novelraw Chapter 35 : Lost Focus
Chapter 35 : Lost Focus
Chapter 35: Lost Focus
Grom’s copper-bell-like eyes stared fixedly at Lilia, who was kneeling on the ground. The hot air snorting from his nostrils seemed enough to scorch the air itself.
In the entire Council Hall, all demon gazes shifted back and forth between him and the throne.
Big brother! Say something already!
If you don’t speak, I’m going to get sliced apart by the Demon Queen’s gaze first! That’s worse than being crushed to death by one of your fingers!
Grom’s massive body moved slightly, producing a dull clanking sound from his armor.
Of course, he wasn’t stupid. On the contrary, no one who could sit in the position of a general was a mere brute. Lilia’s proposal, at first glance, sounded like pure fantasy—but upon closer thought, it struck directly at the core.
Clear objectives, sufficient resources, distinct rewards and punishments.
Wasn’t that just warfare?!
More importantly, the Demon Queen had allowed this human maid to speak these words in front of everyone—her attitude couldn’t have been clearer.
This was a reform the Demon Queen intended to push forward!
If he dared to say “no,” he’d be the one sent to the mines today.
Having realized this, Grom suddenly lowered his massive head, veins bulging along his thick neck.
In a deep, booming voice, he roared toward the throne:
“Your Majesty! I think… it’s feasible!”
Two words, like a boulder hitting the ground.
Lilia nearly lost her breath, her whole body going limp.
She survived…
Hera seemed unsurprised by the answer. She didn’t even change her posture, merely sweeping her gaze slowly across the hall.
Wherever that cold gaze passed, all demon ministers instinctively lowered their heads.
“Since General Grom also deems it feasible.”
Hera’s voice was not loud, yet carried an unquestionable finality.
“Then from today onward, all departments, all defense zones, and all documents submitted to the throne within the Palace of Eternal Night must strictly follow this seven-part format.”
“[Department & Responsible Person], [Current Situation], [Reason for Request], [Specific Objectives], [Resource Requirements], [Expected Returns], [Accountability for Failure].”
“If any one item is missing—” Hera paused slightly, and an invisible chill instantly enveloped the entire hall, “it shall be regarded as dereliction of duty and disrespect toward the throne.”
“The document will be returned for revision, and the responsible official will be demoted by one rank.”
“—!”
This time, even suppression failed. The entire hall erupted.
Every demon minister’s face was filled with shock and disbelief.
This wasn’t just a formatting requirement—it was a complete restructuring of the Demon Realm’s power system using a new, cold, and strict set of rules!
And the origin of it all… was merely a few light words from that human maid kneeling on the ground!
Camilla’s expression could no longer be described as ugly—it was a twisted mixture of jealousy, shock, and humiliation.
She had lost.
Completely.
While she had been thinking about how to compete for favor and please the Queen with her body, that “little toy” in her eyes had already reached into the core of power!
【Ding!】
【Congratulations, Host! S-Rank Side Mission “Trial in the Court” completed beyond expectations!】
【Overall Evaluation: S++!】
【Mission Rewards: “Official Head Maid” status upgraded! “Administrative Maid” talent tree unlocked! Loyalty +10! Feminization Index +5!】
A series of system notifications rang in Lilia’s mind.
Success!
I actually did it!
A surge of wild joy rose within her, and she almost couldn’t stop the corners of her mouth from lifting.
However, before she could celebrate for even three seconds, Hera’s next words poured down on her like icy water from the deepest abyss.
“Since this system of order was proposed by you.”
Hera’s gaze returned to Lilia.
The joy on Lilia’s face instantly froze.
Wait… something about this sounded wrong?
“Then all documents submitted shall be reviewed before reaching my desk.”
Hera’s voice was calm, without a ripple.
“Format, content, numbers—if any part fails to meet the standards you just described, you will reject them directly.”
“Lilia.”
“Do you understand?”
Lilia’s mind buzzed blank.
The entire Demon Realm—thousands of departments, countless defense zones, mountains of military, political, and financial documents every day… all had to pass through her first?
What kind of Head Maid was this?! This was hell-level overwork!
She’d be worked to death! Absolutely!
Her body began trembling uncontrollably, cold sweat soaking her back.
She wanted to refuse.
She wanted to shout “I won’t do it!”
But when she lifted her head and met Hera’s calm golden eyes, all resistance was crushed instantly.
Lilia took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, forcing a few words out of her throat with all her strength.
“Yes, my Master.”
She had to appear composed, even as her body trembled uncontrollably.
“As you command.”
The demon ministers’ emotions were indescribably complex.
Shock, jealousy, schadenfreude…
And a trace of… awe.
This human maid had truly been both lifted to the heavens and trampled into the mud by the Demon Queen.
Lilia’s humiliation and fear peaked at this moment. She could feel countless gazes piercing her like needles.
Especially one—filled with venom and hatred.
Camilla.
Lilia didn’t dare look up, pressing her forehead even deeper against the cold floor.
In her current state—trembling, drenched in sweat—she must look utterly miserable.
But what she didn’t know was—
In Camilla’s eyes, this wasn’t fear at all.
It was showing off.
A victor’s display of the Queen’s exclusive favor and possession!
Look—such important authority has been entrusted to me.
I’m trembling in fear.
This pitiful posture was clearly meant for the Queen—a highest-level form of flattery!
‘Bitch!’
Camilla screamed silently in her heart, nails digging deep into her palm.
Why!
Why could this unknown human receive such favor?!
Hera seemed to have had enough of the spectacle.
She lazily waved her hand.
“Dismissed.”
Two words, like a decree of heaven.
The demon ministers were pardoned, bowing and quickly leaving the hall in silence, afraid of lingering even a moment longer.
Camilla cast one last venomous glance at Lilia before leaving unwillingly with the crowd.
In an instant, the grand hall was left with only Hera on the throne and Lilia still kneeling.
Lilia’s tense nerves loosened slightly, though she still didn’t dare move.
The crisp sound of high heels echoed.
Hera descended from the throne, step by step, until she stood before Lilia.
Lilia’s body stiffened instantly.
But Hera merely walked past her without stopping.
Just as Lilia thought the ordeal was finally over—
A thick scroll wrapped in black leather dropped from above with a sharp thud, landing on the floor in front of her.
Lilia trembled violently.
Hera’s cold voice drifted down from above, emotionless.
“These are all the accumulated documents from the past half month.”
“I want them all reorganized into the new format on my desk by tomorrow morning.”
The world fell silent.
Lilia remained kneeling alone in the vast, empty hall.
Slowly, she raised her head, her gaze falling blankly upon the scroll before her—thick as an Oxford dictionary.
Half a month’s backlog…
By tomorrow morning…
Lilia’s pupils… lost focus.