We’re going on vacation!

As Vivian quietly observed the distant “scenery,”

A figure approached silently from behind.

“You’re here to ask what I’m up to again, aren’t you?”

Vivian spoke without turning her head.

A single ice crystal drifted soundlessly from a gap in the lookout platform’s ceiling beam,

Vanishing just before touching the ground.

In its wake, a slender, graceful figure radiating an icy aura materialized beside Vivian, as if coalescing from frost and snow.

She didn’t bow humbly like a typical subordinate.

Instead, with a demeanor more curious than casual, she stepped forward,

Lazily leaning on the rough wooden railing beside Vivian.

Resting her chin in the crook of her arm, she tilted her head,

Her ice-blue eyes following Vivian’s gaze toward the dimly lit scene.

It was Lucia, the Frost Banshee and Winter Messenger.

“I am indeed curious. The esteemed succubi, under the Demon Lord’s orders, teaching commoners to read?”

Lucia’s tone carried a mix of intrigue and teasing, but she shook her head.

“Of course, I know your decisions are backed by deep foresight. A mere messenger like me can’t think that far ahead.”

Her voice was light as she straightened, stretching languidly,

Her graceful yet chillingly dangerous curves flexing with the motion.

“So, no need to explain this time—I don’t want a long lecture.”

“I’ve got plenty of time here. I can observe your reforms and learn from them.”

“Time moves everything forward, and we highborn demons have time to spare.”

Her words floated airily.

“…Then why are you here?”

Vivian turned, catching Lucia’s expression—a face brimming with grievance.

Staring at the Frost Banshee’s “I’m very annoyed” look, she asked directly.

Lucia quickly dropped the resentful act, though the sentiment lingered, shifting into action.

With a swift motion, she raised her right arm,

Her flawless hand extended palm-up toward Vivian in an unmistakable demand.

“We want a break!”

Her voice jumped an octave.

“A paid break!”

She emphasized the last four words.

“We Frost Banshees have been working nonstop for months! Even slaves don’t get used this hard!”

“So, we demand a paid break!”

Vivian eyed Lucia, her lips twitching slightly before responding.

“A break is fine, but paid? Doesn’t the Winter Demon Lord cover your salaries?”

The Frost Banshees had indeed been invaluable, and Vivian had pushed them to their limits over the past months.

With irrigation and farmland rebuilt and basic water supplies secured, their constant labor was no longer critical.

“…Huh?”

Lucia let out a short, uncharacteristically inelegant syllable.

She blinked, then blinked again, her earlier demanding bravado crumbling into awkward realization.

‘Oh… right. That makes sense.’

She froze, then slowly withdrew her outstretched hand,

Rubbing it sheepishly against her long skirt.

Her righteous indignation deflated completely.

“But still, we demand a week’s break!”

“Five days, staggered.”

Vivian countered.

“The irrigation system is running, but water supplies are still tight. We need your abilities, so it’s staggered rest only.”

“Tch, no room for negotiation?”

“None.”

Lucia clicked her tongue at Vivian’s firm response.

Then, rethinking, she adjusted her approach.

“Fine, but you can compensate each of us with an Evernight Crystal.”

“Now that’s more like it!”

Lucia’s voice lost its crisp, banshee-like cadence, tinged with an eager, almost mercenary edge.

Her ice-blue eyes locked onto Vivian, as if fearing the offer might vanish.

“You’re the supreme Demon Lord, Your Highness!”

She stepped closer, her tone cautious yet insistent.

“You mean it, right? One crystal per person, no skimping!”

She repeated, “One! Per person! No less!” as if Vivian might backtrack or play word games.

“Don’t worry, you’ll get what’s promised.”

Vivian, half-amused, half-exasperated, waved off Lucia’s nagging.

Reflecting, she acknowledged the Frost Banshees, led by Lucia, had been immensely helpful.

She ought to show some appreciation.

There were spare Evernight Crystals from a recent allocation—perfect for a reward.

That was Vivian’s core principle: fair effort deserved fair reward.

Though they served the Winter Demon Lord, they were under her command here.

She couldn’t exploit them too ruthlessly—some incentive was due.

Evernight Crystals were a significant bounty, even for a Frost Banshee like Lucia, explaining her excitement.

“Come to my tent tomorrow morning to collect. I won’t shortchange you.”

“As Demon Lord, I reward and punish fairly. Contributions to Evernight Territory, regardless of allegiance, earn rewards.”

“Deal! Deal! It’s settled!”

Lucia repeated eagerly, as if sealing the promise before Vivian could reconsider.

Vivian rolled her eyes.

“As if I, a Demon Lord, would lie over ten Evernight Crystals. Why the panic?”

“Heh, just making sure.”

Lucia stuck out her tongue playfully, quickly resuming her elegant demeanor.

“Ahem—now, to business, Lord Demon Lord.”

She paused, took a deep breath, and continued in a more serious tone.

“His Highness, the Winter Demon Lord, hopes you can swiftly assemble a combat-ready force of at least ten thousand.”

Vivian’s brow furrowed at Lucia’s words.

“What’s this? Is Winter Territory already facing war? Do they need to call in that promised aid?”