Chapter 230 The Contest between Succubi and Vampires
Black Wind Castle, this land was once desolate and barren.
Although it is close to the Magic City, this barony has not shared any of the prosperity of the Magic City. There are only scattered pastures and a few villages struggling in the desolation.
However, not long ago, a decisive battle that shocked the entire Demon City completely changed everything - the battle between the Demon King of Thunder County and the Dragon family broke out here, and the standing castle became the focus and bet of the battle between the two sides.
This shocking battle finally ended with the victory of the devil.
Hence the indiscriminate bombardment of the magic crystal cannon, the Dragon family's castle collapsed and turned into devastated ruins, leaving only broken bricks and rubble.
However, people did not expect at that time that instead of declining due to the collapse of the castle, this land used it as nourishment to give birth to new hope.
As time goes by, the ruins of the castle have disappeared and been replaced by a fertile land. Orders from the front line are constantly coming in, stimulating the prosperity of the local economy.
The Demon King, who made huge profits, did not take the profits away, but kept them locally to improve the city's infrastructure and production supporting facilities.
In the wasteland not far from the Black Wind Valley, a huge factory stands majestically. The sonorous sound of hammers striking steel echoing in the open space under the dome intertwines with the low roar of the furnace to form an industrial symphony.
Although the magic crystal cannon factory is still the economic backbone of this area, with the continued investment of Demon King Luo Yan and the support of the Padrich family, Black Wind Castle's industry has gradually diversified. It is no longer limited to military manufacturing and also produces a wealth of consumer goods.
Nowadays, this land is dotted with workshops and the streets are full of busy people. In addition to the huge factory in the center, there are also workshops for crafting magic tools, alchemy laboratories, and workshops for making precision clocks and magic jewelry.
In the market, vendors are bustling with people, and the sounds of hawking are coming and going... and the busiest ones are the goblin craftsmen who come from all directions.
They are becoming more and more skilled, using their dexterous hands and unremitting diligence to promote the development of Black Wind Castle to a higher level.
In the workshop at the corner of the street, a group of short but nimble goblin craftsmen were gathered in front of a casting furnace, methodically pouring ore into the furnace, and then operating the magic machinery to pour liquid metal into the mold. In the magic crystal cannon assembly factory in the distance, more goblins were assembling and debugging under the command of technicians, and finally commanded magic puppets to push the finished products into the warehouse.
Everyone is immersed in the excitement of this industrial wave and is working hard for it.
The local prosperity is not limited to factories and markets, the tavern of Black Wind Castle is also bustling with activity.
Goblins and hell dwarves sat around rough wooden tables, quaffing strong drinks and bragging to each other about their craftsmanship and bravery. The little devils were walking among the crowd, some were serving drinks, and some simply joined in the raucous atmosphere, slapping the table and laughing.
The air was filled with the spicy smell of alcohol, as well as the aroma of fried meat and stew, soaking everyone in the excitement and satisfaction.
However, not everyone can taste the happiness and satisfaction from the boiling beer foam...
In a secret club, a well-dressed Goblin was sitting in the corner, looking warily at the man sitting opposite.
His fingers tapped the table rhythmically. Although there was a smile on his face, he could not hide the anxiety between his brows.
"...Mr. Yege, you should understand that I am not a coward, and I have nothing to fear. Lord Demon King is my lord, and our interests have always been the same."
The man opposite smiled slightly. He was wearing a dark robe, with a hood covering most of his face. Only a pair of deep eyes flickered slightly in the dim light.
He is the gargoyle servant of the Dragon family and the messenger who walks in the darkness.
His name is Ye Ge.
"Of course, Mr. Groat Sawtooth." Night Song's voice was low, with a hint of hoarseness, "But the news of the Demon King's return does make many smart people uneasy, doesn't it?"
Groat Sawtooth frowned and remained silent.
He is an important figure in the Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce. He controls dozens of workshops and a large number of workers. Now the demand for magic crystal cannons makes him make a lot of money. But the sudden return of the Demon King made him feel a faint threat.
The uneasiness in his heart not only comes from the changes in the political order, but also because of a ridiculous rumor that is spreading among the Goblin workers - it is said that the Goblins living in the necropolis, the core territory of the Demon King, live an extremely luxurious life. They bathe in beer, swim butterfly in the barn, and call themselves "the powerful Goblins".
Grote knew that this was nonsense, because bathing with beer would not clean the skin at all. He tried it in his own bathtub. However, those stupid workers believed it, and they began to fantasize about better treatment. Some even dared to ask for a raise in wages and improved living conditions in the workshop... These bad things made him even more irritated.
He certainly did not think that the Demon King would change the order of Black Wind Castle for these low-level Goblin workers. After all, exploiting them was a matter of course and the normal state of existence in this land.
What really makes him uneasy is that the Demon King may use these rumors to exploit him and the Chamber of Commerce of Black Wind Castle on a deeper level under the pretext of "improving labor conditions".
After all, if the Demon King decides to "reform", someone has to provide the funds, and that person is undoubtedly him. Grote knew full well that this so-called improvement was ultimately nothing more than a means for the Demon King to seize his wealth. All his efforts and accumulation may be wiped out in an instant like the destroyed old castle.
This is what worries him the most.
Just when he and all his colleagues were as anxious as ants on a hot pot, the envoy of the Dragon family took the initiative to find him and expressed that he wanted to talk to him.
Everyone knows that the Dragon family was once the ruler of Blackwind Castle. Even though they have lost this territory to the current Demon Lord of Thunder County, they still have an intricate influence in the local area.
After all, some things cannot be handed over with just a contract, not to mention that a contract in hell would be a fart.
This force may be a check and balance.
Grote thought so, so he readily agreed to meet with the envoy of the Dragon family.
hh "We do feel uneasy, but this is entirely out of loyalty to His Majesty the Demon God."
hh Grote said solemnly, with a hint of caution and uneasiness in his tone. He slowly leaned toward the table, folded his hands, and looked directly at Ye Ge.
"The situation on the frontline is now advancing steadily, and the production of Black Wind Castle supports the victory of the war. If the Demon King re-involves, our production methods will be affected, and even the efficiency of the Magic Crystal Cannon Factory may decrease... This is undoubtedly a huge hidden danger for the front line. I believe that neither the parliament nor anyone is willing to see such a thing happen."
This is of course not what he meant, but it is half true.
He paused, his eyes flickered, and then continued.
"The Jagged Chamber of Commerce does not want to see the prosperity of Blackwind Castle suffer turmoil. We hope that the Dragon family can provide help to keep the order here... This is not only the position of the Jagged Chamber of Commerce, but also the common opinion of the Black Wind Castle Chamber of Commerce Alliance."
Ye Ge chuckled, picked up the teacup, took a sip and spoke slowly.
"This is exactly what we need to discuss, and that's why I'm here."
Outside the window, the factory bells rang long, and the crystal standing on the top of the magic crystal gun factory went out, indicating that night was slowly falling.
The future of Black Wind Castle seems to be quietly changing at the intersection of lights and shadows.
…
At the same time, far away in the teleportation room of the Demon King's Management Department in the Demon City, a slender figure suddenly jumped into Luo Yan's arms.
"Brother!"
Vivian shouted excitedly, her whole body hanging on Luo Yan like a koala, her face filled with unabashed intimacy.
After receiving a head hammer on the chest, Luo Yan frowned slightly and whispered: "Vivian, don't call me that in public."
This is for her own good.
Vivian pouted, with an aggrieved expression on her face.
"There's no one else here anyway..."
Before she could finish her words, her eyes suddenly turned to Mia next to her, and then she realized that this unsightly "magic crystal lamp" had been watching from the side, and was looking at her with a flattering smile.
Just now, her attention was all on Luo Yan, so much so that she didn't notice the guy's existence at all.
That smile made Vivian feel extremely uncomfortable, as if she had assumed the identity of her family without authorization.
Obviously Mia is not a person who is good at observing words and emotions.
Seeing Vivian turning to look at her, she immediately rubbed her hands and stepped forward with a smile on her face.
"Long time no see, Miss Vivian, how are you lately?"
The sweet tone made Luo Yan couldn't help but look at her twice. This guy has never been so gentle to him.
However, in the face of Mia's flattery, Vivian did not appreciate it and just glanced at her coldly.
The alienation written on her face made Mia slightly stunned, and her smile stiffened, as if she had missed it.
She thought of the previous conflict in Professor Edonia's garden, and she couldn't help but feel guilty... Could it be that this little girl still hated her?
Although the Colin family has a reputation for being narrow-minded, Yaizi must have reported it, but they can't remember trivial matters for so long, right?
Just when Mia was feeling uneasy, Vivian came down from Luo Yan's chest.
She straightened her skirt, raised her chin gracefully, with a disdainful smile at the corner of her mouth. Her tone was lazy but sharp, just like the tiger teeth hidden in the corner of her mouth.
"Of course, it's not like some people who hang around other people's brothers all day long... Why, don't you have a brother of your own?"
Mia was stunned by the question.
』
…………???”
Mia's face was slightly stiff, her fists clenched unconsciously, and she had to quickly adjust her expression, trying her best to maintain a dignified smile.
After all, Vivian is Luo Yan's sister, and no matter how dissatisfied she is, she can only endure it.
But this little girl is too clingy to her brother, right? !
And what’s there to show off? !
"That's enough, Vivian."
Luo Yan's voice was neither soft nor serious, but it carried a hint of unquestionable majesty.
Hearing the sound coming from above her head, Vivian's body trembled instinctively, her little face froze for an instant, and she quickly curbed her arrogance.
She opened her mouth slightly but did not dare to refute. She quietly released her arms from her arms, lowered her head like a child who had made a mistake, and murmured in a low voice with her eyes averted.
"I, I'm just... worried that my brother will be entangled by strange people... You know, succubus is not a good thing... Wuwu... I'm sorry, I don't dare anymore..."
Her voice became smaller and smaller, and finally it almost turned into a mosquito hum, as if the arrogant little devil just now didn't exist at all.
Mia looked at her surrendering at the speed of light. Although she was relieved, she was still a little wary.
The succubus' intuition told her that something was wrong with this little girl, but she still maintained a superficial dignity on her face.
Now is the time to show her mature side, and she must not be timid at the critical moment.
Just when Luo Yan was wondering how two guys with brain problems got together, the sound of footsteps outside the hall saved him from the awkward atmosphere.
I saw a middle-aged man with a tall figure and extraordinary temperament stepping into the hall. He was wearing an elegant black dress, with the coat of arms of the Padrich family on his chest, and his eyes were steady and sharp.
"Your Excellency Festine Padrich." Luo Yan spoke softly, with a trace of respect in his eyes.
This is a member of the House of Lords and the nominal head of the Padridge family.
Festing nodded slightly, with a decent smile on his face: "Mr. Luo Yan, long time no see...or it's our first meeting."
Although the two had met before, they didn't have much direct communication.
As for the subsequent cooperation, most of them were carried out through Mia. Although the Padelici family also participated, most of them were superficial.
Luo Yan nodded slightly and responded with a greeting. Although the two parties were not close, they both maintained due etiquette.
Festing glanced at Luo Yan, then glanced at Mia and Vivian standing aside, and then said gentlemanly.
"I'm sorry to borrow this gentleman from the two ladies. We need to talk about something about Black Wind Castle. This is the transfer room of the Demon King's Management Department, not a place for conversation. If you don't mind, please follow me to the carriage."
Facing Mr. Festing, Vivian behaved quite appropriately. After all, this gentleman and her father are the same generation.
She lifted up her skirt slightly and saluted, like a true noble.
"Thank you for the invitation. I just wanted to see how my... well, Mr. Luo Yan's territory is developing."
That ambiguous expression made Festing's mouth evoke a playful smile.
This was the first time that he saw the relationship between the illegitimate son and the heir be so harmonious. Instead of fighting, they became friends.
It seems that there is indeed something unusual about Mr. Luo Yan.
Or, Mr. Colin.
"Then let's move on and talk. I just plan to live at Black Wind Castle when I come back this time."
Luo Yan nodded slightly, followed Mr. Festing's footsteps and left the Demon King Management Department, and then stepped onto the Padridge family's carriage.
Standing at the entrance of the carriage, Festing immediately looked at Mia and said gently.
"Mia, take Vivian in another carriage first, and we will meet up at Blackwind Castle."
Mia was stunned for a moment, then nodded gracefully.
"Yes, father."
Vivian was about to protest, but she swallowed her words under Luo Yan's indifferent gaze, curled her lips, and followed Mia towards another carriage with a face full of reluctance.
As Luo Yan and Festing's carriage slowly set off on the road, the atmosphere in the carriage fell silent for a short time.
Festing gently adjusted his sleeves, thought for a moment, and then looked at the street scene outside the car window and said.
"The prosperity of Black Wind Castle has far exceeded expectations. In just a few months, it has become an indispensable satellite city near the Magic City. To be honest, I am quite surprised. I did not expect that the wasteland would change so much in your hands."
Luo Yan nodded slightly and said with a smile, "Thank you for keeping an eye on me."
This matter actually has nothing to do with the Padrich family. It mainly comes from the support of the administrative power of hell, and the influence of "money ability" is superimposed.
Every penny he earned from the frontline orders was spent on developing that land, leaving not a penny left.
As for why, the reason is very simple.
Because it is the land near the Magic City, and there are reliable pillar industries.
There is no better place to invest than that, and besides, he can't take Keira to the necropolis to spend it.
After hearing what Luo Yan said, Festing was obviously self-aware and smiled and waved his hand.
"We only tried our best to cooperate with the Ministry of War to supervise local production, but it did not have much effect. What really drives the growth of Blackwind Castle is the market and the needs of the front line."
He paused, and his tone changed subtly: " However, this prosperity does not come without a price. Today's Black Wind Castle is like a wild garden. Although it is lush, it is also overgrown with weeds and the roots under the soil are tangled... Can you understand what I say? "
Luo Yan nodded slightly.
"That's common sense, I can understand it."
Festing smiled approvingly and continued in a gentle tone.
"Currently, the Padridge family and the Colin family control the magic crystal cannon factory and dominate the upper-level order of Black Wind Castle. However, below this, the Black Wind Castle Chamber of Commerce Alliance determines the lower-level order. They determine the livelihood of ordinary people and the balance of power in a sense. If you can control this power, they will be your help in ruling Black Wind Castle, but if you cannot control it, they may also bite you back."
Luo Yan chuckled, seemingly not surprised: "Even the Padridge family finds it difficult?"
Festing said with a smile: "We have the ability to control certain situations, but we are not omnipotent. For example, we can turn a wasteland into grass, but what kind of order is born in the dense grass is not something we can decide, even if we can set a fire to burn it. Moreover, Black Wind Castle is your territory after all, you have to take care of your own lawn, right?"
As he spoke, his tone became more meaningful.
"Your decision to return to Black Wind Castle is a huge change for the insects living there. Maybe you think a few grasshoppers are not worth worrying about, but it will be different if they collude with your neighbors."
Luo Yan can understand Festing's hint. The malicious neighbor is nothing more than the Dragon family, and Mia has mentioned this to him in her previous letter.
"Thank you for the reminder, I will pay attention to it."
Festing nodded with a smile.
"That's good."
If Luo Yan doesn't ask for his help, he has no intention of taking the initiative.
On the one hand, the help that came to his door seemed too cheap, but on the other hand, he also wanted to see what kind of tactics the Demon King of Thunder County would use to settle this matter.
After all, he is the man his daughter likes. As a father, of course he has to examine him carefully.
The carriage continued to move forward. Festing paused for a while and suddenly changed the topic.
"Speaking of which, I have always wanted to chat with you, and I specifically asked my daughter to give you a key to the Padridge family library, but you never showed up... You must have lost the key, right?"
Hearing this, Luo Yan's expression froze slightly.
He did not lose the key. The key was always stored in the space ring given to him by Professor Lilith.
As for why he never went, it was simply because he forgot about it.
At that time, the factional struggle within the necropolis had not yet completely subsided, and the Principality of Campbell was in a state of turmoil. His energy was basically focused on these two things, and he could not care about hell.
After settling both matters, he had time to come back and take a look at the barony he earned from the Dragon family...
Of course, it was impossible for him to admit that he had forgotten about it, and Mr. Festing would not want to hear the truth.
Luo Yan cleared his throat and said calmly.
"Wouldn't it be better to chat like this in person? Chatting in my head...I always feel that I'm not honest enough. After all, it's the first official meeting, and I still want to leave a good impression on Mia's father."
Festing was stunned for a moment when he heard this, and suddenly laughed.
"Interesting... I'm becoming more and more attracted to you."
Although I don't know what happened, the other person seems to have a good impression of me?
Luo Yan nodded slightly and said happily.
"It is an honor for me to receive such a comment from you."
At the same time, on the other carriage, the atmosphere was as stiff as winter.
The young master of the Colin family did not give the heir of the Padridge family any face, and folded his arms with a cold expression.
Although Mia maintained a stiff smile, as time passed, she gradually lost the expression on her face.
No one can stay warm and cold all the time, especially when facing an arrogant and arrogant kid.
Even if the other party may be your future sister-in-law.
Mia coughed slightly, trying to ease the atmosphere between the two, and said softly.
"Miss Vivian, we are about to arrive at your brother's territory. Is this your first time here?"
h
She took a deep breath, convinced herself to calm down, and finally said with a smile.
「赫赫赫……薇薇安小姐的性格真是直率呢，在下真是佩服呢。」
这话说出口，她自己都yue了一下。
As the eldest lady of the Padridge family, others have always treated her as a licking dog. How has she ever licked someone else?
"Of course," Vivian's nose turned up, her stern pretty face was as smooth and flawless as a doll, but her sarcastic tone was not clever at all, "our noble vampires have never been idle, and have always dared to love and hate, unlike a certain The succubus likes to put on pretense, to be hypocritical, to take advantage of people's danger, danger... to be in danger." Mia gritted her teeth and almost blurted out a sentence, but luckily she stopped it at the last moment.
Vivian's eyebrows raised when she heard this, and she became furious.
"Shut up! Who is your family! My brother... is mine!"
Mia's eyes narrowed.
Although her strength is only silver and cannot compare to this legendary gold-level genius girl, she has the confidence to not lose to anyone in terms of mental strength.
That is the racial talent of the succubus.
The collision of mental powers caused invisible flames in the carriage. The two stared at each other intently, but this time Mia did not continue to pamper her.
Feeling the huge pressure coming from inside the carriage, the hell horse pulling the carriage shivered and almost fell down.
If it were Brother Pegasus, the veteran driver of the Padrich family, he might still be able to remain calm, but it is just a little Kalami who is not even at the bronze level...
On the other carriage, Festing noticed what was going on behind him and couldn't help but smile and said in a joking tone.
"This is the first time I have seen my baby girl so energetic."
Luo Yan's expression was slightly embarrassed.
"I made you laugh... I will remind Miss Vivienne to be careful after that."
He felt that Mr. Festing already knew his identity, and there seemed to be no point in continuing to hide it.
Festing smiled after hearing this and continued.
"It's okay, I feel that the relationship between the two of them is quite good."
"Really?" Luo Yan's expression was noncommittal.
Festing nodded slightly and said with a smile.
"Isn't there a saying that says this? Unbreakable friendships are often born from fists."
HELL does have this proverb.
Luo Yan has a good relationship with the second son of the Dragon family because they have a "fist-to-fist" relationship.
However, Luo Yan had to question whether this theory could be applied to Mia and Vivian. After all, he had personally learned how awkward Vivian's character was.
Festing thought about it and continued after a while.
"My daughter has lived in an environment surrounded by stars since she was a child. Her character is actually not much better than that of the eldest daughter of the Colin family. It is precisely because of this that she has never had many friends...the kind of true friends."
Luo Yan carefully recalled his life in the Demon King Academy. Mia did not have many friends. In contrast, Vivian had a best friend and a group of followers.
But then again, most students at Demon King Academy have no friends, and this is not just Mia’s problem.
Festing's eyes suddenly fell on Luo Yan, with a hint of admiration in his eyes.
"Having said that, I have to thank you. She has changed a lot since the graduation ceremony. Not only has she become more gentle, but she has also learned to consider the people around her... There is no doubt that this is your credit."
"I don't dare to take it seriously," Luo Yan said humbly, "I didn't do anything."
Festing smiled and said nothing.
"Then let it be like this."
As the husband of a succubus, his ideas are much more open-minded and not as rigid as other demons.
As he spoke, he cast his gaze out the window and saw the outline of Black Wind Castle emerging under the light of the slowly lighting up magic crystal lampposts, and the towering chimney slowly spit out wisps of black smoke.
The magic crystal lamp post on the top of the Magic Crystal Cannon Factory is synchronized with the amethyst dome above the Magic City. Whenever it lights up, it marks the beginning of a new day.
Festing narrowed his eyes slightly and said with a smile.
“We’re here.”