Chapter 591: Mia Pulls Out All Stops the Moment She Enters the Labyrinth

Mia wasn't joking.

Determined to take this opponent seriously, she went all out that very night, activating the teleportation array in Lei Ming County and swiftly writing a handwritten letter to her father—

【Dad, I can't beat Vivian, help me! QAQ】

The next day, the famed Fesding Councilor of the Demon Capital, after much deliberation, secretly slipped away from his wife's side and arrived at the entrance of the Melusine Estate to visit his old classmate—

Karamos, Duke of Melusine, Intelligence Minister of the Demon Capital's "Six-Man Cabinet."

After all, Mr. Fesding couldn't let his own child face the bully from the Corin family alone.

The adult world is always full of filth; Vivian, who was currently eating hotpot and humming a tune, had no idea that her beloved "Minotaur's Blood" had not been taken to the Military Minister's doorstep, but to somewhere else…

Deep within the Melusine Ducal Mansion.

In a garden enclosed by towering walls and wards, the air was perfumed with the scent of Youlanteng. The light of the Purple Moon spilled from above, gilding the elegant pavilion with a refined silver glow.

The reclusive Duke Karamos now wore a deep purple robe, his delicate, handsome face wearing a fox-like sly smile, a black folding fan gently swaying in his hand.

It was a face that could make even the succubus of the Padrich family jealous, and leave the shadow demon of the Padrich family unsure where to fix their gaze.

"This tea is quite good…" Fesding sipped his black tea, racked his brain for flattering words, and finally blurted out an empty remark, "It's good tea."

Karamos paid no mind to this hollow praise, his face breaking into a gentle, refined smile.

"Your tongue is still as sharp as ever."

Fesding, who feared neither lava, nearly scalded himself on the tea, coughed dryly, set down his cup, wiped his lips with a handkerchief, and shot him a fierce glare.

"... Your mouth is still as unexpectedly cruel as ever."

"Hahaha! Don't you find it amusing?" Karamos grinned, watching his "slightly angered" friend, hiding his delicate face deeper behind the fan, "Especially your defeated expression—it never grows old."

"..."

No wonder he's called "The Third Eye of the Demon God."

That piercing gaze truly cannot be underestimated—no wonder Lady Serena always opposed me associating with this man.

Fesding thought to himself.

If he hadn't met his one true love, even if he were the straightest of straight men, he'd likely have collapsed under this man's relentless advances.

As a demon of humble origins, even with considerable talent, Fesding could hardly carve a path for himself in the demon capital, surrounded by tigers and wolves.

His starting point was far higher than ordinary demons, yet compared to the deeply rooted noble families, the gap was as vast as an ocean.

Without the Padrich family's aid, his ceiling would be no higher than Deputy Director of the Demon King Administration Bureau, his power capped below Gold Rank. To open an upward path, he needed to achieve an unparalleled feat.

Or—

Topple another ancient noble house single-handedly!

In a sense, that was precisely why he held a certain fondness for a certain young man—his opening hand was much like his own.

In fact, the young man's opening hand was even worse, yet he had carved his way through thorns and brambles, living a life so admirable it made even Fesding envious.

Of course, this didn't mean he regretted being with Lady Serena—after all, the Melusine family's bloodline was profoundly twisted, enough to shock even demons.

In contrast, the Padrich family was far purer; his marriage to Serena had always been harmonious and loving, their interests and hearts perfectly aligned. Lady Serena had never belittled him for being a son-in-law; instead, she often elevated him above herself, willingly becoming his shadow, as every Padrich matriarch had done before.

Most importantly, she had given birth to his beloved daughter.

Fesding subtly shifted the topic, sipping tea with his old classmate and chatting about past anecdotes.

As two men who had both become fathers, their conversation naturally turned to the younger generation.

"... By the way, hasn't your daughter been training for over three years now in that quiet department of the Demon King Administration Bureau?"

Facing Karamos's probe, Fesding answered frankly.

"Yes."

"I recall Mia was always clever and bright, excelling at the Demon King Academy, and after joining the Administration Bureau, her achievements stood out. Logically, a girl as outstanding as her should have been transferred to a more central department of the Internal Affairs Force a year ago."

Here, Karamos's eyes—seeming to pierce the soul—narrowed slightly, his lips curving into a knowing smile.

"My dear old classmate, don't you have any other thoughts? And that woman… could she really be content watching her daughter rot on a bench? Tsk tsk, that's not like her."

"That woman" referred, of course, to Lady Serena, the true master of the Padrich family—and the "archenemy" of the Melusine family.

Fesding pretended not to hear the latter half of his friend's words, sighed lightly, and wore an expression of helplessness.

"You know how that girl is—accustomed to a free and easy nature. I once suggested she transfer to a department with more upward potential, but she said the atmosphere in the Demon King Administration Bureau was relaxed, and the colleague relationships simple. Since she liked it, I let her stay."

Lady Serena held the same view, even more permissive toward Mia—let Mia follow her own instincts.

The Padrich family's taste in choosing husbands had always been impeccable.

It was a power older than the rule of the Demon God Bael, rooted deep in the blood of Padrich descendants.

Even the Melusine family could not match it.

"Likes the work atmosphere?"

Karamos smiled, as if hearing a funny joke, his open fan concealing his upturned lips.

"I suspect she's not fond of the mountain of paperwork there, but of someone behind the teleportation array."

The air fell silent for two seconds.

Exposed, Fesding shrugged helplessly, finally abandoning paternal reserve and sighing in admission.

"Alright, I suppose nothing escapes your eyes."

Karamos smiled faintly, waiting for his old friend to continue.

Fesding paused, then spoke honestly.

"To be frank, that troublesome girl has indeed been bewitched by some lucky rascal. And that's precisely why I've come here today, humbly asking you for a favor."

Karamos elegantly closed his exquisite black fan with a soft "shhh," interlaced his fingers beneath his smooth chin, and his narrow eyes gleamed with unhidden interest.

"Oh? Mr. Fesding actually asking me for a favor? That's a rare sight in the Demon Capital. Tell me, what exactly do you want me to do?"

Since the matter was out in the open, Fesding no longer danced around the issue, laying out his entire purpose.

"Mia is determined to remain permanently in that human city, claiming this matter is vital to her. But the Internal Affairs Force has virtually no influence along the northeastern shore of the Whirlpool Sea—there's no official position that would let her stay legitimately."

Karamos pretended to ponder, stroking his chin.

"This is indeed difficult."

"Exactly. And I want her assigned a 'suitable' position. First, it must be respectable; second, it must be safe; most importantly, it must provide a legitimate reason for her to be stationed in Lei Ming City, preferably with some degree of independent authority."

Pretending not to hear the "difficult," Fesding unloaded all this before Karamos could begin to headache, then asked with apparent sincerity:

"Karamos, my friend, you oversee intelligence. The Hell Intelligence Bureau's tentacles stretch across the world, and you understand the human world better than any other department. Do you have any suggestions?"

"Enough, Fesding."

Karamos cut him off with a smile, gently tapping his fan against his palm, his fox-like eyes narrowing.

"You're still as roundabout as ever. If you've come all the way here, you must already have an idea in mind. Why bother asking me?"

Fesding showed no embarrassment at being exposed.

He simply removed the mask of the doting father, regaining the calm poise of a Demon Capital councilor, smiling politely and elegantly.

"Your eyes are as sharp as ever—nothing escapes you. Tell me, what price must the Padrich family pay to secure the Intelligence Minister's approval?"

He did have an idea.

But this matter involved personnel changes within the Intelligence Bureau; transferring someone from the Internal Affairs Force still required the Intelligence Minister's consent.

Karamos shook his head, reopened his fan with a "shhh," and gently fanned the breeze carrying faint floral fragrance.

His expression was innocent and guileless, betraying none of his half-god power—even Caesar Corin found him troublesome.

"How distant you are, dear Mr. Fesding. Talking of price damages sentiment. I've watched Mia grow up—technically, I'm her uncle, heh… Isn't it my duty as an elder to help a lovely niece pursue happiness?"

Of course, the more important reason was that this sounded intriguing.

What could be more entertaining than watching the Corin family's heir and the Padrich family's heir fight over a man?

When both heirs are left battered and broken, only then will a Melusine heir have a chance to rise from behind.

That cunning fox-like gaze flickered with an almost imperceptible glint of coldness.

The Melusine family had never forgotten the humiliation of the past, and Karamos himself had never forgotten the need for vengeance!

He must win—once, and triumphantly!

He would make the Padrich woman kneel, weeping in regret for choosing "the true succubus" as her lifelong rival!

Hahaha! Now is the time, Ig Melusine! Your father agreed to this family alliance, endured humiliation, and bore you—all for this day!

Karamos's aura grew increasingly terrifying, his cunning eyes slowly suffused with twisted madness.

Fesding's brow twitched slightly—he felt he might have made a mistake, but it was too late to turn back now.

In any case—

For now, he would trust the blessing flowing in the Padrich bloodline; Lady Serena had never misjudged.

And he believed that "young man who lived a life so enviable" would not be corrupted by the Melusine family's foul ways.

"Let me think… Ah, how convenient—it just so happens the Hell Intelligence Bureau has a new strategic deployment."

Karamos rose with calm grace, strolled to the garden's edge, and gazed with folded arms at the red mist beyond the ward.

The sickly aura vanished; his tone turned professional and solemn, as if standing in the Demon God's inner cabinet, deliberating Hell's future with the other five ministers.

"The eastern Old Continent has long been a blind spot in our intelligence network. Recently, unrest has surged there—even the 'Power Angel' has descended. To remedy our intelligence gaps, the Hell Intelligence Bureau plans to establish an outpost on the northeastern shore of the Whirlpool Sea, to ascertain the true situation there, rather than relying solely on reports from the Demon King Administration Bureau."

"Lei Ming City in the Kingdom of Campbell is a strong candidate. Reports say its economy is booming, population movement is frequent, and even demons in its labyrinth can walk under sunlight. Most crucially… due to the local Duke's aggressive reforms weakening the Church's influence, we need not constantly fear Holy Light, allowing us to focus more energy on infiltrating the human world!"

"If we establish a station in Lei Ming City, we can safely extend our influence across the northeastern Whirlpool Sea, and use it as a springboard to penetrate deeper into the eastern heartlands of the Aust Continent—areas we've never reached before."

Here, he turned and smiled at Mr. Fesding.

"This outpost is vital. The station chief must be chosen with extreme care. Especially since there's a powerful Demon King there—managing relations between the Demon Capital and local forces is critical."

"Given Mia's three years of experience in the Demon King Administration Bureau and her close ties with the region's elite… the Intelligence Bureau has decided to appoint her as 'Chief Investigator of the Hell Intelligence Bureau, Northeastern Whirlpool Sea,' fully responsible for establishing the outpost."

"What do you think of this position?"

This explanation was logically airtight, thoroughly reasoned, and formally impeccable—like a quarterly report from the Hell Intelligence Bureau.

Seeing Karamos's serious expression, Feistin's usually composed face couldn't help but betray a flicker of surprise.

As a senior senator of the Upper House, though he had few connections within the intelligence network, he was thoroughly familiar with major strategic movements.

Yet he had heard not a whisper of this massive strategic deployment beforehand.

"When was this decided…?"

Watching the stunned Senator Feistin, Karamos's lips curled into a mysterious smile.

"Just now."

…

Though the Demon Capital's personnel roster was large, not a single position was superfluous.

Most noble demons seeking to ascend the ladder typically sought openings within existing structures or exploited gaps in the system.

But the Melusine family was clearly no ordinary noble demon. At his old friend's request, Karamos waved his hand and issued a whole basket of positions on the spot.

To resolve Miss Padric's promotion—or rather, to fill the intelligence vacuum in the northeastern shore of the Vortex Sea—the entire Demon Capital's intelligence system went into high gear.

Even Minister of War Prince Caesar Colin was puzzled: he hadn't recently declared any intention to wage war on the surface against humans.

Meanwhile, "good news" from the Thunder County Labyrinth reached the Demon King Academy, stirring up a storm of ripples.

That senior student known as the "Human Tamer," Luo Yan, had not only turned the former Demon King's mess into a prosperous land of dreams but had also restored tribute to the Demon Capital.

And their revered senior, Mia, had done even more—she had secured Luo Yan, and opened the ascent route to the Thunder County Labyrinth for them!

The grand hall of the Demon King Academy, where Senator Luo Yan had once attended his graduation ceremony.

This grim castle, surrounded by lava, now burned with ambition and restlessness hotter than lava itself.

A massive banner hung in the center of the hall, its characters written in blazing demonic script: "Recruiting Trainees for Thunder County Labyrinth Management!"

Every student at the Demon King Academy was electrified by those words, especially those set to graduate this summer.

For these young boys and girls, this job meant not only generous pay but also a golden sheen on their resumes!

The well-informed demon Erdai, raised with insider knowledge, understood the upper echelons of the Demon Capital intimately.

Who in the upper class didn't know about the dance Miss Padric performed at her coming-of-age banquet?

To gain familiarity with Miss Padric's future husband—wasn't that far more valuable than any resume or file?

Regardless of motive, a long line formed before the recruitment desk. Though demons remained decadent and no one wanted to become frontline Demon King, everyone knew Senator Luo Yan was no ordinary figure—and the Thunder County Labyrinth was no frontline. It was the perfect place for training!

The interviewer seated behind the desk was an official wearing thick-lensed glasses, from the Interior Force, firmly controlled by the Padric family.

His expression was rigid, as if he'd written "No Trespassing" across his face.

The line inched forward slowly until a fire demon with smoke rising from his head finally reached the table.

His frame was massive; his burning face radiated strength, and every step he took made the obsidian floor tremble helplessly.

"I'm Brand!"

He slammed his rock-hard chest, spat a burst of flaming embers from his mouth, and roared so loudly the interviewer's glasses crooked.

Not noticing the interviewer's darkening face, he bellowed in his deep voice.

"... Brand will burn everything to ash! Whether it's the Elves' Tree of Life or human villages! As soon as Senior Luo Yan—ahem, Demon King—gives the order, Brand will smash the Saint Clement Cathedral!"

This loud, boisterous show would make him a punching bag for adventurers in the labyrinth.

The interviewer pushed his glasses up without expression and stamped a bright red "Disqualified" on the resume.

"Next."

Brand's flaming eyes widened in disbelief as he roared: "Why? Am I not strong enough?"

The interviewer adjusted his glasses, glancing at him as if he were an idiot, his tone precise yet laced with mockery.

"The northeastern shore of the Vortex Sea is human territory—where are you going to find elven forests to burn? Clearly you didn't pay attention in class. Geography is the absolute foundation of Demon King curriculum. I suggest you retake your failed courses first."

Such a fool would only trouble Miss Padric. She needed capable demons, not useless Luhuogong.

Brand was stunned.

What the hell?

How did this guy know I flunked?

My records were supposed to be erased!

Before the bewildered fire demon could leave, a short goblin slipped nimbly to the table, presenting a hidden "local specialty" with a sycophantic grin.

"... Hehe, Interviewer Sir. I'm Gold Tooth Garry! You've probably heard of my clan—the Garry tribe! I only need a junior position in the labyrinth. I can supply endless goblin laborers for the Demon King... ahem, this little token is just a greeting gift—there'll be more benefits later!"

Though this Garry was shorter than the table, his attire could blind any demon—eight massive gemstone rings adorned his stubby fingers, and his gold chain was as thick as a cable.

Though goblins sat at the bottom of the hellish food chain, he wasn't an ordinary one—he was the son of the Garry tribe's chieftain. A goblin studying in the Demon Capital was a local magnate back home.

And this "local specialty" was no ordinary gift—it consisted of top-tier magical materials, each earned at the cost of goblin lives, worth several million Kela.

The interviewer was startled by this sudden "fortune," then his face darkened as he slammed his fist on the desk.

"Bribery on the spot? How dare you! This is the Demon King Academy, not your chieftain's tent!"

He angrily summoned security.

"Throw this despicable creature out! Now! Immediately!"

Are you kidding?

With so many eyes watching, he actually dared to slap this on the table? If he'd slipped it to me quietly, I'd have pretended not to see.

Now I'm stuck—must confiscate this "black money" and later split it among my colleagues who saw it.

Gold Tooth Garry, hoisted by two towering minotaurs, flushed crimson, kicking his stubby legs frantically and shrieking.

"You're discriminating against goblins! I'll sue you! Let me go! Let me see the Demon King!"

Such a fool probably won't even see the Demon King.

After all, even the Demon King hates stupidity—too dumb? Go sit at Arakdo's desk.

With a loud "clang," the door shut, and silence finally returned—though the goblins' blood and sweat were now gone somewhere unknown.

At the back of the line stood a pair of timid twin sisters, Qiqi and Nana.

From a weak branch of the succubus clan, they were sweet and lovely, but in this power-worshipping academy, their grades were merely average.

They lacked the fire demon's apocalyptic destruction or the goblin's blunt wealth; standing before the table, their hands trembled.

A few snickers came from the "power demons," who already foresaw their expulsion.

But the demon Erdai didn't laugh—they recalled rumors circulating in their circles and felt a creeping unease.

This interview's waters might be deeper than they seemed.

Word had it that Lady Colin had gone to the Thunder County Labyrinth to learn real skills, and Miss Padric had rushed after her in a frenzy.

If so, Miss Padric's supposed mission to find assistants for Senator Luo Yan was likely a cover—her real goal was to find assistants for herself.

Why else would the interviewer come from the Interior Force, not directly from the Demon King's domain?

Shit… I was too hasty!

"Um… Interviewer Sir…"

The elder sister, Qiqi, bowed her head, her voice as faint as a mosquito's hum.

"W-we specialize in mental magic. Though weak, we can uplift moods and enliven the atmosphere… and we can handle basic paperwork…"

The younger sister, Nana, gathered courage to add, her voice timid yet resolute.

"Y-yes, if needed, we can learn how to brew human black tea! And we can help with cleaning…"

This feeble self-introduction drew louder laughter from the crowd.

Someone who stumbles over two words in a sentence—could she even handle adventurers?

She'd make human heroes laugh until they lost their teeth!

Yet the previously cold interviewer's dead-fish eyes suddenly lit up like magic crystals the moment he saw them.

He quickly bent down and opened the thick manual beside him: "Guidelines for Trainee Recruitment."

Inside, tucked by his superior's own hand, was a sticky note with elegant handwriting:

"Prioritize succubi. Avoid vampires. Prioritize timid, unambitious candidates. Reject those with hidden schemes or excessive ambition."

The interviewer adjusted his glasses, scanning the twins' faces—radiating "I'm easy to bully"—and broke into an unprecedentedly warm smile.

Got it!

Miss Padric can't handle the Demon King alone—she needs assistants to prevent him from being corrupted by vampires!

Never judge by appearances… hehehe.

The decades-old demon interviewer, who'd stamped countless forms, suddenly understood this note passed through countless hands.

In a flash, the "Accepted" stamp crashed onto their thin resumes.

"Congratulations! You're hired!"

The noisy line fell silent.

The demons who'd just mocked them stared, jaws dropped, watching the twins hug and scream with joy.

Wait—

This is allowed?!

What kind of officials is the Demon King's army recruiting?!

Two days passed; the list of hires was quickly released. And half the names on the long list were succubi.

Professor Lilith was speechless, gazing at the fluttering names, sipping a cup of cool, tranquil Snow Bud tea.

"By Baelyr… when did little Luo Yan develop such a taste?"

Are human foods really that nourishing?

If I'd known he was this open-minded, I never should've let him leave my office.

Thinking of this, Professor Lilith sighed inwardly, idly twirling a strand of silver hair around her fingertip.

Ha, I almost became the deputy head of the Demon King Academy.

What a terrible pity!

(End of chapter)