Chapter 1281

As Kurt watched everyone around him showering Anna with respect and admiration, a deep sense of loss washed over him.

That should have been his moment, the culmination of his plans. Instead, things had turned out entirely differently.

He glanced at Anna, who held a power that rivaled his own at his peak. It was clear—no matter his ambitions, Anna was the rightful heir, both in strength and standing. Even Henry, with his terrifying abilities, had willingly stepped aside to support the rightful heir.

As those thoughts swirled in his mind, Kurt started to feel a strange sense of release. However, his reflection was abruptly interrupted by Herwig's voice echoing in his mind.

"Master?"

Kurt was stunned. He barely registered the rest of what Herwig said—his mind was fixated on that one word. How could Herwig casually address someone as Master? A wave of shame crossed his face.

It was not just Kurt—Anna and everyone else were equally dumbfounded. They knew that Herwig must have surrende