The Last Paragon in the Apocalypse

Klaus and Queenie returned to watch the sunset. After it finally dipped behind the horizon, Klaus sighed, knowing their little moment was coming to an end. Still, he was happy—he had fun with Queenie, even if it was just for a few minutes.

"I guess that's it for today. Same time tomorrow?" Klaus asked, standing up from the edge.

"Sure," Queenie replied without overthinking it. But as soon as the word left her mouth, she realized Klaus's tone sounded a little... funny. She turned to him and, true to her realization, Klaus was smiling back at her.

"It's a date then," Klaus said, walking away.

"Hey, who said anything about a date?" For some reason, Queenie forgot all about her status as an Overlord, reacting more like an ordinary woman being teased. You could almost swear there was a slight pout on her face.

"Picnic, then," Klaus added, laughing as he made his way to his room, his laughter echoing in the air. His heart was racing, but he couldn't stop himself from teasing her. It was just too damn awesome to have that much "rizz," even if it was risky.

Queenie sighed as she watched Klaus's back disappear. She stood there for a moment before a small smile appeared on her face. But just as quickly as it came, it vanished, replaced by a frown.

"Nari, what are you doing here?" she asked, turning toward a particular direction. From that direction, Nari, the redheaded Overlord, emerged with a guilty smile on her face.

"I was worried you'd flunk out, so I came to back you up. But I guess there's nothing to worry about here. Who would've thought my cold-ass big sister would be smiling and giggling with a guy? The others need to hear this," Nari said with a teasing grin.

"Nari, you remember when I said a disaster would soon descend?" Queenie asked, narrowing her gaze. "That disaster is your death." She shot Nari a dangerous look, the kind that could make someone wet themselves.

"Big sister, you haven't become a bully, have you? You're scaring your little sister," Nari said with a pout, despite the terrifying glare aimed at her.

Queenie's glare intensified as Nari stood there, unfazed by the looming threat. Despite Queenie's dangerous demeanor, Nari knew her big sister wouldn't actually harm her—at least, not seriously. But still, it was fun to push her buttons.

She had always been the one able to push her buttons, well Klaus now seemed to be getting close putting some pressure on those buttons.

"Scaring you would require more effort than it's worth," Queenie said dryly, crossing her arms. "But if you keep this up, don't be surprised if your little redhead goes missing someday." Although she didn't really mean that, it was still cold hearing it. However, Nari was too spoiled to realize that.

She grinned mischievously. "So, what was that about? A 'date' with Klaus? It's a good idea, right? This will give you some time to know him more and if you get lucky you might secure a second date. I am telling you Big Sister, this is good for you"

Queenie's eyes narrowed further. "There's no 'something else,' and it's none of your business what I do. Besides, it wasn't a date. He was just teasing." Her voice came out colder than intended, but Nari picked up on the subtle defensiveness.

"Right... 'just teasing,'" Nari said, clearly unconvinced. "You know, it's been a while since I've seen you talk to anyone like that. Maybe you should let yourself enjoy it for once. Could be fun."

"I don't have time for 'fun,'" Queenie retorted, turning her back to Nari and gazing out at the horizon where the sun had disappeared. "We've got more important things to deal with."

Nari sighed, her teasing expression softening. "I know. But, Queenie... you're not a robot. You're allowed to have moments that aren't all about saving the world. You deserve that, more than anyone.

Even if you are not ready for a relationship, you can at least enjoy these moments. Klaus doesn't seem like he will be asking you out anytime soon. You are still the Overlord after all"

Queenie's eyes flickered with something—maybe doubt, maybe something deeper—but she quickly masked it with her usual stoicism. "I know my responsibilities, Nari."

Nari shook her head lightly. "Just don't forget your own needs while you're at it. Let yourself have some fun for a while."

"By the way, you really shouldn't threaten him by saying you'll push him down 150 feet. That's a deal breaker," Nari quickly struck again, knowing Queenie was still paying attention despite her cold exterior.

"I really need to kill you; that's the only way I can have some peace of mind," Queenie shot back, trying to maintain her serious demeanor, but the corner of her lips twitched in amusement.

"He is awesome, right?" Nari said, moving closer and taking Queenie's arm, a sly grin on her face. "He's better than you could have expected, right?"

Queenie rolled her eyes, a reluctant smile breaking through her tough facade. "I suppose he's not entirely unbearable. But that doesn't mean I'm looking for... whatever it is you're suggesting."

"Oh, come on! You can't deny there's something special about him. He held your hand, for goodness' sake!" Nari teased, giving Queenie a gentle nudge.

"You seem more into him than me," Queenie asked but she couldn't deny it. When Klaus reached for her hand, the thought of smacking him silly never even crossed her mind.

"Well He's strong, kind of funny, and he's got that whole 'mysterious warrior' vibe going for him. That's like, a solid foundation for a potential relationship." Nari smiled, "But don't worry, I am not into him"

"Enough with the relationship talk," Queenie said, "There are more important things we have to focus on"

"True, but wouldn't it be nice to have someone to share the load with? You've been doing this for so long all on your own. Everyone needs someone, Queenie. Even the strongest Overlord."

Queenie sighed. "I know that, but I'm not sure if I can afford distractions right now. The world isn't going to save itself."

"True," Nari replied. "But maybe you don't have to be the savior all the time. You can share the burden with him—just think about it. After all, he is just a Master stage expert yet he started saving Cities already. I say that is the making of a powerhouse the world can rely on"

With that, Nari gave Queenie's arm a reassuring squeeze before turning to leave. "You know where to find me if you need some sisterly advice. And remember, Queenie, it's okay to let your guard down sometimes."

"Well, I'm going to see those nerds and my little sister," Nari added, glancing back with a smile.

"Hey, what about the Ancient Ruin exploration?" Queenie suddenly asked, realizing Nari was supposed to be in the ruins they had discovered a few months back. Yet here she was, chatting away instead.

"You know, you should try smiling more; you have no idea how enchanting it can be," Nari said, giggling as she lifted her hand in a playful wave and headed to the lab, leaving Queenie puzzled.

"Jeez, socialize more. I charmed Dharma into switching places, so for the next few weeks, you're stuck with me. And don't worry; I'll make sure you get laid," Nari called back over her shoulder, a mischievous glint in her eyes.