Chapter 232: The Contest Between Succubus and Vampire

Black Wind Castle, this land was once desolate and barren.

Although close to the Demon Capital, this baron territory did not share any of the Demon Capital's prosperity, with only scattered pastures and a few villages struggling in the desolation.

However, not long ago, a decisive battle that shocked the entire Demon Capital changed everything—the struggle between the Demon King of Lei Ming County and the Delagon family broke out here, and that standing castle became the focus and bet of the struggle between the two sides.

This earth-shattering battle finally ended with the Demon King's victory.

Under the bombardment of magic crystal cannons, the Delagon family's castle collapsed, turning into ruins, with only broken bricks and tiles left.

However, people didn't think at that time that this land did not decline because of the collapse of the castle, but instead bred new hope with it as fertilizer.

As time passed, the ruins of the castle disappeared, replaced by a rich land, with orders from the front line pouring in, stimulating the local economic prosperity.

And the Demon King who made a huge profit did not take the profit away, but left the profit in the local area, perfecting the city's infrastructure and production supporting facilities.

Just on the wasteland not far from Black Wind Valley, a huge factory stood majestically, the clanging sound of hammers hitting steel echoing in the open space under the dome, intertwined with the low roar of furnace burning into a symphony of industry.

Although the magic crystal cannon factory is still the economic pillar of this area, with the continuous investment of Demon King Luo Yan and the support of the Partridge family, the industry of Black Wind Castle has been gradually diversified, no longer limited to military manufacturing, and also produces rich consumer goods.

Today, workshops stand in great numbers on this land, and the streets are full of busy figures. In addition to the huge factory in the center, there are workshops for carving magic devices, alchemy laboratories, and handicraft workshops for making precision clocks and magic jewelry.

In the market, vendors are bustling, and the shouting is one after another... and the busiest are the goblin craftsmen from all directions.

Their skills are becoming more and more exquisite, pushing Black Wind Castle to a higher level with their dexterous hands and unremitting diligence.

In a workshop at the corner of the street, a group of goblin craftsmen who are short but have dexterous hands and feet are surrounding a casting furnace, pouring ore into the furnace in an orderly manner, then manipulating magic machinery, and pouring liquid metal into the mold. And in the magic crystal cannon assembly plant in the distance, more goblins are carrying out assembly and debugging under the command of technicians, finally directing magic puppets to push the finished products into the warehouse.

Everyone is immersed in this excitement of the industrial wave and has exhausted their energy for it.

And the prosperity of the local area is not only in factories and markets, but the tavern of Black Wind Castle is also bustling.

Goblins and hell dwarves sit around rough wooden tables, drinking strong wine, boasting about their craftsmanship and brave stories. Little devils shuttle through the crowd, some providing drinks, and some simply joining the noisy atmosphere, clapping the table and laughing.

The air is filled with the spicy smell of alcohol, as well as the aroma of fried meat and stew, soaking everyone in that excitement and satisfaction.

However, not everyone can taste happiness and satisfaction from the boiling beer foam...

In a secret clubhouse, a well-dressed goblin is sitting in the corner, looking at the man sitting opposite with vigilant eyes.

His fingers tap the table rhythmically, and although his face has a smile, anxiety is hidden between his brows.

"... Mr. Night Song, you should understand that I am not a coward, and I am not afraid of anything. The Demon King is my lord, and our interests have always been consistent."

The man opposite smiled slightly, he was wearing a dark robe, the hood covered most of his face, and only a pair of deep eyes flickered slightly in the dim light.

He is a gargoyle servant of the Delagon family and a messenger walking in the darkness.

His name is Night Song.

"Of course, Mr. Grot Tooth." Night Song's voice was low, with a hint of hoarseness, "But the news of the Demon King's return has indeed made many smart people feel uneasy, isn't it?"

Grot Tooth frowned and remained silent.

He is an important figure in the Tooth Chamber of Commerce, controlling dozens of workshops and a large number of laborers. Now the demand for magic crystal cannons makes him make a lot of money. But the Demon King's sudden return made him feel a hint of threat faintly.

His anxiety comes not only from the change in political order, but also because an absurd rumor is spreading among goblin laborers—it is said that goblins living in the Demon King's core territory, the Great Cemetery, live an extremely luxurious life, they bathe in beer, swim in the granary, and call themselves "mighty Na-bla."

Grot knows this is completely nonsense, because bathing in beer can't be washed clean at all, he tried it in his own bathtub. However, those stupid laborers believed it, they began to fantasize about better treatment, and some even dared to ask for a raise and improve the living conditions of the workshop... these annoying things made him even more irritable.

He certainly doesn't think the Demon King will change the order of Black Wind Castle for these bottom-level goblin laborers, after all, exploiting them is justified, and it is also the norm for survival on this land.

What really makes him uneasy is that the Demon King might use these rumors, under the pretext of "improving labor treatment," to carry out deeper exploitation of him and the Chamber of Commerce of Black Wind Castle.

After all, if the Demon King decides to "reform," someone must pay for the funds, and that person is undoubtedly him. Grot knows clearly that this so-called improvement is just a means for the Demon King to seize his wealth. All his efforts and accumulation might be destroyed in an instant, like that old castle that was destroyed.

This is what he is most worried about.

And just when he and all his peers were as anxious as ants on a hot pot, the messenger of the Delagon family took the initiative to find him and said he wanted to talk to him.

Everyone knows that the Delagon family was once the ruler of Black Wind Castle, even if they have lost this territory to the current Demon King of Lei Ming County, they still have intricate forces locally.

After all, some things cannot be handed over with a piece of paper, not to mention that hell contracts are farts on this land.

This power might become a kind of check and balance.

Grot thought so, so he readily agreed to meet with the messenger of the Delagon family.

"We are indeed uneasy, but this is entirely out of loyalty to His Majesty the Demon God."

Grot said in a deep voice, with a hint of caution and anxiety in his tone. He leaned toward the table slowly, his hands folded together, his eyes looking directly at Night Song.

"Now the situation on the front line is advancing steadily, and the production of Black Wind Castle supports the victory of the war. If the Demon King intervenes again, our production methods will be affected, and even the efficiency of the magic crystal cannon factory might decline... this is undoubtedly a huge hidden danger for the front line, I think neither the parliament nor anyone is willing to see such a thing happen."

This is certainly not his true words, but half of it is true.

He paused, his eyes flickered, and then continued.

"The Tooth Chamber of Commerce does not want to see the prosperity of Black Wind Castle suffer turmoil, we hope the Delagon family can provide help to keep the order here unchanged... this is not only the position of the Tooth Chamber of Commerce, but also the common opinion of the Chamber of Commerce Alliance of Black Wind Castle."

Night Song chuckled, picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said slowly.

"This is exactly what we need to discuss, and I am here for this."

Outside the window, the factory bell rang long, and the crystal standing on the top of the magic crystal cannon factory went out, indicating that night was slowly falling.

And the future of Black Wind Castle seems to be quietly changing at this junction of lights and shadows.

At the same time, in the teleportation room of the Demon King Management Department in the Demon Capital, a slender figure pounced into Luo Yan's arms.

"Brother!"

Vivian shouted excitedly, hanging on Luo Yan like a koala, her face full of undisguised intimacy.

Hit by a head hammer in the chest, Luo Yan frowned slightly and whispered: "Vivian, don't call me that in public."

This is for her own good.

Vivian pouted, her face showing a grievance.

"Anyway, there is no one else here..."

Her voice hadn't fallen, her eyes suddenly turned to Mia next to her, only to find that this annoying "magic crystal lamp" had been watching here, and looking at her with a flattering smile.

Just now her attention was all on Luo Yan, so she didn't find this guy's existence at all.

That smile made Vivian feel unusually uncomfortable, as if she had substituted herself into the identity of her family without authorization.

Obviously, Mia is not a person who is good at observing words and colors.

Seeing Vivian turn to look at herself, she immediately rubbed her hands and greeted her with a full face of smiles.

"Long time no see, Miss Vivian, how have you been recently?"

That sweet and greasy tone made Luo Yan look at her twice more, this guy had never been so gentle to himself.

However, facing Mia's flattery, Vivian didn't appreciate it, just glanced at her coldly.

The alienation written on her face made Mia slightly stunned, her smile stiffened, as if she had missed.

She associated with the conflict in Professor Aidonia's garden before, and felt guilty in her heart... Could this little girl still be holding a grudge against her?

Although the Prince Prince Kelin family is narrow-minded and vengeful, it shouldn't be that they remember such a small thing for so long, right?

Just when Mia was uneasy, Vivian slid down from Luo Yan's chest.

She tidied up her skirt, raised her chin elegantly, the corners of her mouth holding a hint of disdain, her tone lazy but sharp, just like the tiger teeth hidden in the corners of her mouth.

"Of course, unlike some people, who turn around other people's brothers all day long... why, don't you have your own brother?"

Mia was stunned by the question.

"Uh, indeed not..."

"Hehe, no wonder," Vivian's smile grew, holding Luo Yan's arm and rubbing it intimately, using an exaggerated lip shape to say viciously and silently, 'Stealing fox!'

"...???"

Mia's face stiffened, her fists clenched unconsciously, and she had to adjust her expression quickly, trying her best to maintain a dignified smile.

After all, Vivian is Luo Yan's sister, no matter how dissatisfied she is, she can only endure it.

But why is this little girl so sticky to her brother?!

And what is there to show off?!

"Enough, Vivian."

Luo Yan's voice was not light or heavy, but carried a hint of unquestionable majesty.

Hearing the voice from above, Vivian's body trembled instinctively, her small face stiffened instantly, and she quickly restrained her arrogant spirit.

Her mouth opened slightly but she didn't dare to refute, quietly letting go of the arm she was holding, lowering her head like a child who made a mistake, her eyes dodging and muttering.

"I, I just... worried that brother would be entangled by strange people... you know, succubus is not a good thing... woo woo... I'm sorry, I won't dare again..."

Her voice became smaller and smaller as she spoke, and finally became a mosquito hum, as if the arrogant little devil just now didn't exist at all.

Mia looked at her light-speed soft appearance, although she felt relieved, she had a hint of vigilance.

The succubus's intuition told her that this little girl was not right, but her face still maintained a superficial dignity.

Now is the time to show her mature side, she can't leak her timidity at a critical moment.

Just when Luo Yan was having a headache about how two guys with brain problems got together, the footsteps coming from outside the hall saved him from the awkward atmosphere.

I saw a middle-aged man with a tall figure and extraordinary temperament stepping into the hall. He wore an exquisite black dress, wearing the Partridge family's emblem on his chest, his eyes steady and sharp.

"Mr. Festin Partridge." Luo Yan spoke softly, with a hint of respect in his eyes.

This is a member of the Upper House and the nominal head of the Partridge family.

Festin nodded slightly, a decent smile appearing on his face: "Mr. Luo Yan, long time no see... or rather, nice to meet you."

Although the two had met before, there was not much direct communication.

As for subsequent cooperation, most of it was carried out through Mia, and although the Partridge family also intervened, it mostly stopped at the surface.

Luo Yan nodded slightly, responding to a greeting, although the two were not close, they both maintained the necessary etiquette.

Festin's eyes swept over Luo Yan, and looked at Mia and Vivian standing aside, then said gentlemanly.

"I'm sorry, borrowing this gentleman from the side of the two ladies, we need to talk about Black Wind Castle. This is the teleportation room of the Demon King Management Department, not a place for conversation. If you don't mind, please move to the carriage."

Facing Mr. Festin, Vivian performed quite well, after all, this gentleman was of the same generation as her father.

She lifted her skirt slightly and saluted, like a real noble.

"Thank you for your invitation, I just want to see how... um, Mr. Luo Yan's territory is developing."

That ambiguous statement made the corners of Festin's mouth hook a hint of playful smile.

This was the first time he saw the relationship between an illegitimate child and an heir so harmonious, not only not fighting but becoming friends.

It seems that there is something unusual about this Mr. Luo Yan.

Or rather, Mr. Prince Prince Kelin.

"Then let's move and talk, I plan to live in Black Wind Castle this time."

Luo Yan nodded slightly, followed Mr. Festin's footsteps and left the Demon King Management Department, then stepped onto the Partridge family's carriage.

Standing at the entrance of the carriage, Festin then looked at Mia and said gently.

"Mia, you take Vivian to take another carriage first, we will meet at Black Wind Castle."

Mia was stunned, then nodded elegantly.

"Yes, father."

Vivian just wanted to protest, but swallowed the words under Luo Yan's faint gaze, curled her lips, and followed Mia toward another carriage very reluctantly.

As Luo Yan and Festin's carriage moved forward, the atmosphere in the carriage was briefly silent.

Festin tidied up his sleeves lightly, pondered for a moment, and looked at the street scene outside the carriage window.

"The prosperity of Black Wind Castle is far beyond expectations, in just a few months, it has become an indispensable satellite city near the Demon Capital. To be honest, I am quite surprised, I didn't expect that wasteland to have such a big change in your hands."

Luo Yan nodded slightly, saying with a smile, "Thanks to you always helping me watch."

This matter actually doesn't have much to do with the Partridge family, mainly because of the support of hell's administrative power, superimposed on the influence of "money ability."

Every Kaira he earned from the front line orders was almost spent on developing that land, not a single one left.

As for why, the reason is also very simple.

Because that is the land near the Demon Capital, and there is a reliable pillar industry.

There is no better place to invest than that, not to mention he couldn't take Kaira to the Great Cemetery to spend.

Hearing Luo Yan's statement, Festin obviously had self-knowledge, waved his hand with a smile.

"We just tried our best to cooperate with the Ministry of War to supervise local production, and didn't play much role, the real driving force behind Black Wind Castle's growth is the market and the needs of the front line."

He paused, his tone changed subtly: "However, this prosperity is not without a price. Today's Black Wind Castle is like a wildly growing garden, although lush, it is also full of weeds, and the roots under the soil are intertwined... can you understand what I mean?"

Luo Yan nodded slightly.

"That is common sense, I can naturally understand."

Festin smiled approvingly, continuing gently.

"Currently, the Partridge family and the Prince Prince Kelin family control the magic crystal cannon factory, leading the upper-level order of Black Wind Castle. However, below this, the Chamber of Commerce Alliance of Black Wind Castle determines the lower-level order. They determine the livelihood of ordinary people, and in a sense, the balance of power. If you can control this force, they will become your help in ruling Black Wind Castle, but if you can't control it, they might also bite you back."

Luo Yan chuckled, seemingly not surprised: "Even the Partridge family feels tricky?"

Festin smiled and said: "We have the ability to control certain situations, but we are not omnipotent. For example, we can turn a wasteland into a grass, but what kind of order is bred in that dense grass is not something we can decide, even if we can set a fire to burn it. Moreover, Black Wind Castle is your territory after all, you have to manage your own lawn, right?"

As he spoke, his tone became meaningful.

"Your decision to return to Black Wind Castle is a huge variable for the insects living there. Perhaps you think a few grasshoppers are not worth worrying about, but it would be different if they colluded with your neighbors."

Luo Yan could understand Festin's hint, that neighbor with bad intentions is nothing more than the Delagon family, and Mia had mentioned this to him early in her previous letters.

"Thank you for your reminder, I will pay attention."

Festin nodded with a smile.

"That's good."

If Luo Yan didn't ask for his help, he didn't intend to take the initiative to take action.

On the one hand, the help delivered to the door seems too cheap, and on the other hand, he also wants to see what kind of means this Demon King of Lei Ming County will use to settle this matter.

After all, he is the man his daughter likes, and as a father, he naturally has to examine him carefully.

The carriage continued to move forward, Festin paused for a while, and suddenly changed the topic.

"Speaking of which, I have always wanted to chat with you, and specially instructed my daughter to give you a key to the Partridge family library, but you never appeared... you didn't lose that key, did you?"

Hearing this sentence, Luo Yan's expression stiffened slightly.

He didn't lose the key, that key has always been in the space ring given to him by Professor Lilith.

As for why he didn't go, it was purely because he forgot about it.

At that time, the faction struggle within the Great Cemetery had not been completely settled, and the Campbell Principality was in a precarious situation, his energy was basically placed on these two things, where could he take care of hell.

It was only after both things were settled that he had time to come back and take a look at the baron territory he earned from the Delagon family...

Of course, it was impossible for him to admit that he had forgotten about it, and I think Mr. Festin would not want to hear the truth.

Luo Yan cleared his throat and said calmly.

"Isn't it better to chat face-to-face like this? Chatting in my brain... I always feel it's not sincere enough. After all, it's the first formal meeting, and I still want to leave a good impression on Mia's father."

Festin was stunned, and suddenly laughed loudly.

"Interesting... I like you more and more."

Although I don't know what happened, the other party's impression of him seems to be good?

Luo Yan nodded slightly and said happily. 【23

"It is my honor to receive such an evaluation from you."

Meanwhile, in another carriage, the atmosphere was as stiff as midwinter.

The young master of the Prince Kelin family didn't give the heir of the Partridge family any face at all, crossing his arms with a cold face.

And although Mi Ya maintained a stiff smile, as time passed, she could no longer hold the expression on her face.

No one can keep pressing their hot face against a cold butt forever, especially when facing an arrogant and haughty brat.

Even if the other party might be her future sister-in-law.

Mi Ya coughed lightly, trying to ease the atmosphere between the two, and said gently.

"Miss Vivian, we are about to arrive at your brother's territory. This is your first time here, right?"

"Tsk."

"..." Mi Ya's brow twitched, feeling her fist tighten.

She took a deep breath, convinced herself to calm down, and finally said with a smile.

"Heh heh heh... Miss Vivian's personality is truly straightforward; I truly admire it."

After saying this, she herself felt a wave of nausea.

As the eldest daughter of the Partridge family, it had always been others fawning over her; when had she ever fawned over anyone else?

"That goes without saying," Vivian's nose tilted up, her cold, pretty face as flawless as a doll's, though her mocking tone was not at all well-behaved. "Our noble bloodkin never engage in hypocrisy; we have always been daring in love and hate, unlike some succubus who likes to put on airs, be insincere, and take advantage of others' precarious situations—precarious... precarious as a pile of eggs."

"You this... person." Mi Ya gritted her teeth, the word 'jerk' almost slipping out, but fortunately, she held it back at the last moment.

Vivian, upon hearing this, raised her willow-leaf eyebrows in a fit of rage.

"Shut up! Who is your family! My brother... is mine!"

Mi Ya's eyes narrowed.

Although her strength was only Silver-tier, incomparable to this legendary Gold-tier genius girl, she had the confidence in her mental power to not lose to anyone.

That was the racial talent of a succubus.

The collision of mental power sparked invisible flames inside the carriage. The two stared at each other without blinking, and this time, Mi Ya didn't continue to indulge her.

Feeling the immense pressure coming from the carriage, the hell warhorse pulling the carriage shivered, almost unable to hold on and collapsing.

If it were the old veteran Pegasus brothers of the Partridge family, they might have been able to remain calm, but it was just a small, Bronze-tier-less nobody...

In the other carriage, Feisiting noticed the situation behind and couldn't help but smile slightly, saying in a teasing tone.

"This is the first time I've seen my precious daughter so full of vitality."

Luo Yan's expression was slightly awkward.

"I've let you see something embarrassing... I will remind Miss Vivian later to pay attention to her sense of proportion."

He felt that Mr. Feisiting already knew his identity, and continuing to hide it seemed meaningless.

Feisiting smiled upon hearing this and continued.

"It's fine, I feel that the relationship between the two of them is actually quite good."

"Really?" Luo Yan's expression was noncommittal.

Feisiting nodded slightly and said with a smile.

"Isn't there a saying like that? Indestructible friendships are often born from fists."

The Netherworld indeed had this proverb.

Luo Yan had a good relationship with the second son of the Dragon family precisely because the two of them had a "fist-to-fist" relationship.

However, whether this theory could be applied to Mi Ya and Vivian, Luo Yan had to put a question mark; after all, he had personally experienced how difficult Vivian's personality was.

Feisiting pondered for a moment and continued.

"My daughter has lived in an environment where she was the center of attention since she was a child. Her personality is actually not much better than the eldest daughter of the Prince Kelin family, and precisely because of this, she has never had any friends... the kind of sincere friends."

Luo Yan carefully recalled his life at the Demon King Academy; Mi Ya indeed had no friends. By comparison, Vivian actually had a best friend and a group of followers.

But then again, most students at the Demon King Academy didn't have friends; this wasn't just Mi Ya's problem alone.

Feisiting's gaze suddenly fell on Luo Yan, with a hint of appreciation in his eyes.

"Speaking of this, I still have to thank you. Since the graduation ceremony, she has changed a lot. Not only has she become gentler, but she has also learned to consider those around her... without a doubt, this is your credit."

"I don't deserve the praise," Luo Yan said humbly. "I didn't do anything."

Feisiting smiled without saying a word.

"Then let's just say that's the case."

As a succubus's husband, his views were much more open-minded, unlike other demons who were so rigid.

As he spoke, he cast his gaze out the window, seeing the outline of Black Wind Fortress emerging under the light of the slowly brightening magic crystal lamp pillars, with the towering chimneys slowly puffing out wisps of black smoke.

The magic crystal lamp pillars at the top of the magic crystal cannon factory were synchronized with the amethyst dome above the Demon Capital; whenever they lit up, it signaled the start of a new day.

Feisiting squinted his eyes slightly and said with a smile.

"We have arrived."