Based on what Ein told me, and the letters we had exchanged, I expected her to be a little frivolous and carefree, but wasn't this a bit too much?
When I entered what appeared to be her bedroom, I saw her eating a grape-looking fruit on her bed while facing me. It reminded me of those ancient royals who would have servants feed them, because even though there were no servants here her beauty and dignity easily made up for it.
She made sure that Ein didn't tell me what she looked like, but I thought I was already prepared for an exceptionally attractive woman, but she made me realize what it meant to be a beauty that couldn't be described with words. From her raven-black hair, cream skin and delicate red lips, to her heart-tip tail and plump thighs. Both her curvy figure and mesmerizing appearing were worthy of meeting the criteria of perfection. Surely there was no one who com-
Slap!
She raised an eyebrow at me slapping myself, but the smirk on her face proved that she was more amused than surprised.
'That was close. I almost got dragged in. I can't believe Ein resisted her charm.'
I barely managed to save myself at the last minute, but her revealing negligee certainly didn't make it easy to stay sane. Not to mention the oddly sensual way she was eating those red grapes.
"Could you please cover up?"
"Why? Do you have problem with how I dress in my own home."
"You're well aware of what I have a problem with."
"Fufu, well, maybe. Oh, don't be upset. It's just been a while since someone could withstand this amount of my charm."
"Did you go this far with my follower too?"
"No, his case was a little special and I do know how to tell how much a person can resist my charm."
"So you were sure that I could remain calm?"
"No, since I consider you an equal I just wanted to see if you could talk to me as an equal as well."
'So she didn't hold back, huh? Or maybe this is just how she normally is. Either way, for me it was rather risky first meeting.'
"An equal, you say?"
"Yes. I really wanted someone who I could just be myself around. After all, by the time I was twelve even my own father could no longer see me as just a daughter."
'That, was suddenly dark.'
A cheeky smile remained on her face, but I couldn't help but wonder what murky feelings were hiding behind it.
'I guess being too beautiful has its problems.'
"I see, well as long as you're not actively trying to seduce me, I guess I won't say anything."
Seeing as how she was relaxing on her bed, I decided to sit down on the couch facing her. She didn't look like the type who would fall for any simple tricks like acting humble after all.
"Hoh...You know, I thought you were more rough than in your letters, Crow, but it seems that you're still a gentleman on the inside, huh."
"Hmph, think what you will. I just hope you don't mind how I am in person, it's been a while since I've spoken with an equal after all."
"Don't worry, it's the same for me."
We then went to talk about our respective lives. About how she was normally busy but always set aside time to relax, like right now. And about how I had to find time to be productive since I was too busy relaxing.
Naturally, neither of us lost our smiling masks throughout the conversation, but I hoped that both of us could confirm that the other party was an ally. Especially since I judged it was time to move on to the main subject.
"That's a rather interesting way of having fun. It's unfortunate that, you soon may no longer have time for that."
After hearing my statement, the hand reaching for a grape froze. With a frown on her face, she pushed away the plate of red grapes. She then sat up with her legs crossed and glared at me with a stern expression.
Like this, her dignity went up, but the pressure she exuded made it clear that from now on, stupid jokes wouldn't be allowed.
"I would have liked if we just stick to talking about fun things but, I guess that's not enough for you."
"Sorry, but I came here for a pretty important reason after all."
"I know. So, what do you want?"
"An alliance, or for you to introduce me to some useful comrades. Either would be appreciated."
"For what reason?"
"Surely you've also heard. About what those at the top are planning."
"I'm not sure I know what referring to."
"Please, don't try to play dumb, Queen. Though most think the Demon King's intelligence squad have a monopoly over the underworld's secrets, I know a certain person who can steal information even from them. The Ruler of the Succubi as well as the one who was once the Minister of Internal Affairs."
"Hmm, those are quite the titles, I bet whoever has them would be very beautiful."
"Indeed. Which is why I think it would be a shame if such a beautiful demon got dragged into a stupid war."
"Those are some dangerous words. Aren't you afraid I'll spread the fact that you called that person's plans stupid?"
"It's fine. I'm sure my equal wouldn't do something as shameful as ratting me out."
For a few moments, she did nothing but look at me instead of responding, but I had no doubt that she wouldn't betray me. And no, it was not because I was charmed, I just felt that it wasn't her style. If she wanted to hurt me, she would definitely do it with her own hands.
Seeing that I wouldn't back down, she sighed before taking a grape and tossing it into her mouth.
"Gosh, if you believe in me so much I find it hard to turn you away. However, that doesn't mean I've agreed to help you. Even if a war starts, I doubt it'll affect my daily life very much."
"True, but only if it ends in a quick victory. If this war drags on then surely your businesses won't do as well. After all, for the average demon no entertainment can surpass a bloody battle."
If war started then even without a forced conscription demons would willingly stand on the battlefield. Demon history had proven this.
"I won't deny that, but the humans and the rest of them won't be able to last long if we hit them with our full force."
"Probably not. As long as nothing unexpected occurs, like the emergence of a hero."
Though she tried to hide it, I could sense her react at the term 'hero'. Which wasn't surprising considering her background. Still, to maintain a strong front she snickered.
"Hmph, don't tell me you're making a fairy tale like that scare you."
"Oh, I'm sure you're well aware that it's not a fairy tale. After all, your ancestor died to one."
I felt a particularly sharp glare from her, but I remained firm as I looked straight at her.
"...If that's all you have, it's still not enough for me to stand up against the Demon King."
I got up from the couch while saying, "Yes, I suppose so."
"You're, giving up already?"
She seemed shocked that I wouldn't push a little more, but I truly didn't think I could make any more progress.
"Yes, I don't think I have enough to make you move at the moment so I plan on retreating for today."
To prove that I truly was giving up for now, I went straight to the door without giving her time to respond. Only after opening the door did I look back at her to leave behind a few more words.
"Until next time."
Once I closed the door behind me, I sighed lightly. I knew that making her move would be much harder than talking the police since she didn't have an obligation to help me, but I was still confident that I could eventually get her cooperation.
'For now, I need to bid my time until everything is prepared.'
With my business with her finished for the day, I went back to the elevator where I found the same receptionist waiting. Part of me wanted to explore the top floor a little more, but I was aware of the mechanical eyes(cameras) watching my every move. Besides, it wouldn't be worth the risk of angering Queen.
Instead of the first floor, the receptionist brought me to a room two floors below Queen's room, where Jeanne and Kaili had been waiting. Kaili had awaken and seemed to be getting along well with Jeanne so I nodded my head with a smile.
"Master."
"I've finished my business. Let's-"
"Liar!"
As I approached them in a happy mood, the single word that Kaili shouted, left me stunned.