The door creaked open like a horror movie scene… and trust me, the monsters behind it didn't disappoint.
Standing at my front door—if you could still call it my front door—were three of the most terrifying, out-of-place, and overdressed beings I'd ever seen.
Guest #1:
A seven-foot-tall man with obsidian horns curling from his temples, wearing a three-piece velvet suit like he walked straight out of a demonic version of GQ Magazine. His glowing eyes scanned me up and down.
"Ah. So this is the legendary 'Royal Assistant' I've heard about."
He smirked.
"Charming uniform."
My cat ears twitched involuntarily. Ding!
Guest #2:
A woman with icy blue hair flowing down her back like a frozen waterfall, dressed in a slitted black gown that showed more leg than I'd ever seen in my entire miserable life. She gave me a once-over, her eyes sharp as knives.
"The Queen's taste in servants has… declined."
I tugged at my ridiculously short skirt, trying to maintain what little was left of my dignity.
Guest #3:
A tiny creature perched on the horned man's shoulder—looked like a chibi demon with bat wings and a permanent scowl.
It pointed directly at me and shouted in a squeaky, high-pitched voice:
"He looks like a lost anime side character!"
Behind me, the Shadow Queen strolled into view, her bare feet silent on the polished floors of our magically transformed tea room.
"Welcome, my honored guests."
She didn't even glance at me—too busy making a dramatic entrance like she was starring in her own blockbuster film.
The tall demon took her hand and kissed it respectfully.
"Your Majesty. It's been too long."
The icy-haired woman followed suit.
"We've been dying to see how you're adjusting to the… mortal realm."
The Shadow Queen cast me a side glance, her lips curving into a dangerous smirk.
"Oh, quite well. I've acquired the perfect servant."
I coughed. "Temporary servant. This is temporary, right?"
She ignored me completely.
Thirty Minutes Later…
I stood by the table, pouring tea with trembling hands, still dressed like a tragic cosplay victim.
The demon lords sipped tea and discussed "interdimensional politics" like it was casual gossip.
You know, just normal things, like:
Whether to collapse a minor shadow dimension for fun.
Who owed who a favor in the Underworld.
How adorable it was that "humans still think they control their own fates."
And me?
I just prayed no one recognized me through the apartment window.
That's when the Shadow Queen made her next move.
She placed her teacup down gently and smiled—one of those terrifying, something big is about to happen smiles.
"Dear Caretaker… it's time for the next part of your service."
I froze. "Wh-What now?"
She snapped her fingers.
The shadow portal reappeared.
Out floated a silver serving tray… with a karaoke microphone.
"Oh, hell no!" I backed away.
"Hell yes," she corrected, sipping her tea. "Entertain my guests, Liam. Or shall we escalate your punishment?"
I turned to the demon lords. They were all staring at me expectantly. Even the tiny chibi demon was grinning like it was Christmas.
And that's how I ended up standing in the middle of my own living room, in a frilly pink maid outfit, cat ears jingling, singing off-key to "My Heart Will Go On" while three literal lords of the Shadow Realm rated my performance.
This… was my life now.
To be continued…