Chapter 234: Conspiracies and Open Plots

The Lord's meeting in Black Wind Fortress lasted for several hours, and under Luo Yan's leadership, various agenda items were gradually finalized.

Although the representatives of the Merchant Alliance were submissive on the surface, Luo Yan still keenly sensed that many of them harbored complex thoughts, especially Grok, the president of the Sawtooth Merchant Guild.

In this Goblin merchant, he seemed to see the shadow of Yan Andi.

Although their personalities and ways of doing things were different, they were essentially the same type of person—as long as there was enough profit, they would betray their Lord without hesitation.

What's more, for a Goblin, betraying a human Lord would not bring him any psychological burden or moral baggage.

After the meeting, Luo Yan took Festin and his party to the dining room of the Lord's Manor.

Although he had never stayed here for a day, there were three Demon chefs stationed in the mansion all year round, and more than a dozen servants of different races responsible for daily affairs. And while he was having the meeting, lunch had already been prepared, and a sumptuous appetizer was laid out on the dining table.

However, facing this table of sumptuous delicacies, Vivian's expression was somewhat uninterested.

Those deep red pupils rolled around, and the corners of her mouth suddenly hooked into a cunning smile.

Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, she stepped with light steps and quietly slipped to Luo Yan's side, her ten fingers gently grabbing his arm, shaking it coquettishly.

"Brother~"

The soft, glutinous voice sounded abruptly, making Luo Yan's back numb, and he couldn't help but shiver, then looked at the culprit who was pretending to be innocent with a straight face.

"Didn't I tell you? Don't call me that casually..."

"But..." Vivian pouted, muttering dissatisfiedly, "There's no one else around, can't I just call you that secretly? You clearly said it was okay before."

Luo Yan sighed deeply.

Is this some popular way to seek excitement in the Demon Capital these days?

However, seeing that she had behaved quite well just now, he couldn't be bothered to argue with her, and asked in a low voice.

"If you have something to say, say it quickly."

Seeing that her trick had succeeded, Vivian's smile became even brighter, she licked her lips, revealing bright tiger teeth, and her eyes stared straight at Luo Yan's neck, like a predator eyeing its prey.

"That... I'm hungry... hehehe... can I... just one bite..."

Luo Yan felt his heart go numb from being stared at, and subconsciously took a step back.

"If you're hungry, eat, why are you looking at me?"

"But, the Blood Clan doesn't eat..." Vivian immediately put on a pitiful expression, waving her little hands randomly, lying, "If there's no blood, your dear Miss Vivian will starve to death!"

"Oh? Is that so?"

A voice that was a smile that wasn't a smile suddenly came from the side.

Vivian turned her head abruptly, only to see that annoying succubus had quietly stood behind the two of them at some point, arms crossed, her heart-shaped pupils showing obvious teasing.

"... O, of course!"

Vivian's heart tightened, vaguely sensing something bad, but still pretending to be calm, she continued to make things up: "The, the Prince Prince Kelin family... is just like this!"

Mia sneered and unceremoniously exposed her lie: "Stop lying, you've been drinking bagged blood for a long time, right? And it's fine if you don't drink for a day or two."

"You guy!"

The lie was exposed on the spot, Vivian was so angry her face turned red, and her lips trembled. That dark purple hair seemed to be stimulated by static electricity, floating up without wind.

Just as she was about to counterattack aggressively, a hand knocked on her head mercilessly.

"Ouch!"

Vivian covered her head and squatted down, tears of grievance in her eyes, looking just like a scolded kitten.

Luo Yan looked at her helplessly.

"Alright, that's enough messing around. If you want to drink blood, I'll have someone buy it for you, is that okay?"

He wasn't sure if there was any in Black Wind Fortress, but he figured it shouldn't be a big problem.

After all, there were all kinds of species here.

Vivian hugged her head, muttering: "... Never mind, the ones bought in the market must be smelly."

The whole way was Goblins, or Hell Dwarves; she had no interest in that smelly blood.

Luo Yan was stunned for a moment, looking at her in surprise.

He didn't have such deep research on blood, but could this thing actually have a fragrant one?

Really or fake?

Although Luo Yan didn't think Vivian had a chance to succeed, the little girl still attributed the failure of her trick to Mia's interference, and because of this, her relationship with the latter became even worse.

Sure enough, the creatures in Hell are all bullies who pick on the weak, specifically picking on those who are easy to bully.

Looking at Mia's pitiful eyes, Luo Yan couldn't tell if she was pretending, or if she was really afraid of the little ancestor of the Prince Prince Kelin family.

Fortunately, just when he was in a dilemma, Mr. Festin, who had gone to the bathroom, finally returned to the dining room, saving Luo Yan from the endless bickering.

Facing that smile that wasn't a smile, he always felt that this Shadow Demon gentleman was doing it on purpose.

To be honest, this one was probably the one with the thickest nerves.

Everyone sat down at the dining table one after another, and the servants waiting on the side quickly poured them fine wine, while serving exquisite dishes one after another, then respectfully left the restaurant, waiting for the bell to ring before coming in again.

Although the chefs of the Lord's Manor had prepared a feast with all their hearts, among the few people present, it seemed that only Luo Yan and Festin were truly willing to enjoy it.

Vivian glanced at the food on the dining table casually, leaning lazily on the back of the chair, her fingers tapping the edge of the table, looking uninterested. Mia elegantly picked up the wine glass and took a small sip, not at all the arrogant look she usually had, and she didn't know who she was competing with.

"Grok and his Sawtooth Merchant Guild are not easy to deal with." Festin wiped his mouth gently, suddenly speaking with a hint of meaning, his tone carrying a hint of meaningful reminder.

Luo Yan decomposed the steak calmly, saying in a chatty tone: "I have already noticed him."

"Why pay attention to that guy," Vivian yawned, saying nonchalantly, "What's the point of talking nonsense about such a small character? If he doesn't listen, just kill him."

Her tone was light, but it carried a decisive domineering air, as if discussing how to pinch a mouse trembling in the corner to death.

It must be said that her style of doing things was indeed very much like Caesar Prince Prince Kelin's, and completely opposite to her weak father... no wonder Prince Prince Prince Kelin was so fond of this precious granddaughter.

Mia raised her eyebrows slightly, looking at Luo Yan, curious about his reaction. And Festin just laughed lightly without saying anything, seemingly wanting to see how Luo Yan would respond to his sister.

Luo Yan glanced at Vivian and said patiently: "When weeds appear in your garden, what you should do is not burn the whole garden with a fire and tear everything down and start over, but cleverly prune it and let it become nutrients for the garden at the right time. Otherwise, you will exhaust yourself, and in the end, it will be thankless."

If someone else had said these words, Vivian would probably have sneered and mocked.

However, the person who said this was, after all, the brother who had soundly defeated her, and she couldn't help but be convinced.

There was no way; that memory was too unforgettable, and even thinking about it today, she couldn't help but tremble.

Vivian fell into deep thought, tilting her head as if she understood but didn't quite understand; she, who had been unruly a second ago, was now as obedient as a kitten.

"But why? Is it just to deliberately keep it and let it absorb the nutrients in your garden?"

Luo Yan laughed lightly, picking up a piece of meat with a fork, lowering his head to cut it, his tone as relaxed as if he were just discussing ordinary gardening work.

"Because Grok is bait. As for absorbing the nutrients in my garden, after you have your own territory, you will understand that that little bit of petty profit is insignificant. You can even understand it as the nutrients he absorbed are just temporarily placed by fate..."

"Since he likes this kind of fake possession and is good at absorbing nutrients from the soil, let him keep it for me for a while; anyway, wiping him out is a matter of minutes."

As soon as this sentence came out, Vivian became interested, sat up straight, and stared at Luo Yan with great interest.

"Bait? What do you mean? Is there a bigger fish?"

"Of course," Luo Yan said unhurriedly, "You think if he had no one behind him, he would dare to make three requests in front of me? Let alone three requests, I bet he wouldn't even dare to speak three punctuation marks."

A flash of appreciation shone in Festin's eyes.

"Brilliant."

Mia's eyes were also shining, as if there were little stars.

Accepting the praise of this gentleman, the corners of Luo Yan's mouth lifted slightly, revealing a mysterious smile, and he said slowly.

"My intuition tells me that Grok is bait thrown in front of me by the Dragon family; they are luring me to make a move. But they didn't realize that when a fish is strong enough, it can drag both the person and the fishing rod into the river. But before that, we all need to maintain moderate patience."

Vivian widened her eyes slightly, revealing a surprised expression, while Mia supported her chin, watching Luo Yan with interest, starting to look forward to his layout.

Festin turned the wine glass in his hand gently, smiled slightly, his gaze deep: "Sounds like you're ready to cast the net?"

"That's right," Luo Yan said indifferently, raising his eyes to look at Festin, "I'm almost tired of their endless little tricks; perhaps the Dragon family should change a head of the family."

The moment his voice fell, the atmosphere in the restaurant changed subtly.

There was no one else here, and there was nothing to hide.

Mia narrowed her eyes, the corners of her mouth slightly raised, while Vivian's eyes lit up, and she clenched her fists excitedly.

"Sounds like... it will be very interesting." She said excitedly, her tongue licking her lips.

She liked blood flowing like a river the most!

Festin tapped his wine glass, nodded slightly, his tone meaningful.

"Then let me see how you plan to cast the net."

Changing the head of the Dragon family.

What a big tone!

However, he didn't dislike ambitious young people, especially since he saw his younger self in this young man.

People always think that he relied on Serena's favor to have his current status, but they never thought about why Serena chose him instead of someone else.

There is no family that has been enduring in Hell that is not easy to deal with.

The Partridge family is like this.

The Dragon family is of course like this too.

Even if the latter has been a bit unlucky these past two years...

Luo Yan took a sip of wine and smiled without saying a word.

"It has already begun."

... Brilliant strategies are often open plots.

However, this does not mean that everyone can hear the sound of the chess pieces falling at the beginning, and see that his intention is not in the wine.

The Dragon family will not realize that a small water pump may become the fulcrum to pry the entire Black Wind Fortress. And Snik, who raised the question, will not think that he, as a small person, is already in the game.

Snik never dreamed that he was just a "Gob" at the very bottom of the Goblin community, as inconspicuous as the coal slag falling by the mine cart, but because of a statement at the Lord's meeting, he was actually promoted by the Demon King himself, and transformed into an "official"—

Although it was only a sesame-sized official, the director of the neighborhood committee of the Goblin community.

Even so, this news still caused quite a stir in the Goblin community.

The Goblins who used to crawl in the mud with him now have to respectfully call him "Director" when they see him. Even those "big guys" who used to look down on him have to re-evaluate his value, and even take the initiative to get close to him.

The title "Director" sounds quite bluffing, but in fact, the work of the neighborhood committee is not easy at all.

In addition to the most basic facility inspection and repair reporting, he also has to be responsible for community security, organize security patrol teams, mediate various trivial contradictions between Goblins, and even formulate some development plans that look "decent" to show the "professionalism" of community autonomy.

Not only that.

Compared to these daily chores, Snik also received a task personally deployed by the Demon King—

【Note: The text here is a garbled anti-piracy placeholder.】

As the director of the neighborhood committee, he needs to do everything possible to unite the entire Goblin community, register residents comprehensively, and mark all newly arrived Goblins and suspicious elements.

For this reason, Luo Yan specially allocated an "activity fund," allowing Snik to develop his own "subordinates" in the name of organizing community activities.

That is, the so-called lackeys.

Snik looked at the appropriation voucher in his hand, his eyes shining with unprecedented light, his hands trembling with excitement.

He never thought that he would have the day when he could touch and grasp "power" with both hands!

He could use this fund to hold a barbecue party to attract more Goblins to participate in community affairs; he could contract construction projects within the community to cultivate a group of loyal subordinates; he could even treat guests at the Goblin tavern, using a glass of beer to exchange for information, and a barrel of wine to exchange for a lackey!

This is not just a "sesame official" position, this is an opportunity to climb up!

More importantly, he has already realized that the Demon King's promotion of him is definitely not just to let him fix a few water pumps and mediate a few Goblin quarrels, but to prepare for some "big event."

——But what exactly is the big event?

Snik touched his chin, his eyes flickering.

He vaguely felt that this was definitely not as simple as pure "community management."

But no matter what big plan the Demon King has, solving the office of the neighborhood committee is the top priority he has to face first.

But fortunately, this matter was soon resolved.

On the first day he took office, his sycophantic lackeys found him an incredible treasure.

It was a dilapidated carriage overturned on the side of the road.

This carriage didn't know which unlucky thing had discarded it, half-buried in the mud by a sewer in Black Wind Fortress, and after being dug out by a group of homeless Goblins, it was transformed into a stronghold that could barely block wind and rain, and was later bought by Snik's lackeys.

Now, a crooked wooden board hung on the outside of the carriage, with a few large characters written crookedly in coal ash—"Goblin Community Autonomy Committee."

Of course, except for Snik himself, I'm afraid no one knows what this place is for, after all, those characters are written too abstractly.

But this didn't prevent him from sticking out his little chest every day, patrolling proudly in front of the "office," accepting the complex gazes cast by the surrounding Goblins—or envious, or suspicious, or purely watching the fun.

After all, in the Goblin world, the concept of "being an official" usually only exists in legends, and most Lords are more willing to let Hell Dwarves manage them, rather than letting them manage themselves.

Believe that if it weren't for the fact that there were too many Goblins in Black Wind Fortress, and the Hell Dwarves had angered the Lord because of alcoholism, this neighborhood committee director position would never have fallen to a small fry like Snik.

This isn't—

This new official showed his bad side just one day after taking office.

On the second day of Snik's tenure, his office soon welcomed the first formal "case" of the Goblin community.

The cause of the incident was simple—two Goblins fought over the ownership of a roasted mouse.

If it weren't for the fact that they were evenly matched, they would have probably decided the winner themselves, and would never have caused a scene at the neighborhood committee.

"He snatched my dinner!"

"Nonsense, I saw it first!"

"Fart! When you saw it, it was still crawling on the ground!"

"Then you can't snatch my prey!"

"Which eye did you see it was yours?!"

"Look at this eye of mine!"

Two Goblins gestured wildly in front of Snik, pointing at their own faces bruised by the other party, while baring their teeth at each other.

Snik sat seriously behind his "desk"—and that so-called desk was actually a wooden board he picked up from a garbage dump, placed on two stones.

He raised his hand to press his forehead, cleared his throat, and put on an expression of "dignity without anger."

That was what he learned from the Demon King.

Of course, in order not to be accused of overstepping by other Goblins, he would never admit it to others.

"Ahem, I say, you two, is it worth it to snatch a mouse? Look at you, you've beaten your faces swollen, how bad is the influence? Instead of having that time, why not go to the factory to work? An hour's salary to buy a mouse is quite easy, right? Don't you think so?"

Before his voice fell, he was interrupted by these two blind guys.

"It's not a question of money!"

"Exactly! This is about fairness!"

The two Goblins looked at each other, neither willing to show weakness, still neither convinced by the other.

Snik coughed lightly and continued: "According to my community management regulations, the ownership of food should be decided by the party who makes the first move."

"Ha! Heard that?" One of the Goblins immediately put his hands on his hips, "I picked up the mouse first!"

"Wrong!" The other Goblin didn't show weakness, "I reached out first! He was just one step faster!"

Such things happen from time to time.

Snik sighed, flipped through a "document" at his side—it was full of graffiti, purely used to pretend.

"How about this, you two, half each."

"What?!"

"You two fought so fiercely, which means neither of you wants to suffer a loss. Then be fair, half each, and no one is allowed to say anything more."

The Goblins widened their eyes, looking at Snik's expression of "this is the final ruling," although they were a bit unwilling in their hearts, after all, Snik was now an "official," and one promoted by the Demon King himself, so they finally accepted it reluctantly.

And that document looked like it was signed by the Demon King himself, so they wouldn't dare to make a scene in front of that Lord over such a small matter.

"Fine..."

"You're ruthless."

Snik watched the two Goblins walking out of the door angrily with a smile, humming a little tune, and recorded a note in his small notebook stained with oil, using symbols only he could understand—

【Two Goblins fought, to snatch a roasted mouse. Handling method: half each.】

"... What a pitiful guy, even snatching a mouse, tsk tsk tsk."

With his little pen stroke, the first "neighborhood committee case" was successfully resolved.

Although it couldn't be called fair, it was better than letting them beat each other's dog brains out.

That was the Demon King's precious labor force, which couldn't be consumed on a dead mouse.

Snik was self-satisfied in his heart, and couldn't help but be moved by his own loyalty.

Although he had only been on the job for one day, he had completely entered the identity of the Demon King's lackey.

He was now the Demon King's man!

In that nonsensical quarrel, the day passed quickly, the lamp pillar at the top of the factory slowly extinguished, indicating that Black Wind Fortress was about to enter the night.

Just as Snik was humming an out-of-tune little tune, preparing to close the door of his "office" transformed from an overturned carriage, a burst of hurried footsteps came from the muddy alley.

"Boss! Boss!"

A small Goblin ran over, a shiny snot hanging under his nose that was unbearable to look at, running too fast, even throwing out a little bit.

Snik frowned, stepping back half a step with some disgust: "Snotty, what's wrong with you again?"

This guy called Snotty licked his dry lips, his eyes full of flattery and anticipation, and with a hint of jealousy, said: "Boss, I was wandering around with the brothers—ahem, I mean when patrolling, I found some guys who were not quite right!"

"Hmm?" Snik suddenly became interested, raised his eyebrows, and looked at this sloppy lackey twice more.

Snotty looked left and right, confirmed that no one was eavesdropping, then leaned closer and lowered his voice: "They don't work! And they don't worry about food and clothing! They are mysterious all day long, either hanging around in places where there are many Goblins, or drinking in the tavern all day, and they never snatch or show off!"

Snik's eyelids jumped.

Not working and not worrying about food and clothing is nothing, but not stealing, not snatching, and not showing off? Is this still a Goblin?!

No need to doubt, they must be planning to snatch a big one!

Snotty had a jealous expression on his face, and continued to strike while the iron was hot.

"Boss, only those of us with an establishment can live such a carefree life, you say why should a group of Goblins who don't know where they popped out from be as carefree as us? Is this reasonable? This is unreasonable!"

"Makes sense, let me ponder it."

Snik hissed, subconsciously touched his chin, and thought with his cunning brain.

A normal Goblin would polish a piece of scrap metal and hang it on his neck to show off for a day if he picked it up, if he couldn't snatch it, he would steal it, if he couldn't steal it, he would blackmail, if he couldn't blackmail, he would cry... how could they be so low-key?

This matter is indeed too abnormal!

Thinking of the Demon King's teachings to him, a flash of shrewd light flashed in Snik's eyes.

"It is indeed a bit suspicious... like this, let's figure out the situation first."

He lowered his voice, his tone unquestionable.

"You take a few brothers, keep an eye on them, see who they contact every day, where they live, what they do, what places they hang out in... Remember! Don't startle the snake, just mark them!"

Snotty grinned, revealing a mouth of uneven fangs, rubbed his hands excitedly: "Boss, don't worry, I will definitely dig out their ancestors for eighteen generations for you!"

"That's not necessary, just figure out who is behind them."

Snik nodded with satisfaction, looking into the distance with deep eyes.

He was worried that he had no chance to perform in front of the Demon King.

This isn't it.

The opportunity to make a contribution has delivered itself to the door!

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 235 =====