Chapter 592: The Fire in the Backyard Doesn

Campbell Castle, the Duke's study.

Though the afternoon sun was bright, it still struggled to pierce the heavy atmosphere piled within the study.

On the wall hung a brand-new map of the duchy, marked with striking red lines indicating the advancing railway network.

Each vivid red line resembled newly grown veins, connecting the duchy's heart to the man seated behind the walnut desk—Duke Edward.

Rubbing his throbbing temples, Edward set down his feather pen.

Since that iron beast first roared across the plains, he felt as if bound to its spinning wheel, unable to pause for a single moment.

"Sidney, if this is about the Lyne Kingdom's troop movements, get straight to the point."

As he spoke, Edward's weary gaze turned to the middle-aged man standing before his desk, spine straight as a rod.

He had once been a scout of the Trident Knights, retired, then rehired by Edward to lead the newly formed "Royal Intelligence Bureau."

Ever since Jelock's attack, Edward had been planning to form an intelligence unit, consolidating his bureaucratic operatives into a disciplined force.

Though he already had a unit called "Demon Hunters," led by Knight-Chief Charles, that force—created to combat Chaos corruption—was stretched too thin against threats from within the human world.

? ￠O

He needed a force capable of countering Lyne Kingdom's "Gravekeepers," and thus the "Campbell Royal Intelligence Bureau" was born.

The department gathered talent from all walks of life: former knights who served nobility, retired adventurers from the Adventurers' Guild.

Their extraordinary abilities were not outstanding, but they possessed unwavering confidence in maximizing human potential and absolute loyalty to the Campbell family.

Mr. Sidney was precisely such a talent.

Yet now, facing the Duke's questioning gaze, this scout known for his sternness and coldness wore a look of discomfort.

"... Your Highness, Lyne Kingdom has been unusually quiet. Theoden is preparing the 'Third Assembly' and has no time to bother us. The only intelligence we have is that their treasury seems strained, and a Campbell merchant has been invited as a Third Assembly delegate."

"Oh?" Edward's expression turned intrigued. "Can we contact this capable Campbell man?"

"We've been watching him. We can reach him anytime. But the assembly hasn't convened yet, and he has no motive to rely on us. I believe now is not the time to stir the pot—better to wait and observe. His business model is bound to fail eventually..."

Here, Sidney paused, hesitated, then awkwardly pulled a report from his coat.

"This urgent intelligence... concerns Reiming City."

"Reiming City?"

Edward's nerves tightened instantly.

It was the duchy's heart, its treasury, its armory—any ripple there could trigger a chain reaction.

"What happened there?!"

"No, it's not about Reiming City itself—it's about Prince Colin's... personal matter."

Watching Edward leap up in alarm, Sidney quickly handed over the report, recounting as objectively as possible.

"A few days ago, a passenger ship from Mistveil Harbor arrived at Reiming's port. A woman of unknown identity disembarked, possessing rare pink hair. Her beauty... eyewitnesses say only 'a face that could topple nations' could describe it."

"She caused quite a stir aboard the ship. According to rumors from the harbor, she publicly declared she came here to find her beloved—and her beloved, she said, was Prince Colin."

The study fell silent for several seconds.

Edward stared, dumbfounded, at Sidney's embarrassed face, his hands instinctively retreating to grip the chair's armrests.

"Could it... just be a rumor?"

He swallowed hard, trying to find a plausible excuse for Colin, "I've seen many respectable ladies use a noble gentleman as a shield to fend off persistent suitors."

"Your Majesty, that possibility cannot be ruled out."

Sidney gave a bitter smile, then added grimly, "But our investigations show that shortly after disembarking, the woman boarded a carriage and headed straight for Prince Colin's estate on the outskirts of Reiming."

He paused, then added a final, persuasive detail.

"We found the coachman... or rather, he didn't need to be found—he came forward himself. These past days, he hasn't worked. He's been drinking daily in the new industrial district's taverns, embellishing the story to anyone who speaks to him."

"Where is he now?"

Sidney blinked.

"Still driving carriages—he bought the carriage. Of course, my men warned him. He should be behaving now."

The study sank into deathly silence.

Edward leaned back, fingers lightly tapping the desk, his once-relaxed brow now tightly furrowed.

It sounded like trivial gossip—but it involved Colin, and Edward couldn't help but think deeper.

To a coachman, the name "Roxey Colin" might mean nothing—but to the Campbell Duchy, it was vital.

This prince was not only the foundation of Campbell's challenge to Lyne's dominance, but also one of the pillars of the duchy's ongoing reforms.

If such a key figure were lured away by foreign power through marriage, it would be a catastrophe for the Campbell Duchy.

Beyond cold political calculations, Edward harbored another, deeper anxiety: his sister, Elin.

She had long harbored feelings for Colin. If someone now "stole" him, how heartbroken would she be?

Though as a statesman he would not let shallow romantic feelings sway his judgment, he still wished Elin happiness.

She had already sacrificed too much of her time for the duchy—he feared she might not survive the blow of losing her beloved.

After three minutes of hesitation, Edward pushed himself up from his chair, gripping the armrests.

"Prepare the carriage."

Hearing that sharp command, Sidney froze.

"Your Majesty, where are you going?"

"Colin's estate."

Edward strode to the coat rack, taking down his coat. "Rather than have you probe indirectly, I'll visit my old friend myself—and see who this mysterious lady is, and whether a mutually satisfactory solution exists."

If it's a misunderstanding, all the better.

If not, I must make her retreat—or at least gather information for Elin, so she can prepare.

Not only as ruler of the Campbell Duchy, but as a brother, I must do this.

At the door, Edward paused, as if realizing how deliberate this looked, and added:

"Tell my steward to send Colin a letter. Then summon Lino, Richard, and Alfred—and my wife. The summer hunt begins early this year. The location is Silverpine Forest. Say I've missed its wine."

Sidney blinked, only snapping back to awareness after the Duke stepped out, bowing respectfully.

"Yes... Your Majesty."

An hour later, in the courtyard of Campbell Castle, little Princess Lino bounced excitedly, tugging at her father's sleeve.

"Really? Can we go visit Gutafo again?" Her voice rang like wind chimes.

She couldn't stop thinking of the gentle boy who never fought back—she'd already named him a new nickname, ready to give it to him.

Lost in thought, Edward forced a half-hearted smile, stroking his daughter's soft hair.

"Yes... and Lino, don't keep bullying Gutafo. No one exists alone. If you want him to become a fine knight, help him build confidence—you'll become each other's support."

He hadn't planned to do this—after all, he'd heard Gutafo was already betrothed—but for the Campbell Duchy...

Better prepare for both outcomes.

Lino nodded, half-understanding.

"Yes! Lino understands!"

Unlike Lino, who looked forward to reunion, the two boys behind her reacted differently.

Richard, the eldest, and Alfred, the youngest, stood pale as paper, their legs trembling uncontrollably.

They exchanged glances, seeing the same despair in each other's eyes.

"F-father..."

Richard swallowed hard, then stepped forward, face rigid as if facing execution, "Could... could we just let Lino go? Our lessons aren't finished..."

"Yes, yes!" Alfred nodded frantically, face ashen. "That estate... has something dirty in it!"

Edward, lost in thoughts of the "pink-haired lady," didn't notice his sons' distress. He gently patted their heads.

"Nonsense. How could there be anything dirty in Prince Colin's estate? Just a few lost butterflies fluttered in this spring."

Alfred: "B-but... Miss Vivian..."

Edward corrected his child without hesitation.

"She's a bright, lovely girl. You should learn from her. And haven't you gotten along well? Don't keep your friend waiting. Get in the carriage."

The two boys froze as if struck by lightning.

Lovely?

That violet-haired demoness who hung people from chandeliers and grinned with sharp teeth—where was she lovely?!

Even the legendary Demon King couldn't be worse!

Beneath their father's gentle, unshakable smile, the two boys trembled like condemned prisoners, climbing into the carriage bound for "hell."

Meanwhile, far below in the Underworld's capital, a letter from Reiming County stirred the winds of chaos.

Miss Padrich would never have imagined that the casual "punch wave" she threw during her clash with Miss Colin had sparked so many unintended stories.

【Deep Abyss Times · Exclusive Breaking News: "Reiming Tribute Resumes, Prince Caesar Proves Peace!"】

【Reporter: Isabelle】

【

The crisp clink of coins—truly the most beautiful music in the world.

Here, in the Demon God's treasury, one chest after another of heavy wooden boxes, stamped with Reiming's labyrinth emblem, are being endlessly carried by alchemical golems to their rightful place.

The stale scent of earth and metal lingers in the air. It seems our labyrinth in Reiming has finally remembered who its true master is. The days of cutoff tribute are over. This year's shipment is even heavier than before!

Reiming's tribute has resumed!!

Additionally, the Director of the Demon King Administration Bureau praised Miss Mia Padrich in an interview, commending her for excellently completing the tasks assigned by the Demon God.

(Page 2 · Illustration: Demon Capital · Demon King Academy · Grand Hall)

"Don't push! Line up in order!"

The roar drowned out the noise of the square.

The young demons who had just emerged from their ivory towers clutched their still-warm graduation certificates, their eyes bloodshot as they stared at the notice behind the interviewers.

The notice read: "Urgently hiring Necromancers," "Shadow Assassins Preferred," "Must Be Proficient in Group Curses," and more—all high-ranking demons were brimming with enthusiasm for conquering the human world. Inspired by Councilor Luo Yan, the number of applicants volunteering to become Demon King this year reached a new annual high!

The recruitment officer from Lei Ming County waved his hand, and the salary figure he wrote down made several tutors stop in their tracks.

Professor Lilith, in an interview, stated that Councilor Luo Yan was the most outstanding student she had ever mentored—his vision, strategy, and foresight were all immense.

The restoration of tribute from Lei Ming Maze to the Demon Capital is part of the grand strategic plan between the Demon Capital and Lei Ming Maze; insiders revealed this move aims to expand employment opportunities for Demon King Academy graduates, bolster the Demon King Army's ranks, and cultivate future core leaders of the Demon King.

The entire graduating class is surging toward the front lines like a shark school scenting blood—let us sound the salute cannons for these brave young men and women!

(Page 3 · Illustration: Parliament Building · Audience Hall)

Prince Caesar Colin solemnly told reporters in an interview that the Demon Capital has made no new military moves; any rumors not stamped by him are baseless.

His Royal Highness also stated that the Demon Capital Daily's reporters really ought to improve their standards and cultivation—if the War Ministry truly intended to act, how could they possibly let you know first?

For more detailed inside information, Ms. Isabelle, who previously interviewed Councilor Luo Yan and maintains contact with him, brings you the full report!

…

】

In the lower district taverns of the Demon Capital, the clamor sounded like boiling graves.

After a long day's work, goblins dragged their weary bodies here, drinking with newspapers as their peanut substitute.

"Oh oh oh! Excellent!"

"Screw Saint Xis! Our bosses are finally making a big move!"

"When the brothers storm Saint City, I'll take one female warrior each—heeheehee!"

"I hope the humans hold out a little longer—don't let the Chaos wipe them out before our bosses even arrive; that'd be a waste."

Though Prince Caesar probably didn't know who they meant by "boss," the goblins sitting here clearly did—it was their revered half-god vampire prince.

One straightforward goblin lifted his head in confusion, staring blankly at his comrades shouting loudly around him.

"What does that mean?! Didn't the Prince say there's no action? What are you even talking about?"

A goblin who looked like he knew everything hooked his arm around the goblin's shoulder and grinned slyly.

"That's just immature of you, brother. Didn't our boss say if he really had plans, he'd never let you 'know'?"

Denial!

Means something big is coming!

"Holy shit… that makes sense." The straightforward goblin suddenly understood.

No wonder he called him big brother—he could taste the saltiness of last night's dish just by sucking his little finger lightly from the Prince's spit.

Too bad Prince Caesar wasn't here; otherwise, he'd have swatted this blasphemous lot straight to the surface.

Even if a succubus came to interview him, what the hell are these things?

The straightforward goblin eagerly joined the discussion, but another goblin nearby, who had been enjoying himself, suddenly snapped back to reality and yelled, "Holy shit!"

"Wait, something's off?!"

If "not knowing" equals "knowing," then doesn't that mean we who "know nothing" actually "know everything"?

In other words, the grand action against the surface doesn't even exist…

One second he was laughing uncontrollably; the next, he was utterly despairing.

Though goblins' joys and sorrows don't connect, they balance perfectly—minor noise couldn't possibly dampen the tavern's cheers.

The Abyss Times may lack crossword puzzles like human newspapers, but it has its own hellish riddles for goblins to pass the time and amuse themselves.

Meanwhile, far away in Lei Ming County, in the estate of another Prince Colin, a evenly matched contest was underway in the back garden.

Vivian, smiling wickedly, leaned forward, her crossed index fingers hiding her upturned lips.

Her legs, clad in black thigh-high socks, swayed gently, her toes occasionally curling and releasing like two restless black cat tails.

"Kukuku! Is this your 'true skill,' Miss Padrich? Is this all a self-proclaimed 'lady' kitchen succubus can do?"

Mia, holding white pieces, glistened with sweat on her forehead.

Though her face still wore the smile of a mature older sister, her tightly clenched toes inside her little sandals betrayed her dire situation.

The two were playing chess.

To prevent them from tearing the house apart, Luo Yan finally devised a half-baked solution—using chess to replace arguments.

The chess of Campbell Kingdom resembled international chess on Earth, since it was brought over by Lin Te Isaac, just like playing cards and the noble dueling game.

Today, almost no trace of the Mechanical God's teachings remains in the Great Lain region, yet many cultural artifacts from the Isaac Dynasty have withstood time's test and endured—not just enjoyed by imperial citizens, but also by demons in Hell.

But Luo Yan hadn't expected that his dear Mia was even more of an idiot than he imagined—she couldn't even beat Vivian.

Even without analyzing their strategies, he could judge from the board's piece distribution that the "white" side was clearly at a disadvantage, crushed under the "black" side's weight.

Yet Mia didn't seem to think so—her clenched toes suddenly relaxed, and her heart-shaped pupils glowed anew with victory.

"Heh, hehe… How interesting! Try this move—watch my Thunder Chariot obliterate your knight!" She flicked her slender finger; a fragrant breeze propelled the white chariot forward, knocking away Vivian's black knight.

Vivian remained unmoved, merely yawning lazily, her slender fingers twirling a black bishop.

"Then my bishop will capture your knight. I still have one horse left—you've lost them all."

"Umm—" Mia's face froze instantly; she'd been so focused on advancing that she hadn't noticed her own rear was on fire.

Watching the rigid expression of the Padrich family's "fox spirit," Vivian giggled, her index finger tracing the edge of the board.

"Want to take it back?" she coaxed, leaning forward, her devilish face drawing close, "I might be merciful enough to let you undo one move."

Looking into those glowing red pupils, Mia swallowed hard.

"C-can I?"

She felt the Colin family's little lunatic couldn't possibly be this kind—but this piece was truly vital to her.

"Of course! Is Vivian that petty? Vivian is very generous! Besides, if the opponent loses too quickly, it's no fun—kukuku… too weak, trash succubus."

Seeing Vivian's confident concession, Mia—who had just moments ago been groveling—straightened her slumped shoulders instantly.

The weak, helpless expression vanished from her face; her bright eyes now burned with fierce, hill-like battle spirit.

"Hehehe—you'll regret this!"

Hearing this villainous laugh, Luo Yan already knew the outcome.

In fact, since Vivian had first let out that "kukuku" laugh, he'd already predicted the plot's direction.

As expected.

After retracting her move, Mia sent her white queen to devour Vivian's black bishop—but exposed her own king to the black chariot.

Seeing Vivian's grin stretch ear to ear, Mia's heart lurched—she silently cried out, "Oh no!"

But it was too late.

Vivian Colin, who could unleash a full-force kick even at a three-year-old, leapt excitedly from her chair, standing atop the velvet cushion.

"Checkmate! Checkmate!" The long-planned piece snapped forward, knocking the white king off the board—too bad it couldn't smack that fox spirit's nose.

"Wait, wait—" Mia, realizing she'd been tricked, scrambled to her feet, startled like a rabbit leaping onto the table.

"Not a second to wait! Not one!"

Vivian's face split into a smug, petty grin, her silver fangs gleaming, along with a paintbrush she'd somehow borrowed.

"Kukuku! Little brat of the Padrich family—the world of 'ladies' is filthy, so prepare yourself for punishment! Heehee—"

This girl's heart was also unusually narrow.

Clearly, even today, the noble Miss Colin still harbored resentment over Mia's remark: "a kid with no hair."

As she finished speaking, Mia's face already bore two round, panda-like smudges.

Still unsatisfied, Vivian, in high spirits, waved her tiny hand and added a full beard around the portrait.

Now it was ugly enough!

Mia looked pitifully at the "referee" standing beside them, her heart-shaped eyes brimming with tears.

Aren't you going to stop her?

Luo Yan had felt sympathy for Mia—but seeing Vivian's grotesque artwork, he couldn't hold back his laughter.

"Sorry… ah, someone delivered a letter—I'll go get it from the back garden."

The visitor was Mixi.

He wasn't just Cici's messenger—he was also Luo Yan's hired courier, usually waiting in the Audience Hall of the Great Cemetery; whenever a fast courier arrived from the Demon Capital, he'd bring it and drop it in the Colin estate's back garden.

Luo Yan could've fetched it himself, but the "Butterfly of All Things" was his trump card—using it occasionally was harmless, and he didn't want to risk exposing it over such a trivial matter.

Watching Luo Yan flee, Mia felt even more wronged.

The Colin vampires were truly despicable!

Of course, dear Councilor Luo Yan was an exception.

The Padrich family's succubus emphasized again: Luo Yan was different—he wasn't a vampire, and he was the best!

The Colin estate was as lively as ever.

Facing the boastful Miss Vivian, Mia gritted her teeth and declared she wasn't good at chess—next time, they'd compete in something the Padrich family excelled at.

Vivian burst into laughter—until she heard the proposed contest, then her delicate face tightened, her smile vanishing.

"Um… no." Her confidence instantly collapsed; her crimson eyes darted around the room, searching for a way to change the subject.

"Oh?"

Mia smiled sweetly at the suddenly retreating Vivian, hands on her hips, leaning forward with relentless eyes, "Aren't the Colins the self-proclaimed sovereigns of the night? What, are the Colins' 'ladies' afraid? Isn't that your favorite battlefield?"

Silver fangs brushed against her lips as Vivian glared at Mia, itching to sink her teeth into the girl's neck—but afraid she'd burn herself.

"You little—"

This shameless chef-demon!

She's mocking ghosts too far!

The contest was simple: whoever succeeded in "eating" first won outright; the other lost completely.

Vivian wasn't just angry about the difficulty of the night raid—she was furious that, per Mia's rules, both sides had to rely on their racial instincts.

This contest clearly favored the vampire!

A bite from her would leave at most a strawberry mark on the neck—but a bite from that Perdich family pervert would leave her brother utterly unclean!

Mia's palm was also slick with sweat; she hadn't truly prepared for a night raid—she'd just grown angrier watching the smug brat, and couldn't resist a sharp retort.

She wasn't a Colin family lunatic; she couldn't do what only lowly succubi would do—launch a surprise attack under cover of night…

But she wanted to win so badly—especially to see that arrogant little brat's face crumple in despair, sobbing on the rug and begging for mercy.

Hmm—

That must be it!

Luo Yan hadn't heard the latter half of their conversation—he'd been away fetching a letter, and had no intention of listening anyway.

It would only give him a headache.

After retrieving the package from Mixi, Luo Yan first went to Taf's room to collect an egg, carried it personally to the kitchen, then returned to the side hall.

Seeing the two demons glaring at each other again, he cleared his throat, breaking the thickening tension.

"What are you two talking about?"

Mia and Vivian, locked in mutual stares, both flushed crimson, guiltily averted their eyes, and for the first time ever spoke in unison.

"N-nothing."

"...?"

Though puzzled by how suddenly in sync the two had become, Luo Yan didn't press. He had too many worries daily—minor matters could be ignored.

The Demon Lord of Thunder County declared the noise inside the Colin Estate meant nothing at all.

The entire estate was bought solely to let the little brats from the Demon Capital wreck it—if not, he'd just live in a hotel on Empress Street.

There, he could more easily remotely instruct Sir Sak Windblade to harvest the leeks.

"Mia, here's your letter."

"Ah! Thank you!" Seeing the package in Luo Yan's hand, Mia rushed over, snatched it, tore it open eagerly, then darted to a corner to read.

Though curious what the Demon Capital had sent Mia, Luo Yan was a gentleman—he neither inquired nor peeked.

Even though it would have been effortless for him.

Watching Mia sneak off to read her letter, Vivian narrowed her eyes, fangs scraping her lips, a sense of dread creeping over her.

From her experience as the Demon Capital's little tyrant, this was the face of someone going to tattle to family…

But Mr. Fesstin wasn't ordinary—he might not even haul Minothor's blood to her grandfather's door. That'd be no fun.

Tch. Chef-demon can't take it.

You think you're the only one who can write letters?

As Vivian pondered whether she should write a letter home too, footsteps suddenly echoed in the corridor outside the side hall.

The Colin Estate's butler stood at the door, bowing deeply.

"Your Highness… the Duke of Campbell's steward has delivered a letter. The Duke wishes to visit your residence tomorrow—would it be convenient?"

At the name "Campbell," Luo Yan's heart leapt involuntarily—but when he heard it was Edward, his pulse steadied.

"Let him come… ahem, reply that I welcome him as a guest. Goutaf misses Princess Lino."

"Yes…"

The butler bowed respectfully, dared not linger in the eerie side hall, closed the door, and hurried away.

"Duke of Campbell? Is that the hero family?" Mia, having finished her letter, looked up eagerly.

"That's right."

Luo Yan nodded, turned to his superior lady, and said gently, "So, my dear Mia, will you play a role with me? May I count on you?"

He'd known for days about the joke Mia made upon disembarking—now the whole city was gossiping about him and someone's romance.

But that didn't matter.

No story the Demon Lord couldn't spin was worth telling.

He was about to lay out his freshly invented script—when Mia, flushed crimson from the word "dear," immediately cracked.

Secret of the Infernal Intelligence Bureau.

"P-please don't worry! Comrade Luo Yan, I'll handle this! Heh, heh… my script's already been written for me!"

Written?

Luo Yan glanced at her in surprise, then smiled faintly.

"I didn't expect you came prepared—looks like I'll be playing along with you today."

"I-I just prepared it now."

Ignoring Vivian's jealous glare, which seemed ready to burn through the ceiling, Mia blushed and smiled shyly.

She twirled a strand of pink hair beside her temple, her tone tinged with a hint of self-congratulation.

"I am now Yaya Mithia, youngest daughter of the late noble Gilbert Mithia, who inherited a vast fortune from Baron Mithia. Oh, by the way—my records have been transferred from the Demon Lord's Administration to the Infernal Intelligence Bureau. I've been ordered to establish an intelligence station on the northeast coast of the Vortex Sea. Hmm… I may be a long-term nuisance. I hope I'm not causing trouble."

The Infernal Intelligence Bureau hadn't just sent a commission letter—they'd prepared a full set of legal identities, even activating long-buried insiders.

Vivian, utterly ignored, flew into a rage—and even angrier was the fact that this creature who targeted other people's brothers was so utterly ruthless!

By the power of Baely, she'd never heard of such a reckless promotion path—what did the Perdich family's fox demon take the Demon Lord's Interior Department for?

A game of checkers?

The Colin family could never allow such sacrilege—

Wait.

Vivian snapped back to reality, stifling her rising fury, her crimson eyes gleaming with sudden insight.

If the Perdich fox demon was transferred to the Intelligence Bureau, didn't that mean the position of "boss" to the Demon Lord was now vacant?

This… this was a good thing!

Realizing the blind spot, Vivian gripped her tiny fists, excitement making her mouth water.

Maybe she really could get to eat now!

Just as the vampire tiptoed quietly out of the side hall, Luo Yan froze at the familiar surname.

"Baron Mithia?"

Seeing Luo Yan suddenly stunned, Mia blinked, her clear eyes filled with confusion.

"You know him?"

"Know him? More than that."

After a brief shock, Luo Yan's face regained its calm elegance, and he replied calmly.

"I've met your 'brother,' Baron Harvey Mithia, once before. When I passed through the Holy City, he painted me a portrait."

Many in the Holy City bore the name Mithia—but only one was Baron Mithia.

That man was a painter who'd earned a place in history; his works adorned even the Saint Clement Cathedral.

Who'd have thought the favorite of Count Cassit Hilfen—a man one step from the Pope—was an infernal informant?

By the power of Baely.

These seemingly fallen demons, when serious, were no less formidable.

(End of Chapter)