You Have to Work

Vivian now faced a rather tricky problem.

How to deal with the two “Carols” before her.

These flesh puppets of Carol’s were clearly not easily destroyed.

Provoking her could lead to unpredictable consequences.

While Vivian, as a Demon Lord, wasn’t particularly afraid of Carol, her territory remained fragile, unable to withstand further turmoil.

“No worries, I know what you’re thinking.”

As if reading Vivian’s mind, both “Carols” broke into simultaneous smiles.

“I’m not the type to destroy or sabotage a territory just to make enemies.

I told you, I’m only here to observe and study.

I have no desire to ruin… well, the potentially fascinating relationship we could have in the future.”

She spoke lightly, her tone casual.

“…So the Goldmelt Caravan’s visit to Evernight was your doing?”

“Manipulation?” Carol tilted her head, her expression a mix of innocence and mischief.

“That’s a strong word.”

She tapped her temple lightly with a slender finger.

“I merely gave that sharp but not-yet-seasoned dark elf manager a little ‘inspiration’ at the right moment.

A slight… tweak to her perception.”

She spoke as if discussing the weather.

“Made her think Evernight was a promising, opportunity-rich market worth the gamble.

Convinced her that a detour to visit Your Highness was a sure bet.

Is that so hard? For someone who knows how to tug the strings of fate.”

Both puppets nodded in unison.

“Just a minor shift in cognition. Hardly a challenge.”

“…”

That made sense.

While Angst was undoubtedly a formidable dark elf, she was still too green compared to an ancient schemer like Carol.

Influencing perception with magic wasn’t beyond possibility.

It explained everything.

Evernight Territory, in its current state, wouldn’t normally attract a large-scale caravan.

Even with high-value Evernight Crystals, the yield was limited—small caravans could already meet the trade demands.

“…You went to all this trouble just to spy on us?

Give up on that idea. I won’t let you near.”

“Oh, don’t be so harsh~”

Carol drew out her words, a dangerous smile spreading across both faces.

“I won’t openly cause trouble, sure.

But who’s to say an unknown, eerie plague won’t suddenly sweep through your territory?

Spreads fast, hides well, starts like a common cold, but in its late stages…

It melts people into puddles of sweet-smelling pus in agonizing madness.”

She tilted her head, her smile as radiant as a blooming poppy.

“And perhaps, when no one else can stop it, they’d have to beg a certain obscure priestess for help?”

“…”

Vivian’s face remained cold, her silence heavy.

Honestly, Carol was capable of such monstrous deeds.

An ancient relic who’d lived who-knows-how-long, a Grand Necromancer who saw life as mere material.

Expecting any moral boundaries from her was naive.

“I can’t let you see my child yet.”

Vivian hesitated, opting for a delaying tactic.

“But I’ll allow you to stay in Evernight City.”

“Hm~” Carol let out a satisfied hum, leaning back against a crate, as if her earlier genocidal threat never happened.

“Now that’s the spirit. Let’s talk nicely.”

She nodded, smiling at Vivian’s response.

“We’ve got plenty of time. I’m in no rush.

Call me when you need me.

And don’t worry, I won’t cause trouble.

These two bodies are just for show—pretty ornaments with no real power.”

She winked, as if to say, “I’m harmless!”

But then she leaned forward, her smile turning dangerous again.

“Of course, you could choose to never call me—if you’re willing to bear the consequences.”

“I understand. But if you’re staying, you can’t idle.”

“Hm?”

Just as Carol thought the negotiation was going smoothly, Vivian added coolly,

“You’ll work.”

She pointed at the two puppets.

“I’ll assign work identities to these [flesh puppets].

Do your jobs properly, and I’ll consider letting you see my child later.”

“…”

Carol’s smile froze.

Her two puppets exchanged glances, as if they’d heard something unthinkable.

Their emerald eyes flashed with confusion, then disbelief, and finally a mix of absurdity and slight offense.

“…You mean to say,

I, a Grand Necromancer,

Should use my precious, meticulously crafted puppets, built to observe the world…

To work for you!?”

After a long pause, Carol’s four eyes glared at Vivian, her voice rising to a near-screech of incredulity.

“Evernight doesn’t keep idle hands, especially not for a guest with ‘special requests.’

You said to call you when needed, but you didn’t specify what for.”

Vivian snorted lightly.

“You want to stay? Fine.

But you’ll work like everyone else.

One’s a druid, the other a life priestess—perfect.

I won’t keep you as decorative vases.

The territory needs hands, especially healers, so you’ll work diligently.

Do well, and I’ll consider letting you see my child under safe conditions.”

Carol was dumbfounded.

Her elf puppets froze, mouths agape, eyes filled with unprecedented confusion and a sense of their worldview crumbling.

She’d manipulated kings and heroes, navigated countless schemes and dramas…

But to have her cherished puppets, extensions of her will, tasked with healing and working?!

This was more humiliating than being killed outright!

“…Fine.”

After a full ten seconds, Carol snapped out of it, her tone dripping with reluctant, begrudging acceptance.

She rubbed her temples, nodding slowly.

“As long as you keep your word.”

“Then,” Carol hopped off the crate, brushing her skirt and looking up with complex emotions in her eyes,

“We have… a deal?”

“For now, yes. It depends on your performance.”

Vivian exhaled, dispelling the magical barrier.

She signaled for others to escort Carol’s two puppets away.

“The druid will tend to the new experimental fields.

The life priestess will assist at the medical station.

Follow the supervisors’ orders.”

“Ugh, fine~”

As Vivian watched “Lolo” and “Lili” being led away, she pondered Carol’s true motives.

Curiosity alone wasn’t her goal—that much was certain.

But for now, Vivian had no better solution.

She also considered Angst’s intentions.

Later, Vivian noticed something else.

Among the laborers Angst had loaned her, some weren’t entirely honest.

They were probing Evernight City’s defenses, clearly gathering intelligence to report back to Angst.