The maid squad is too strong, what use is there for me, the Demon King?

Gray remained silent for a moment, unable to offer any words of comfort, and finally only managed to utter one sentence...

"Condolences..."

But these were not words of comfort; Alice Violet probably didn't even hear Gray's words.

I saw...

"What?!" Aliceville stood up abruptly, the teacup in her hand crashing to the ground with a "clatter," shards of porcelain scattering everywhere. The flying shards of porcelain tore her skirt, but she didn't even notice.

"Father...he..." Her voice trembled with disbelief.

Her face turned deathly pale instantly, her lips trembled uncontrollably, and her eyes, which usually exuded a hint of shrewdness and competence, were now filled with a huge emptiness and bewilderment.

“By… Ravend Black… that devil… gave…” She bit her lower lip hard, trying to continue, but found that her throat was blocked by something, and she could only make broken breathy sounds.

She knew the name Ravend Black all too well. The great general who always wore a gentle smile and chatted with her at court balls, the legendary figure hailed as a pillar of the kingdom and deeply loved by the people… was he a cultist of the Demon Order? Or an archbishop of a faction that specialized in instigating war and conflict?

“Three eighth-rank bishops…” she murmured to herself, as if chewing on an absurd nightmare. The War of the Eight Princes was chaotic enough, but now there were cultists stirring things up behind the scenes…

"Father..."

She finally couldn't hold back and began to sob softly, her shoulders trembling slightly.

She may have always been dissatisfied with Edmund Celestio's harshness, his stubbornness, and his almost pathological obsession with power, and may have even rebelled and resented him. In fact, she took action to this end, asking in person to rescind the order and escaping the palace to carry out her ideal of saving the people from suffering.

But when the news hit like a hammer, the softest, most unacknowledged corner of her heart was completely shattered.

Edmund Celestio was neither a good father nor a qualified king.

He was power-hungry, ruled the people with tyranny, amassed wealth, and was even stingy when rewarding meritorious officials.

Aliceville never experienced the greatness of fatherly love from Edmund Celestio.

But no matter what, he was still her father, Aliceville's father.

He died... not on the battlefield, not from disease, but from betrayal... at the hands of a general he trusted, at the hands of a group of cult madmen who instigated war.

Her gaze swept over Gray's silent face, then fell on the mess of broken porcelain on the ground, and finally settled on her empty hands.

She felt a chill run down her spine because of the huge, gaping hole that had suddenly been torn open deep inside her.

Sadness and confusion overwhelmed her like a tidal wave, almost threatening to engulf her completely. But soon, a more primal and fervent emotion rose from the depths of her desolate heart, like a flame rekindled in ashes.

My father is dead... killed by Ravend Black, the archbishop of the War and Conflict faction of the Demon Order, along with his bishops and cultists!

She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug deep into her palms, causing a stinging sensation, which ironically made her a little more alert.

No, it wasn't just death. Her father was her father, her blood relative, the pillar she was once so proud of, the symbol of Westphalia! He was betrayed, murdered, and the kingdom defiled!

Tears still streamed down her cheeks, but her eyes gradually sharpened, like the edge of an icy blade. Gray's worried gaze fell upon her, but she seemed oblivious. She raised her head, her voice still choked with emotion, yet exceptionally clear and resolute.

She took a deep breath, as if trying to suppress all the sadness and fear, leaving only anger and determination.

“Ravend… that demon in human skin, he killed my father and overthrew my kingdom. I, Aliceville, will remember this blood feud!”

“Grey,” she turned to him, “please help me defeat the Demon Order, reclaim the throne, and restore peace to the people of Westphalia!”

Alice Villa knew that this was undoubtedly an unreasonable request.

Although it was a collaboration, her relationship with the Shadow Court was never equal.

What does the Shadow Court offer?

The abundant supplies will ensure that people have enough to eat and wear.

More importantly, it provided troops.

Three eighth-tier professionals, Gray whose magic rank was unknown, and dozens of Shadow Court attendants of professionals.

This power is undeniably formidable; it is enough to overturn the entire situation in Westphalia.

And what does Alicewiel have on her side?

With all the resources exhausted, the people of a territory gathered, and the title of Princess Aliceville Celestio of the Kingdom of Westphalia, and himself being only a fourth-tier Star Mage.

The most valuable thing among them is probably the title of Princess Aliceville Celestio, the second princess of the Kingdom of Westphalia, but even that is not very valuable, and in fact, it is dispensable to the Shadow Court.

With such a large gap between the two parties, how can an equal cooperative relationship be established?

All Aliceville could do was beg for the help of the Shadow Court.

Normally, one wouldn't agree to that, since it involves others spending money and effort while one only has a title, something that's presentable but not particularly impressive.

but……

"sure."

These were just three simple words, yet they stirred Aliceville's heart.

"Thank you...so much..."

Alicewiel couldn't think of a better way to express her gratitude, so she had to abandon her so-called royal dignity and kneel down.

"Alright, raise your head now. I understand your sincerity."

Gray said slowly.

"Yes……"

Aliceville spoke respectfully as she slowly rose to her feet.

Gray merely narrowed his eyes slightly upon noticing the change in Aliceville's attitude.

But the atmosphere has already been built up to this point.

"Aliceville, would you be willing to become a member of my Shadow Court? As a dedicated servant of the Shadow Court to mediate peace within the Kingdom of Westphalia?"

Beta, Delta, and Ipsyron, who were standing nearby, were not surprised.

The process has been repeated many times; the Ten Shadow Waitstaff and Lyra are all similar in form.

Aliceville was somewhat incredulous upon hearing this.

"Can I?"

Become a servant of the Shadow Court?

“Of course,” Gray laughed. “There aren’t any strict requirements for joining the Shadow Court. As long as you share the same aspirations, even a child can join.”

Of course, we wouldn't ask children to do anything dangerous.

Alice Villa looked excited.

"Yes, Lord Shadow Demon!"