She blinked, surprised by the question. Her cheeks colored slightly. "I… I used to think my only purpose was serving you. Pleasing you. But after Valthor, after watching you fight for all of us… I want to become stronger. Not just to be useful, but to stand beside you as someone you can rely on. I don't want to be only your maid anymore. I want to be your partner."
I stroked her hair. "Then you will train with me every day. No more holding back."
She smiled, radiant. "Thank you, Young Master."
I turned to Vale. "And you?"
The succubus queen was quiet for a moment. "I spent my life manipulating and being manipulated. Power was survival. But with you… it feels different. I want to stop surviving and start building something. My people — the succubi scattered across the north — they're lost without direction. I want to bring them under your banner. Properly. Not as slaves, but as allies."
I nodded. "We'll discuss how when we return. You have my support."
