Lack of People

Vivian stood quietly, communing silently with the mine’s core.

She felt its vibrant vitality and its unreserved dependence and connection to her.

The exchange lasted about half an hour.

When the core’s emotions settled into a calm, almost lazy satisfaction, as if “full” and content, she slowly withdrew her hand.

The core’s glow softened, now deeper and more substantial, as if perfectly soothed and recharged.

“Keep growing strong. Stay hidden here, don’t let anyone find you.”

Vivian gave the cool surface of the core a gentle pat, speaking softly.

In response, the core flickered faintly, acknowledging her words.

Her task of inspecting the core complete, Vivian didn’t linger.

She turned and retraced her steps, leaving the mine swiftly and silently.

The return journey felt even lighter, her body still brimming with pleasant agility.

With this ever-growing core, her vision of a “modernized” Demon Clan had a real foundation.

At the very least, the income from the core’s output would fill her coffers to the brim.

It wasn’t a long-term golden ticket, but it secured the funds needed for rebuilding in the short term.

“Phew… keep pushing forward.”

Exhaling a breath of turbid air, she transformed into a fleeting shadow, racing back toward Evernight City.

There, a pile of paperwork, a hungry daughter, and an approaching s*ave caravan awaited her attention.

Merchants were like ghouls—wherever profit beckoned, they swarmed.

Like scavenging hyenas, they never missed a place ripe with demand and the sprouts of new order.

Evernight Territory, in its rebuilding phase, was desperately short of labor.

After reconnecting to the demonic trade network and the arrival of small, risk-taking caravans, word of the territory’s revival spread like wildfire across demon lands, drawing attention.

Among those drawn were the s*ave caravans from the southwestern Obsidian Plains.

The [Goldmelt] Caravan, one of the largest and most powerful trade groups in the Demon Clan, dealt in slaves, arms, and resources.

Their origins were murky, but their might was undeniable, backed by a formidable armed escort.

Their existence was a pyramid built on strength and blood-soaked coin.

When Vivian learned the Goldmelt Caravan planned to visit Evernight City, she couldn’t afford to be careless.

They held what she desperately needed: manpower.

Every sector was screaming for labor!

Vivian had not only reformed the systems for commoners and slaves but also introduced changes to the military and administration, including “performance metrics” for managers.

More hands meant faster progress and better results, so her captains were constantly clamoring for more workers.

But Evernight City couldn’t simply conscript locals without causing unrest, and returning exiles would trickle back over time—too many too soon could strain the territory further.

The next wave of returnees was scheduled for one or two months later, leaving a critical labor shortage in the interim.

The Goldmelt Caravan’s arrival might ease this pressure.

Vivian needed their “goods” but was prepared for the greed and exploitation that would come with them.

“I’m back. How’s little Luna been today?”

“Lord Demon Lord! You’re back!”

Returning to Evernight City before the caravan’s arrival, Vivian first checked on her daughter in her tent.

Luna, the young succubus acting as temporary caretaker, was gently rocking Luna’s cradle, humming an ancient succubus lullaby.

At Vivian’s voice, she spun around like a startled deer, her crimson eyes wide.

In the cradle, Luna slept soundly, her small face serene, lips slightly parted, breathing softly and evenly.

“I’m a bit early.”

Vivian nodded in acknowledgment.

“The little princess has been fine all day. We fed her magic goat’s milk and other foods on schedule.”

“She drank some light broth made from herbs and tried a bit of mashed food. She seemed to take to it well…”

“Good.”

Vivian nodded at Luna’s soft response.

Stepping lightly to her daughter’s side, she gazed at Luna’s tranquil face.

Leaning down, she planted a feather-light kiss on her soft cheek.

“Mama’s got work to do, but I’ll be back to keep you company soon.”

“Woo—”

As if sensing Vivian’s presence, Luna stirred slightly in her sleep, her tiny body stretching, a faint, birdlike coo escaping her throat.

Moments later, Vivian sensed a massive presence approaching Evernight City from afar.

It was a chaotic, overwhelming wave of life forces, like an intangible tsunami crashing into her perception.

Not the disciplined march of an army, but a cacophony of clashing chains, suppressed groans of pain, the stench of livestock waste, and a tangled mix of despair, numbness, and greedy desire radiating from

countless souls.

They had arrived.

Vivian knew it was the Goldmelt Caravan.

She left her tent, the crisp morning air hitting her face.

Outside, Aria, her head maid, stood like a statue, her fluffy-tailed figure rigid, expression grave, eyes heavy with focus.

She, too, had sensed the unsettling, massive presence.

“Lord Demon Lord, the Goldmelt Caravan will arrive at the outskirts of Evernight City in about an hour.”

“Noted. Let’s prepare to greet them.”

Vivian nodded, taking a deep breath.

“This is the first major caravan to visit since Evernight’s rebuilding began. We can’t afford to be lax.”

“Yes.”

Aria nodded, falling in step behind Vivian as they headed to the city’s outskirts to meet the caravan.

No announcement was needed—many demons had already sensed the caravan’s approach.

Captains and managers with any strength gathered instinctively.

Soon, Lucia appeared at Vivian’s side.

“The caravan’s here.”

The Frost Banshee gazed into the distance, speaking softly.

Dark clouds loomed in the caravan’s direction, an oppressive sight that stirred unease.

“Have you dealt with them before?”

Vivian turned to Lucia, asking.

“Not really.”

Lucia shrugged.

“The Goldmelt Caravan mostly operates in the southern Obsidian Plains. Our [Shadowchase Mountains] have never been their focus, let alone our snowy peaks.”

“So, this is my first time dealing with them.”

“Is that so…”

Vivian mused thoughtfully.

Truth be told, this was her first encounter with them as well.

Evernight Territory had previously lacked the energy to trade with the Goldmelt Caravan, so the news of their approach had surprised her.

But as the old saying went: no profit, no action.

They were surely coming to Evernight with ample “sincerity” and greed in tow.

“So, what will they want?”

Vivian rubbed her chin, pondering.

Moments later, a dark, ominous mass appeared in the distance—a veritable “army.”