Chapter 230: The Battle between Succubus and Vampire

Black Wind Castle, this land was once desolate and barren.

Although it is close to the Magic City, this barony has not shared a bit of the Magic City's prosperity. Only scattered pastures and a handful of villages are struggling in the wilderness.

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 Dragun Family broke out here, and the castle that stood firm became the focus and stakes of the battle between the two sides.

This earth-shattering battle ended with the victory of the devil.

Under the violent bombardment of the magic crystal cannon, the castle of the Dragun family collapsed and turned into a devastated ruin with only broken bricks and tiles left.

However, people at that time did not expect that this land would not decline due to the collapse of the castle, but instead used it as nourishment to breed new hope.

As time went by, the ruins of the castle disappeared, replaced by a fertile land. Orders from the front line continued to pour in, stimulating the prosperity of the local economy.

The devil who made huge profits did not take the profits away, but kept the profits in the local area to improve the city's infrastructure and production facilities.

In the wasteland not far from the Black Wind Valley, a huge factory stands tall. The clanging sound of hammers hitting steel echoing in the open space under the dome, interweaving with the low hum of burning furnaces, forms an industrial symphony.

Although the Magic Crystal Cannon Factory is still the economic pillar of this area, with the continued investment of Demon King Luo Yan and the support of the Padrich family, the industry of Black Wind Castle has gradually diversified. It is no longer limited to military manufacturing and also produces a wide range of consumer goods.

Today, this land is full of workshops and the streets are filled with busy figures. In addition to the huge factory in the center, there are also workshops that carefully carve magical devices, alchemy laboratories, and handicraft workshops that create precision clocks and magic accessories.

At the market, vendors were bustling about and shouting their wares...but the busiest ones were the Goblin craftsmen who came from all directions.

Their skills are becoming more and more sophisticated, and with their dexterous hands and unremitting diligence, they are pushing Black Wind Castle to a higher level of development.

In a workshop on a corner of the street, a group of short but nimble goblin craftsmen were gathering in front of a foundry, pouring ore into the furnace in an orderly manner, and then operating the magic machinery to pour the liquid metal into the mold. In the magic crystal cannon assembly plant in the distance, more goblins were assembling and debugging under the command of the technicians, and finally commanding the magic puppets to push the finished products into the warehouse.

Everyone was immersed in the excitement of this industrial wave and put all their efforts into it.

The local prosperity is not limited to factories and markets. The taverns in Black Wind Castle are also bustling.

Goblins and hell dwarves sat around rough wooden tables, quaffing liquor and boasting to each other about their craftsmanship and bravery. Imps moved among the crowd, some offering drinks, others simply joining in the commotion, clapping their hands on the tables and laughing.

The air was filled with the spicy smell of alcohol and the aroma of fried meat and stew, immersing everyone in excitement and satisfaction.

However, not everyone can taste happiness and satisfaction from the boiling beer foam...

In a secret club, a well-dressed goblin was sitting in a corner, looking warily at the man sitting opposite him.

His fingers tapped the table rhythmically. Although there was a smile on his face, his anxiety could not be hidden between his brows.

"...Mr. Yege, you should understand that I am not a coward, and I have nothing to fear. The 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 his deep eyes flickered slightly in the dim light.

He is the gargoyle servant of the Dragun family and also a messenger wandering in the darkness.

His name is Ye Ge.

"Of course, Mr. Groot Sawtooth." Ye Ge's voice was low and a little hoarse, "But the news of the return of the devil does make many smart people feel uneasy, doesn't it?"

Groot Sawtooth frowned and remained silent.

He is an important figure in the Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce, and controls dozens of workshops and a large number of workers. The demand for magic crystal cannons has made him rich. However, the sudden return of the Demon King made him feel a little threatened.

The uneasiness in his heart came not only from the changes in the political order, but also because an absurd rumor was spreading among the goblin laborers - it was said that the goblins living in the cemetery in the core territory of the Demon King lived an extremely luxurious life. They bathed in beer, did butterfly strokes in barns, and called themselves "infinitely powerful goblins."

Grote knew that this was completely nonsense, because taking a bath with beer would not clean him up at all. He had tried it in his own bathtub. However, those stupid workers believed it and began to fantasize about better treatment. Some even dared to ask for a pay raise and improved living conditions in the workshop... These bad things made him even more irritated.

He certainly didn't think that the Demon King would change the order of Black Wind Castle for the sake of these low-level goblin laborers. After all, exploiting them was natural and it was also the norm for survival in this land.

What really made him uneasy was that the Demon King might use these rumors, under the pretext of "improving workers' treatment," to further exploit him and the Chamber of Commerce of Black Wind Castle.

After all, if the devil decided to "reform", someone had to pay for it, and that person was undoubtedly him. Groot knew very well that this so-called reform was ultimately just a means for the devil to seize his wealth. All his efforts and accumulation might be destroyed in an instant, just like the destroyed old castle.

This is what he is most worried about.

Just when he and all his colleagues were as anxious as ants on a hot pan, the envoy of the Dragun family took the initiative to find him and expressed his desire to talk to him.

Everyone knows that the Dragun family was once the rulers of Black Wind Castle. Even though they have lost this territory to the current Demon King of Thunder County, they still have extensive influence in the local area.

After all, some things cannot be handed over with just a piece of paper, not to mention that in hell, contracts are bullshit.

This force may serve as a check and balance.

Grote thought so, so he readily agreed to meet with the envoy of the Dragun family.

"We do feel uneasy, but this is entirely out of loyalty to His Majesty the Demon Lord."

Grote said in a deep voice, with a hint of caution and uneasiness in his tone. He slowly leaned towards the table, folded his hands together, and looked directly at Ye Ge.

"The situation on the front line is progressing steadily, and the production of Black Wind Castle supports the victory of the war. If the Demon King intervenes again, our production methods will be affected, and even the efficiency of the Magic Crystal Cannon Factory may decline... This is undoubtedly a huge hidden danger for the front line. I believe that neither the parliament nor anyone else wants to see this happen."

This was certainly not what he really said, but it was half true.

He paused, his eyes flickered, and then continued.

"The Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce does not want to see the prosperity of Black Wind Castle suffer turmoil. We hope that the Dragun family can provide help to keep the order here intact... This is not only the position of the Sawtooth 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 then spoke slowly.

“That’s exactly what we need to talk about, and that’s exactly what I’m here for.”

Outside the window, the factory bell rang slowly, and the crystal standing on the top of the Magic Crystal Cannon Factory went out, indicating that night was slowly falling.

And the future of Black Wind Castle seems to be quietly changing at the junction of light and shadow.

…

At the same time, far away in the teleportation room of the Demon King Management Department in Demon City, a slender figure suddenly threw himself into Luo Yan's arms.

"elder brother!"

Vivian shouted excitedly, hanging on Luo Yan like a koala, her face filled with undisguised intimacy.

After being hit on the chest with a headbutt, Luo Yan frowned slightly and whispered, "Vivian, don't call me like that in public."

This is for her own good.

Vivian pouted, with an aggrieved expression on her face.

"Anyway, there's no one else here..."

Before she finished her words, her eyes suddenly turned to Mia beside her, and she realized that this annoying "Magic Crystal Lamp" had been watching her with a flattering smile on its face.

Just now her attention was all on Luo Yan, so much so that she didn't even notice this guy's existence.

That smile made Vivian feel extremely uncomfortable, as if someone had taken on the identity of one of her family members without her permission.

Obviously Mia is not good at reading people's expressions.

Seeing Vivian turning to look at her, she immediately rubbed her hands and walked forward with a smile on her face.

"Long time no see, Miss Vivian, how are you doing?"

The sweet tone made Luo Yan look at her twice more. This guy had 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 his face made Mia stunned for a moment, and her smile froze, as if she had hit nothing.

She thought of the previous conflict in Professor Edoniya's garden, and her heart began to feel uneasy... Could it be that this little girl was still holding a grudge against her?

Even though the Colin family is known for being narrow-minded and vindictive, they wouldn't keep a record of such a small matter for so long, right?

Just when Mia was feeling anxious, Vivian came down from Luo Yan's chest.

She adjusted the hem of her skirt, raised her chin gracefully, and had a disdainful smile on her lips. Her tone was lazy but sharp, just like the fangs hidden in the corners of her mouth.

"Of course I'm good. Unlike some people, they always hang around other people's brothers... Why, don't you have a brother of your own?"

Mia was stunned by the question.

"Well, indeed not..."

"Haha, no wonder," Weiwei's smile widened, and she hugged Luo Yan's arm intimately and rubbed it, and said with exaggerated lips sinisterly and silently, "You thieving fox!"

“……???”

Mia's face stiffened slightly, and her fists clenched unconsciously, but she had to quickly adjust her expression and try her best to maintain a dignified smile.

After all, Vivian is Luo Yan's sister, so no matter how dissatisfied she is, she has to endure it.

But isn't this little girl too clingy to her brother?! And what's there to brag about?!

"That's enough, Vivian."

Luo Yan's voice was neither light nor heavy, but it carried a hint of unquestionable majesty.

Hearing the voice coming from above her head, Vivian's body trembled instinctively, her face froze instantly, and she quickly restrained her arrogance.

She opened her mouth slightly but did not dare to refute. She quietly loosened her arms, lowered her head like a child who had made a mistake, dodging eye contact and muttering softly.

"I, I'm just... worried that my brother will be entangled by a strange person... You know, succubus are not good things... wuwu... I'm sorry, I won't dare to do it again..."

Her voice became smaller and smaller, and finally became almost the hum of a mosquito, as if the arrogant little devil just now did not exist at all.

Mia felt relieved when she saw how she surrendered so quickly, but she also felt a little alert.

The succubus's intuition told her that something was wrong with this little girl, but she still maintained a dignified appearance on her face.

Now is the time to show her mature side, she can't show weakness at the critical moment.

Just when Luo Yan was wondering how two guys with mental problems got together, the sound of footsteps outside the hall saved him from the awkward atmosphere.

A tall, middle-aged man with an extraordinary temperament walked into the hall. He was wearing a sophisticated black suit, with the Padrich family emblem on his chest, and his eyes were steady and sharp.

"Your Excellency Festing Padrich." Luo Yan spoke softly, with a hint of respect in his eyes.

This person is a member of the House of Lords and the nominal head of the Padridge family.

Festing nodded slightly, with a proper smile on his face: "Mr. Luo Yan, long time no see... or rather, it's our first meeting."

Although the two had met before, there had not been much direct communication between them.

As for the subsequent cooperation, most of it was carried out through Mia. Although the Padrić family was also involved, it was mostly superficial.

Luo Yan nodded slightly and responded to the greeting. Although the two sides were not close, they both maintained due courtesy.

Festing's eyes swept over Luo Yan, then glanced at Mia and Vivian standing beside him, and then spoke in a gentlemanly manner.

"I'm sorry to borrow this gentleman from the two ladies. We need to discuss something about Black Wind Castle. This is the teleportation room of the Demon King's Administration Department, not a place for conversation. If you don't mind, please follow me to the carriage."

In front of Mr. Festing, Vivian behaved relatively decently, after all, this gentleman was of the same generation as her father.

She lifted her skirt slightly and saluted like a true aristocrat.

"Thank you for your invitation. I just wanted to see how Mr. Luo Yan's territory is developing."

The ambiguous expression brought a playful smile to Festing's lips.

It was the first time he saw the illegitimate son and the heir having such a harmonious relationship. Not only did they not fight, but they became friends.

It seems that there is indeed something unusual about Mr. Luo Yan.

Or rather, Mr. Colin.

"Then let's move on and talk. I happen to be planning to stay at Black Wind Castle this time when I come back."

Luo Yan nodded slightly, followed Mr. Festing's footsteps to leave the Demon King Management Department, and then stepped onto the Padridge family's carriage.

Standing at the entrance of the carriage, Festing then looked at Mia and spoke gently.

"Mia, take Vivian to another carriage first, and we will meet at Black Wind Castle."

Mia was slightly stunned, then nodded gracefully.

"Yes, father."

Vivian was about to protest, but swallowed her words under Luo Yan's indifferent gaze. She pouted and followed Mia towards another carriage with reluctance.

As Luo Yan and Festing's carriage slowly set off, the atmosphere in the carriage fell into a brief silence.

Festing gently adjusted his sleeves, thought for a moment, and then said while looking at the street scene outside the car window.

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"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 was quite surprised. I didn't expect that the wasteland would change so much under your leadership."

Luo Yan nodded slightly and said with a smile, "Thanks for keeping an eye on it for me."

This matter actually has little to do with the Padridge family. It mainly comes from the support of the administrative power of Hell, plus the influence of "money power".

Almost every penny he earned from front-line orders was spent on developing the land, leaving not a penny behind.

As for why, the reason is very simple.

Because it is land near the Magic City and has reliable pillar industries.

There was no better place to invest the money, and he couldn't just move Kayla to the cemetery to spend it.

After hearing what Luo Yan said, Festing obviously knew his own limitations and smiled and waved his hand.

"We just tried our best to cooperate with the Ministry of War to urge local production, but it didn't play a big role. What really drove the growth of Black Wind Castle was the market and the demand of the front line."

He paused, his tone subtly changing: "However, this prosperity is not without a price. Today's Black Wind Castle is like a wildly growing garden. Although it is lush, it is also overgrown with weeds, and the roots under the soil are tangled... Do you understand what I mean?"

Luo Yan nodded slightly.

"That's common sense, I can understand it."

Festing smiled approvingly and continued in a gentle tone.

"Currently, the Padrich family and the Colin family control the Magic Crystal Cannon Factory and dominate the upper order of Black Wind Castle. However, underneath this, the Black Wind Castle Chamber of Commerce Alliance determines the lower order. They determine the livelihoods of ordinary people and the balance of power in a certain sense. If you can control this power, they will help you rule Black Wind Castle, but if you can't, they may turn against you."

Luo Yan chuckled, not seeming surprised: "Even the Padrich family finds this difficult?"

Festing smiled and said, "We have the ability to control certain situations, but we are not omnipotent. For example, we can turn a piece of wasteland into grass, but what kind of order will be born in the dense grass is not something we can decide, even if we can set it on fire. Besides, Black Wind Castle is your territory after all, you have to take care of your own lawn, right?"

As he spoke, his tone became meaningful.

"Your decision to return to Blackwind Castle is a huge change for the insects living there. You may think that a few grasshoppers are not worth worrying about, but it would be a different story if they colluded with your neighbors."

Luo Yan could understand Festing's hint. The neighbor with bad intentions was none other than the Dragun family. Mia had mentioned this to him in a previous letter.

"Thank you for your reminder. I will keep it in mind."

Festing smiled and nodded.

"That's good."

If Luo Yan didn't ask for his help, he didn't intend to take the initiative.

On the one hand, the help that came right to his door seemed too cheap, and on the other hand, he also wanted to see what tactics the Demon King of Thunder County would use to settle the matter.

After all, he is the man his daughter likes, so as a father, he must examine him carefully.

The carriage continued to move forward. Festing paused for a moment and suddenly changed the subject.

"Come to think of it, I've always wanted to talk to you, and I specifically asked my daughter to give you a key to the Padrich Family Library, but you never showed up... Did you lose the key?"

Hearing this, Luo Yan's expression froze slightly.

He did not lose the key. The key has been kept in the space ring given to him by Professor Lilith.

As for why he never went, it was simply because he had forgotten about it.

At that time, the factional struggle within the cemetery had not yet completely subsided, and the Principality of Campbell was in a precarious situation. His energy was basically focused on these two things, and he had no time to care about Hell.

Only after these two things were settled did he have time to come back and take a look at the barony he had earned from the Dragun family...

Of course, there was no way he would 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 talk face to face like this? Chatting in my head... I always feel like it's not honest enough. After all, this is the first official meeting, and I still want to leave a good impression on Mia's father."

Festing was slightly stunned when he heard this, and suddenly burst into laughter.

"Interesting... I'm liking you more and more."

Although I don't know what happened, but the other party seems to have a good impression of me? Luo Yan nodded slightly and said happily.

“It is an honor for me to receive such an evaluation from you.”

At the same time, in another carriage, the atmosphere was as stiff as a cold winter.

The young master of the Colin family did not give the heir of the Padridge family any face at all. He crossed his arms and had a cold face.

Although Mia maintained a stiff smile, she gradually couldn't hold back her facial expression as time went on.

No one can keep trying to please someone who is not your friend, especially when facing a arrogant kid.

Even if the other person may be your future sister-in-law.

Mia coughed lightly, trying to ease the atmosphere between the two of them, and spoke gently.

"Ms. Vivian, we are about to arrive at your brother's territory. Is this your first time here?"

“Tsk.”

"..." Mia's brow twitched and she felt her fist harden.

She took a deep breath, convinced herself to calm down, and finally said with a smile.

"Ah, ah, ah... Miss Vivian is so straightforward. I really admire her."

After she said this, she was shocked.

As the eldest daughter of the Padrich family, she has always been treated as a bootlicker by others. When has she ever licked others?

"Of course." Vivian's nose curled up, her pretty face as smooth and flawless as a doll, but her sarcastic tone was not at all obedient. "We noble vampires have never been hypocritical. We have always dared to love and hate. We are not like a certain succubus who likes to pretend, be false, and take advantage of others' misfortunes. It's dangerous... It's like a pile of eggs."

"Your...family." Mia gritted her teeth and almost blurted out the word "bastard", but fortunately she stopped herself at the last moment.

Upon hearing this, Vivian raised her eyebrows and became furious.

"Shut up! Who is your family! My brother... is mine!"

Mia's eyes narrowed.

Although her strength is only at the silver level, which cannot compare to the legendary gold-level genius girl, she is confident that her mental strength is not inferior to anyone.

That is the racial talent of the succubus.

The collision of mental power created invisible flames in the carriage. The two stared at each other intently, and this time Mia did not continue to indulge her.

Feeling the tremendous pressure coming from the carriage, the Hell Horse pulling the carriage shuddered and almost fell down.

If it was the old driver Pegasus of the Padrich family, he might be able to remain calm, but he was just a little Karami who was not even at the bronze level...

In another carriage, Festing noticed the situation behind and couldn't help but smile and said in a joking tone.

"This is the first time I've seen my baby girl so energetic."

Luo Yan's expression was slightly embarrassed.

"I'm sorry to have embarrassed you... I will remind Miss Vivian to be careful later."

He felt that Mr. Festing already knew his identity, and there seemed no point in continuing to hide it.

Festing smiled upon hearing this and continued.

"It's okay. I think they have a pretty good relationship."

"Really?" Luo Yan's expression was noncommittal.

Festing nodded slightly and said with a smile.

"Isn't there a saying that goes like this? Unbreakable friendships are often born from fists."

Hell does have that proverb.

Luo Yan has a good relationship with the second son of the Dragun family because they are in a "close relationship".

However, Luo Yan had to question whether this theory could be applied to Mia and Vivian. After all, he had personally experienced how awkward Vivian's personality was.

Festing thought for a moment and then continued.

"My daughter has lived in an environment where everyone is the center of attention since she was a child. Her personality is actually not much better than that of the eldest daughter of the Colin family. That is why she has never had any friends...the kind of true friends."

Luo Yan carefully recalled his life in the Demon King Academy. Mia really didn't have many friends. In comparison, Vivian only had a best friend and a group of followers.

But then again, most students at Demon King Academy have no friends, and this isn't just Mia's problem.

Festing's gaze suddenly fell on Luo Yan, with a hint of admiration in his eyes.

"Speaking of this, I have to thank you. Since the graduation ceremony, she has changed a lot. 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 deserve it," Luo Yan said modestly, "I didn't do anything."

Festing smiled but said nothing.

"Then let's just leave it at that."

As the husband of a succubus, his ideas are much more open, unlike other demons who are conservative.

As he spoke, he looked out the window and saw the outline of Black Wind Castle emerging under the light of the slowly lighting magic crystal lampposts, and the towering chimneys slowly spewing out wisps of black smoke.

The magic crystal lamp post on top of the magic crystal artillery 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."

(End of this chapter)