After afternoon tea, Elan and Elu had classes to attend, so other maids quickly whisked them away. As for me, having entered "Sage Mode," I was momentarily without desires, leisurely sipping tea. Meanwhile, Lily and the others continued exploring the Demon King Castle—they’d start etiquette training tomorrow, so today focused on familiarization.

After everyone left, Aerin stayed by my side, smiling sweetly as we chatted sporadically. Truthfully, we weren’t short on topics; we simply savored this rare tranquility.

For the next week, I maintained this state... Waking on schedule, handling Overlord duties each morning. Afternoons were for tea, gardening with Aerin, or other leisurely tasks. Then, checking Elan and Elu’s studies. Evenings involved observing Lily, Hawthorn, and Ona’s etiquette progress.

Though the three had never received formal etiquette training before, after a week of drills, they performed decently.

“Dark Lord, it’s not perfect, but it should barely pass,” Cecilia said respectfully. Having emerged from Sage Mode and mostly recovered, I held Wuluwu while watching the three stand straight before me. I nodded in satisfaction.

“Good. Tomorrow, you three will accompany me.”

“Yes! We passed~” Ona chirped happily, excited about visiting the Imperial Capital.

“Hmph, this was only expected. How hard could it be?” Lily snorted.

“...Actually, it was quite fun,” Hawthorn blinked, adding her opinion.

“We depart at noon tomorrow. In the afternoon, various Overlords will meet the Demon Emperor, alongside other Demon Race ministers. Rest early tonight to stay energetic.” As I absentmindedly stroked Wuluwu’s thigh, I addressed them.

“...The Demon Emperor and Overlords,” Lily muttered, sensing fate’s irony.

“Alright, it’s late. Everyone, go rest.” Spotting Elan and Elu peeking through the door crack, I waved after realizing nothing else needed doing.

I set Wuluwu down. Though reluctant, Lily bowed slightly like the others and exited the meeting hall. Everyone deliberately used another door, aware of the peeking pair.

“Come in. What are you doing outside?” I called toward them.

“Daddy—” Realizing they’d been caught, Elan and Elu pushed the door open, darting to me and standing obediently.

“Daddy, are you leaving tomorrow?” Elan tilted her head.

“Daddy just came back and is leaving again...” Elu added.

“I’ll be gone two or three weeks. Didn’t I mention that?” I smiled at them, standing so still.

“Is that so...” They blinked, looking reluctant.

“Don’t worry, Daddy will return soon.” I scratched their ears, then noticed their grubby faces. “Haven’t bathed yet?”

“Mhm.” They nodded.

“Then bathe with Daddy!” I declared. Elan and Elu nodded obediently, no hesitation.

I stood, taking each small hand, and we headed for the bathhouse. There, we met Aerin, who’d been busy elsewhere.

“Oh? Bath time? Count Mommy in~”

“Sure.” Aerin clapped, seeing me with Elan and Elu. None of us objected.

Without hesitation, I pulled all three to the large bathhouse I’d built in my Demon King Castle for convenience. Hot water covered everything below the neck, the perfect temperature bringing waves of comfort.

“Haaah~” Elan and Elu perched on Aerin and me—the pool was too deep for them otherwise. They splashed lightly, occasionally flicking water at each other but instinctively holding back.

Aerin held Elan; I held Elu. I stroked Elu’s black tail as she sat in my lap, feeling deeply content. I wore a towel below the waist—Elan and Elu were my daughters, and I refused to be improper. Elan, Elu, and Aerin wore nothing; towels lay nearby.

Elu leaned against my chest without hesitation. My left arm cradled her soft belly; my right rubbed her tail. “Hmm... these two really are growing. They seem taller than before.” I inhaled Elu’s freshly washed hair and ears, glancing at Elan in Aerin’s arms.

“Yes! They’ll hit their growth spurt soon~” Aerin rubbed her head against Elan’s happily. Elan squirmed slightly, perhaps suffocated, but it was futile.

“Growth spurt... does that mean Sister and I will grow as tall as Mommy?” Elu asked Aerin.

“Yes, more or less,” I scratched Elu’s head. “In another ten years or so.”

“Mmm... ten years,” Elan mumbled.

“Hehe, inheriting Mommy’s bloodline, little Elan and little Elu will be stunning~ Though they’re adorable now too~” Aerin cuddled Elan tighter, her tail swishing excitedly underwater.

“Yes, but if you don’t loosen up, you might not live to see it,” I teased, poking Aerin’s fluffy ear. She chuckled, realizing her grip was excessive, and eased slightly.

“...Ugh, Elu, switch places with me...” Elan shuddered, finally breathing, then eyed my lap.

“No way~” Elu cut her off mercilessly.

“Matching hair color decides who holds them.”

“Exactly~” I grinned lightly. Elan’s face fell in despair as Aerin hugged her again.

Elan’s hair matched Aerin’s; Elu’s matched mine—a fact that stunned us at their birth. We soon adopted an unspoken rule: together, Aerin held Elan, I held Elu. It just felt right.

I treasured them like jewels. Holding Elu, I stayed relaxed, mostly scratching ears and tails. Elu loved my solid chest for security. Aerin, perhaps due to her beast ears, clung to Elan like a small animal. Elan felt utterly desperate; Elu secretly delighted in her sister’s struggle.

Watching them, I felt incredibly happy, deeply cherishing this hard-won moment. Aerin actively cuddled the girls; I stayed quiet, occasionally teasing them. I savored this time. I wished to keep this peace forever, but my duties as Overlord meant I couldn’t enjoy it long.