Chapter 518 Mia immediately reveals her true abilities upon entering the maze.
Mia wasn't joking.
Deciding to take this opponent seriously, she acted with maximum efficiency, activating the teleportation array in the Thunder County Maze that very night to swiftly write a personal letter to his father—
[Dad, I can't beat Vivian, please help me! QAQ]
The next day, after much deliberation, the renowned Shanghai councilor, Festin, finally secretly went to the gates of the Mellucine Estate to visit his old classmate—
Duke Karamos Melusine, the intelligence minister of the "six-person cabinet" in Shanghai.
After all, Mr. Festing couldn't leave his child to face the Colin family bullies alone.
The adult world is always full of filth. At this very moment, Vivian, who was eating hotpot and humming a song, had no idea that her favorite "Minotaur blood" hadn't been taken to the Minister of War's doorstep, but rather somewhere else...
Deep within the Duke of Melucine's residence.
In a garden surrounded by high walls and barriers, the air is filled with the fragrance of orchid vines. The light of the purple moon shines down from the sky, gilding the elegantly decorated pavilion with a graceful silver glow.
The reclusive Duke of Karamos was wearing a deep purple robe, and a cunning smile, like that of a fox, graced his handsome, effeminate face. He was gently waving a black folding fan in his hand.
It was a face that would make even the succubi of the Padridge family jealous, and that would make the shadow demons of the Padridge family unsure where to look.
“This tea is really good…” Festin took a sip of black tea, thought hard, but couldn’t think of any flattering words, so he blurted out a useless remark, “It’s good tea.”
Karamos, however, paid no heed to the perfunctory flattery and wore a gentle and refined smile.
"Your tongue is still so nimble."
Festin, who wasn't even afraid of lava, almost burned his mouth with the tea. He coughed, put down his teacup, took out a handkerchief to wipe his mouth, and glared at him fiercely.
"...Your mouth still catches people off guard."
"Hahaha! But don't you find it interesting?" Karamos looked at his friend, who was "slightly angry," with a smile, hiding his effeminate face even deeper behind his folding fan. "Especially your discomfiture expression... I never get tired of watching it."
"..."
It truly lives up to its name as "the third eye of the demon god".
Those captivating eyes were indeed not to be underestimated, and it's no wonder that Lady Serena always opposed her dealing with this guy.
Festin sighed inwardly.
If he hadn't met the love of his life, even if he were the most straight man imaginable, he probably wouldn't have been able to withstand this guy's relentless advances.
As a demon of ordinary origin, even with his remarkable talent, it would be almost impossible for Festing to carve out a path for himself in the treacherous city of Shanghai.
His starting point was certainly much higher than that of ordinary demons, but compared to the nobles with deep roots, he was still a vast ocean behind.
Without the Padrich family's help, his ceiling would likely be the deputy director of the Demon King's Administration Department, and his strength would probably be below the Gold rank. To open the path to advancement, he must achieve unparalleled merit.
or--
He single-handedly brought down another long-established and prestigious family!
In a sense, that's why he had a good impression of a certain young man, whose starting stats were very similar to his own.
Even though that kid had an even lower starting hand, he managed to overcome all obstacles with a terrible hand and live a life that even he envied.
Of course, this does not mean that he regrets being with Lady Serena. After all, the Melusine family is quite twisted in its bloodline continuation, which would shock even a demon.
In contrast, the Padridge family was much more straightforward. His married life with Serena was always harmonious and loving; the two shared similar interests and were deeply in love. Lady Serena never suppressed him because of his status as a son-in-law; on the contrary, she often elevated him to a higher position than herself, willingly remaining in his shadow, just like the matriarchs of the Padridge family throughout history.
Most importantly, she gave birth to his beloved baby daughter.
Festin subtly changed the subject, chatting with his old classmate over tea about past anecdotes.
As the two men, both fathers, chatted, the conversation naturally turned to their younger generations.
"...Speaking of which, your daughter has been training in that clean-up department of the Demon King's Management Division for more than three years, right?"
When faced with Karamos's probing, Festin answered frankly.
"Yes."
"I remember that Mia was a bright and clever child since she was little. She had excellent grades at the Demon King Academy and her performance was outstanding after she joined the Demon King Administration Department. Logically speaking, a girl as outstanding as her should have been transferred to a more core department of the Internal Affairs Department a year ago."
At this point, Karamos narrowed his eyes, which seemed to see into people's hearts, and a meaningful smile appeared on his lips.
“My dear old classmate, don’t you have any other thoughts? And that woman… does she really want to just watch her daughter rot on the sidelines? Tsk tsk, that’s not like her at all.”
That woman naturally refers to Lady Serena, the true head of the Padridge family and also the "arch-enemy" of the Melucine family.
Festin pretended not to hear the second half of his old friend's sentence, sighed softly, and made a helpless expression on his face.
"You know that kid, she's used to being free-spirited and undisciplined. I once suggested that she transfer to a department with more room for advancement, but she said that the Demon King Management Division has a relaxed work atmosphere and simple relationships with colleagues. Since she likes it, I'll let her go."
Lady Serena shared the same view, and even more so, she was more indulgent towards Mia, letting Mia follow her own feelings.
The Padridge family has never been bad at choosing men.
That is a power even older than the rule of the demon god Bayeri, rooted in the bloodline of the descendants of the Padrich family.
Even the Melucine family can't compare to this.
Do you like the work environment?
Karamos smiled, as if he had heard an amusing joke, his upturned lips hidden behind his open folding fan.
"I think what she likes isn't the mountain of documents there, but rather someone behind the teleportation array, right?"
The air was silent for a brief two seconds.
Festin, exposed, shrugged helplessly, finally abandoning his fatherly pride and sighing as he admitted it.
"Well, as expected, nothing can escape your eyes."
Karamos smiled slightly, waiting for his old friend to continue.
Festing paused for a moment, then spoke frankly.
"To be honest, that troublesome girl has indeed been bewitched by some lucky rascal. And the reason I've shamelessly bothered you today is precisely because of this matter, hoping to ask you for a favor."
Karamos gracefully closed the exquisite black folding fan in his hand with a soft "whoosh." He interlaced his fingers on his smooth chin, and a smile of undisguised interest appeared in his narrow eyes.
"Oh? Mr. Festing would actually ask me for a favor? That's quite a rare thing in Shanghai. Tell me, what do you want me to do?"
Now that things were out in the open, Festin stopped beating around the bush and revealed the purpose of his trip.
“Mia is determined to stay in that human city permanently, saying it’s very important to her. However, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has almost no influence on the northeast coast of the Whirlpool Sea, and there’s no position that would allow her to stay legitimately.”
Karamos stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"This is indeed a difficult matter to handle."
“That’s right, and I hope to arrange a ‘suitable’ position for her. First, it needs to be respectable enough; second, it must be safe; and most importantly, the position must have a reason for being stationed in Thunder City, and preferably also have a certain degree of independent authority.”
Pretending not to have heard the "difficult to handle" remark, Festin rambled on for a while before Karamos's headache started, then pretended to be earnestly seeking advice.
"Kalamos, my friend, you're in charge of intelligence. Hell's intelligence network extends all over the world, and it knows the human world better than any other department in Hell. Do you have any good suggestions in this regard?"
"Alright, Festin."
Karamos interrupted him with a smile, tapping his palm lightly with his folding fan, his fox-like eyes narrowing slightly.
"You're still as roundabout as ever. Since you've come all this way to see me, you probably already have a plan in mind, right? Why bother asking me?"
Mr. Festing showed no embarrassment whatsoever despite being exposed to his true colors.
He simply removed the mask that belonged to an elderly father, regained the composure of a Shanghai councilor, and smiled politely and elegantly.
"Your eyes are as sharp as ever; nothing escapes your notice. Tell me, what price will the Padridge family pay to get the Intelligence Minister's approval?"
He did indeed have an idea in mind.
However, this matter involves personnel arrangements within the intelligence agency, and transferring personnel from the Ministry of the Interior ultimately requires the approval of this intelligence minister.
Karamos shook his head, then with a "whoosh," reopened the folding fan, gently fanning himself in a breeze carrying a faint floral scent.
The expression on his face was innocent and naive, showing no sign that this guy possessed demigod-level strength, and even Caesar Colin would find him troublesome.
"You're being too polite, dear Mr. Festin. Talking about costs is too hurtful. I watched Mia grow up, so I'm practically her uncle, haha... Isn't helping my lovely niece pursue happiness what I, as an elder, should do?"
Of course, the more important reason is that it sounds interesting.
Is there anything more interesting than watching the descendants of the Colin family and the Padridge family tear each other apart over a man?
Only when the heirs of the two families have fought to the point of exhaustion will the children of the Melucine family have a chance to rise to the top.
A barely perceptible glint of cold light flashed in those cunning fox eyes.
The Melucine family has never forgotten the "humiliation" of that year, and Karamos himself has never forgotten to "avenge the shame"!
He must win once, and it must be a fair and square victory!
He wanted to make the women of the Padridge family kneel on the ground, weeping and regretting choosing the "real succubus" as their lifelong adversary!
Hahaha! Now, Igor Melucine! Your father agreed to the family's arranged marriage and endured humiliation to give birth to you just for this day!
Karamos's aura grew increasingly terrifying, and his cunning eyes were gradually turning into a twisted madness.
Festin's brow twitched slightly, feeling as if he had made a mistake, but it seemed too late to regret it now.
In short—
Let's just trust the blessing flowing in the blood of the Padridge family for now; Lady Serena has never been wrong about this matter.
Moreover, he believed that the young man who "could live a life that even he envied" would not be led astray by the corrupt practices of the Melucine family.
"Let me think... Ah, what a coincidence, speaking of which, Hell Intelligence Agency just recently had a brand new strategic deployment."
Karamos stood up abruptly, strolled leisurely to the edge of the garden, and gazed at the red mist beyond the barrier with his hands behind his back.
The sickly aura dissipated, and his tone became professional and serious, as if he were standing in the cabinet of a demon god, discussing the future of hell with the other five ministers.
"...The eastern part of the Old World has always been a blind spot for our intelligence network, and recently there seems to be a lot of turmoil there, with even the 'Power Angel' descending there. In order to make up for our lack of intelligence in the area, the Hell Intelligence Bureau plans to establish an intelligence station on the northeast coast of the Whirlpool Sea to find out the specific situation there, instead of relying entirely on reports from the Demon King's Administration Department."
"Thunder City in the Duchy of Campbell is a good candidate. I've heard that its economy is booming recently, with frequent population movement, and even the demons in the labyrinth can walk in the sunlight. And most importantly... because the local Grand Duke's progressive reforms have weakened the Church's influence in the area, we don't need to be constantly on guard against the Holy Light, and can devote more energy to infiltrating the human world!"
“If we build a site in Thunder City, we can not only safely spread our influence to the northeast coast of the Whirlpool Sea, but also use it as a springboard to continue to penetrate deeper into the eastern hinterland of the continent of Os, which we have never been able to reach.”
At this point, he turned around and smiled at Mr. Festing.
"This branch station is of paramount importance, and the selection of the station chief must be extremely careful. In particular, there is a powerful Demon King there, so handling the relationship between the Demon City and local forces is also extremely important."
"Given Mia's experience working in the Demon King's Administration Division over the past three years, as well as her close ties with the upper echelons of the region... the Intelligence Bureau has decided to appoint her as the 'Chief Investigator of the Hell Intelligence Bureau stationed on the northeast coast of the Whirlpool Sea,' giving her full authority over the construction of intelligence stations in the region."
"What do you think of this staffing arrangement?"
This statement was logically sound, well-reasoned, and even formatted meticulously, like a report from the Hell Intelligence Agency at a quarterly work meeting.
Seeing Karamos's serious expression, even Festin's usually composed face couldn't help but show a hint of surprise.
As a senior member of the House of Lords, although he didn't have many connections within the intelligence system, he was still well aware of such major strategic developments.
However, he hadn't heard a single word about such a significant strategic plan beforehand.
"When...was this decision made?"
Seeing the astonished Senator Festin, Karamos's lips curled into a mysterious smile.
"just."
...
Although Shanghai has a large number of government employees, none of them are superfluous.
Generally, noble demons who want to find a way to ascend to higher positions often look within the existing system or seek out gaps in the system.
However, the Melusine family was clearly no ordinary noble demon. Faced with his old friend's request, Karamos waved his hand and immediately bought a whole basketful.
In order to resolve Miss Padridge's promotion—or rather, to fill the intelligence gap on the northeast coast of the Whirlpool Sea—the entire intelligence system of Shanghai was put into high-intensity operation.
Even Prince Caesar Collin, the Minister of War, was puzzled, as he hadn't mentioned going to the surface to fight humans recently.
Meanwhile, news of their "victory" from the Thunder County Maze also reached the Demon King Academy, causing a great stir.
Luo Yan, the senior student known as the "Human Tamer," not only turned the mess left by the former Demon King into a dreamland overflowing with wealth, but also restored the tribute to the Demon City.
And their respected senior Mia was even more remarkable; she actually managed to win over senior Luo Yan and help them open up the ascent passage to the Thunder County Maze!
The main hall of the Demon King Academy, where Councilor Luo Yan attended his graduation ceremony.
This eerie ancient castle, surrounded by lava, is now burning with an ambition and restlessness hotter than the lava itself.
A huge banner hung in the center of the auditorium, with a line of large characters written in burning magical runes: "Thunder County Maze Management Trainee Recruitment in Full Swing!"
The entire student body of the Demon King Academy was abuzz with excitement because of these large characters, especially the students who would be graduating this summer.
For these young men and women, this job not only means generous compensation, but also means that their resumes will be adorned with a dazzling gold medal!
Those well-informed second-generation demons see even further, having been exposed to the superstructure of Shanghai since childhood and possessing an intimate knowledge of it.
Who in high society doesn't know the dance Miss Padridge performed at her Debutante Ball?
Being able to become a familiar face to the future son-in-law of the Padridge family is more important than any resume or file.
Whatever the reason, a long queue formed in front of the recruitment booth. Although the demons remained corrupt and no one wanted to go to the front lines to become a demon king, everyone knew that Councilor Luo Yan was no ordinary person, and the labyrinth of Thunder County was not on the front lines; it was the perfect place for training!
The interviewer sitting behind the recruitment desk was a clerk wearing thick-rimmed glasses, from the Internal Affairs Department, which was firmly controlled by the Padridge family.
His expression was meticulous, almost as if the words "keep away" were written all over his face.
The procession moved forward slowly until a fire demon with black smoke billowing from its head finally squeezed its way to the table.
His burly frame and burning face were etched with unwavering strength. Every step he took forward caused the obsidian floor to tremble helplessly.
"I am Brand!"
He pounded his rock-hard chest, opened his mouth and spewed out a mouthful of sparking flames, his roar so loud it made the interviewer's glasses tilt.
Completely oblivious to the interviewer's darkened face, he opened his deep voice and shouted.
"...Brand will burn everything he sees to ashes! Whether it's the Tree of Life of the elves or a human village! As long as Senior Luo Yan—cough, the Demon King—gives a command, Brand can smash St. Clement's Cathedral to pieces!"
With that loud and arrogant attitude, he'd only be used as a punching bag by adventurers in the labyrinth.
The interviewer, expressionless, pushed up his glasses and coldly stamped a bright red "Unqualified" mark on the resume.
"Next."
Brand's eyes, burning with fire, widened in disbelief as he roared, "Why? Am I not strong enough?"
The interviewer adjusted his glasses, gave him a look as if he were an idiot, and his meticulous voice carried a hint of sarcasm.
"The northeast coast of the Whirlpool Sea is human territory. Where did you get the elven forest to burn? It's obvious you haven't been paying attention in class. Geography is the most basic of the Demon King's courses. I suggest you catch up on the subjects you failed first."
Such a fool would only cause trouble for Miss Padridge. What she needs are capable devils, not useless firewood that can only burn in the stove.
Brand was taken aback.
Holy crap?
How does this guy know he failed a course?
The record was clearly deleted!
Before the bewildered young master Balrog could leave, a small goblin nimbly slipped in front of the table, offering up the "local specialty" hidden in its bosom, while wearing a fawning smile.
"...Hehe, interviewer. I'm Gold Tooth Gary! You should have heard of my surname, it's from the Gary tribe! I just want a dungeon leader position, I can provide the Demon King with a steady stream of goblin laborers...cough, this is just a small token, a little something to introduce you, there will be plenty of benefits later!"
Although this student, Gary, wasn't even as tall as the table, his outfit was enough to dazzle the eye—he wore eight enormous gemstone rings on his ten short, thick fingers, and the gold chain around his neck was as thick as a chain.
Although he's a goblin at the very bottom of the hellish food chain, he's no ordinary goblin; he's the son of the chief of the Gary tribe. A goblin who can come all the way to Shanghai to study is practically a powerful figure in the countryside.
The local specialties were clearly not ordinary local specialties; they were all top-grade magical materials that goblin laborers risked their lives to obtain, worth several million Kayla!
The interviewer was taken aback by the sudden "huge sum of money," and his face darkened. He then slammed his fist on the table and stood up, speaking with righteous indignation.
"Bribery to my face? How dare you! This is the Demon King Academy, not your chieftain's tent!"
He angrily waved to the security guards.
"Throw this blasphemous thing out of here! Now! Immediately!"
Are you kidding me!
With so many eyes watching, how dare this guy slam this thing on the table right in front of him? If he were secretly given it to him, he would have turned a blind eye.
Now he's in a bind; he has no choice but to confiscate the "dirty money" and then share some with his colleagues who got a cut.
Gold Tooth Gary, his face flushed, was being held up by two tall minotaur security guards. He kicked his short legs frantically in mid-air, letting out a sharp cry.
"You're discriminating against goblins! I'm going to sue you! Let me go and let me see the Demon King!"
This kind of idiot will probably never see the Demon King.
After all, even the Demon King dislikes stupidity; those who are too dumb should go sit on Alakdo's table.
With a clang, the door slammed shut, and the world finally fell silent. As for the bag of goblins' blood and sweat, no one knew where it had gone.
Behind them in line were a pair of timid twin sisters, Kiki and Nana.
They came from a weak succubus branch family, and although they were sweet and lovely, their grades were only average in an academy that revered strength.
They didn't possess the destructive power of a Balrog, nor the simple and brutal resources of a goblin. The two of them stood in front of the table, their hands trembling with nervousness.
A few snickers came from the surrounding area, as if the demons had already foreseen their fate of being driven out.
The second-generation demons, however, did not laugh. Instead, they recalled the rumors circulating in the circle and felt a sense of unease creeping into their hearts.
This interview might be anything but simple.
Hearing that Miss Colin had gone to the maze in Thundershire to learn real skills, the Padridge family's son hurriedly went after her.
From this perspective, it's likely that Miss Padridge's attempt to find an ally for Congressman Luo Yan was a ruse; her real purpose might actually be to find an ally for herself.
Why else would the interviewer come from the Internal Affairs Department instead of being brought directly from the Demon King?
Damn... that was too hasty!
"Um... Mr./Ms. Interviewer..."
The older sister, Qiqi, kept her head down and spoke in a voice so soft it was like a mosquito's hum.
"I...we specialize in mental magic. Although it's not very powerful, it can boost morale and liven up the atmosphere...and we can also do simple clerical work..."
Nana, the younger sister, mustered her courage and added a sentence, her voice carrying a timid yet resolute strength.
"Yes, yes, if needed, we can also learn how to brew human black tea! We can also help with cleaning..."
This weak and feeble self-introduction only amplified the laughter from those around him.
A single sentence can be so difficult to understand; how can this guy possibly handle adventurers?
It would probably make any human hero laugh their teeth out!
However, the moment the previously indifferent interviewer saw them, his dead fish eyes suddenly lit up like magic lamps.
He quickly lowered his head and opened the thick book, "Guidelines for the Recruitment of Management Trainees," which was right next to him.
Tucked inside the document handed to him by his superior was a note with a line of neat, small handwriting on it—
"Succubi are preferred, beware of vampires. Those who are timid and cowardly are preferred; those who are too cunning or ambitious are not welcome."
The interviewer pushed up his glasses, his gaze sweeping over the twins' faces, which seemed to say "I'm easy to bully," before revealing an unprecedentedly kind smile.
Got it!
Miss Padridge can't handle the Demon King alone. In order to prevent the Demon King from being corrupted by vampires, she needs an assistant to help her!
You really can't judge a book by its cover... Hehehe.
The devilish interviewer, who had been stamping rubber stamps for who knows how many years, had somehow managed to decipher this note that had been passed around by who knows how many hands.
And just like that, the "hired" stamp was swiftly and decisively imprinted on the two men's thin resumes.
Congratulations, you've been hired!
The noisy queue instantly fell silent.
The demons who had been mocking them were dumbfounded, their jaws dropping as they watched the twins hugging and screaming with joy.
no--
This works?!
What kind of officers is the Demon King's army recruiting?!
Two days later, the list of accepted students was quickly released. And on that long list, half of them were succubi.
Professor Lilith was so surprised upon hearing this that she could hardly speak. Looking at the names of those beautiful women, she took a sip of the warm and mellow Tranquil Snow Bud tea.
"By Bayeli...when did Luo Yan's appetite become so good?"
Is food in the human world really that nourishing?
If I had known he was actually so easygoing, I shouldn't have let him leave the office in the first place.
Professor Lilith sighed inwardly at this thought, idly twirling the end of her silver hair with her index finger.
Sigh, I almost became the vice principal of the Demon King Academy.
What a huge pity!
(End of this chapter)
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