Chapter 476

A demon king who spyes on the families of his subordinates... so far, there really isn't one.

However, these impressions have gradually faded over time.

After all, Maria, who is a key figure, has only appeared a few times in recent years, and even though everyone understands each other's thoughts, they rarely mention her.

Only...

I can actually smell that scent now.

This Lamaline with a somewhat subtle feeling.

Has she really missed me to this extent?

They're almost as old as me...

"Is that so..."

Theresa couldn't see Lamaline's expression.

She just felt extremely uncomfortable being stared at by Maria.

There was even a faint, burning sensation all over my body.

All she wants now is to get this over with as soon as possible!

"If you like... I can have someone compile this brand information and tell you about it..."

Theresa spoke, her words sounding like casual chatter among girls, but her tone was soft and weak.

She felt her body begin to shake uncontrollably.

Maria seemed to have noticed this as well.

After hesitating for a few moments, she silently reached out her hand, gently closed her eyes, and placed her fingers on Theresa's thigh.

She had intended to ease Theresa's embarrassment in this way.

But perhaps because Maria's body temperature was already too low, when her cold fingers touched her burning skin, a strange sound almost escaped Theresa's throat.

Even now, all she could do was look at Maria with teary eyes.

She now understood why Lamaline had made that strange expression when she talked to the two of them about their psychological issues.

Clearly, Lamaline was also someone who was bullied by Maria!

This guy...

That's outrageous!

"No need."

Lamaline didn't think too much about it... mainly because she believed that Maria had disappeared for so long, wouldn't suddenly reappear. She simply attributed everything to coincidence, bowed slightly, and left.

As the door closed, Theresa seemed to lose all her strength and slid down.

Maria reached out and scooped it up.

"Let... let me go..."

Theresa's complexion had now become quite rosy.

Her delicate words lacked any sense of authority, and she even felt ashamed to look at Maria.

This is so embarrassing...

How could this happen?!

"Um."

Maria didn't quite understand what Theresa was saying, but after hesitating for a moment, she nodded slightly.

He released the girl and, after confirming she was truly alright, blinked.

Beside her, Theresa hurriedly grabbed a towel, wrapped it around her body, and took a while to catch her breath before she came to her senses.

Her eyes were red and swollen.

It looked like they had been bullied.

"So..."

The girl pursed her lips. "Did you come back this time for something?"

They came directly to me...

"I just wanted to ask about the situation."

Maria blinked, her tone calm.

The Doll hasn't been able to contact her yet, which means she'll need quite a while before she can travel through time again. This time might come very quickly... perhaps in the next minute, or even the next second.

It could also take several months.

Although Maria had stated that she would not be involved in any actions of any country, she ultimately could not truly put her mind at ease with the girls.

She wanted to see what else she could do.

"Condition?"

Maria's calm tone startled Theresa for a moment, and then she decisively extinguished any subtle, ambiguous feelings that had been welling up inside her.

Although she had many thoughts of her own, at this moment, she could still clearly recognize that she was the Demon Lord of Kazdel.

"You want to ask about Kazdel's situation... right?"

"Um."

Maria nodded, without denying it.

"Was the Military Committee's proposal... your idea?"

"... no."

As soon as Maria opened her mouth, Theresa understood what Maria wanted to ask.

Although it was called Military Committee, everyone knew in reality that it was the beginning of an ideological struggle between Theresis and her.

So, what do you plan to do?

Maria blinked.

From Theresa's answer, she knew that since Theresis had publicly proposed the Military Committee, she must have secretly discussed the issue with her sister.

This was not merely to weaken the power of the Royal Court, but more importantly, to allow Theresis to develop on its own.

"On my way here, I heard a lot of opinions about you... Most people see you as a cowardly demon king and hope that you will hand over the power of the demon king to Theresis so that he can lead."

Maria blinked.

"Your brother, Theresis, probably said the same thing to you, right?"

"Um."

Theresa didn't deny it, but nodded, her eyes showing some disappointment.

She understood what Teres meant.

Even now, he still harbored the idea that as long as Theresa didn't directly confront him and was willing to relinquish the Demon King's power, the two could still be siblings.

But...

I refused.

Theresa spoke.

Although she appeared very delicate, her words were as firm as steel.

She's not stupid.

But during her more than 100 years in power, she was also clear that her greatest source of confidence was neither the Babel nor the support of the Royal Court.

Rather, it's her identity as the Demon King.

As long as she lives, her identity as the Demon King is her biggest asset.

No matter the time, there will always be Sarkaz who choose to stand by her side and obey her commands.

As long as this power remains in his hands, no matter what his brother does, he cannot be said to have any say in Sarkaz's choice.

This means that she has a final braking mechanism.

Therefore, if Theresis wants to achieve what he said—to wash away the Sarkaz's thousand-year shame with fire—he must become the Demon King.

Or perhaps...

There can be no demon king who can stop him.

If this conflict continues to stalemate, it can only lead to one outcome...

Parricide...

Such accusations are clearly not pleasant to hear.

"Kazdel is exhausted. We should rest, and we must rest... War can only take, not give."

As Theresa spoke, she silently extended her hand.

A black crown appeared in her hand, gradually taking on a shape filled with spikes.

This was also the first time Maria had observed the Demon King's Black Crown so closely.

To be honest, that ferocious appearance was somewhat different from something like royal power, but it perfectly matched Maria's understanding of the Demon King.

Powerful, evil, ferocious, yet carrying a touch of sacredness.

Maria reached out to touch it, but after hesitating for a few moments, she stopped.

She looked at Theresa.

"In my context, 'Demon King' is actually a neutral term with a slightly derogatory connotation, but... if this is your choice."

As Maria spoke, she also looked at Theresa.

And Theresa, unusually, was genuinely happy.

"You mean... you'll support me?"

Theresa was somewhat excited.

If Maria were to join their side, it would be a devastating blow to the pro-war faction.

After all, besides promoting ancient history, their biggest job was to promote the Maria, who sacrificed herself in the Defense of Kazdel a hundred years ago.

Even Theresa admitted that Maria was the main contributor to the victory in that war; in fact, it could be said that Maria was responsible for at least 90% of the success.

But thanks to the propaganda of the Kazdel Military Committee, it was portrayed as a lone hero's achievement accomplished by Maria alone.

She single-handedly protected Kazdel, ignoring the Gargoyle' earlier efforts in building the walls and the subsequent contributions of the Lich.

Theresa wasn't sure if her actions were appropriate, but she knew that Maria's image had greatly stimulated the Sarkaz.

It could even be said that Maria was the spiritual leader of the Kazdel Military Committee.

But what if Maria joined their side at this time?

She might still have a chance.

But Maria shook her head.

"I have no idea."

Maria will be involved in the war... but she doesn't want to be caught in the vortex of political struggle.

She didn't really want to choose between Theresa and Theresis to support... Besides, she didn't know how long she could support Theresa.

Therefore, faced with Theresa's expectations, she could only give a negative answer.

This left Theresa somewhat disappointed.

But after a moment, she nodded seriously.

"I see..."

Although she didn't get Maria's support, she could tell that Maria wouldn't support her brother's side.

She breathed a sigh of relief when she learned that Maria wouldn't help either side.

That's enough.