“…”

Hawthorn paused slightly after hearing Wuluwu’s words, then seemed to snap out of it.

“…I think you should go see… the master.”

Hawthorn fixed her gaze on me and spoke.

“Hmm?”

I raised an eyebrow at her words.

“Ever since talking with you, the master has sat silently on the bed… I… don’t know what to say to her now… I don’t know what to do.”

Hawthorn said helplessly, and I was taken aback for a moment—

“…Wait, Lily’s psyche seems far more fragile than I thought?”

Looking at Hawthorn, I felt a wave of unease.

“Got it.” I eyed Hawthorn, thought briefly, then flopped back down. “But why come to me?”

“…?”

Hawthorn froze, clearly not expecting that reply.

“You’re not thinking I must take full responsibility just because I spoke to her, are you? Dream on. Overlords start fights but don’t clean up the mess.” I lay on the bed, legs crossed. “Besides, I’m tired. I need sleep.”

“…”

Hawthorn stood rooted, unsure how to react.

“…You’re right. I shouldn’t have bothered you.” After a long silence, Hawthorn by the door spoke softly. “Saving the master was enough. I shouldn’t ask for more… Sorry for disturbing your rest.”

She bowed slightly and slipped out.

“…Really not helping?”

After she left, Wuluwu beside me looked up and asked.

“Nope, nope, nope!” I shut my eyes. “This Overlord’s exhausted—no time for emotional pep talks…”

“Emotional pep talks? What’s that?” Ona tilted her head curiously. “Some soul magic?”

“…Ughhhhh… No.”

Hearing her, I paused awkwardly.

“Dark Lord means counseling for Lily.” Wuluwu, sensing Ona’s confusion, added.

“Exactly.”

I replied, rubbing my temples at Ona’s naivety.

But it couldn’t be helped. Ona had lived almost entirely in the Abyss, barely touching the outside world… so even simple phrases baffled her.

“Huh…”

I closed my eyes, relaxing into sleep…

Then snapped them open.

“Tch, fine—Overlords start things but don’t finish them, but with cute girls? Guess I can’t ignore that.”

I muttered, sitting up straight.

“Hmew?” Ona gasped at my sudden move. “Dark Lord, heading to Lily’s? This one thought you’d truly ignore her.”

“Tsk, no choice—if it were anyone else, sure. But I can feel Lily’s mood’s terrible.”

I clicked my tongue, yawning widely.

“Hah… old habits die hard…”

I said, patting Ona and Wuluwu’s heads.

“Sleep now. Don’t wait up—I’ll probably spend the night with Lily.”

“Understood.”

“This one understands~”

Wuluwu and Ona nodded.

“Hmew~ Dark Lord’s truly loyal! This exceeds this one’s expectations.”

As I tidied myself up, Ona chirped.

“Told you—old habits.”

I shrugged. “Off I go. Rest well.”

I left, intercepting Hawthorn before she reached Lily’s room.

“…What’s this about?”

Hawthorn stared up at me with sharp eyes.

“Why not fight for my help?” I grinned down at her. “You came wanting something. No excuses.”

“…”

Hawthorn stayed silent, glaring.

I loomed over the petite girl, smiling without words.

“…You… read people too well.”

Hawthorn blinked after a pause.

“Long life teaches that.” I beamed. “But now? You need me. I owe you nothing.”

“Actually, I owe you much… I know.” Hawthorn countered. “‘You came wanting something.’ So—what do you want?”

“…Heh. Quick learner.”

Her words stunned me, then I laughed delightedly.

*Sharp girl.*

I thought.

“Beg me.” I stepped closer, towering over her. “With the most pitiful, pleading look and voice… beg.”

“…Just that?”

“Yep.” I smirked. “Little cutie, I can’t touch you—but your words can feed my tiny whim. So beg. Pathetically. And I’ll help.”

“…Your whim is disgustingly low-class.”

Hawthorn stared, then said flatly after a long silence.