Yifia, though puzzled, didn’t hesitate. She strode to the window and slid a pane open.

A sleek black cat instantly leaped through—Asmodeus landed gracefully inside the dorm.

His fur gleamed like liquid silk. Every time Yifia saw it, her fluffy-loving heart ached with longing.

Now, finally seizing the chance, she smiled warmly at him.

She reached out to scoop him up, fingers ready for a practiced petting session…

Asmodeus flinched at first. Then, seeing her intent to stroke his fur, a faint, odd smile flickered across his feline face.

He didn’t resist. Instead, he flopped onto his back, utterly docile—practically begging to be petted bald.

But the moment Yifia’s fingertips brushed his fur—

*Zap!*

Asmodeus jolted upright, nearly rocketing to the ceiling.

Landing, his fur exploded into a bottlebrush. Ears flattened, tail shot straight up like a radio antenna.

“Meeeeeow! Meeeeeow!”

A piteous wail—nothing like his earlier lazy meows. Pure agony.

He shot a glance at Yifia’s pocket. *There.* The Overlord’s terrifying magical aura.

*Ugh. Just wanted a cute girl’s massage… nearly got fried by magic. Damn Overlord’s possessiveness. Unbearable.*

Time to scram.

No perks left to gain. Asmodeus sprang onto the sill. His fur smoothed slowly. Tail swaying, he let out soft, urging meows—*Follow me.*

Yifia sighed inwardly—*Still didn’t get to pet him*—but stepped closer anyway.

Peering out, she spotted a palm-sized bundle on the ledge. Asmodeus nudged it with his head, then blinked up at her: *Take it.*

She didn’t wait for more meows. Scooping it inside, she noted the gold-threaded cloth wrap—lavish, unmistakable.

Unfolding it, her eyes widened at the delicate glass bowl holding caramel pudding.

*Ahhh! Amelia’s so sweet! She actually brought it!*

Delightedly lifting the pudding, its sweet scent alone felt like bliss. Glancing up—Asmodeus was gone. *Next time…* she thought wistfully.

Back on bed, legs crossed, she cradled the bowl against her chest, chin propped on one hand, grinning at the system.

【Hehehe, System~ See this? Amelia *specially* sent me caramel pudding! She’s so nice to me~】

【Host. Do not forget your mission.】

This time, the system replied without vanishing.

【??? Wait—aren’t we *already* friends? She’s this kind to me! Obviously she sees me as one!】

【The Villainess Heiress has not verbally confirmed friendship. Mission remains incomplete.】

【…】

*Fine.*

Verbal confirmation? So embarrassing to ask outright…

But she was preparing a gift soon. A casual question then—mission cleared, easy-peasy~

Watching her naive optimism, the system sighed. *Maybe I’m too pessimistic…*

Truth was, the Villainess Heiress clearly took interest in Yifia. Friendship? Achievable.

The real danger lay ahead. Gaining her favor meant dancing ever closer to the edge. One misstep—both Host and system erased.

Yet… no other path existed to stop the world’s collapse. Death was certain either way. Bet on the higher odds.

Past records showed Hosts rising through strength, wit, or schemes—some even becoming dukes, forming a three-way standoff with the king and Duke Barren. One earned noble respect and public adoration, exiled Duke Barren, dethroned the king, crowned Prince Caroy…

Victory seemed sealed.

Then the Villainess Heiress broke all rules.

She *transformed*.

Leading demon hordes, she slaughtered the Westis Empire’s elite. Demons devoured souls, possessed bodies, impersonated nobles, and ignited wars across nations.

World-saving mission: failed. Host and system: terminated.

That brilliant Host? Still crushed. Not his fault—the Villainess Heiress was practically a glitch in this world’s code.

So… maybe this clumsy but unexpectedly favored Host *could* reach a happy ending. The system could only watch.

A backup plan existed: find the ultimate demon-suppressing artifact or ally. But all related records were locked. Access required Main God authorization. Pure gamble.

And after seeing Amelia toy with Medeni like an insect… and the corrupted holy artifact…

*Yeah. Better not rely on that plan.*

This Villainess Heiress was *way* too overpowered!!!

“Huh? A note tucked under the bowl—Amelia left me a message~”

Just as the system sank into gloomy sighs, Yifia set the pudding aside and unfolded the card.