The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

"Your War Department initially promised that the Magic Crystal Cannon would be the most advanced siege and defense equipment, convincing all of us... but what happened?"

Hakes stared coldly at Salman, continuing without politeness, "The results you orchestrated and sent to the front line weigh over ten tons, requiring at least ten artillerymen to operate, and cannot be flexibly repositioned in battle. Once set down, it's like an iron coffin! Do you think this is a duel between nobles? Humans won't leisurely line up their troops and wait for us to be fully prepared before making a move!"

The faces of the War Department officials in the conference room turned ashen, and they involuntarily exchanged glances.

Hakes, however, continued in a lowered voice, leaning forward with full pressure as he hammered his fist onto the obsidian tabletop.

"... If the Magic Crystal Cannon could quickly adjust its firing angle, or at least be briefly repositioned during battle, General Sebes's position would not be easily attacked, and the defense system wouldn't collapse."

Salman gritted his teeth, his fists quietly clenched under the table, his face darkening as if about to bleed.

The Logistics Department officials exchanged glances, a hint of a smile emerging at the corners of their mouths; they had evidently grasped the War Department's fatal flaw.

"The Magic Crystal Cannon project was promoted by Prince Colin. Are you questioning the Cabinet?"

"How could that be? We trust Prince Colin's decisions, but that doesn't mean you, lacking progress, bear no responsibility. You needn't bring out the Cabinet to suppress me; I will naturally submit the report to the ministers, clearly explaining the rationale within."

Hakes leaned back leisurely in his chair, interlacing his fingers as he retreated to advance.

"Of course, rather than pursuing who is to blame, we prefer to solve the problem. I believe Mr. Colin would not oppose this... Mr. Salman, what's your opinion?"

The air was silent for a moment as several high-ranking officials of the War Department exchanged glances.

Finally, Salman took a deep breath and said in a low voice:

"I agree with part of your viewpoints... we indeed need to address this issue."

Hakes' lips curled into a smile.

The disputes over military equipment between the Logistics Department and the War Department had a long-standing history, but that did not mean he and Salman had an insoluble personal feud.

He had no intention of taking advantage of the situation to topple a senior military adviser who had no entanglements of interest with him, nor to abolish a piece of epoch-making equipment. What he truly wanted to do was partake in dividing this ever-enlarging pie.

The Dragon family promised him that as long as he cooperated with them to aggressively challenge the Lord of Black Wind Castle in the upcoming hearing, forcing the Lord to sell his territory to Demon City for direct jurisdiction.

The chamber of commerce he controlled would then participate in the Magic Crystal Cannon's orders and gain more benefits thanks to his military connections.

He had no personal grievance with Luo Yan.

If there was anyone to blame, it was that this pie was simply too big and shouldn't be consumed by one human, and the Dragon family was offering too much, giving him no reason to refuse...

The news of the confrontation between the War Department and the Logistics Department over military equipment soon took flight, spreading across the entire Demon City.

Meanwhile, in a manor far away in the suburbs of Demon City, Elder Zakro was watching the content of the letter with cold eyes, a playful smile appearing on his lips...

The war at Seldo Port had ended.

But the war between the Dragon family and Luo Yan had just begun...

"Let me see what you're really capable of."

...

At the same time as the War Department and the Logistics Department were shirking responsibility, a hearing on the Magic Crystal Cannon's improvement plan was officially held at Demon City's Parliament Building.

This was indeed Luo Yan's first time stepping inside here.

It's said that not only him but the factory director of Black Wind Castle's Magic Crystal Cannon Factory was also summoned.

However, the goblin engineer living in the far suburbs did not accompany him.

Instead, accompanying him was Mr. Feistin from the Padric family.

This gentleman was a member of the Hell Council and had an office of his own in the Parliament Building.

Due to a conflict of interest, he was required to avoid the hearing and thus did not attend.

Nevertheless, as Luo Yan's cooperative partner, he still disclosed the details of the hearing to Luo Yan in advance, forewarning him of the rules of play to avoid being led by the nose by those bureaucrats.

Stopping at the foot of the Parliament Building, Feistin glanced at the emblem hanging over the gate, squinting slightly as he spoke in a conversational tone.

"This is the core of power in Demon City."

Luo Yan glanced at him with interest.

"I always thought it was the Cabinet."

Feistin gave a faint smile.

"The Cabinet is, of course, but it's generally not open to the public. Your ambition is not small, but it's better to keep your feet on the ground."

Luo Yan nodded slightly.

"I've been taught."

He certainly knew these things, but he also knew that Mr. Feistin needed to prepare an opening for the ensuing conversation.

And just as he expected, this Grandmaster level Shadow Demon paused for a moment before continuing.

"In the largest conference room, there are 28 chairs at most, at times 42, sometimes as few as 20... No exception made for those sitting there, who are influential figures in Hell. Their titles are at least Baron, but of course, titles are not their entirety."

Luo Yan: "Sounds a bit few."

"I also think, the Parliament of Demon City should be infused with fresh blood," Feistin looked at Luo Yan, smiling as he said, "Someone like you who's talented, I think there should be a place for you there."