*Snap.*

With a gentle tug and that crisp sound, I shut the door right in Lily’s face.

Turning to Hawthorn—who stood before me, stone-faced—I grinned. “What’s wrong? You look upset.”

“…Is *this* your idea of comfort?”

Hawthorn tilted her head up, her voice like ice.

“Just a bonus. More importantly, she needed a reality check—” I met the gaze of the girl who shared Lily’s face, blunt as ever. “Besides, you know I’ve coveted her for ages… Why would I pass up such a perfect chance?”

“…”

Hawthorn just glared at me, silent.

“I’m off to breakfast. I’ll wait for you two.” Seeing her stubborn silence, I had no urge to linger. I stepped around her. “You’re a total lecher.”

Her voice cut through the air as I passed.

“Meh. True. But I’m the Dark Lord—what did you expect?”

Unfazed, I strolled leisurely toward the dining hall.

“Your mood seems particularly bright today, Dark Lord?” Head Maid Cecilia greeted me, a lavish breakfast already laid out. Her smile deepened as I ambled in. “Last night must have been quite memorable.”

“Indeed. A night worth remembering.”

I settled into my seat, Lily’s tear-streaked, trembling expressions flashing in my mind. I nodded.

“Good morning, Dark Lord.”

“Mornin’, Dark Lord~!”

Wuluwu and Ona entered just as I replied. Wuluwu curtsied elegantly, skirts lifted just so. Ona mimicked the gesture clumsily beside her.

“Morning, my lovely girls.” I gestured to the empty seats beside me. “Sit. And Cecilia—speak now. I’ll be leaving soon to deal with the human army.”

They took their places. Cecilia bowed slightly. “Understood, Dark Lord. Though… no urgent matters today. Princess Vivian, along with Princesses Qiu and Mira, sent inquiries last night. They asked if we need to prepare anything for the other Overlords and His Majesty. Aerin also inquired when you’d return.”

“Hmm… No need to worry about the meeting. I’ve got no skeletons in my closet lately. Tell Vivian, Qiu, and Mira there’s no need to get our stories straight. And tell Aerin I’ll be back soon—she should focus on the child, not me.” I stroked my chin. “Oh, and Wuluwu, Ona—you two eat up. You’re coming with me.”

“Mew? To fight the Champion?” Ona blinked, surprised. “But didn’t you fear I’d betray you at first?”

“Eh, the deal’s done now. No big deal.” I shrugged.

“But Dark Lord,” Wuluwu tilted her head, curious, “with your strength, why bring us? Aren’t they easy prey?”

“I’m old. Scared of dying.” I ruffled Wuluwu’s hair. “Most folks get more cautious with age. I lost my youthful recklessness long ago… I trust my power, but who knows what traps they’ve set? You two have nothing better to do—humor me.”

“As you wish, Dark Lord.”

Wuluwu bowed her head.

“Shall I come too?” Cecilia smiled. “It’s been ages since I stretched my legs.”

“…Pass. If you ‘stretch your legs,’ your kin will come knocking for blood.” I eyed her. “Take a rain check.”

“Understood.” Cecilia clicked her tongue, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes.

“…You’re pushing back the human army, aren’t you? Take me with you.”

Lily’s voice rang out. She and Hawthorn stood at the doorway, Lily now in a maid uniform, freshly washed. Her tail swayed gently behind her. “I won’t kill humans. I’m only coming to ensure *you* don’t spill blood.”

“Oh?” I raised a brow. “Decided so quickly? And you bathe fast.”

“A quick rinse. I’m no noble lady soaking for an hour.” Her tone was firm, hinting at past experiences with slow-bathing comrades. “Just promise no killing.”

“Heh. Relax.” I chuckled. “I keep my word. No need for slaughter—they’ll retreat when they see reason. Why waste lives?” I paused. “Some lines… I know not to cross. I’m not an unreasonable Overlord.”

“…We’ll see.”

Lily held my gaze before finally replying.

“Enough standing there. Eat. We leave after breakfast.” I waved them over. “This Dark Lord’s swamped with duties.”