Although my body had vanished from Xia Xi's perception, I remained inside the tent, secretly watching her as she lay on the ground.

Truth be told, I worried this girl might do something rash.

I stood aside, lost in thought for a moment.

I’d probably gone too far earlier. Honestly, indulging myself felt incredibly satisfying. But for Xia Xi—a girl raised with knightly virtues—my actions were indeed excessive.

I feared she’d take it too hard... Not out of guilt, but because ending her life over this would be such a waste.

"...Ugh."

After a while, Xia Xi suddenly sat up. She froze briefly, then tears of hatred and fury streamed down her cheeks.

"Damn you, Overlord! Damn you... One day, I will kill you!"

But Xia Xi wasn’t just a pretty face. After wiping her tears away fiercely, she gritted her teeth and muttered resolutely to herself. Watching her, I observed quietly and nodded in satisfaction.

"Huh. I overthought it. Xia Xi isn’t as fragile as I imagined," I thought, nodding to myself.

I knew her state of mind—anger and revenge simmered, but only as a small part. Overwhelming shame dominated her heart.

No one’s perfect. Even pioneers of the Eight Virtues felt rage and vengeance, yet they suppressed it, knowing it could destroy them.

Xia Xi handled it well. Honor and shame outweighed her fury... This wouldn’t hinder her future; the deep humiliation would spur her growth.

"Good. A child not blinded by hatred... She’s passed my test."

I murmured this—it was why I stayed to observe silently.

If she lost her mind over such a minor violation, I’d end her bright future here. After all, physical violations are a risk for any woman.

Of course, the bigger reason was I wanted a few more looks...

I eyed Xia Xi’s alluring figure and rubbed my nose.

"Great figure... Hiss. No—my urges are running high lately. Time to go home and find some soothing company to cool down."

Watching her tightly re-wrap her chest and re-don her clothes and armor, I slipped out silently to find my lovely girls.

I wasn’t rushing to reveal myself. I wanted to see how they were doing.

Thinking this, I moved to Lily’s side and continued observing.

"...Tsk tsk. This is really troublesome."

The swordswoman held a longsword glowing blue, facing Lily and Hawthorn. She had presence, but now she grinned wryly.

Lily held an ordinary longsword. Hawthorn stood aside, doing nothing.

From the Champion girl’s expression, she clearly dared not act rashly.

"Your fundamentals aren’t solid enough."

Lily waved her plain sword calmly at the Champion girl, like a seasoned master. "Footwork’s too simple and predictable. Your moves vary but lack substance—you feel no threat. Too weak."

Even surrounded by tense soldiers—many trembling—the Champion girl stayed serious as Lily spoke.

"Is that so... My fundamentals aren’t solid enough..."

The girl murmured, then reset her stance.

"Thank you for the guidance, senior. But I have my own insights. Bear with me."

She spoke earnestly, took a deep breath, and lunged at Lily instantly!

Lily began sparring with the swordswoman!

Holding her ordinary sword, Lily stood firm, blocking every attack effortlessly. She radiated calm composure, utterly unpressured.

"Huh. Wanting to train the junior here... Fine. I’ll give you this chance."

I watched the scene, decided to allow it, and sent a silent message.

"Have fun. Leave in ten minutes. This Overlord is done."

Before leaving, I signaled Lily. Her ears perked up sharply—she’d heard and understood.