Chapter 154: The Demon Lord’s Secret Plan

“After the workshop was gone, we had nothing to do, so we took on the church renovation work. Then the bishop at the time asked us if we wanted to join the Church of Light, but I said,” Ami proudly puffed out his chest, “I’m already a believer in Light.”

That wasn’t wrong.

Back when Ella and Leah set up their preaching platform outside the Market, he was one of the first believers that day.

Relying on this veteran status, after the branch was established, Ami managed to secure a position there, finally leaving behind his old life.

“Well done.”

Ella patted his shoulder encouragingly.

“Keep it up.”

Meanwhile, Leah, led by the bishop, inspected the place.

Everything looked quite good — the newly constructed buildings, the various functional areas were all complete, and the personnel organization was well in order.

Placing the Sun Disk brought from headquarters on the altar, it suddenly looked proper and official.

“Saintess, please advise us if there are any shortcomings.”

The branch bishop said respectfully.

Leah had originally thought to say there was nothing to point out, that everything was already well done.

But as she passed by the statue at the entrance, something occurred to her:

“Harbor City’s weather is changeable, with frequent sea breezes and a humid climate, which is quite damaging to buildings. Be sure to regularly send people for maintenance and repairs.”

“No problem.”

Elsewhere, Ella asked Ami about Harbor City’s development over the past few months.

“The food issue was solved half a month ago. A new batch of troops arrived then, doubling the number of soldiers. They completely routed the sirens harassing fishermen on the beach. Afterwards, the general organized renovations of the city’s buildings, and the city took on a brand-new look.”

Scratching his head, Ami added, “By the way, during construction, they kept emphasizing that they were acting under your instructions.”

Ella’s mouth twitched.

“Instructions?”

“Uh, that’s what they said exactly.”

He sounded like he’d been out of the loop culturally.

Oh well, such minor things were insignificant.

Since the city’s development was going well, there was no need to worry.

At the same time, Celes had also learned about this through others.

Although she felt that the place had effectively become “governed by the Demon Race Army,” which seemed somewhat improper, she could find no fault with the current state of affairs.

“It’s alright.”

Zero comforted her from the side.

“Ella can keep them under control, no problem.”

Celes thought that might be true, but wondered if it would be too much pressure on Ella.

“It won’t be, don’t worry.”

“…Alright then.”

For some reason, her companions all had a very optimistic view of the Demon Race Army, confident Ella could always manage them.

So Celes had to put her worries aside for now.

She hadn’t forgotten the girl’s words—this trip back to Harbor City was meant to relax.

In the evening, Ella and Leah both returned.

Seeing only three young girls at the teahouse and no sign of the four generals, they knew the matter had been settled.

“How was their attitude? Were they cooperative?”

Pink-haired Darei asked, already knowing the answer.

“Their attitude was fine,” Celes pulled her aside, a little worried, “but are you sure it’s okay? There are already five thousand elite Demon Race soldiers in the city. Real elites—completely different from those we met in the Elven Territory.”

“Really?”

“Really. I can feel it; their aura is very different. Whether it’s physical strength or weaponry, it’s fundamentally unlike those who invaded the forest before.”

Ella feigned surprise.

“That strong?”

Haha, of course.

They were personally handpicked by the Demon King.

The original plan was for the four elite units to storm the political center in a single day in case of a coup in the Demon Race regime, to rescue the king.

Although some unexpected events happened later, it didn’t matter—they could still fight back from outside.

“So I’m a bit worried…”

“It’s fine, Celes.”

The pink-haired Darei said gently.

“I’ve known them for a long time. They’re good people, and not all demons love war. If possible, peaceful coexistence is what they want most.”

“…Really?”

“Yes.”

It was true. Ella had annexed the Human Kingdom through peaceful assimilation, which was why she secretly developed the Spy Elixir—that secret medicine that turned her into a beautiful girl.

If it succeeded, there would be no war. Such a pity.

“Well, Celes, you worry too much and put too much pressure on yourself.”

Ella said softly.

“Since you’re here, just enjoy your vacation. Tomorrow we’ll go to the beach. I mean, spar with the sirens a little, relax.”

Good girls shouldn’t be shouting about killing and fighting—it’s too cruel.

After this gentle persuasion, Celes agreed and put her worries aside to go sleep.

Zzzz

Night fell over Harbor City. After dark, the streets were nearly deserted.

Since the sirens had been driven away, there was almost no need for nighttime activities in the city.

Plus, with the Church of Light firmly established, everyone was encouraged to be active during the day and rest at night, so the streets became even emptier after dark.

But that night, four tall and sturdy figures stood on the main road outside the teahouse, blowing on their hands against the chilly sea breeze.

Any passerby would notice these were big shots of the city—each one a general commanding over a thousand troops.

“How long until the third watch?”

The only skinny one, Skeletal General Bouer, rubbed his arms against the cold.

Yes, this was the little problem they faced tonight.

Ella had tapped three times on the table during the day, meaning they should come out at the third watch—midnight—to discuss something.

They all understood this signal, but the question was how to be sure it would be exactly the third watch.

No way to guarantee it.

So to avoid being late, they came early to wait.

Four-Armed General Duo Luo glanced at him coldly, snorting, “You should exercise more. None of us feel cold.”

“It’s the bloodline effect…”

Bouer muttered weakly.

No one cared.

Then One-Eyed General Gumu sighed softly, “The Demon King looks so beautiful now.”

Yanpo quickly grabbed him, “What are you thinking? Calm down, or you’ll die a miserable death, I’m telling you.”

“Ahem, I didn’t mean it like that. Just think about it—there used to be a saying that the Demon King was our demon race’s benevolent father. But now she’s become a girl—”

Gumu started to say more, then stopped, hesitated, and finally couldn’t hold it in any longer, “You can’t call her ‘Mom,’ right?”

When he said that, the others were fine, but Yanpo’s face turned black.

Because he actually called her that before.

“What are you talking about?”

A soft female voice suddenly sounded, making the group jump in surprise.