Chapter 616: Who Says the Demon King Isn

The wheels rolled over the smooth coal-tar asphalt road, producing a soft, rhythmic rustling sound—pleasant to the ear, utterly free of the jolts and noise once caused by gravel paths.

'My Lord Demon King…'

'What is it?'

'Nothing much—just that Youi thinks you're just too… brilliant.'

A milky-white mist drifted beside Luo Yan, its murmurs brimming with astonishment, as if witnessing an impossible miracle.

Not impossible, not a miracle—Youi has simply seen too little.

Hearing the quiet muttering at his ear, Luo Yan smiled faintly, lifted his teacup, and took a sip—just as elegant as always.

Multiple choice?

Joke.

Only ordinary people choose one. My Lord Demon King? He takes them all.

At this moment, the Campbell family's carriage—designed for two passengers—held four, yet still felt surprisingly spacious.

The Campbell family's hero and the Padric family's succubus sat shoulder to shoulder on a single seat, their smiles masking an icy wall between them.

Erin sat upright, hands folded neatly on her knees, maintaining the dignified poise befitting the royal family—though her smile looked stiff.

Mia leaned slightly aside, gazing out the window at the passing scenery, idly tapping her folding fan against her palm as if the princess beside her were nothing but transparent air.

The friction of silk and velvet sparked invisible sparks.

From the perspective of supernatural power, the hero clearly held the upper hand—but on another, crueler battlefield, the Padric family reigned supreme.

At that moment, Mia brushed a strand of hair behind her ear; three seconds later, Erin did the same, casually brushing her own ear-length hair.

Well then—

They're synchronized.

Unlike the turbulent tension across the seat, Vivian's side offered a uniquely pleasant view.

A pair of legs clad in white thigh-high socks swung happily in midair like an endless pendulum; her small face glowed with the rosy flush of someone stunned by a pie to the face, her slightly parted lips trembling with the urge to sing.

Kukuku—is this the Demon Capital?

This must be the Demon Capital of the Demon Capital!

Vivian never expected happiness to arrive so suddenly. Just as she believed she had utterly failed, Bael's blessing once again descended upon her, drowning her in despair.

She stole a glance at the elegant curve of his neck and the prominent Adam's apple, swallowed hard with a 'gulp,' her fingers tense and aimless, clutching helplessly at the lace trim of her skirt.

No struggle, no competition—the victory was within reach.

Indeed—

Vivian is simply too powerful!

At this moment, Vivian remained lost in her own delusion, unaware that the true power lay not in her, but in the Demon King seated beside her.

Time rewound half an hour.

Just as the coin of fate was about to land, a sleek black shadow shot out like lightning and seized the 'coin of fate.'

'Crack.'

The sharp sound of wood snapping reached every ear in the crowd.

All turned to look—and saw the rear axle of the Colin family's black carriage had snapped clean in two, without warning.

The once-grand carriage tilted violently to one side, collapsing like a drunken man whose bones had been pulled out, lying helplessly on the ground.

No one noticed that, beneath the blind spot of everyone's gaze, a petite black shadow quietly retracted a gleaming dagger and vanished like a breeze into the alley, leaving no trace of its deed.

A platinum-ranked assassin may not defeat a vampire of the same rank or a diamond-ranked knight—but slipping small tricks past them? Effortless.

Sarah understood her master perfectly; she didn't even need a glance—when the moment came, she struck without hesitation.

Watching the suddenly 'broken-down' carriage, Luo Yan's expression was perfectly surprised—as if he hadn't seen a thing.

'By Saint Xis… how terribly unlucky.'

He first walked over to the stunned Miss Yaya and cast her a look of concern.

'Are you alright?'

'I—I'm fine…' Mia turned back slowly, then whispered cautiously, '…Was it because I'm too heavy? I'm sorry—I'll replace it for you later.'

'…'

Fine.

Though Luo Yan believed he had no heart, his heart still felt a sharp stab from her sincere gaze—his pulse seemed to pause for a second.

'No, I should be the one apologizing… The Colin family's carriage suffering such an undignified malfunction—perhaps we should have retired it long ago.'

He set aside the cunning lurking behind his deep purple eyes and turned to Erin, who had approached with genuine concern.

'Erin, I'm truly sorry—could I trouble you to allow us to squeeze in with you?'

Erin blinked in surprise, then smiled warmly.

'What are you saying? Don't be so formal—we're headed the same way anyway. Ride with me today!'

She turned to Yaya, who looked ready to cry, and Vivian, still dazed, and spoke with sincerity.

'Miss Yaya, Miss Vivian—I apologize for this impolite request, but we must overcome this difficulty together.'

Leaving guests standing among the crowd was rude; Erin promptly fulfilled her duty as a royal.

And thus, this situation came to be.

Dejected, Vivian dragged herself into the carriage, and her elder brother naturally took the seat beside her.

As for the other two…

They could only endure the awkwardness of sharing a seat that had once been spacious but now felt cramped.

The carriage continued toward the Colin estate. Seeing the cramped cabin remain calm for so long, Youi sighed and muttered bitterly.

'My Lord Demon King, you're being so… inhuman.'

Luo Yan smiled faintly and replied calmly.

'Youi, have you only just met me?'

Youi stared at him in shock.

'Huh?! You're not human anymore?'

'I mean—I'm flexible. I adapt according to circumstances.'

'…6'

Leaving Youi's stunned silence aside, Luo Yan could never let the two sit in awkward silence—this was a grand strategy to mend relations between the surface and Hell.

Though the excuse had just occurred to him, it didn't matter—he'd later have the Death Priest of the Grand Mausoleum record it:

【Demon King, for the sake of Hell and humanity, sacrifices his own happiness.】

Just then, a flash of color passed outside the window—a massive poster hanging on a corner building caught Erin's eye.

It depicted a girl in a long dress, her sweet smile radiating fragile beauty—even Erin, a woman, felt a sudden urge to protect her.

Though this giant poster was commonplace to the citizens of Lei Ming City—most ignored it unless they were country bumpkins fresh in town.

But fatefully, Erin, seated in the carriage, was precisely such a bumpkin—from beyond the Rushing Pass.

'Beautiful, isn't it?'

Hearing Colin's voice from across, Erin snapped back to reality, yet her gaze lingered on the window.

'Who is she?'

Luo Yan answered softly.

'Alois, the heroine of "Zhong Sheng."'

Erin turned back in surprise.

'She's that Alois?'

'Of course. And you met her actress last night at the banquet—remember Miss Qiqi? She enthusiastically toasted you.'

Erin stared at Colin in disbelief.

She couldn't recall how many glasses of champagne she'd drunk last night—but she'd heard of Alois and "Zhong Sheng."

Back in Huanghun City, Teresa occasionally brought newspapers from Lei Ming City and told her stories from the barracks.

The play, they said, had awakened countless citizens of Lei Ming City and the Campbell Duchy to shared outrage against feudal law and a yearning for republicanism.

It was then she first learned the word 'republic.'

Erin also heard the Iris Troupe was traveling with the royal court to Granston Castle for a nationwide tour of "Zhong Sheng."

Beixi Valley was their first stop.

The Beixi Valley tour had just ended; the Nanxi Valley tour would soon begin, with the first stop set in Golden Cross City.

After preparing a performance to welcome the Northern Rescue Army's return, the Iris Troupe would resume their journey and head toward Spinor Valley once the road opened.

Luo Yan smoothly opened the topic, discussing "Zhong Sheng"'s plot, its public sensation, and its vital role in mobilizing support for Lei Ming City's legislative reforms.

Seeing Erin's gaze shift from nervousness to focus, he smiled and turned slightly, drawing attention to Mia beside her.

As soon as Luo Yan mentioned "Zhong Sheng," Mia had already straightened her back, eager to speak—now her moment had come.

'…This play's success stems not only from the actors' efforts, but from its behind-the-scenes supporters.'

He paused, then continued.

'For instance, the lady sitting before you, Miss Yaya Mitia, is the secret investor and founder of the now-famous Iris Troupe.'

Erin froze, stunned, turning to look at Yaya Mitia beside her.

'So… you funded that play?'

Mia opened her folding fan, covered her mouth with a light laugh, and spoke with quiet pride.

'To be honest—it was me.'

Aline's awkwardness melted away, replaced by genuine surprise.

She had assumed the other was merely a skilled socialite, but never imagined she was a gifted artist.

"... Even on the front lines of Graston Castle, I often hear soldiers discussing the name 'Aloyse.' You've done something extraordinary, Yaya."

"Oh, it's all thanks to Mr. Colin's superb script. I merely built the stage and cast a few suitable actors."

Mia gently fanned herself, her smile still elegant and composed, though perhaps due to excessive pride, her edge had unexpectedly softened.

As she spoke, she suddenly remembered something, her peach-colored eyes flashing bright like a fox spotting prey.

"By the way, I've long admired Princess Aline from the rear. Your leadership of the Northern Rescue Army is far more thrilling than any stage story. I have an idea—could we adapt your story into a new play? What do you think?"

"Me?"

Aline blinked, suddenly flustered. Her cheeks flushed, her index finger unconsciously twirling a strand of silver hair at her temple, her gaze darting away.

"I... I'm not the kind of person suited for the stage, and I don't know how to act."

Mia covered her mouth with a light laugh.

"You're joking. We'd never ask you to step onto the stage ourselves. We'd simply find a girl with a similar aura and dye her hair silver. Ah... of course, we'd need your authorization and some authentic details."

Aline stole a glance at Colin sitting across from her.

If he were to write the script...

It wouldn't be impossible.

"Then... alright."

Luo Yan didn't notice the meaning in Aline's gaze; he merely sipped his tea, pleased the two had found common ground.

Though, really, it was blasphemous.

A succubus of the Padrich family rehearsing a play for a Campbell hero, a follower of the Demon God spreading tales of Saint Xiang.

The world had truly gone mad under the Demon King's rule.

Their conversation drifted from theater to art, then back to reality. That intangible thing called "shared language" swiftly bridged the distance between the two women.

In the cramped carriage, a brief peace settled; the more they talked, the more animated they became, shifting effortlessly from the next play to the one after that.

"... Actually, I don't think my personal story matters much. I'd rather more people learn about what's happening in Dusk Province."

Seeing Aline's hesitant but earnest expression, Mia's eyes lit up, barely hiding the heart-shaped gleam behind them.

By Bayeli—

What better blade to strike at Saint Xiang than this!

"Princess Aline, that's an... brilliant idea!"

Setting her closed fan aside, Mia eagerly seized Aline's hand, beaming at the blushing woman.

"How about we base it on a small town occupied by 'certain people'?"

"Certain... people?"

"Those black-robed Inquisitors! Imagine showing how they set up grills in the square, how they yank out civilians' intestines and force them to eat them back, how they shove children into hot oil—heehee... it would be utterly—"

"... Yaya?"

"Ah! I was joking... sorry. Once the creative urge hits, I lose control."

Realizing she'd gone too far, Mia coughed lightly and, under Aline's startled gaze, returned to her graceful, charming ladylike self.

"It's fine, I understand..." Aline smiled apologetically, gently withdrawing her hand from Mia's, "Also, I can tell you the true events in Dusk City—I'm practically a witness. But... they're the Inquisition. Is it really safe to dramatize them?"

In the past, Mia might not have answered this, but after the Demon King's influence, she was now half a cultured person.

"Don't worry, Your Highness," Mia smiled warmly, her tone brimming with convincing certainty, "You forgot where I'm from? I'm from the Holy City. No one understands the Church's limits better than I do. We just let demons from Hell portray what the Inquisition and King Lein did."

This time, not only Aline but Luo Yan too glanced at Mia in surprise—this girl had improved remarkably in just half a month.

He'd underestimated her. She actually read the reports from her subordinates.

Honestly, in Hell, that's an excellent trait.

After all, Hell is a place with high tolerance—only two out of a hundred brain cells need to be working to get by.

Even when Elder Zackro caused such a huge uproar, and the War Department and Demon God's Temple wiped out so many high-rank demon generals, the Empire never managed to push its front lines underground.

In the end, everyone just laughed it off, and no one brought it up again.

If Vivian, who crushed a generation of demon nobles, is Hell's UR card, then obedient Mia is at least SSR-tier.

Looks like Hell will rise in a hundred years...

Luo Yan mused inwardly.

And what card is Luo Yan, the demon capital's councilor?

The Holy City's "Prince Colin" smiled without answering.

Shocked by this bold, intelligent idea, Aline felt a pang of blasphemy—but recalling the injustices she'd endured and the absurd atrocities she'd witnessed, the Holder of the Song of Praise, after inner turmoil, chose silence as consent.

She was a believer of Saint Xiang, yes—but she first saw herself as a human, bound by human conscience and limits. Otherwise, what difference was there between her and the goblins of Hell?

The Book of Sacred Words had a chapter describing Hell's conditions: the goblins there endured eternal fire, and demons amused themselves by forcing them to swallow their own intestines and then defecate them out.

Surprisingly, this Yaya wasn't just beautiful—she also possessed a heart yearning for justice, just like hers.

Rarely did a noblewoman from the Holy City speak up for the people of the Northeastern Storm Sea. If she hesitated now, she'd betray the Campbell ancestors.

"Yaya, your sense of justice moves me. Too many nobles from the Holy City see us as barbarians—only you and Mr. Colin never thought so... Please proceed. I don't know how to write a script, but I'll answer every question and help you complete it!"

Aline looked earnestly at Yaya, this time gripping Yaya's hand in return, her eyes shining with determination and hope.

"Once we're settled, perhaps we can go see Miss Aloyse's Bell at the theater—and find inspiration for your new play!"

Thinking she could finally help Luo Yan with her own strength, Mia eagerly returned the grip, a rare genuine smile lighting her face.

"An honor indeed!"

The carriage's jolting rocked like a gentle lullaby, soothing Vivian's once-energetic nerves until she drifted into sleep.

Only when the crisp chime of silver bells pierced her hazy consciousness did she slowly open her eyes, wiping drool from her lip with her ruffled sleeve.

"Huh? Is it mealtime?"

She couldn't join Aline and Mia's conversation, especially since her thoughts were fixed on her brother beside her; eventually, she dozed off.

Though vampires didn't need sleep, she'd grown accustomed to napping, saving her boundless energy for more enchanting nights.

Watching Vivian stir awake, Luo Yan, who had been propping her up with his arm, teased her.

"Awake?"

Vivian froze for two seconds, realizing her feet dangled in midair, suspended on someone's body—her cheeks instantly flushed with unnatural heat.

Her crimson eyes snapped shut at once; soon, a fake snore began, her gaping mouth caught on her fangs.

"Huh—"

That sound was nothing like a snore.

Aline beside them chuckled softly, her gentle smile radiant under the moonlight like a lake veiled in silver gauze.

"You two are close."

Luo Yan's expression was subtle.

Close?

He didn't think so—but to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, he'd let the Heroine keep believing it.

Mia, meanwhile, glared murderously at Vivian—this girl had grown too bold, slipping onto Little Luo Yan's lap without warning.

She strained with all her might but couldn't pry open the vampire's claws, and finally gave up.

Amid this harmonious atmosphere, the Demon King, walking a tightrope, returned with the three to his "palace" in Thundering County.

As for Sarah and Teresa's group, they followed Campbell tradition and moved to the guest pavilion's dining hall with the royal guards.

There, the estate's head chef had prepared a lavish dinner, ensuring they received warm, hospitable care.

Meanwhile, in the main house's dining hall.

A massive crystal chandelier bathed the room in brilliant light; a long table was draped in white linen, candle flames dancing gently in the breeze atop silver candelabras.

The air was thick with the aroma of roasted meat and cream mushroom soup, making mouths water—and Vivian could no longer feign sleep.

Because Princess Lino had rushed over excitedly.

"Vivian sister!"

This princess loved "Gutaf" brother most, and Vivian sister second.

And Vivian, in turn, doted on this adoring "little tagalong," treating her as her true disciple in the human world, teaching her all the tricks she used to bully Nanfu.

Poor Nanfu had become a diplomatic gift.

Under Lino's tugging, Vivian reluctantly climbed down from the man's arm, regaining her usual "big sister" demeanor.

But this awakening dragon startled Richard and Alfred, who had been sneaking past.

The two boys turned pale as ghosts, nearly crawling under the table, terrified the terrifying "drill instructor" might suddenly decide to test their combat skills at dinner.

"Oh? Richard, am I really that scary?"

Vivian had just woken up, in high spirits, and wanted someone to spar with.

She flashed the trembling boy what she thought was a kind smile—but Richard shook even harder, sweat dripping down.

Luckily, Nanfu wandered over, looking confused, and successfully diverted all their attention...

On the other side, the dining hall entrance witnessed a touching reunion.

"Aline, it's been so long! You're finally back!"

Lady Antoinette rushed forward, embracing Aline tightly, then studied her face with concern. "My husband and I have been worried sick. Seeing you as healthy as ever puts my heart at ease!"

"Thank you for your concern, Lady," Aline bowed with a proper knight's salute, her face filled with longing. "I've missed you and my brother dearly on the front lines."

Lady Antoinette smiled with relief, her eyes shining as she gazed at her.

"Come to think of it, you already met Edward when you were at Gransdon Castle, didn't you? How is he doing there? Has he lost weight?"

Erin said with a smile.

"He's fine. He reportedly prepared a deer-fur cloak for you as a gift—hunted by his own hand and crafted by Gransdon Castle's artisans. He excitedly told me he shot it with a Rocksey 1054 rifle from five hundred meters away—a single shot, perfect hit… He'd never seen such an accurate firearm."

In truth, Erin hadn't seen one either.

The Northern Rescue Army hadn't been issued Rocksey-series rifles; by the time they rolled off the production line, the Twilight Province's battles were already over.

The Salvation Army's guerrillas might have gotten them before her own troops.

A faint smile appeared on Antonie's face.

"Hah, that's so like him—he becomes a child when he's happy. By the way, how are things between you and Mr. Colin?"

As she spoke, she glanced slyly at Mr. Colin, who was instructing the butler to prepare the next course.

Erin's cheeks flushed slightly, and she suddenly became hesitant and stammering.

Seeing her expression, Lady Antonie's eyes darkened with implication, wearing the look of "I understand."

"Ah, I see. Then I won't ask further."

At that look, Erin and Yaya nearly panicked at the same time.

"Wait… it's not what you think."

"That's right! Col, Colin isn't that kind of man!"

They spoke in unison, then glanced at each other in bewilderment, and an awkward silence spread silently.

"Youth is wonderful."

Antonie chuckled, her gaze shifting between them for a moment before smoothly changing the subject.

Although Edward always tried to bring Erin and Prince Colin together, she felt it was better to respect the wishes of the individuals involved.

Prince Colin had already helped the Campbell family far too much; out of gratitude and principle, they should be thankful, not desperately crave more.

Even from the standpoint of a sister-in-law, she truly wished Erin happiness…

…

The long-awaited family dinner began; Edward the Duke's wife, the dignified and gentle Duchess Antonie, had already waited with her three children.

With Erin's own "family" added, the spacious dining hall instantly burst into lively warmth.

The atmosphere was warm and vibrant, as if continuing the idle chat from the carriage, now with Lady Antonie joining in.

Since both families were already well-acquainted, formal etiquette was lightly observed.

Vivian boldly bragged to the two young Campbells, while Nanfu blushed as she spoke to Miss Lino about life at Thunder City University.

Erin quietly recounted to Lady Antonie, Mia, and Luo Yan her experiences in Twilight City over the past year.

Including what she saw beyond Twilight City's walls: people kneeling before the black-robed Inquisitors, begging; people selling their souls for a loaf of bread.

"... The Tribunal uses bread looted from the countryside to feed Twilight City's citizens, yet they still live in such hardship—I dare not imagine what conditions are like in the villages. Not a single refugee came to Twilight City, not even when the Green Forest Army ran rampant… This is too unusual."

The Tribunal deeply shook her.

Even more than the Green Forest Army.

She had seen desperate people, with no path left, hurl themselves into madness; she had seen those who claimed justice, crushing suffering beneath their lofty feet.

And all of it happened in the name of her faith, right before her eyes—so much so that she once doubted whether the sword in her hand was still just…

At the very least, her body certainly wasn't anymore.

That man named Luo Yan had turned her into a vampire using evil magic, infusing her body with impure power.

Of course, Erin hadn't dared tell Antonie.

She hadn't even dared tell her brother; only Colin, a few trusted confidants, and a dwarf lord from Gaoshan Kingdom knew this secret.

It wasn't out of distrust toward her brother's family—she simply didn't want them to bear the burden of being complicit without cause.

Lady Antonie gently held Erin's hand, comforting her.

"Erin, our world is like this—there are no coins with only one side, not even in Thunder City. I'm sure today's changes have shocked you, but I must still pour cold water on you: even today's Thunder City isn't warm to everyone under the Holy Light… And that's precisely why your brother still uses the royal treasury to subsidize bread for the poor."

"No matter what you saw in Twilight City, carry the light of your ancestors' legacy, and walk forward with a clear conscience. Though Edward sometimes doesn't understand, I believe the reason it came into your hands must be meaningful."

That was Duke Aaron's temporary decision—but perhaps also fate; the two were not contradictory.

Erin muttered softly.

"I know… I just… didn't expect…"

Luo Yan took a small sip of champagne.

The duchess was a clever woman—so was her husband.

He believed that even if his identity as the Demon King were ever exposed, their first reaction would be shock, but after that, they'd choose to continue the current understanding.

It was the best choice for both the Campbell family and the Labyrinth. As lord of this duchy, they saw not just victory or defeat, but the countless possibilities beyond them.

But Erin might not be the same.

She was a true idealist, willing to burn herself for her beliefs.

Luo Yan wasn't afraid Erin would turn the Legacy Light against him—he feared she might turn it against herself, crushed by the blow.

He suspected Vivian saw this too, which was why she'd been so restrained today, unusually quiet even dozing off from boredom.

Though this brat sometimes went mad—once kicking a three-year-old with full force—this platinum-tier warrior had never caused real trouble. That was the other side of the coin.

For those she truly cared about, she was deeply attentive.

But sometimes, her way of showing care was just a bit… hellish…

"Colin…"

Seeing the emerald eyes suddenly turn toward him, Luo Yan set down his champagne and replied gently.

"What is it?"

Erin hesitated, then whispered.

"Do you think… I'm doing the right thing?"

Luo Yan wasn't sure whether she meant hiding her vampire identity from Lady Antonie, or all she'd endured in Twilight City over the past year.

Though he felt Erin bore no guilt—the dirty work was done by the Lionheart Knights and the Tribunal—he suspected she didn't see it that way.

Her anguish was much like that of the Sword Saint Gangte.

Though they possessed great power, they were still forced to compromise before worldly authority, shamefully locking themselves away in towers.

Gangte eventually went to Huangtong Pass—but he hadn't been blind to the disasters that befell Quemu Domain after his departure…

Luo Yan thought for a moment, then chose to sidestep both possibilities, planting a seed for future choices.

"... I think it's better to consider how to make choices without regret, rather than dwell on what's already done."

Erin paused, pondering the words, then asked after a moment:

"Then… if you were in my place, standing in the tower of Twilight City, what would you have chosen?"

"Of course, I'd do exactly what you did—do what you can, and leave the rest to fate." Luo Yan answered without hesitation, this time with no doubt.

Because it was the truth.

Back in the Demon King Academy, that's how he'd lived—if he hadn't found the Divine Core, if he hadn't been there when Dragon Demon was shot dead by Aaron Campbell, he'd have gone to the frontlines, gathered a resume, then bowed humbly to the decent Miss Padrich.

Living off a woman's wealth isn't shameful—Mr. Fesding did it too, and even the Demon God Bayeli got a barrel of gold from his father-in-law.

The Demon God Temple doesn't mention it, but the library of the Demon King Academy has records.

What surprised Luo Yan was that after hearing this, Erin's face lit up with a relieved smile.

She lifted her champagne, took a small sip, hiding the warm flush behind her lowered hair.

"Thank you. I feel better."

…

Happy moments are always brief.

With the last dessert cleared, dinner ended.

Lady Antonie rose, called to the children still playfully wrestling to put on their coats, then bid farewell to Prince Colin, the estate's host.

Though they wished to stay longer, to avoid disturbing their host's rest, they would spend the night at Andis Estate, the royal residence in Thunder City.

In the entrance hall, servants had already brought coats and hats.

Erin pulled her travel cloak back on, gazing at Colin, who had walked them to the door, her eyes filled with reluctance.

"I… can I come see you tomorrow?"

"Of course," Luo Yan smiled and nodded. "I'm always glad to welcome you."

Erin's lips moved, as if to say something, but remembering last night's events, she blushed and looked away.

Yet at that moment, her gaze fell on Mia, standing just behind Colin, showing no sign of leaving.

Out of politeness, and a subtle test, she asked instinctively:

"Miss Mia, hasn't your carriage arrived yet?"

She glanced outside at the dark night, her tone warm and considerate.

"It's getting late, and this place is still far from the city. I mean—if you don't mind, would you like us to give you a ride?"

Foreign guests in Thunder City usually stayed at hotels on Empress Street; she assumed Mia did too.

Mia tilted her head, answering instinctively:

"Carriage? Oh… no, I live here…"

Though the speaker was undoubtedly a demon, Luo Yan was certain Mia had spoken those words with no malice whatsoever.

Because Miss Padrich spoke without thinking—unlike Vivian's deliberate mischief.

Even this harmless remark drained the Heroine's already fragile health bar to zero…

The moment the words left her lips, Luo Yan heard a soft "click"—a noticeable sound from the doorway.

Then Teresa walked over, her face filled with apology, and approached the stunned Lady Antonie, bowing her head.

"I'm sorry… Lady, our carriage broke down; we'll have to trouble you for one more night."

Huh?

Sarah, standing in the shadows, looked up in surprise at the loyal knight, her cat ears twitching slightly—she hadn't expected her own trick to be copied.

"This… how could it happen so suddenly?" Lady Antonie stood frozen, speechless, only grateful it hadn't broken down on the road.

"I truly apologize." Teresa kept her head bowed, then stole a glance at Erin's back, thinking her subordinate could do no more.

"What about the other carriages…"

"Broken too." Teresa's ears turned red, fortunately hidden by her hair.

"…Colin," Lady Antonie turned to Colin for help.

Luo Yan would of course not refuse the lady's request, even though he saw at a glance that the loyal knight's acting was clumsy.

"There's no need to apologize—it's my honor—"

Before he finished speaking, Princess Lino let out an excited cry, lifted her skirt, and dashed toward the manor's main building like a streak of lightning.

Luo Yan raised an eyebrow in surprise.

After Alfred, aged three, awakened, the Campbell family had produced its third awakened member among the new generation!

Thinking of this, a trace of satisfaction appeared on his face.

It seemed not only had Hell risen, but humanity had risen too.

The world of the future would surely be more splendid than today…

(End of Chapter)