Chapter 25

After Elinest's commotion, the conference room's atmosphere finally settled back to normal. Seeing Elinest return to her seat, Christia cleared her throat lightly and addressed Lisbeth. "Lisbeth, reintroduce yourself. Everyone knows who you are, but this is a chance to show your attitude. Don't disappoint us."

"Mm, understood~ Thank you, Lord Demon King, for this second chance."

Christia's words were clear. Lisbeth grasped their meaning perfectly. She had once been the Demon Clan's archenemy. Though stripped of her power now, that didn't guarantee easy acceptance. This self-introduction was her best moment to declare her stance.

Taking a deep breath, Lisbeth walked to Christia's seat. She knelt on one knee lightly before the gathered crowd. "Allow me to reintroduce myself. My former name was Alex, Alex Decardolan. As you know, I was the Hero of the Human Race—and your greatest enemy."

"But now, I am Lord Demon King's loyal servant. My name is Lisbeth, not Alex. My body and soul are wholly dedicated to him. I never expected such favor—to be seated among you despite past grievances. Yet here I stand. I wish to cooperate well with all of you, dedicating everything solely to Lord Demon King."

Lisbeth spoke with utter seriousness. Her pace was slow, but her voice rang loud and clear, conveying resolute will. Christia watched, a faint smile touching her lips. She glanced at the four Personal Maids flanking her.

"Well? Thoughts on Lisbeth's speech?"

"Acceptable, I suppose~"

The speaker was the maid on Christia's far left. She wore glasses and had long sky-blue hair. Clad in a Maid Outfit yet draped in a white coat, she seemed less a maid and more a wise scholar.

Christia nodded, turning to the others. "Olivia has spoken. What about you three?"

"No objections from me."

"Her future actions will tell."

"Mm, I think it was a wonderful speech."

The maids nodded in agreement, their gazes shifting to Lisbeth. Christia smiled. "Excellent. Since our newcomer introduced herself, it's your turn now."

"Mm, I'll start." Elinest stepped forward—the one who'd teased Lisbeth earlier. She lightly tossed her silver-white hair, an elegant smile on her lips. "I'm Elinest, Elinest Carrot. One of Lord Demon King's exclusive Personal Maids. I handle healing and medicine preparation. Please take care of me~"

"Huh? Elinest Carrot? Now I recall why her name sounded familiar—it really is her!"

"Hm? Little Sword, you know her?"

Clothilde's voice echoed in Lisbeth's mind. It rose excitedly the next second. "Alex, have you forgotten? Elinest was the Demon Clan's world-renowned physician in our era! Her potions and healing magic were legendary—and she was a famous beauty too."

"So it's her. I never expected this pervert to become so remarkable. But more importantly, I never saw her in the Demon King's Fortress two centuries later. Was she gone by then?"

"I wouldn't know. Alex, stop chatting with me—you've been silent too long."

"Ah, right."

Clothilde's reminder jolted Lisbeth. She realized she hadn't spoken a word. Before she could react, Hilda gently patted her shoulder from behind—a clear nudge to respond.

"Something wrong? Was my introduction lacking? You've been quiet so long."

"Ah, no—it's just... you're stunningly beautiful. I got momentarily entranced."

"Oh? That truly delights me. After your earlier attitude, I thought you disliked me."

Lisbeth studied Elinest's smiling face. She had to admit the woman was breathtakingly lovely—making her own words partly true. Yet recalling Elinest was a pervert who'd seduced over twenty maids, Lisbeth silently sighed.

Still, she'd never voice such thoughts aloud. She simply smiled back. "Nonsense. I was merely startled. Please take care of me going forward."

"Mm, likewise~"