"You have performed… adequately."
The Shadow Queen lounged on my couch like she was born to command empires from worn-out furniture. Legs crossed, oversized T-shirt sliding scandalously off one shoulder, she popped a chocolate Pocky into her mouth and bit down with a loud, satisfying crunch.
I stood there, still dripping rainwater onto the floor like some defeated war general.
"Can I… take a shower now?" I asked weakly.
She leaned her head back, eyes half-lidded, and let out a soft, almost theatrical sigh.
"Permission granted, Caretaker. But be quick. You'll be needed soon."
That sentence haunted me more than it should have.
Fifteen Minutes Later…
Freshly showered and emotionally drained, I walked back into the living room only to freeze at the sight before me.
She was no longer wearing my "Gamer for Life" T-shirt.
No.
She had apparently raided my closet and found my limited edition Legend of the Scarlet Swordsman hoodie, which she wore like an oversized dress. And somehow, she made that dorky hoodie look like high fashion.
She glanced at me and smirked.
"Do you own anything that doesn't scream 'hopeless virgin?'"
I nearly choked on my own dignity.
"Lady, I'm broke! You expect me to wear Versace while living off instant noodles?!"
She ignored my outburst and stood up gracefully.
"Enough idle chatter. It's time for your second mission."
I felt my soul leave my body. "Another one?! I just barely survived the snack quest!"
She turned slowly, her crimson eyes locking onto me with a dangerous glint.
"This one… will require courage, strategy, and impeccable social grace."
I swallowed hard.
"What… what is it?"
She walked up to me, standing so close I could smell the faint scent of lavender and dark chocolate on her breath.
Then she whispered like she was delivering a royal decree:
"Take me… to the mall."
I blinked. "…The mall?"
"For bubble tea," she added with deadly seriousness.
I stared at her, my mind caught between disbelief and existential crisis.
"You—You're the Shadow Queen! The Mistress of the Eternal Night! Can't you just… summon it?"
She placed a delicate finger under my chin and tilted my head up to meet her gaze.
"What's the point of being a Queen… if I can't experience life's simplest pleasures with my loyal Caretaker at my side?"
Her lips curled into a devastatingly sweet smile.
"And don't worry…" she added, turning toward the door. "If anyone looks at me the wrong way… I'll simply erase their memory."
I was starting to realize something far more dangerous than her powers.
She wasn't planning to stay hidden. She wanted to live her "best life"—in my world. And I was her designated tour guide.
God help me.
To be continued…