, it's Hawthorn. Fine. Enter."

I sensed her outside. With a wave, the locked door clicked open.

"...Sorry to disturb."

Hawthorn paused, then pushed the door gently. She spoke politely.

"...You two..."

She froze upon seeing me holding both girls.

"...Bad timing, I see."

Hawthorn blushed, stepping back. I sat up and waved her closer.

"Don't run. Just cuddling. Nothing else."

"Exactly!" Ona chimed in. "You watched me and the Dark Lord before. No big deal."

"..."

Hawthorn opened her mouth, speechless.

"Spit it out. It's late."

Wuluwu reminded her from the doorway.