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

Seeing that Gray had forcefully rejected the "strategy plan" in a nearly outrageous manner, the strange, eager atmosphere in the hall finally cooled down.

Although the Ten Shadow Attendants still felt that it might be an efficient method, the will of the Shadow Lord was absolute, and they could only suppress their "regret" and refocus their attention on more practical issues.

Gray took a deep breath, calming his emotions which had been swayed by Kappa, and his gaze regained its usual composure and decisiveness. He surveyed the crowd and stated clearly:

"There's no need to dwell on unconventional methods anymore. I've already made my decision regarding the hero, Philippa."

All eyes were once again focused on him.

"The primary strategy is not to eliminate them, nor... arrange a marriage." Gray's lips twitched almost imperceptibly when he mentioned the word, "but to try to bring them into this secret realm and frankly tell them the truth of ten thousand years, the hypocrisy of the Goddess of Holy Light, and our true goal."

He paused, then continued, "She is not an ignorant person, and she has the ability to distinguish right from wrong. If she knew that everything was manipulated by the gods, and that humans and demons were just pawns on their chessboard, she might re-examine her mission and stance."

“We’ll observe her reaction then and decide what to do next.” Gray’s voice carried an unquestionable authority. “If she’s willing to understand the greater good, that’s for the best. If she insists on following her so-called ‘fate’…” His eyes turned slightly cold, “…it’s not too late to deal with her then.”

This plan is relatively fair, avoiding unnecessary killing and offering the possibility of a peaceful resolution, although risks still exist—revealing the truth to the brave is itself a gamble.

Alpha was the first to understand Gray's intention. She bowed slightly and said, "Lord Shadow is wise. This way, we can avoid complete hostility with the human kingdoms and give the hero a choice. It is indeed the best option at present. However..." She raised a key question, "How can we ensure that the hero can arrive here safely? Olmec is far from the desert secret realm, the church has many spies, and the hero's identity is sensitive. His actions will be closely monitored. Forcibly 'inviting' him may backfire."

This was also what the other waiters were worried about. Forcibly kidnapping the hero? Putting aside the difficulty and the potential for a full-blown conflict, the hero's protective powers and possible tracking methods alone would be extremely troublesome.

However, Gray seemed to have a plan in mind.

“No need for forced abduction, nor for a major conflict.” Gray shook his head slightly, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the dark purple bracelet on his wrist, a deep light flashing in his eyes: “We already have a way to bring her into the secret realm.”

Gray's tone carried a peculiar certainty, as if he had already known some deeper secrets about this desolate royal court when he touched the Demon King's sword and gained control of this millennia-old legacy.

“In that case, we will obey Lord Shadow’s orders.” Alpha nodded on behalf of everyone. “During this period, I will increase manpower to closely monitor the direction of the kingdom and the movement of the church, to ensure that His Majesty’s actions are not interfered with.”

“Hmm.” Gray nodded. “The surveillance will continue, but without my orders, no hostile action must be taken against the hero or anyone associated with him. The current focus remains on finding the method to ‘ascend to heaven’ and a way to temper myself.”

"Yes!" the ten shadow servants replied in unison.

Seeing that Gray was determined and seemed confident about the "invitation" method, the Ten Shadow Attendants stopped worrying about the specific means and instead focused on how to create the most perfect conditions for His Majesty.

“Lord Shadow,” Alpha spoke first, his voice regaining its absolute calm and efficiency, “Since we need to lure the target into a specific area and ensure a period of undisturbed ‘time,’ the preliminary planning is crucial. Please tell us the approximate area required and the estimated time needed. We need to formulate a detailed plan accordingly.”

Gray paused for a moment, seemingly sensing the message from the bracelet, before saying, "The time doesn't need to be too long, but it must be continuous and uninterrupted. At the very least, it must stay at the selected location... for at least fifteen minutes." He provided the crucial time parameter.

"Just fifteen minutes, and no location restrictions?" Beta's emerald eyes flashed with countless possible locations and scenarios. "This greatly expands the operational space. It can be carried out at any post station, town, or even temporary rest stop in the wilderness during its journey. The key is to seize the right moment and ensure that no one will disturb it during that time."

Ipsyron calmly analyzed: "I still recommend setting up temporary isolation or interference barriers, both to hide spatial fluctuations and to shield against possible external prying or unexpected interference, ensuring that the 'invitation' process is absolutely smooth and uninterrupted." Her thinking always tends to increase redundancy and safeguards.

Delta's lips curled into a slight smile: "In this way, the focus of surveillance will be entirely on the hero's own itinerary and habits. We need to understand her daily routine and find the time when she is most likely to stay alone quietly, and when her guards are relatively less vigilant. Perhaps... when she is camping at night, or when she is practicing her swordsmanship in some secluded place?" She seemed to be searching for the moment when her prey would let its guard down.

“Meow! That’s easy!” Aita’s cat tail swayed happily. “No matter where she settles down, we can find out the environment in advance! We’ll make sure we find the most suitable moment for His Majesty to make his move… ah, no, I mean the moment to ‘invite’ her!” Sita nodded quietly from the side, indicating that infiltration and observation were their strengths.

Zeta didn't understand much, but it seemed easier now, and wagged its tail happily: "Aww?!"

Aieta quickly followed up: "Based on the stable time requirements given by Gray, I need to reverse-engineer the energy characteristics that might be generated when the 'invitation' mechanism is activated, so as to prepare corresponding concealment plans in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly. At the same time, we need to provide stable magical resonance support for Your Majesty's remote activation ability." She had entered technical support mode.

Kappa chuckled, "Oh dear~ Now I don't have to worry about how to 'trick' her into the desert, right? But if I need to create a little 'accident' so that she happens to be alone in one place during that time... I still have a lot of interesting little ideas~" Her tone still carried a dangerous allure.

Alpha, after considering everyone's opinions, quickly made arrangements: "Beta and Delta are responsible for analyzing the brave warriors' travel habits, predicting the locations and times where they are most likely to stay for an extended period of time, and developing multiple triggering plans."

"Ipsyron and Aiota are responsible for designing portable concealment barrier solutions to ensure covert operations."

"Aita, Sita, the mission remains the same. Set off immediately, closely monitor the hero's movements, and pay special attention to recording his daily routine and habits to find the best 'window'."

"Zeta, stay with me and maintain mobility."

"Kappa...stand by, and do not act without authorization unless absolutely necessary." Alpha reiterated the importance of discipline.

“Lord Shadow,” Alpha turned to Gray respectfully, “Please prepare with peace of mind. Once the right time and place are identified ahead, we will notify you immediately. At that time, no matter where the hero is, you can activate the attack remotely.”

Gray nodded in satisfaction. This condition was undoubtedly much simpler, reducing the difficulty and risk for his subordinates in carrying out the task. "Very good. Proceed accordingly. Dismissed."

The order was given, and the ten shadow servants activated instantly like the most precise instruments, each disappearing into the shadows, some departing, others beginning their busy calculations and preparations. Once again, only Gray remained in the hall.

He slowly sat back on the throne, his fingertips gently caressing the dark purple bracelet, feeling the wondrous power it contained that could transcend the boundaries of space.

Wherever Philippa is, as long as this simple condition is met, he can "invite" her to this ancient city of orphans.

'Philippa…' he murmured to himself, 'I hope that when you know everything, you will make the right choice.'