In the palace of the Kingdom of Aldegia, La Folia was spending time with her parents, the King and Queen.
King Lucas Rihawain was a robust man whose physique might lead one to believe he was a warrior rather than a monarch. His imposing presence was more fitting of a berserker than a king.
Indeed, the King had once been a renowned fighter before falling in love with the kingdom's previous princess and marrying into the royal family to become the reigning king.
It was perhaps this king's tender and easily overwhelmed heart beneath his formidable exterior that won him the affection of La Folia's mother. Simply put, this king was under his wife's thumb.
"La Folia, did you gain anything from your visit to Gozu Island?"
"...Did the devil contracted by the Witch of the Void show any differences?"
The Queen, regal and assertive, was engaging in conversation with her beloved daughter in the royal chamber. It was both a mother's concern for her daughter and a queen's need to hear reports from her subjects.
The Rihawain palace was not particularly grand. The rough architectural style reflected the cultural habits of the Aldegia Kingdom and the kingdom's early poverty, which led the royal family to adopt frugality as a principle.
As time passed, this trait was inherited by the Rihawain family, and even though the kingdom was now economically prosperous, there was no desire to expand the palace.
The Witch of the Void had recently gained notoriety, having slain countless formidable demons and humans alike. Naturally, she had come under the scrutiny of powers around the world, especially given the immense interest in the devil she had contracted.
It was not unusual for witches with grand ambitions to gain powerful devils, but the Witch of the Void's devil were beyond ordinary imagination.
The true nature of these self-aware monsters and what they might bring to the world remained unknown.
People are always anxious about the unknown.
"Mother, the devil is quite extraordinary. I couldn't even sense its devilish nature, or any sense of it being a monster, for that matter."
"...It feels more like a human, as if it thoroughly understands humanity despite being a devil."
La Folia took a moment to choose her words carefully, slowly sharing her impressions of Saigou.
The Queen furrowed her brows upon hearing her daughter's description. "...That's not good news, my daughter."
The more a devil resembles a human and understands humanity, the deeper the fear it instills.
After all, even in the legends of this world, devils are far from benevolent beings.
Even if devils here operate under an exchange rule, where the power of a devil requires a human soul as payment, it remains a source of endless horror and tragedy for witches.
A devil with self-awareness that understands humans might lead to even greater human downfall, resulting in more souls being offered.
"You're right, Mother... Generally speaking, a devil's profound understanding of humans is not a good sign."
"...But I feel Mr. Zarathustra is different. He doesn't seem very interested in this world."
"If I must say, his behavior and way of life are quite similar to the three Primogenitors."
"...They all seem to have lived for such a long time that they've become indifferent to everything, operating only according to their principle of 'pleasure.'"
La Folia lowered her eyelids slightly, her azure eyes reflecting her feelings and understanding of Saigou.
In some ways, this princess truly had a discerning eye, perceiving Saigou's outlook on life more clearly than even Natsuki Minamiya, who had lived with him for five years.
Saigou was indifferent to most things, driven only by what was 'interesting.'
Unlike other Primogenitors who had become this way from living too long, Saigou's attitude stemmed from his singular and genuine purpose: to extract the world's nutrients for his own growth.
To achieve this goal, Saigou's task was simply to ensure the existence of his contract. As long as Natsuki Minamiya remained untroubled, he had little reason to cause trouble.
Thus, Saigou lived a relatively passive existence, disinclined to stir up issues.
The more one interferes, the more unpredictable changes one might face, rendering the future uncertain.
If it weren't for his interest in the Fourth Primogenitor's familiar and his desire to enhance his own abilities, he likely would not have participated.
The Queen of the Kingdom of Aldegia had no doubts about her daughter's observations.
La Folia possessed an extraordinary talent, giving her a keen sensitivity to human nature and emotions. This very gift had allowed the fourteen-year-old princess to become one of the kingdom's most crucial diplomats, representing her country in international negotiations.
In every negotiation, she had never faltered; even at her young age, she had taken on significant diplomatic responsibilities, preparing for her future role as the heir to the throne.
It was La Folia's excellence and her unparalleled beauty that earned her such prominence and support in the kingdom.
Given that La Folia described the demon's personality and approach in this way, the Queen believed it to be true.
"I am very interested in what happened on Gozu Island. Please, tell me everything in detail."
The Queen adopted a listening posture as La Folia recounted the events in full detail.
"Mr. Zarathustra is incredibly talented. Despite being a devil, he has an in-depth understanding of human society, international relations, and even political negotiations."
"...Such talent, I truly do not wish to see him leave. I would like to keep him in the kingdom."
"Moreover, Mr. Zarathustra has consumed the Root and obtained the power of the Fourth Primogenitor."
"...The Fourth Primogenitor is renowned for having no blood relatives, existing alone, and ruling twelve familiar of disaster as the strongest vampire."
"Viewed in this light, the Fourth Primogenitor is not only a force of calamity but also a highly strategic entity."
"...The war with the Lost Warlord cannot truly be settled; there will always be those who stir conflict between the two sides."
"Historically, the Lost Warlord has never truly engaged in war with the kingdom."
"...But we must be cautious. If one day the Lost Warlord were to mobilize the power of the Empire to invade the kingdom, even if we were to win, the cost would be immense."
"However, if we could obtain the strategic power of the Fourth Primogenitor's familiar, it would be sufficient to counter the First Primogenitor."
"...Mr. Zarathustra himself is a powerful devil. If he were to acquire all of the Fourth Primogenitor's familiars, it might even make him a match for the Lost Warlord!"
La Folia spoke with great excitement, and despite her efforts to suppress it, the Queen could still detect her daughter's fondness and a hint of subtle admiration for the devil.
The Queen sighed inwardly, recognizing that her daughter's rigid adherence to rules and her talent did not correspond to her personal strength.
It was likely the devil's disregard for all order and law, his chaotic nature, that attracted her rule-abiding daughter to him.
A mother knows her child best, and the Queen could discern La Folia's feelings.
"It seems you have quite an admiration for this demon."
La Folia did not deny it. She raised her beautiful face and said, "...If it benefits the development of the kingdom, I wouldn't mind marrying him."
"Absolutely not!"
Before the Queen could speak, the King's angry roar cut through the room. "How could I allow my daughter to make such a sacrifice and marry a devil?!"
The Queen cast a sidelong glance at the King and said with a cheerful smile, "...Dear~"
Though her tone was affectionate, her eyes were filled with a threatening glint.
Immediately, the King fell silent.
The Queen turned her gaze back to La Folia and spoke softly, "...Unlike other similar families, I will not question or obstruct your decisions."
"In families like ours, marriage decisions are usually made by the parents, but we are different."
"...As long as it is your own will—whether you choose to sacrifice yourself for the kingdom or genuinely love someone—I will support you, La Folia!"
Upon hearing her mother's words, La Folia pressed her lips together and expressed her gratitude, "...Mother!"
Just as the mother and daughter shared this touching moment, an overwhelming blast of icy magical power erupted throughout the capital!
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