Chapter 531 is also above Melusine.

The office of the Minister of Intelligence in the Shanghai Cabinet. This room, where countless conspiracies are woven, is now eerily quiet, save for the occasional crackling sound from the fireplace.

Duke Karamos Melusine sat behind a massive obsidian desk, his long, slender fingers tapping lightly on the surface, as if striking piano keys.

As the leader of the Melucio clan, his appearance was so handsome as to be almost otherworldly, but what was even more striking were his eyes, which were full of cunning.

Like a certain duke in an Andean estate, he was in an exceptionally good mood tonight.

Based on the timeline, the bomb he personally buried on the northeast coast of the Whirlpool Sea should be detonating by now.

Not too much, not too little, just enough to demolish Colin Manor.

"Although it's nothing worth mentioning, Padridge's dejected expression is something you can never get tired of...heh."

Karamos wore a charming smile.

Poor Mia, your respected Uncle Melucine will teach you a lesson: everything in this world comes at a price.

The one who will pay the price is either your father or your man.

The reason he built that intelligence branch in Thunder City wasn't because the Melusine family was particularly interested in the intelligence there; it was purely to make the young ladies of the Colin and Padridge fight over the same toy.

The truly brilliant conspiracy lies in this: Lord Melusine only needs to make strategic adjustments, and the pieces he wants to fight will naturally start fighting.

When Mia and Vivian fight to the death, their families will lose face. In the end, the Melusine family will have to step in to mediate, do both sides a favor, and clean up the mess left by Miss Mia.

In this way, "Little Melusine," who was expanding his territory on the continent of Gana, could naturally take over the intelligence branch on the northeast coast of the Whirlpool Sea with the team he had built up in the labyrinth.

And when his child has completely and successfully taken over—

Padridge must be desperate, right?

Hehehehe.

There's nothing more pleasurable than watching your arch-nemesis get into a mess...

Melusine struggled to suppress his laughter, which was about to burst out, because his men were already standing at the door.

"Your Highness the Duke."

The demon secretary, dressed in a tuxedo, entered silently, holding a letter sealed with wax, and said respectfully.

"The urgent secret report from the Northeast Coast Branch of the Whirlpool Sea was sent by Miss Mia."

"Oh? You've arrived just in time."

Karamos's smile deepened, and with a flick of his index finger, the letter floated into his hand, where his fingertip slashed open the Padrich family's wax seal.

It seems the letter of lamentation has arrived.

Or is it to file a complaint?

He could even picture Mia's tear-streaked face, lamenting how Vivian had bullied her, how she had sidelined her as the so-called "branch chief," and even forced her to sleep under bridges on the street.

Unfold the letter, and the scent of ink wafts out.

However, after reading only two lines, the smile on Karamos's face froze.

"Um?"

Contrary to his expectations, the letter was filled with joy and pride, overflowing with emotion.

Dear Uncle Melucine, thank you for giving me this opportunity to learn on the front lines! I am also honored that I have lived up to your expectations!

Under His Highness Luo Yan's personal care and far-sighted guidance, the Intelligence Bureau has made groundbreaking progress. Our intelligence work is thriving, just like the chimneys of the Thunder City factory!

】

Dear...personal care?

How to show care?

Karamos's hand trembled slightly as he took out his monocle from the drawer, put it on, and stared intently at the contents of the letter.

However, the more he looked, the more his brows furrowed, and even the corners of his upturned mouth drooped.

[...We successfully infiltrated the most sought-after theater troupe in the area, tearing through the defenses of Thunder City's high society without firing a shot. Now, our agent has become the focus of the entire city's attention; even Grand Duke Edward personally hosted a banquet for her, treating her as an honored guest...]

[...The intelligence network has been fully deployed through the aristocratic banquet, and those important figures who are usually difficult to approach are now, just as His Highness said, vying to present their secrets to us...]

[...The day when the light of the demon god shines upon the earth is just around the corner!]

Karamos put down the letter.

He rubbed his slightly swollen temples and looked at it again, but the contents of the letter did not change even after he read it several times.

This play doesn't seem to be following his script...

"Your Highness the Duke?"

Seeing the ever-changing expressions on her master's face, the secretary cautiously whispered.

"Should we reply to the branch office? Or... send someone to verify?"

Although he didn't know what the letter said, he sensed that the situation there wasn't very optimistic for the overall situation in Hell...

Karamos snapped out of his daze.

After glancing at the "good news" on the table that seemed to mock his miscalculation, the intelligence minister of hell remained silent for a moment, then let out a meaningful chuckle.

"No need to verify."

He tossed the letter into the fireplace, watching the flames engulf it instantly, and then gave his instructions in a slow, deliberate voice.

“Reply to Miss Padridge for me, and tell her that…the Cabinet is very satisfied with her work and encourages her to continue her efforts.”

He paused for a moment, then continued.

"Also, Miss Padridge did a great job this time, but her letter was really not very good. Please rewrite it for your records."

"yes."

The secretary accepted the order and left.

The office door closed again, shutting out all the light from outside the fireplace.

Karamos picked up the cup of black tea, which had gone completely cold, took a sip, and couldn't help but click his tongue at the bitter taste.

His attempt to start a fire in the backyard backyard backfired, but instead helped heat up the stove for others.

Now all we can do is pin our hopes on Miss Vivian, who is filled with envy, jealousy, and resentment...

So annoying.

...

Karamos's calculations were not wrong; at this moment, Miss Vivian was indeed so envious, jealous, and aggrieved that she was about to ascend to heaven.

By Bayeri!

Why is it that the vixen from the Padridge family only has to lie down, while Vivian, who is smart, brave, strong, and can pull a train with one hand, has to be hung on a bookshelf?!

Is there any geography left here?!

Vivian felt extremely wronged.

Until a certain devil, who had just finished disciplining her, stuffed a carrot into her clenched, white hand—

"Stop fooling around, I'll take you to see a show."

That simple sentence instantly calmed the vampire girl's agitated fur.

Although this carrot still had a little burden named Nanfu hanging on it, it did not prevent Miss Vivian's mood from turning from rain to sunshine. She even dressed up specially before going out, choosing a dark red dress with lace trim.

"Oh right, shoes... Kukuku, these are done!"

Watching Miss Vivian standing in front of the wardrobe picking and choosing, the fox-eared maid had a look of bewilderment, but dared not utter a sound.

They're all the same black no matter how you look at them...

Is there any difference?

The Colin family vampires always have a thought process that's different from ordinary people.

Mia originally wanted to go too, but Luo Yan persuaded her not to, saying that she had attracted too much attention in Thunder City and it was not appropriate for her to appear in public.

"...Honey, this is for your own good. I don't want you to attract too much attention from the priest. I'll take you there alone next time."

Thinking of the trouble that sudden attack had caused Luo Yan, Mia felt very guilty, so she didn't insist and said softly.

"Okay, then... come back soon."

His cautious demeanor was even more like Matthew's than that of Little Eagle, which made Luo Yan a little embarrassed.

It must be said that the Demon King is not afraid of those weaklings in the Thunder City Church.

Don't be fooled by their white robes and claims of being servants of God. While they may be servants of God in front of Imperial farmers or Hell goblins, they must kneel before Imperial princes.

Is the Vatican behind them?

Ha ha.

Baron Harvey Mitya wouldn't dare say that; after all, he was a member of the Holy City's "Papal Faction," even if he was a "marginal figure."

The real reason for not bringing "Ya Ya" along wasn't that complicated; Luo Yan simply didn't want to get into a fight over who to hand the tissues to.

As a master chess player, the Demon King can always think three moves ahead and prevent problems from arising in the first place.

"Yes, I'll be back soon."

After saying that, Luo Yan gave Mia a reassuring look.

He then led Vivian, who had a wicked look on her face and was sticking out her tongue, and Nanfu, who was trembling with fear, onto the carriage that was parked at the entrance of the manor.

We've accumulated enough faith power; it's time to reap the rewards.

...

VIP Box at the Collins Grand Theatre.

The heavy red velvet curtains blocked the prying eyes of outsiders, leaving only one view directly facing the stage.

The drama of joy and sorrow is unfolding on the stage, and the show in the private box is just as captivating.

Vivian clutched the exquisitely crafted handkerchief in her hand, now crumpled into a mess and covered in snot.

She cried her heart out, completely abandoning her usual arrogant and domineering young lady persona. While blowing her nose without any regard for her image, she stared at the stage with red eyes, seemingly identifying with someone on stage.

"Waaah... This is so touching..."

Luo Yan glanced at the handkerchief in her hand, not because he was worried that she was crying too hard, but because he was wary that she might suddenly return it to him.

He still has a lot of this stuff; there's no need to return it.

He doesn't rule out the possibility that some niche and eccentric collectors might enjoy collecting these items, but Prince Colin is a "clean person".

Unfortunately, Vivian had no idea what Luo Yan was thinking, otherwise she probably would have burst into tears even more, feeling that someone actually disliked her.

When he was in Shanghai, it was an experience that the little tyrant of Shanghai had never had before.

"Damn Saint Sith... he's so wicked!"

She uttered a harsh statement that no one in the entire Thunder City dared to say, then suddenly turned her head, her small face filled with murderous intent.

"Nanfu!"

"exist!"

Nanfu, whose cheeks were slightly flushed as he stared at the stage, was startled and almost stood up straight on the sofa like a sentry being called on.

Vivian sniffed, pointed to the clock tower on the stage backdrop that symbolized oppression, and said through gritted teeth.

"You! Go blow up the church on Queen Street!"

Nanfu: "Huh???"

no--

Sis!

It's just watching a play, is it really that big of a deal?!

He still has a long way to go in the human world, and he has only just arrived at the first stop called Thunder City University. He doesn't want to die before he even gets started.

Seeing her younger brother's blank and stupid expression, Vivian curled her lip in disdain.

"Tch, coward!"

She blew another string of clear snot through her handkerchief, then, as a last resort, pointed to the clock tower, which also symbolized sin, and said perfunctorily.

"Then...wouldn't it be alright if you just blew up the clock tower in Thunder City? It's so annoying that it always rings when I'm sound asleep."

Vampires don't actually need to sleep every day, but the glaring sunlight makes them sleepy, especially as summer approaches, and she takes a nap every day at noon.

Vampires who maintain a human lifestyle like the "Legendary Lover King" are actually a minority.

Nanfu sighed helplessly, looked at the unruly Miss Vivian with caring eyes, and whispered a reminder.

"Sister...please calm down. That clock tower belongs to our elder brother. How can you blow up your own house?"

"Oh, never mind then."

Upon hearing that it belonged to her elder brother, Vivian immediately withdrew her hand sheepishly, while secretly glancing at Luo Yan sitting next to her.

That cautious look in its eyes was like a cat that was observing its owner's movements while suddenly lying down and turning over on the windowsill.

Based on Luo Yan's experience, it was nothing more than an energetic little guy trying to get the adults' attention, so he deliberately made a series of strange noises.

He took a sip of warm lemonade, said nothing, and simply smiled as he watched the stage, enjoying the pleasant moment.

The noise wasn't annoying; instead, it made him feel a warmth called "home" in this foreign land at night.

The performance on stage continued.

Perhaps because she knew that the real ruler was sitting in the private room, Kiki, who played "Elois," was noticeably tense tonight.

He stuttered several times while delivering his lines, and even trembled more violently than usual when faced with pressure from the "clock tower steward".

That stemmed from the deepest reverence for the Demon King in one's soul.

On the contrary, the actor who played "Little Eagle," who is also the male protagonist Matthew, has become more and more skilled in acting after several performances.

The "incompetent husband's" dullness and despair were perfectly captured by the "capable little eagle." Since returning from the Duke's banquet, she has become a different person, not only starting to rehearse seriously but also completely dedicating herself to her acting career.

The audience in the theater didn't seem to care about Qiqi's sudden unfamiliarity.

In this era of economic growth, people, whether sitting or standing, have a strong tolerance for imperfections.

Seeing "Elois" trembling on stage, people felt even more sorry for her.

"Miss Eloise is truly afraid..."

“That kind of fear in the face of power cannot be faked; this beautiful girl must have taken this moment for real.”

"That was a fantastic performance! That's exactly how we act in front of the lord!"

Kiki probably never dreamed that her mistake would be interpreted as "explosive acting skills," and even win her more sympathetic tears and encouraging applause.

As the curtain fell, thunderous applause erupted once again.

Luo Yan didn't go backstage, as that would put too much pressure on the poor succubus junior. He would just praise her a couple of times later.

He led Vivian, who was about to have another cry, and Nanfu, who looked relieved, out of the VIP room without disturbing anyone.

However, he underestimated the enthusiasm of the citizens of Thunder City for him.

His enthusiasm reached an almost fanatical level, especially after people learned that he had written the script for "The Bell".

As soon as the three stepped out of the theater's side door, the reporters who had been lying in wait swarmed around them like sharks smelling blood, holding video recorders and notebooks.

The theater security guards were startled and rushed forward to stop them, but they couldn't stop the enthusiastic crowd at all.

"Your Highness! I am a reporter from the Thunder Morning Post!"

A young man wearing a baseball cap squeezed his way to the front.

Before His Highness Colin could even begin to answer, his pencil was already scribbling away in his notebook.

"Rumors are circulating that you personally penned the script for 'The Bell Tolls.' Is that true? Was your initial intention in creating this play to push for legislation by the City Hall? Was it your idea? Or the Holy City's idea? Or perhaps... Princess Irene?"

Before he could finish speaking, someone pushed him to the back.

"Your Highness! Some people say that you and the actress, Miss Qiqi, knew each other when you were in the Holy City, and there are even rumors that she is a girl from the slums whom you sponsored. Is this true?"

"Your Highness! Who is Miss Ya Ya?"

"Does the tolling of the bells signify that your relationship with Princess Irene is facing obstacles—damn it! What are these bats doing here? Oh, my legs!"

Luo Yan glanced subtly at Vivian, who was grinning mischievously beside him.

Feeling that stern gaze, Vivian, who was secretly enjoying herself, suddenly trembled and withdrew her little finger that had been quietly sticking out.

Aside from the frenzied reporters, the even more enthusiastic were the fans who came purely out of admiration.

Some even waved a thick stack of papers in their hands—scripts they had written themselves—their eyes burning with fervor as if they had seen their Miss "Elois".

"Your Highness! Take a look at my script! I don't need any payment, just let my dear Miss Kojira star in my new play! I can be the male lead!"

"Your bells certainly amazed me! But I must say, my 'steam whistle' is no less impressive!"

"And look at mine too, the little torch selling girls—oh no! The little girl selling seas of fire!"

However, not all of them are people who love him.

There are also people who hate him to the core.

Upon hearing that Prince Colin was there, several men with crosses around their necks pushed their way to the front of the crowd and began shouting hysterically.

"By Saint Sith! You are a noble person born bathed in holy light, why did you write such a thing? You know perfectly well that the right of the first night is a shameless slander against the sacred cause!"

They were outnumbered and outgunned, but their voices were loud.

Faced with this clamorous wave, Luo Yan stopped in his tracks.

He didn't avoid the question, nor did he show any impatience. With a perfectly timed smile on his handsome face, he began to speak.

"Gentlemen, thank you for your concern, and thank you for appreciating my script, or perhaps for disliking the bells ringing in the theater... Especially considering how excited some of my friends are, I have decided to take their advice seriously and write another one."

A burst of good-natured laughter came from the crowd, while the priests with crosses around their necks blushed.

Of course, Luo Yan was not targeting Saint Sith's servants.

That was something the demon god's servants did; what does it have to do with the demon god's councilors?

The Demon King, of course, does what a Demon King should do.

"...The story of the bells is just based on some of my immature thoughts, and it does not mean that our lives are as bad as Miss Eloise's."

His voice was gentle, yet it clearly pierced through the noisy crowd, and even through the few charlatans who were beginning to lose their minds.

"The story's premise is simple: while the divine light is indeed majestic, the voices of Miss Eloise and Mr. Matthew should also be heard... That's all."

He took off his hat and gave a slight salute.

As the prince saluted the crowd, a burst of whistles and cheers erupted from the crowd. The devout priests, however, stood frozen in place, staring at the jubilant crowd and questioning the meaning of life.

Miss Eloise and Matthew's voices should be heard...

This single sentence was not enough to resonate with them, but when they saw the emotion the common people felt after hearing it, they were momentarily stunned.

Saint Sith above...

Previously, only miracles could make these common people so enthusiastic, but now a few repetitive words can excite them like this.

Perhaps no one can be blamed for what happened in Thunder City today; it is Saint Sith's punishment for them.

As servants of God, they have not listened attentively to the prayers of believers for far too long, focusing only on the silver pounds falling into the money box.

The most foolish thing in the world is a group of blind people fantasizing about a god with eyes, while ignorant and proud people fantasize about a wise and humble god.

Having never looked in a mirror, they themselves are the most blasphemous people.

It must be said that although the priests of Thunder City have long been obsessed with money, people with faith do have a little more self-respect than those without.

For example, when citizens are making up their dirty jokes, they don't actually go so far as to crawl on the ground, take a magnifying glass to the slums to find hemorrhoids to tell as jokes.

Instead, she started looking in the mirror.

Looking at the pastors who were beginning to question their existence, and the citizens who had already forgotten the scandal, Luo Yan revealed a mysterious smile and put his hat back on his head.

"As for the rest... tonight's glory belongs to the actors on stage. I am just an audience member, so I won't steal the spotlight."

After saying that, he took Vivian and Nanfu's hands, and escorted by theater security guards and protectors, they boarded the black carriage with the purple moon emblem that was parked at the entrance.

The tightly closed car doors shut out all the noise.

The coachman cracked his whip, and two pure black horses strode gracefully, carrying the prince who had stirred up the entire city into the depths of the night.

Tonight, many people are destined to be sleepless.

(End of this chapter)