The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

What truly unsettled him was the possibility that the Demon King might exploit these rumors to further exploit him and the Black Wind Castle's trade guild under the pretext of "improving labor conditions."

After all, if the Demon King decided to "reform," someone would have to finance it, and that person was undoubtedly him. Groot knew well that this so-called improvement was ultimately just a means for the Demon King to seize his wealth. All his efforts and accumulations could vanish in an instant, just like that destroyed old castle.

This was what worried him the most.

And when he and his peers were anxious like ants on a hot pan, a messenger from the Dragon family proactively reached out to him and expressed a desire for a conversation.

Everyone knew that the Dragon family used to rule over Black Wind Castle. Even though they had lost this territory to the current Demon King of Thunder County, they still had an intricate influence locally.

After all, some things cannot be handed over with a mere piece of paper, let alone in Hell, where contracts are meaningless.

This power might become a form of balance.

Thinking this, Groot gladly agreed to meet with the messenger from the Dragon family.

"We indeed feel uneasy, but this is entirely due to our loyalty to Lord Demon God."

Groot said in a deep voice, a hint of caution and unease in his tone. He leaned slowly toward the table, folding his hands together, his gaze fixed on Night Song.

"The situation on the frontline is steadily advancing, and the production in Black Wind Castle supports the victory in the war. If the Demon King intervenes again, our production methods will be affected, and perhaps the efficiency of the Magic Crystal Cannon Factory will decrease... This would undoubtedly be a huge hidden danger for the frontline, something neither the parliament nor anyone else would want to see happen."

Of course, this wasn't his heartfelt truth, but it was half the truth.

He paused for a moment, his eyes flickering, then continued.

"The Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce does not want to see Black Wind Castle's prosperity disrupted. We hope the Dragon family can provide assistance to maintain order here... This is not just the stance of the Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce but a common opinion of the Black Wind Castle Commerce Alliance."

Night Song chuckled softly, picked up a teacup, took a gentle sip, and said slowly.

"This is precisely what we need to discuss, and it's why I'm here."

Outside the window, the factory bell chimed long, signaling the impending nightfall as the crystal atop the Magic Crystal Cannon Factory extinguished.

And the future of Black Wind Castle seemed to be quietly shifting at this intersection of light and shadow.

...

Meanwhile, far away in the Demon King Palace of Thunder City, a slender figure suddenly leaped into Luo Yan's arms.

"Brother!"

Vivian exclaimed excitedly, clinging to Luo Yan like a koala, her face radiating undisguised affection.

With a head bump to the chest, Luo Yan frowned slightly and murmured softly, "Vivian, don't call me that in public places."

This was for her own good.

Vivian pouted, a look of grievance appearing on her face.

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

Before she finished speaking, her gaze suddenly shifted to Mia standing nearby, realizing that this unwelcome "Magic Crystal Lamp" had been watching the whole time, with a pleasing smile on her face.

Her attention had been so focused on Luo Yan that she didn't even notice this person's presence.

That smile made Vivian feel extremely displeased, as if Mia was assuming the role of a family member.

Clearly, Mia was not someone skilled at reading the room.

Seeing Vivian turn to look at her, Mia immediately rubbed her hands and approached with a full-faced smile.

"Long time no see, Miss Vivian. How have you been lately?"

That sweet tone made Luo Yan couldn't help but glance at her a few more times; she'd never been so gentle with him before.

However, despite Mia's overture, Vivian wasn't having any of it, merely giving her a cold glance.

The aloofness on her face made Mia slightly stunned, her smile froze, as if her efforts fell flat.

She thought back to the previous conflict in Adonia's professor's garden and couldn't help but feel anxious... Could this little girl still hold a grudge against her?

Although the Colin family was known for holding grudges and always seeking revenge, could such a small matter really be kept alive for so long?

While Mia was feeling uneasy, Vivian slid down from Luo Yan's chest.

She adjusted her dress, elegantly lifted her chin, a disdainful smile on her lips, her tone lazy yet sharp, like the fangs hidden at the corner of her mouth.

"Of course, well, unlike some people who revolve around other's brothers all day... What's the matter, don't you have your own brother?"

Mia was taken aback by the question.

"Uh, indeed, I don't..."

"Haha, no wonder," Vivian's smile deepened, affectionately hugging Luo Yan's arm and rubbing against him, mouthing exaggeratedly yet silently, 'Sneaky fox!'

"...???"

Mia's face turned slightly stiff, her fists tightening involuntarily, yet she had to quickly adjust her expression, doing her best to maintain a dignified smile.

After all, Vivian was Luo Yan's sister, no matter how discontented she felt, she could only endure.

But isn't this little girl glued to her brother a bit excessively?!

And what's so brag-worthy about it?!

"That's enough, Vivian."

Luo Yan's voice was neither loud nor soft, but carried a slight, undeniable authority.

Hearing the voice from above, Vivian's body instinctively shivered a little, her small face instantly freezing, and she quickly reined in her arrogant aura.