Chapter 9: Huali, Don’t Look Back—It’s Me, Lilith

Mist swirled, dreamy and illusory.

As the Dragonkin Warden of Demon King Castle Aisaridu, Lilith ended a long day of tedious work.

The only thing that could soothe her weary body and mind was this exclusive hot spring within Demon King Castle.

There were good reasons it was always her first choice.

Not only was it located far from the noisy center of the Royal City, free from irritating clamor, but its high threshold—open only to Demon Castle officials—also guaranteed peace during enjoyment.

Of course, compared to what she truly cared about, these were just added bonuses.

What truly drew her, like a barbed fishhook, ensuring she never missed a night…

Was the allure that, like a hero’s ship breaking through the foggy sea, brought fiery Firewine to its rightful destination—a wooden Wine Tray floating atop the bubbling hot spring.

A slender yet powerful arm broke through the water, scattering countless droplets that splashed onto the surface.

A hand, dripping with water, caught the Wine Tray bearing a Wine Cup with perfect precision.

Within her veins flowed the pure and powerful Red Dragon Bloodline.

Lilith Kofara—an evil and greedy dragon—was ready to overturn any ship carrying strong liquor that passed by.

In the end, she claimed the fiercest drink in the Royal City as her own.

She picked up the Wine Cup from the tray, and as soon as she brought it to her nose, a strong aroma flooded her senses, spreading through her entire body.

This was the taste she sought every night.

Without hesitation, she tilted her head back and drank.

The warm Firewine burned the moment it touched her tongue, leaving a scorching sensation.

A bit of wine dribbled from the corner of her lips, tracing a red line down her neck.

“Ah~!”

The empty Wine Cup crashed onto the tray, and she exhaled the heavy air from her chest.

“Refreshing!”

Moist steam from the hot spring rose around Lilith’s face, and soon a blush crept onto her cheeks.

At that moment, Hualí and Penina finally emerged from the changing room, late as always.

Both were wrapped tightly in long white towels, their private parts thoroughly covered.

For some reason, Hualí wore a tense expression, as if constantly on guard.

The towels came off just before entering the water, and as they slipped in, the water level visibly rose.

Their hair was tied up with ribbons, coiled neatly behind their heads.

“Why so slow? Did something happen?”

Lilith asked with curiosity.

“It’s nothing. Everything’s fine.”

Penina smiled, arching a brow meaningfully at Hualí.

“N-nothing happened…”

Hualí’s voice was weak.

She tried to comfort herself, thinking it was just a look—nothing serious.

Like being stared at by a dog.

Lilith frowned.

Was it her imagination?

For a moment, she thought she saw a playful expression on the Saintess Penina’s face.

Forget it.

That’s a human matter, nothing to do with her.

Sensing the right moment, Lilith finally revealed why she had secretly brought the two out of Prison tonight.

“Since we’ve eaten and soaked, there’s something I’d like to ask of you both…”

A few days ago, Sidella had entrusted Lilith, as Dragonkin Warden, with full responsibility for the upcoming Demon King Succession Ceremony.

Lilith’s respect for Her Majesty was beyond question, but she felt out of her depth handling such a major event.

She wanted to do it perfectly but had no clue where to start.

Unfortunately, as someone brought to Demon King Castle by the Blood Queen, she had no friends to consult—leaving only the human Heroes Hualí and Penina.

She asked if they had any good ideas.

“So that’s it, Lilith! You want to use us!”

Hualí realized, her cheeks puffing in anger.

Help that awful Sidella with her Succession Ceremony?

No way!

She still ached from the punishment in the Interrogation Room.

“So what’s your answer?”

“Not a cha—Ouch!”

A sharp blow landed on her head.

Hualí clutched her scalp in pain.

“Penina, why did you hit me?!”

“Nothing. Just giving her some advice.”

Penina said to Lilith, then dragged Hualí aside for a whispered conversation.

“Hualí, come here. I need to talk to you.”

They moved out of Lilith’s line of sight.

In the hot spring, two pale bodies pressed together, silent and slippery.

Penina’s warm breath tickled Hualí’s ear.

“Idiot Hualí! Do you want to miss a perfect chance to escape?”

“Huh?”

Hualí blinked, confused.

Penina sighed.

Now she understood how the Hero lost.

But she patiently explained.

“Look, Lilith only wants our opinions, but there’s a lot we can do with that. If we just suggest…”

“Oh, I get it!”

A plan took shape in Penina’s mind, details to be filled in later.

“I call it the ‘Statue Plan’!”

Back in place, Hualí’s resolve changed.

She puffed her chest at Lilith, voice proud.

“Fine, we’ll help, but the details come tomorrow. We want to be involved in key preparations, and I’ll be in charge!”

“Also, I don’t want to sleep in the Prison these days.”

“I can agree to everything else, but not the cell. Tomorrow morning, I’ll get you both a new soft bed.”

Recalling Her Majesty’s orders to keep a close watch on Hualí, Lilith refused her request to leave the Prison, just to be safe.

***

The thought of returning to that dark, damp cell, lying on a Bed Board as hard as stone, made Hualí slow down her washing again.

Soaking in the hot spring for too long made her woozy, sapping her energy.

She turned into a puddle of mush.

“Penina~ help me scrub my back, I can’t reach~~”

Even her voice was limp and powerless.

No response.

Penina had left long ago.

Lilith moved closer.

Her voice betrayed no emotion, but she offered to help.

“She went to the changing room to dress. I’ll help you.”

“Oh, thanks.”

The towel gently rubbed her back.

Hualí closed her eyes in comfort, but the peace didn’t last.

A certain ‘uninvited guest’ always found the perfect moment to strike when Hualí’s guard was down.

The Blood Queen, Sidella, appeared silently on the hot spring’s edge, gazing at Hualí’s back.

Her smile was deep and unfathomable.

Perhaps only Hualí could understand its meaning—

She was in trouble again.