Seraphina clearly understood that these two delayed hours were precisely the preparation time given to her.
Since Lina had been sent away on an errand, this morning’s breakfast was delivered by one of the ordinary demon maids.
It made no difference—it was still awful!
Seraphina pinched her nose and forced down a few bites, then arrived early at the side hall’s resting chamber.
As expected, the first to arrive was the Bloodborn Duke Dekrian, renowned for his elegance and punctuality.
“Your Highness the Princess Regent, good morning.” He bowed slightly, his dark crimson eyes carrying just the right amount of curiosity.
“I heard the morning assembly has been postponed. Is there some urgent matter?”
“Please be seated, Your Grace.” Seraphina gestured for him to sit.
She maintained her usual icy expression, but her tone softened a little.
“Indeed, I have recently conceived some ideas concerning the future of the Demon Realm and wished to discuss them with everyone beforehand. Before that, however, I would like to speak with Your Grace about Lady Ailinuo’s coming-of-age ceremony.”
“Bring me the scroll from the upper-left corner of the desk!”
A maid immediately went to fetch it.
In almost no time at all, Seraphina pushed a carefully prepared scroll detailing the ceremony arrangements across the table to Dekrian.
“These are several points from the many matters described in Your Grace’s letter that I believe to be somewhat unreasonable.”
Dekrian accepted the scroll with impeccable grace, deliberately keeping a respectful distance from Seraphina.
He barely glanced at it before raising his head again.
“I am deeply grateful for Your Highness’s suggestions. I will personally see them implemented upon my return.”
In that single brief glance, Dekrian had already realized that the “corrections” Seraphina pointed out were all trivial details.
Therefore, he guessed that the truly important part would come later.
Smiling, he waited patiently.
As expected, Seraphina immediately continued, “I have heard that when human nobles hold grand banquets, they place particular emphasis on ingredients and culinary skill. This coming-of-age ceremony is a major event for the Bloodborn. We absolutely cannot be negligent in this regard. Representatives from every clan will attend, so every aspect must be considered.”
Although the words left Seraphina’s lips casually, Dekrian did not dare treat them lightly.
He instantly caught the hint hidden within.
The Princess Regent… seemed to have a particular interest in human cuisine?
“You are absolutely correct.” He smiled in agreement.
“Our Bloodborn do not, as the rumors claim, drink blood all day long. In most circumstances, we are no different from the other demon clans. Of course, adding some true delicacies would indeed elevate the occasion. It is only that… within the Demon Realm, those with such skills are exceedingly rare, and ingredients are somewhat lacking.”
“Mm… today’s assembly is precisely to discuss this matter. However, I’m afraid Lady Ailinuo’s ceremony will not be able to benefit from the new policies in time. Naturally, the implementation of these policies will also require Your Grace’s full support.”
A glint flashed through Dekrian’s eyes.
How could someone as clever as he fail to grasp Seraphina’s intention?
This was a transaction, Seraphina would support him regarding the ceremony in exchange for his support on the new policies.
For someone who wished to raise his clan’s influence and who had never been particularly hostile toward human culture, this was hardly a bad deal.
“It would be my honor to share Your Highness’s burdens.” Dekrian bowed once more, his smile deepening.
“For any endeavor beneficial to the Demon Realm, the Bloodborn stand ready to offer our full assistance.”
Two hours later, inside the Princess Regent’s grand hall, representatives from every demon clan had gathered.
Because Seraphina had emphasized the importance of the matter in advance, far more leaders were present than usual, and the atmosphere was noticeably more solemn.
Seraphina sat upon the throne.
Ever since the one currently occupied by Movira had been taken, she had felt her own throne was not quite so impressive anymore.
Her gaze slowly swept across the varied forms and thoughts of the demon leaders and representatives seated below, then she spoke, her clear voice echoing throughout the hall.
“Today I have summoned you all to discuss a matter vital to the welfare of the Demon Realm’s people—a matter concerning food!”
The word caused many below to freeze.
Apart from the Bloodborn Duke who already knew the general outline, most revealed expressions of disdain.
Food? Was such a trivial thing truly worth mobilizing everyone like this?
Seraphina ignored their scorn and continued.
“Among the many territories of the Demon Realm, resources are scarce. Thus conflicts arise without end. If we trace them to their root, the majority are caused by food.”
“Imagine—if your bellies are empty, would you not resent those who eat their fill? Would that resentment not breed thoughts of violence? So long as we cannot grow strong, internal strife alone will crush us.”
Then, with a shift in tone, she declared, “During my recent diplomatic mission to the border, I discovered at the Blackstone Outpost a peculiar black soil of astonishing fertility. It is absolutely capable of greatly alleviating our food shortages.”
“Such land cannot possibly exist in only one place. Therefore, by my command, a full survey of similar soils shall begin immediately across the entire Demon Realm, and active cultivation shall be undertaken.”
A wave of private murmurs rose from the floor—some curious, some doubtful, but the vast majority deeply scornful.
Farming the land? That was something only humans obsessed over!
Seraphina knew she had to offer sufficient incentives.
“Of course, this cannot be accomplished overnight. Thus, in the near future, the ‘Merit of Tillage’ shall be established! Whoever voluntarily reports such soil and actively participates in reclaiming the wasteland shall be rewarded according to the magnitude of their contribution!”
“And for those who render outstanding service…” She deliberately paused, her gaze sweeping the hall, watching many representatives raise their heads.
“With Her Majesty’s gracious approval, I shall personally bestow upon them the title of honorary lord!”
The words “honorary lord” crashed into the silent hall like a boulder hurled into a still lake, instantly sending ripples in every direction.
Ordinary rewards?
No one cared—after all, it was the Demon King who would pay.
But this title… it touched their most fundamental interests.
“Your Highness! Is there any room for discussion?” The representative of the Flame Demons immediately stood, his voice booming like a great bell. “Noble titles are symbols of honor and bloodline within the Demon Realm. How can they be lightly granted for something as minor as farming?”
As soon as he finished speaking, the other representatives nodded in fervent agreement.
Only Dekrian wore a faint, contemptuous smile.
He was not smiling at Seraphina—he would never dare. He was smiling at the clamoring crowd below.
After a full year of working together, they still failed to understand Seraphina’s wisdom. If something truly harmed the interests of the demon nobility, would she ever propose it?
Dekrian was, after all, an intelligent demon.
To be precise, among all demonkind, the Bloodborn ranked at the very top in both intellect and emotional intelligence.
Once the noise had somewhat died down, Seraphina continued nonchalantly.
“The Demon Realm may be strong, yet it must also strengthen its foundations. Letting our people fill their bellies is far more practical than empty talk of glory. The ‘Lords of Tillage’ granted this time will be honorary titles only—with neither stipend nor fief. Furthermore…”
Her tone suddenly sharpened, as though reminding everyone that what followed was the true crux.
“The title may be inherited by the recipient’s children for one generation only. Their grandchildren, however, shall not inherit it.”
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