"So, just like before, everyone gather close."

Wuluwu took a deep breath and addressed the group.

"Come on, huddle up tight—don’t miss anyone~"

I skipped over and plopped behind Wuluwu, hands resting on her shoulders as I called to the others.

"I’m here~"

Hearing me, Ona immediately pressed against my side, clinging to me with her chest flush against my arm. Lily and Hawthorn stood on the other side, but I swiftly grabbed Lily and tucked her under my other arm.

"Hey! Do we really need to be this close?!" Lily protested instantly.

"Of course we do. No need to be shy," I teased, patting her arm with a grin.

"...Pervert!" Lily puffed out her cheeks, muttering under her breath. Hawthorn stayed silent beside us, watching me with a thoughtful expression.

"Then, Dark Lord, I wish you joy in the days ahead. I’ll inform you immediately if anything arises."

As we pressed together, Wuluwu began her incantation. Just as the magic glow intensified, Cecilia gave a slight bow. I waved back in acknowledgment.

Moments later, the light enveloped us all, and the familiar sensation of teleportation washed over us.

The glow faded seconds after, revealing a grand hall.

"...First Overlord, your habits remain unchanged."

A cold female voice cut through the silence the moment we arrived.

Still holding Ona and Lily, I turned toward the sound.

A young female knight stood nearby—barely eighteen, with shoulder-length white hair and a stern expression fixed on me. Her sharp, pointed ears and imposing aura marked her as Demon Royal Family. Clad in light armor, her right hand rested on the sword at her hip, radiating icy detachment.

If Xia Xi was the dependable leader guiding troops into battle, this white-haired demon knight was a ruthless weapon of war—both exemplars of knighthood, yet worlds apart.

"Yo, Lan Ji! Still as stunning as ever~" I greeted her warmly.

"...Silence." The demon knight—Lan Ji—only glared, refusing to speak.

"Seriously? That cold after all this time?" I chuckled.

"I have nothing to say to you. Your conduct is disgraceful. How you became Overlord is beyond comprehension." Lan Ji snorted in disdain.

"Hmph! I agree! It’s a miracle you haven’t died under some woman’s sheets yet!" Lily chimed in instantly, earning a surprised glance from Lan Ji.

"Hey! At home is one thing, but you won’t even save face for me in public?" I shot Lily a look and squeezed her under my arm.

"Gah! I’m sorry—stop squeezing!" Lily yelped. I leaned close, whispering in her ear, "Heh... no rest for you tonight..."

"Guh..." Lily’s cheeks flushed slightly as she fell silent.

"Tch... Debauched fool." Lan Ji turned away with a disgusted snort.

"Hooh... She seems to *really* dislike you, Dark Lord," Ona observed.

"Blindingly obvious," I shrugged.

"Exactly! Any decent person would hate this guy!" Lily added. Annoyed, I nipped her ear.

"Eep!"

"You’re done for. No sleep for you tonight," I murmured against her head.

"...Keep this up, and you’ll die for real someday," Wuluwu warned, glancing back at Lily.

"Hehe, I wholeheartedly agree~" Ona licked her lips, making Lily’s eyes widen in panic.

"Wu... Xiao Huai, save me!"

"...Master, per our agreement with the Dark Lord, I cannot intervene," Hawthorn replied helplessly.

"Hehe, resign yourself to fate tonight," I grinned at the flustered Lily before releasing both girls. We stood in a grand hall flanked by armored guards—their stares distinctly uneasy.

"...First Overlord, the other Overlords have awaited your arrival."

A stern, broad-shouldered captain approached, speaking formally.

"Understood." I waved him off and glanced at my companions. "Alright, behave. Time to meet the other Overlords."

Wuluwu, Ona, Lily, and Hawthorn snapped to attention. Lily and Ona hastily smoothed their clothes before following me deeper into the hall.

This was the Demon Royal Palace—the seat of the Demon Emperor. Before facing him, protocol demanded I convene with the other Overlords. As the First Overlord, my rank surpassed theirs; they couldn’t begin discussions without me. Hence, "awaited."

As we walked, Ona, Lily, and Hawthorn—awestruck by the palace’s scale—gawked at the towering halls and austere grandeur until we reached our destination.

"Heya~ Sorry to keep you waiting~!"

I flung open the chamber doors and called out.

Hundreds of eyes snapped to me—some hostile. Nearly three hundred figures filled the hall, but only twelve sat upon thrones. The rest stood.

The seated twelve rose as one when I entered.

"Lord Xia, you’ve finally arrived."

A mature demon woman with violet hair and gown smiled warmly. Her curves and regal poise radiated charm.

"Yo, Xia! New beauties again? Your harem never stops growing!"

"Yeah, yeah!"

A pair of cat-eared siblings called out. Unlike the other Overlords seated apart, they shared a throne. Like Elan Elur, they mirrored light and shadow—one with wild black hair and crimson eyes, the other a petite white-haired girl with gentle features but potent magical aura.

"Vivian, Qiu, Mira—long time no see~" I waved back.

The violet-haired enchantress was Vivian, Tenth Overlord. The black cat-boy was Qiu, the white cat-girl Mira—Fifth Overlord *together*. Yes, the eighteen Overlords actually numbered nineteen. Much like how the Four Heavenly Kings always have a fifth... Wait, that logic’s flawed...