Chapter 681
Louise von Schwartz, a pivotal figure in the Demon King’s army, remained at the imperial palace. Though she longed to return to her homeland, her responsibilities demanded that she stay informed about all palace affairs.
Louise watched Reinhart, who sat motionless in his chair. Despite their long-standing alliance, her interactions with the Demon King had always been through Rowen; she had never met him face-to-face.
The first time she’d laid eyes on him was just before the Allied Forces disbanded, during a combined meeting at the general headquarters. Since then, she had glimpsed him a few times around the palace, but this was their first private conversation.
Though he was a vital ally, Louise felt like a stranger to the Demon King. If anyone truly understood him, it would be Heinrich.
“This is our first time meeting like this, isn’t it?” she remarked.
“Uh... yes. It is... indeed.”
Louise watched the Demon King, Reinhart, sitting there, seemingly frozen in place. She tilted her head, curiosity piqued.
“Why don’t you speak more freely?” she asked. “You’re about to become Emperor of the entire continent, and I’m here to serve you, regardless of who I am.”
Louise only said this because she thought Reinhart was perhaps seeing her as a friend’s older sister, and thus being overly cautious. Should someone destined to rule over all be so tongue-tied just because the person in front of them was slightly older?
She wondered if the stories Heinrich had told her about the Demon King had been exaggerated. For someone often labeled a thug, his restless demeanor was oddly amusing. If this was his true nature, the future of the new empire seemed uncertain.
While Rowen might have had her doubts, Louise harbored no ill will toward the Demon King. In fact, he had been the one to try to save Heinrich from the brink of death, and so she felt she owed him a debt of gratitude.
He was undeniably formidable, having ended the Gate Incident and risen to his current position. But why was he trembling so anxiously? She couldn’t fathom the reason. Was the Demon King, contrary to his fearsome reputation, actually someone so fragile? Louise wondered if she needed to reassess her judgment.