"Alright, Wuluwu, take the three of them to get familiar with the surroundings first. I need to spend time with my adorable daughters and wife."

"Understood."

After exchanging greetings, I turned to Wuluwu nearby and gestured for her to show Lily, Hawthorn, and Ona around my Demon King Castle. Wuluwu responded promptly.

My Demon King Castle isn't overly lavish, but it's sizable and impressive. After all, it's no longer just the Overlord's residence. For administrative convenience, the outer areas house government offices, and beyond that lies a massive city.

Naturally, I wanted Lily, Hawthorn, and Ona to get acquainted with the place first. They can't rely on others to guide them forever, right?

Soon, Wuluwu led the trio away to explore my Demon King Castle—their home for the foreseeable future. Before leaving, Lily gave me a meaningful glance.

I knew her little thoughts, but holding Elan and Elur, I couldn't be bothered right now.

"Dark Lord, the kids you brought back this time all seem quite interesting," Aerin said, snuggling close to me while playfully fiddling with Elan and Elur.

"Indeed, all three are quite interesting."

Just then, a stern-looking elderly maid in a long dress approached respectfully. "Dark Lord, it's time for the two princesses' lessons."

"Is that so? Alright." I set my two darlings down and ruffled each of their heads. "Go on, study well. Knowledge is power."

"Mm, we know, Dad."

Elan and Elur nodded obediently and followed the maid away.

"Hehe, Xia, you're such a gentle yet strict father~" Aerin snuggled up again, wrapping both arms around my right arm, her ample chest pressing tightly against it. "With you here, I don't worry about little Elan and Elur's education."

"Heh, you..." I chuckled, flicking her nose. "Being this carefree won't do."

"That's just how I am," she said, snuggled against me. "Besides, overthinking doesn't suit me."

"Mm, fair enough." Looking at her, warmth filled my heart, and my chaotic thoughts settled.

"By the way, how long can you stay? I recall you have a meeting in the Imperial Capital next?"

"I leave in a week." I scratched her ear. "What's wrong?"

"Ugh... such a short visit before you're off again." Aerin pouted discontentedly.

"No choice. That's being the Dark Lord." I kept scratching her ear, and she closed her eyes contentedly.

"Alright, I promise—after the meeting, if nothing extra comes up, I'll spend time with you all."

"Really?"

"Really." I chuckled lightly. "When have I lied? Especially to you."

"Mm-hmm, got it... I know you're busy. Just being with us is enough." Aerin nodded satisfactorily. Nearby maids whispered among themselves.

"Oh, the Dark Lord's showing off affection again."

"Mmm, so envious~"

"Hehe, work hard—you'll get your chance."

The cute short-skirted maids gossiped while some long-dressed maids glared—the meaning clear. Yet one or two extra long-dressed maids joined the whispers.

Clearly, I wasn't strict with my girls. Occasional chatter was allowed.

"Alright, my lovely girls, greetings are done. Attend to your duties—or you'll get spanked for unfinished tasks."

"Yes, Dark Lord."

Hearing their whispers, I smiled but waved them off. The maids curtsied, silenced their chatter, and retreated quietly, elegantly, and in unison. Only Cecilia and three other long-dressed maids remained, excluding Freya.

"Nothing major happened during my absence, right?" I asked, looking at Freya and the three.

"No, Dark Lord," they replied respectfully. "Nothing today requires your extra attention."

"Good." Satisfied, I nodded and swept Aerin up from my side. She didn't gasp, just obediently let me hold her—as usual.

"Then, don't disturb us for a while." Smiling, I carried my lovely wife out of the hall straight to our bedroom.