"Elder Xi has something to look for you, Lord Anya. If you have time, please come as soon as possible. ”

The girl nodded, put aside the half-read paperwork in her hand, stood up, and nodded to the alliance official who came to deliver the message, "Thank you for your hard work." ”

The youkai with a pair of cat ears stepped aside and opened the door to the room for her. Anya walked away quickly, following the corridor that had become more familiar recently, to the garden where Elder Xi was customary.

Generally speaking, the normal operation of the alliance does not require too much involvement of the elders, and of course, she is not needed as a "demon king". However, not long ago, after Kamino defeated the elders, things started to look a little different.

She regained her power as the "King of the Alliance", but she was unable to achieve her wish with only one voice. To this end, the girl began to learn how to deal with government affairs, and tried to find the clues she needed from every document.

Lian and Lan, two elders who were both friendly and gentle-minded, became her best teachers. On the other hand, although Elder Xi and Elder Zhu Fu had a bad temper, they were always able to give a satisfactory reward for the difficulties she raised, and even some unreasonable "requests".

As for the other elders, at least on the surface, they no longer deliberately make things difficult, and it was enough for the girl.

Anya carefully walked through the grassy gravel paths and the fruity—unripe—woods to a sand clearing. With the "Fangshu" formation set up, this place has become the best location for the light in Xiyang City, and it is also the place where Elder Xi rests on weekdays.

"The Nanming clan and the Qingzhi Brotherhood have agreed to the invitation, and will soon send an envoy to come." The eagle-headed youkai was lying on its back on the sand, and when it heard her footsteps, it opened its mouth without opening its eyes, "The Spirit Fox Clan said that it would take a few days to think about it. The dragons said they weren't interested on the spot, so it seems that you don't have to expect too much. ”

"Thank you." The girl whispered, and lowered her head slightly, "But this way, it's still not enough......"

Her wish is to stop the war between the Alliance and the Empire, as seen in the Mirror Lake. and, if possible, so that youkai and humans can put aside their hatred and get along.

To achieve her first goal, her opponents are the members of the Broken Scattering Society scattered throughout the Alliance, as well as the main battle faction hidden within the Alliance; The second goal requires the buy-in of almost all of the population of Giepnes, even if only superficially.

The Alliance was born to counter the growing Innis Empire and maintain the balance between youkai and humans. It has tens of millions of people, but it doesn't have enough binding power on the loose yokai themselves. The majority decrees of the Alliance Council can only reach the surface of the major cities, and as for the 'Demon King' itself, it is only valuable among the elders.

Most of the inhabitants of the alliance didn't even know Anya, so naturally it was impossible to easily follow her orders.

Numerous Yokai families tend to wander on the fringes of the Alliance, with their own territories, statutes, and patriarchs. Relatively weak or isolated youkai spontaneously form groups commonly known as 'alliances' - such as the "Blue Brotherhood" of the grass and tree monsters. Each member of the 'League' often exists in multiple cities, or even in villages with only a few dozen people.

Whether it's calling friends, seeking resources, or finding someone to help you fight...... The first thing that comes to the minds of the youkai must be them, not the vast but inefficient alliances. In other words, as long as these families and 'groups' accepted her wish, it meant that most of the demon clan agreed with it.

Most of these were told to her by Elder Lan. After thinking about it, she decided to send an invitation to all the larger families and alliances in the name of the Demon King and the Alliance. Then, adopt a more gentle method - know that it is reasonable or profitable, in exchange for the commitment and support of the other party.

"I think you know, Anya." The eagle-headed youkai rolled over and turned his back to the girl with a black feathered back, "Youkai don't like to huddle, especially the powerful ones. To convince them, it's not enough to rely on who you are – and the Snow Maiden – to convince them. ”

The girl lowered her head and looked at her chest. She changed out of the outfit she wore when she "ran away" and instead wore an elaborate semi-long robe, roughly somewhere between casual wear and a gown. In Elder Lian's words, that is the usual way of 'humans' - there is no obvious difference in strength, and they use gorgeous appearances to show their status and status.

"Although a lot of youkai don't actually eat this set." At that time, Lian held her hands in front of her chest, and said in a tone full of interest, "If anyone dares to underestimate you, let Shen Wu help you beat him!" ”

The girl shook her head secretly. Kanna helped her gain the approval of the Alliance Elders, but she couldn't get the other youkai to do her bidding—they wouldn't buy a nameless youkai's account. Unless she starts a war within the Alliance, which is clearly contrary to her wishes.

She needed other helpers. Someone who has enough prestige to make those powerful families willing to sit down and listen to her.

This time, the memories that belonged to the previous demon kings no longer seemed to be helpful. But Anya vaguely felt that the person she was looking for was watching her not far away.

She counted the feathers behind the youkai—each one magical, as clear as a jewel in the sunlight—and a thought crossed her mind. "Elder Xi, you are so powerful, why did you choose to stay in the alliance?"

This was indeed her doubt.

As a monster who is good at manipulating light and heat, the easternmost wasteland of the continent that rags with wild magic is the most suitable place for Elder Xi to live. The status of an Alliance Elder was more of an obligation to him than an honor.

"A pact with a human." The Hippogriff turned back to his back and yawned comfortably, "He's so much better than you." ”

Some memories have awakened with the yokai's narration. The girl blinked, "Is it the original Demon King's Highness?" ”

The youkai turned his head and glanced at her, which was considered a tacit acquiescence.

"Tell me about him." Anya held her chin and looked at the other party expectantly, "You're familiar with him, aren't you, Elder Xi?" ”

Xi sat up and shrugged noncommittally.

"That's a weird guy." He said in a slightly raised voice, "Not the Inil, let alone the youkai, but willing to help us build a unified kingdom." And, it seems, he is not interested in power - not long after the alliance was stabilized, he found the so-called heir and walked away quietly. ”

"Walk away...... Finish? The girl frowned a little confusedly and bit her index finger, "Every demon king does not designate his own ...... before he dies Heirs? ”

The eagle-headed youkai raised an eyebrow and squinted at Anya, as if considering whether to continue.

"Yes, except for that guy." Eventually, he said, "He's not going to die that easily. ”

Anya folded her hands over her chest and gently closed her eyes. The memory in her mind became clearer and clearer, and she was able to see the faces of every previous 'Demon King'. Those are hidden in her soul, part of her past, countless cycles of life and death.

Except for the first one.

But not without clues. She recalls that every 'king' will be more or less helped by 'someone' in the process of growing up, when they need it most.

Sometimes it's a book of wisdom, sometimes it's a sharp weapon, sometimes it's a long-sought address. And for her, it's ...... A letter from a recent time ago.

"Two foreign maidens will meet you soon. Take advantage of the opportunity and they can take you to see the world as it really is."

She opened her eyes and stared at the youkai's golden pupils. "Do you know where he is, Elder Xi?"

"It's a pity." The pair of eagle-sharp eyes looked away, "That's not something I can tell you. ”

"It's okay, I think I know." The girl said happily, "Elder Xi, can you take me to meet someone?" ”

The youkai stood up and met Anya's hopeful expression.

"—Mr. Ahsan of Lily of the Valley."