"Hah! My lovely girls, are you all ready?"

The next morning, I bounced into the dining hall full of energy, calling out loudly to Wuluwu and the others already seated at the table.

"Of course we are~"

Ona was the first to raise her hand and reply.

"Hmph. It’s not some life-or-death battle. What’s there to prepare for?"

Lily huffed beside her, while Hawthorn gave a slight nod.

"Oh? That’s good. Just don’t act like country bumpkins when we get there."

I grinned at the three of them and slid into my seat.

"Hmph! Who’s a bumpkin?!" Lily puffed her cheeks. "I’m not some sheltered nobody!"

"Meow~ I may not have seen much of the world, but I won’t gawk like a fool~"

Ona’s ears twitched as she spoke.

"Haaah… Dark Lord really spoils the new girls~"

"Yeah, yeah. Wuluwu’s one thing—but leaving *us* behind? Has His Majesty grown tired of us already?"

Two lovely maids serving my breakfast deliberately pressed against me as they set down the plates.

"Heh, newcomers need extra care, right? And I’m not ignoring you—I just don’t need a huge entourage. You’ve all been to the Imperial Capital before. This time, it’s just these three and Wuluwu." I winked. "No jealousy now. I *have* ‘taken care’ of you two before."

I chuckled, giving each maid a playful slap on their bottoms. They yelped, then giggled as they retreated.

"Ugh… total pervert… How many girls have you ruined?" Lily muttered, cheeks flushed.

"Tsk tsk. ‘Ruined’? That’s not very nice to hear." I smirked.

"...His Majesty hasn’t *ruined* anyone," Wuluwu said calmly between bites of breakfast. "He’s never forced himself on a maid. They all choose this. And not all maids act like that—objectively, the Dark Lord is quite normal."

"...Then what am I?"

"You’re not a normal maid. Frankly, you’re just His Majesty’s slave."

Wuluwu didn’t even glance up. Lily choked on her food, then fell silent, stabbing her breakfast with her fork.

"Now now, Wuluwu. We’re all comrades now. Ease up, yeah? Don’t ruin the mood~"

I waved at the expressionless Wuluwu. She immediately nodded.

"Understood, Dark Lord."

"...Wuluwu’s attitude still needs work," I mused.

"Speaking of—where are Elan and Elur?" Lily suddenly asked.

"Oh, still asleep." I sipped my milk tea. "Growing girls need their rest."

"Tch… Must be nice, being an immortal. Just sleep and get stronger." Lily sighed.

"Humans mature faster though." I shrugged. "The Goddess of Creation is fair. No complaining."

I finished my meal. "Alright! I’m done. Meet me in my office in half an hour. If nothing comes up, we’ll head out right after."

"Meow? But you said *noon*!" Ona’s ears shot up.

"Plans changed. Early’s better if we’re free." I waved dismissively.

"But I haven’t packed my clothes, meow!"

"His Majesty’s changes are too sudden!"

"Eh, just a slight schedule shift. Always be prepared, Ona." I shrugged and headed for my office. Ona instantly devoured her food and dashed off to pack. Lily, Hawthorn, and Wuluwu remained calm—clearly not last-minute packers like Ona.

"Haaah… Perfect. Another harmonious day."

Back in my office, after Head Maid Cecilia delivered the daily report, I leaned back contentedly.

"Dark Lord, while the territory is stable, the world grows restless again," Cecilia said quietly.

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow. "Details?"

"The Khami tribes are agitated—especially toward factions capturing their kin. War looms. Spider Demons in the depths have struck deals with the Blood Clan. Demonkin armies stir, but their target isn’t the Demon Race… And Night Elves, Wood Elves, and High Elves now resent Sun Elf rule."

"Definitely not targeting demons," I mused, eyes narrowing. "We’re technically neutral, but still part of the Eternal Night Chaos faction. Allies don’t stab allies… But elves turning on each other? The timing’s almost here." I stroked my chin. "Faster than last cycle. Could be an opportunity."

"...Or a trap," I muttered. "Annoying. My cards aren’t all on the table yet… Damn it, don’t push me to drastic moves." I sighed, stretching. "Whatever. Imperial Capital first. Hope no one picks fights—I’m not in the mood." I stood up. "I’ll take Wuluwu’s group now. Hold down the fort, Cecilia."

"Making me sound like a guard dog… Though I *am* your hunting hound." Cecilia’s lips quirked. As I reached the door, she added: "Dark Lord… You didn’t try to grope me today. Unusual."

I froze.

"*Shit!* Forgot my daily quest! Cecilia, let me just—" I spun around, hands outstretched—only to see her fingers already loaded with throwing knives.

I backed off instantly. "Uh… never mind!"

"Dark Lord," Cecilia called as I fled, "didn’t you summon Wuluwu’s group to your office? Where are you running?"

I scratched my head sheepishly and trudged back to my chair.

*Damn it… When will Cecilia ever let me test that close-combat strength of hers…*

I wasn’t invincible. Wuluwu matched me in magic. Cecilia outclassed me in melee.

But I dominated by blending both. Magic and fists—no one in this world could stand against that fusion.

"Dark Lord. Time to go."

Wuluwu entered with Lily’s group behind her.

"Right. Let’s move." I stood.

"I’ll cast the Teleportation Circle," Wuluwu offered. "The formal meeting starts tomorrow, but you’ll meet other Overlords this afternoon. Conserve your energy."

"Good call." I nodded, handing her the reins.