Chapter 24 : Why Do You Have the Queen’s Scent on You
Chapter 24: Why Do You Have the Queen’s Scent on You
Lilia didn’t know how she had returned to that shabby room.
Her memory seemed to have a blank gap from the moment she closed the doors of Hera’s bedchamber.
By the time she came back to her senses, she was already slumped on the cold floor, her back tightly pressed against the thin wooden door of her room.
Her heart was still pounding wildly.
“Hah… ha… hah…”
She gasped for breath, greedily inhaling the cold and thin air of the room, as if only by doing so could she prove that she was still alive.
She survived.
She really survived.
At that moment, she thought she was dead for sure.
The killing intent in Hera’s eyes had been so real, so pure.
That had been the closest she had come to death since arriving in this world.
Her life and death had depended on nothing more than a single thought from that woman.
Lilia slowly raised her hand and trembled as she touched her neck.
Beneath the cool skin, her pulse throbbed strongly.
She was still alive.
But… why?
Why hadn’t Hera made a move in the end?
Uncontrollably, the final scene replayed in Lilia’s mind.
Hera’s cold “Say it again.”
Her own humble-to-the-dust response, “…My Master.”
And…
That absurd notification on the System panel.
【Loyalty +2!】
【Feminization Index +3!】
Struggling to her feet, Lilia walked to the only mirror in the room—a small, pitiful thing covered in dust.
In the mirror, a pale face devoid of all color was reflected.
Her long silver hair clung messily to her cheeks and forehead, damp with cold sweat. Her eyes still held lingering fear, like a deer frightened out of its wits.
Pitiful.
Disheveled.
And yet, on that face, there was also a trace of… an unusual flush that even Lilia herself hadn’t noticed.
Being stared at so intensely by that lofty Queen—with that possessive gaze filled with scrutiny and probing—
Being forced to repeat that shameful title—
And then watching the killing intent in her eyes gradually fade within her own humble submission…
That feeling…
Lilia suddenly shook her head, not daring to think further.
If she continued, she feared she would truly become some hopeless deviant.
She opened the System panel, dispelling the chaotic thoughts in her mind.
【Name: Lilia】
【Race: Human (Demonized)】
【Level: Apprentice Maid】
【Feminization Index: 15】
【Loyalty (Hera): 12】
【Talents: S-Rank 【Absolute Senses】, E-Rank 【Temperature Perception】, Passive 【Praying for the Master】 (New!)】
【Skills: D-Rank 【Magic Shockwave】, D-Rank 【Cooking Mastery】, E-Rank 【Tea Art Mastery】, S-Rank 【God-Tier Massage Technique】 (Permanently Acquired)】
【Passive Talent · Praying for the Master】: When you sincerely pray for the master’s safety, health, and happiness, there is a small chance to grant the master a “Good Luck” status (Note: The activation of this talent is closely tied to your Loyalty and Feminization Index).
Right now, all she wanted was for that unpredictable woman to stay as far away from her as possible.
But…
When she thought of the rare fatigue and peace that had appeared on Hera’s cold face under her massage, an inexplicable feeling rose in her heart.
She… seemed really tired.
The moment that thought appeared, Lilia was startled.
What was wrong with her?
She was actually feeling pity for a Demon Queen who could snap her neck at any moment?
It must be that her Feminization Index was too high—it had messed up her brain!
That night, Lilia barely slept at all.
Fear, shame, relief, confusion… all kinds of emotions intertwined, keeping her mind in a constant state of heightened agitation.
Until three in the morning.
That damned devilish alarm rang in her mind right on time.
【Daily Mission: Prelude of Dawn】
【Mission Objective: Before 03:30, complete washing up, change into the designated maid outfit, and arrive outside the master’s bedchamber to await orders.】
【Failure Penalty: Erasure.】
The familiar formula, the familiar taste.
Lilia jolted and sprang up from the bed.
All the chaotic emotions were instantly suppressed by her instinct to survive.
She rushed into the washroom at top speed and completed her washing.
Then, she saw the “designated maid outfit” prepared by the System.
It was still that conservative long-skirt style, but the apron now had an extra layer of delicate black lace trim.
The level of embarrassment seemed to have increased just a little more.
Lilia couldn’t even be bothered to complain anymore.
She quickly changed into the outfit, took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and walked toward that bedchamber she both respected and feared.
Along the way, the corridor was empty, with only her footsteps echoing in the silence.
Lilia’s heart began to rise uncontrollably again.
She arrived at the bedchamber entrance right on time.
However, the doors did not slide open automatically as they usually did.
Lilia froze.
She stood at the doorway, not daring to move, as time ticked by second after second.
Just as she thought she would be erased for failing to “await orders,” a sharp voice came from the other end of the corridor.
“You’re Lilia?”
Lilia turned toward the sound.
A small figure with bat wings—a Little Demon—was cautiously approaching, carrying a dim magic crystal lamp.
This was the first time she had seen a third demon, other than Camilla, in Hera’s private quarters.
“Yes, I am.” Lilia replied cautiously.
The Little Demon stopped in front of her and looked her up and down without restraint, its eyes full of curiosity.
“Her Majesty has issued an order.”
The Little Demon cleared its throat, trying to sound more serious.
“Starting today, everything including Her Majesty’s meals, daily routine, palace cleaning, and item organization will all be handled solely by you.”
Lilia was completely stunned.
What did that mean?
It sounded like her responsibilities had increased.
This sounded like a promotion.
No, no, no! This was clearly becoming even more of a workhorse!
“Do not enter the main bedchamber.”
Hera… was she deliberately avoiding her?
Lilia’s mood instantly became extremely complicated.
There was a sense of relief, but also a trace of… an indescribable disappointment.
“Understood.” she replied softly.
“Good.” The Little Demon nodded in satisfaction. “Now, go prepare breakfast for Her Majesty. The requirement is a meal that will put her in a good mood.”
With that, the Little Demon turned and flapped its wings, disappearing into the darkness of the corridor.
A meal that would put her in a good mood…
Lilia felt a headache coming on.
Was that woman’s mood something she could influence?
But a mission was a mission.
She sighed and turned toward the kitchen.
However, after only a few steps, a seductive voice sounded from behind her.
“Oh my, isn’t this the new little toy our Queen has taken a liking to?”
That voice!
Lilia’s body stiffened as she abruptly turned around.
There stood the Succubus Camilla, leaning lazily against a pillar not far away, arms crossed, her soul-stealing eyes examining Lilia with interest.
“So early in the morning, rushing about—where are you headed?”
Camilla’s tone was filled with undisguised mockery.
Lilia said nothing, only watching her warily.
She had no good feelings toward this person.
Camilla walked toward her with elegant, catlike steps.
Stopping in front of Lilia, she… slightly twitched her nose, as if sniffing something.
The next second—
Camilla’s expression changed abruptly.
Her previously playful eyes instantly turned sharp.
She stared fixedly at Lilia, speaking word by word, her voice carrying a trace of cold interrogation.
“On your body…”
“Why do you have the Queen’s scent?”