Demon King Palace, the majestic and solemn Audience Hall.

Floating beside Spirit, Youyou listened to Sheriff Adela's earnest prayer and couldn't help but make a lighthearted remark.

"Truly pitiful."

Having already heard about the happenings in Silver Pine Town, Spirit had no extra sentiment.

Hearing Youyou's voice, he smiled faintly and casually said,

"What else? Did you think I was here to do charity?"

From the moment he bought the hotel in Andor to the moment he finally sailed away, everything was a well-laid scheme by him.

Whether Erin Campbell, Edward Campbell, or the Andes Family... even the groom named Punk, everyone is merely a pawn on this chessboard, regardless of whether they are aware of their own situation.

Up until now, everything has been developing in the direction Spirit anticipated, even faster than he imagined.

The only possible misjudgment on his part might be that he didn't realize that Duke Edward's feelings towards his sister involved a hint of kinship, in addition to jealousy and suspicion, though it wasn't very apparent.

In his initial plan, the political conflict between the siblings might have been more intense, especially with Erin holding the Legendary Sword that symbolizes legitimacy.

Yet, as he once said to Youyou, human nature is complex.

Just like Erin, who is both intelligent and capable, feels nervous like a young girl in front of her beloved, the role Edward plays is not just that of a cold-blooded King, but there are times when kinship takes precedence.

Moreover, perhaps because of Vivian, Spirit himself softened a bit and did not actively sow discord between the siblings. Instead, he persuaded Erin to understand her brother, indirectly resolving the conflict arising from their differing political views.

Nonetheless, even though Spirit is not following the script entirely, the outcome of this play won't change much.

Even if Erin Campbell doesn't play the role of lighting the fuse in this play, someone else will take her place, make the choices she was supposed to make, and then get blown to pieces by the explosive barrel.

This can't even be called a stratagem, but rather a higher-level narrative—

That is, the objective law of history.

As the newly rising class gradually becomes the new holders of vested interests, they will inevitably try every means to gain power commensurate with their wealth. Otherwise, they will be devoured by the resurging old forces and become their nutrient.

This process cannot be as simple as having a meal; it is destined to be bloody from the start.

The Campbell Duchy is about to undergo a massive transformation, and whatever new order emerges from this change will blast the old order to pieces... and bury it along with people's memories of the past.

As for what happens next?

That's up to the citizens of the Campbell Duchy to decide.

Though he has numerous identities, Spirit always has a precise understanding of his role.

He is the Demon King.

Neither a King, nor a noble, nor a businessman.

"But if this continues, the Campbell Duchy might become even harder to deal with, you know." Youyou quietly reminded, floating beside Spirit.

"That's certain."

Spirit didn't mind, leisurely continuing,

"An imperial state practicing state-centered nationalism will surely be stronger than a feudal duchy promoting knightly spirit. Do you think I deceived Edward? A truly adept demon never lies. Every word I said to him was true, although each was half-said... especially the half he most longed to hear."

Including his promise in the letter to Erin Campbell that the future citizens of Campbell Duchy would no longer serve the nobles; that was also true.

He never specified how many years in the future this promise was for, and the future nobles don't necessarily have to be called nobles; it's just a change of appearance.

Youyou curiously asked.

"Aren't you worried? Wouldn't their increased national strength pose a threat to you?"

"Whom exactly do you mean? Edward? The Andes? Or the other shareholders of Colin Mining Company?"

Spirit smiled faintly, speaking in a gentle tone,

"Isn't it possible that they have been mine all along?"

The maze beneath Thunder County isn't what it once was, and the Campbell Duchy naturally has to keep up with the times.

Spirit certainly wouldn't want his neighbor to remain a smelly, stubborn rock, constantly bumping into his territory every now and then.

Regardless of who emerges victorious from this change, the victorious person will either actively or passively become his puppet.

But all of this is secondary.

The truly important thing is that his sights are not limited to the Campbell Duchy; he harbors greater ambitions, hoping this blazing fire will spread to farther lands...

While everyone's attention is currently focused on the crumbling Brass Pass.

...

Not far from Beifeng Mountain, the abandoned mine, with its winding tunnels buried deep beneath solid rock layers, resembled an abandoned maze.

It was once the property of the Andes Family, until a foolish miner in Beifeng Mountain dug too hard and accidentally breached the maze, leading to its abandonment.

But all these are matters of the past.

With the arrival of the new Demon King and his minions, this abandoned mine has regained its hustle and bustle.

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