The most beautiful moment in a person's day is undoubtedly sleep.

Relaxing body and mind, thinking of nothing, doing nothing—just drifting quietly into slumber and waking naturally the next morning. How utterly comfortable.

Especially when holding a beauty close. Pure bliss.

I leaned against the headboard, cradling the petite white fox girl in my arms. Sunlight streamed through the window as I stroked her fluffy tail and ears.

A deep breath brought a faint musky scent. Tiny traces clung to her fur.

"Mmm..." Lily moaned softly under my touch. Her ears twitched. She shifted against my shoulder but kept her teeth firmly sunk into my skin.

"Come on, stop biting. You’re a fox, not a wolf."

"Mmm! You made me sore last night! And woke me up at dawn! I’m human—these ears and tail are your doing!" Lily growled, refusing to let go.

"No choice—you’re just too cute." I dipped my head to her ear, whispering, "Besides, I expected more resistance... not such a quick surrender."

"Would resisting even help... you lecher... Eep! You bit me again!" She loosened her jaw to protest, then yelped.

"Ancient Eastern wisdom says, ‘A graceful lady draws a gentleman’s heart.’ And I am male—the Overlord." I nipped her ear lightly. "Heroes flirt with priestesses and warriors freely. Why can’t an Overlord have a harem?"

"Mmph... that’s twisted logic!" Lily ducked away, squirming to escape. But I released her tail and locked an arm around her back. She couldn’t break free.

As the Sword Saint, her strength lay in skill—not brute force against my embrace.

"Truth is truth. Don’t run."

"Mmm! Let go! This feels so strange!" She whimpered in my grip.

"Yet last night, your face told a different story..." I ruffled her hair.

"Mmm..." Lily fell silent, unable to retort.

Clearly, she’d never sought companionship before. First, she trained to slay me. Then, she spent years helping Hawthorn take human form.

Last night was her first time.

But her final expression hinted she didn’t hate it. Her tsundere charm only deepened the ache to tease her.

"Alright, no more teasing." I patted her flushed cheek and released her.

"Mmm!" Seizing the chance, Lily kicked off the bed, scrambling backward. Shy from her nakedness, she yanked the blanket around herself.

"Judging by your look—you’ve decided, haven’t you?" I watched her cocooned form.

"How could I decide when you just swept me off my feet last night..." She glared, pouting. Even after my night of teasing, her defiance remained.

"Sigh. You’re right. What choice do I have now? Start over." Lily sighed. "You read hearts well. You knew Hawthorn would save me at any cost—so you traded my revival for her service. Now I’m trapped here because of her..."

She puffed her cheeks. "Destined for you from the start. Why fight it?" Her eyes narrowed. "But tell me—must I stay by your side forever?"

"Would you rather not?" I grinned. "Shower first. Then breakfast."

"...Understood. But the human alliance—what’s your plan?" Her voice turned serious.

"Drive them off. Crush the leaders. I’ve no taste for slaughtering ants."

"...If your words are true, I’ll believe you." Lily blinked slowly. "Though I’ve no way to doubt you anyway."

"Wise." I swung off the bed, dressing swiftly. "Servants will tidy up during breakfast. No worries."

Lily stayed silent, face crimson.

Whistling lightly, I left the room.