New Policies

After a brief period of relaxation, Vivian began forcibly implementing across her entire territory the decrees she had already successfully enacted in Evernight City.

The success of Evernight City was proof enough.

Now Vivian needed to extend her control over the whole Evernight Territory once more, and she needed greater productivity.

Naturally, her forceful reforms met with no small amount of resistance.

Inside the council hall, the atmosphere was tense.

Vivian sat upon the main seat, her posture ramrod straight, her expression icy cold.

Before her stood five representatives of the oldest and most powerful noble houses in the Evernight Territory, barely suppressing their fury.

They were dressed in luxurious garments, wearing family crests passed down through generations.

Their faces were etched with offended rage and disbelief, yet beneath the Demon Lord’s invisible pressure, none dared act too presumptuously.

“Lord Demon Lord!”

The white-haired, sharp-eyed elder at their head—Count Victor—spoke with a voice that trembled from agitation.

“Please forgive our frankness, but we truly cannot accept Your Majesty’s newly promulgated Abolition of Slavery Decree and the Outline for Land and Production Reform!”

“To free all slaves? To grant them rights and treatment fully equal to free citizens? This… this is nothing less than overturning the traditional order that has endured for thousands of years!”

“Once implemented, every manor, mine, and workshop will collapse into paralysis! The economy and social structure of the entire Evernight Territory will crumble! Heaven only knows how chaotic our lands will become!”

“Count Victor,” Vivian replied, her voice perfectly calm yet carrying an indisputable chill that echoed through the empty hall.

“In the Evernight Territory, I am the one who defines order. Any old tradition that hinders progress deserves to be swept into the dustbin of history. What I am implementing is the new order that leads to the future.”

“But Lord Demon Lord,” another noble could not help stepping forward to argue, “those slaves are the lawful property our clans have accumulated over generations! They are the cornerstone of our territories’ operation! With a single command you demand we relinquish this property without compensation—this is no different from plunder! How are we to explain this to our families?”

“Property?” Vivian gave a cold laugh.

“To treat sentient lives capable of creating value as tradable property—that backward notion is the greatest mistake of all. The Evernight Territory has no need for a false prosperity built upon chains.”

“But Lord Demon Lord—!”

“Enough. I summoned you here today not to listen to your complaints and objections.”

Vivian raised a hand, cutting off further argument.

“I called you here to inform you of your two choices.”

She rose to her feet, her burning gaze sweeping across every noble present.

“First: accept the new policies and surrender your slaves. In return you will receive corresponding compensation—land, Evernight crystals, and priority rights within the new system. You may remain nobles of the Evernight Territory, but no longer as exploiters and oppressors; instead, you will become new nobles possessing wisdom and the ability to create value.”

“Second,” her tone turned to ice as she looked over the remaining old nobles of Evernight, “if you are unwilling, you may leave the Evernight Territory. Take your slaves and your wealth and go to some other Demon Lord’s domain. I will not stop you. But from this day forward, you will never be allowed to return.”

“Choose.”

The nobles exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions grim.

Count Victor ground his teeth.

“Lord Demon Lord, what exactly does this compensation entail?”

“I will grant you usage rights to newly reclaimed land double the area of what you currently hold, though ultimate ownership and planning authority remain with the lord’s manor. You will receive Evernight crystals equivalent in value to market price as economic compensation. Furthermore, your direct descendants and core family members will receive priority admission to Evernight Academy, priority partnership rights in large-scale territorial projects, and exclusive trade licenses in designated fields.”

“In short,” she calmly dissected the matter as though stating an irrefutable fact, “what you lose is merely a batch of inefficient, high-maintenance, and unstable ‘living assets.’ What you gain is first-mover advantage and policy dividends in the Evernight Territory’s entirely new economic system.”

“So long as you are willing to change your thinking and make good use of these compensations and privileges—whether in workshops, commerce, or new forms of agriculture—the long-term returns you reap will far exceed anything you ever earned guarding those slaves and barren fields.”

The nobles looked at one another, their faces flickering between gloom and calculation.

They were not fools.

Anyone who had risen to become a regional magnate naturally knew how to read the tides.

Though Vivian’s terms were harsh, the compensation was far from unattractive.

Moreover, they had all witnessed the momentum of Evernight City’s development.

None of them had ever imagined that a Demon Lord’s capital, once reduced to ruins, could be rebuilt to such scale in less than a year.

That alone proved there was at least some merit to Vivian’s “new policies.”

And most crucially of all—the priority access to the inner circle of the future.

They had seen with their own eyes the miracle Evernight City had wrought in a single year.

They understood this Demon Lord’s methods and ambition.

If the future she painted truly came to pass, those who bound themselves early to her chariot might reap unimaginable rewards.

If they could secure an advantageous position in the new order, it would indeed be far better than clinging to a pile of slaves.

“I… I am willing to accept the new policies.”

Viscount Black was the first to raise his hand.

Though his face still showed hesitation, his eyes had already hardened with resolve.

“And I…”

Count Brandt stood as well—one of the few nobles who had proactively pledged loyalty to Vivian and had since reaped enormous rewards, his power now far surpassing his former stature.

He was naturally her most faithful supporter.

“Since the counts have accepted, then I…”

One after another, the remaining nobles followed suit.

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Vivian’s lips.

This was the first psychological battle she had won since arriving in this world.

What followed would be the long and tedious work of transformation and construction, along with the restraint and surveillance of these old nobles.

Vivian, of course, did not trust a word of their so-called loyalty.

But she was not worried.

She had plenty of ways to keep them obedient.

Everything was proceeding according to plan.

****

Third floor—Vivian’s bedroom.

“Lord Demon Lord, according to the latest investigation, that goblin merchant caravan is indeed heading straight for the Evernight Territory.”

Fina reported to Vivian.

“They are carrying a large quantity of valuable goods and are escorted by a considerable armed force. Their strength is not weak.”

“A goblin merchant caravan?”

Vivian frowned.

“What do they want here?”

Fina thought for a moment.

“Supposedly, they have come to purchase Evernight crystals.”

“Evernight crystals?”

Vivian looked puzzled.

“We don’t have any Evernight crystals here. Did they get the wrong place?”

Fina shook her head.

“According to intelligence gathered from inside the caravan, they are indeed here for Evernight crystals.”

“Moreover, they are carrying a map that marks an Evernight crystal vein located within the Evernight Territory.”

“What?”

Vivian was stunned.

“There’s an Evernight crystal vein inside the Evernight Territory? How come I never knew about it?”

Fina explained.

“That map must be very old. The vein marked on it was abandoned long ago.”

“Abandoned?”

Vivian grew even more confused.

“Then why would the goblin caravan still come to buy it?”

Fina speculated.

“Perhaps they don’t know it’s been abandoned. Or perhaps they want to survey the site and see if any crystals remain.”

“Or… this map was deliberately leaked.”

“Deliberately leaked?”

Vivian’s eyes brightened.

“You mean someone is trying to lure the goblin caravan into the Evernight Territory?”

Fina nodded.

“It’s possible. After all, the Evernight Territory is remote. Few merchant caravans ever come here.”

“And if we could seize the large amount of goods they’re carrying, it would be an enormous windfall for the territory.”

“Hm.”

Vivian pondered for a moment.

“It seems there’s another power at work behind the scenes.”

“Inform the patrol teams to heighten their vigilance. At the same time, send people to monitor the goblin caravan closely and find out exactly what they’re planning.”

“Yes.”

Fina accepted the order and left.

Vivian stood by the window, gazing at the pitch-black night sky.

The arrival of the goblin caravan carried an unusual scent.

She had a feeling that something sinister was hidden behind it.

****

Fourth floor—Vivian’s study.

Vivian was handling administrative affairs when a knock came at the door.

“Enter.”

She spoke without lifting her head.

The door opened and Fina walked in.

“Lord Demon Lord, a person claiming to be a ‘black market merchant’ requests an audience. He says he has a big deal to discuss with you.”

“A black market merchant?”

Vivian set down her pen and looked at Fina with some confusion.

“What does a black market merchant want with me?”

Fina explained.

“He says he has a way to obtain large quantities of Evernight crystals at a low price.”

“Large quantities of Evernight crystals?”

Vivian’s eyes lit up.

“Let him in.”

“Yes.”

Fina left to carry out the order.

Soon, a tall man clad entirely in a black robe and hooded cloak entered.

His face was completely hidden in shadow.

“Greetings, Lord Demon Lord.”

The man bowed to Vivian.

“Rise.”

Vivian studied him.

“You are the black market merchant?”

The man nodded.

“That is correct.”

“You say you can obtain large quantities of Evernight crystals?”

Vivian went straight to the point.

The man smiled.

“Of course. However, for this transaction, I will need Your Majesty to personally make a trip.”

“Personally?”

Vivian frowned.

“What do you mean?”

The man explained.

“The source of these Evernight crystals is rather special. Your Majesty must retrieve them yourself.”

“Where exactly?”

Vivian asked.

The man produced a parchment scroll from his robes and handed it to Vivian.

She took it, unrolled it, and saw a map.

A red cross marked a location near the edge of the Evernight Territory.

“What is this place?”

Vivian asked.

The man answered.

“A hidden valley deep within the Evernight Forest. Inside lies an abandoned mine.”

“Deep in the Evernight Forest?”

Vivian looked puzzled.

“Isn’t that area crawling with magical beasts?”

The man smiled again.

“There are indeed many beasts, but so long as Your Majesty proceeds with caution, there should be no problem.”

“Moreover, that mine contains a large stock of Evernight crystals.”

“How do you know about this?”

Vivian pressed.

The man replied.

“I have spent many years in the black market and happened to acquire this map.”

“At first I thought it was fake, but after investigation, I discovered it is genuine.”

“Thus, I wish to offer this map to Your Majesty in exchange for suitable remuneration.”

“What kind of remuneration do you want?”

Vivian asked.

The man smiled.

“I desire one city under Your Majesty’s command to serve as my own territory.”

“One city?”

Vivian’s brow furrowed.

“Your appetite is not small.”

The man explained.

“I merely seek a place to settle. And I can manage that city well for Your Majesty.”

“I can provide a steady supply of Evernight crystals and all manner of rare materials.”

“Are you certain everything you say is true?”

Vivian stared at him, her gaze sharp.

The man met her eyes without flinching.

“I stake my life on it.”

“Very well.”

Vivian nodded.

“I can grant you a city—on the condition that you first prove the truth of your words.”

“No problem at all.”

The man smiled.

“I await Your Majesty’s arrival at your convenience.”

With that, he bowed once more and left the study.

Vivian looked at the map in her hand and fell into thought.

A black market merchant? Evernight crystals? A hidden valley?

Everything felt suspiciously strange.

Yet if it was true, this could be the opportunity Evernight needed to rise.

Vivian decided to go personally.

****

Fifth floor—Vivian’s training grounds.

“Lord Demon Lord, you’re going into the Evernight Forest?”

Fina was shocked the moment she heard.

“Yes.”

Vivian nodded.

“I’ve made up my mind.”

“But… the Evernight Forest is full of magical beasts. It’s far too dangerous.”

Fina said worriedly.

“It’s fine.”

Vivian smiled.

“Nothing will happen to me.”

“Lord Demon Lord, please allow me to accompany you.”

Fina pleaded.

“No need.”

Vivian shook her head.

“You stay and guard Evernight City. I’ll go alone.”

“Lord Demon Lord…”

Fina wanted to say more, but Vivian cut her off.

“Fina, do you trust me?”

“Of course I trust you, Lord Demon Lord.”

Fina answered without hesitation.

“Then obey my orders.”

Fina had no choice but to nod.

Vivian turned and walked to the center of the training ground.

She needed to make some preparations here.

****

Sixth floor—Vivian’s laboratory.

“Lord Demon Lord, the potion you requested.”

An elder in a white coat handed a vial to Vivian.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Vivian accepted it with gratitude.

The elder bowed respectfully.

“It is my honor to serve Your Majesty.”

Vivian nodded, took the potion, and left the laboratory.

Back in her bedroom, she stored the potion safely.

Then she took out the parchment map again and studied it carefully.

The hidden valley marked on the map was not far from Evernight City.

Yet the terrain was complex, shrouded year-round in thick mist, making it difficult to locate.

And according to the black market merchant, the area was also infested with magical beasts.

Full preparation was essential.

Vivian drew her weapon—a pitch-black dagger.

It had been a system reward when she first transmigrated.

Incredibly sharp, it could cut iron like mud and absorb the souls of magical beasts to increase her strength.

She fastened the dagger to her waist and gathered several commonly used magic scrolls—some offensive, some defensive, some utility.

Once everything was ready, Vivian took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and stepped out.

****

Seventh floor—Evernight City gate.

Vivian left Evernight City alone.

Night had already fallen; darkness enveloped the land.

A bright moon hung high in the sky, bathing the world in gentle light.

Under the moonlight, Vivian’s solitary figure appeared somewhat lonely.

She followed the rugged mountain path deeper into the Evernight Forest.

All along the way she remained cautious, alert to every sound around her.

The Evernight Forest was perilous.

Magical beasts could appear at any moment.

Vivian dared not let her guard down for even a second.

She knew this journey into the forest was a tremendous challenge for her.

But she also knew that only by overcoming it could she grow stronger.

As night deepened, beastly roars echoed through the forest.

Vivian quickened her pace; she needed to reach the hidden valley as soon as possible.

After travelling through the entire night, she finally arrived at the location marked on the map.

It was a valley surrounded by towering mountains, its entrance shrouded in thick mist.

Vivian stepped inside and immediately felt a wave of icy chill wash over her.

The valley was deathly silent, broken only by the rustle of wind through leaves.

She scanned her surroundings warily; there seemed to be no immediate danger.

Moving deeper, she soon discovered an abandoned mine entrance.

Vines and weeds concealed the opening, making it extremely well hidden.

Vivian pushed the foliage aside and entered.

Inside the mine was pitch black; she could not see her hand in front of her face.

She took out a night-luminous pearl, instantly illuminating the entire tunnel.

The air was thick with the stench of decay; broken ore and rusted tools lay scattered on the ground.

Continuing deeper, Vivian soon reached a massive cavern.

In the center lay an enormous pit.

At the bottom of the pit glimmered faintly glowing crystals.

“Evernight crystals!”

Joy flashed across Vivian’s face.

She leaped down, picked up a crystal, and felt its cool touch and faint energy pulse.

“It really is Evernight crystal!”

Ecstatic, she gathered every crystal she could find and left the mine.

Back in the valley, she confirmed once more that no danger lurked nearby, then departed the Evernight Forest.

She needed to return to Evernight City as quickly as possible and share the good news with Fina.

****

Eighth floor—Lord’s manor of Evernight City.

As soon as Vivian returned to the manor, Fina hurried to greet her.

“Lord Demon Lord, you’re back!”

Relief flooded Fina’s face when she saw Vivian safe.

“Yes.”

Vivian nodded, then showed Fina the Evernight crystals in her hands.

“This is…”

Fina’s eyes widened in shock.

“Evernight crystals!”

“Exactly.”

Vivian smiled.

“We’ve found an Evernight crystal vein.”

“That’s wonderful!”

Fina exclaimed excitedly.

“With Evernight crystals, Evernight City can develop much faster!”

“Yes.”

Vivian nodded.

“But for now, keep this quiet.”

“Why?”

Fina asked, puzzled.

“Because the sudden appearance of an Evernight crystal vein may attract unwanted trouble.”

Vivian explained.

“I understand.”

Fina replied.

“Go make arrangements. Tomorrow we’ll head to the vein and see if we can begin mining.”

“Yes.”

Fina left to carry out the order.

Vivian returned to her bedroom and stored the crystals safely.

She knew the emergence of Evernight crystals would bring enormous change to Evernight City.

And with it, even greater challenges for her.

Yet she believed she could overcome every obstacle and lead Evernight City to glory.

****

Ninth floor—Evernight City plaza.

Early the next morning, Vivian led Fina and a hundred elite soldiers into the Evernight Forest.

They arrived at the hidden valley, and Vivian confirmed the location of the mine once more.

Then she ordered the soldiers to enter and begin extraction.

The soldiers cautiously advanced into the darkness, guided only by the faint glow of luminous pearls.

Soon they reached the massive cavern and saw the vast quantity of Evernight crystals scattered at the bottom of the central pit.

Excitement lit their faces.

They set to work at once.

The mining proceeded smoothly.

In no time, they had extracted a huge amount of Evernight crystals.

Vivian looked at the mountain of crystals and smiled with satisfaction.

With these, Evernight City’s development would accelerate dramatically.

She also began considering how best to utilize them.

Once mining was complete, Vivian led the soldiers and the haul of crystals back to Evernight City.

She stored the crystals in the manor’s treasury, then summoned Fina and the city’s chief officials to discuss their use.

“Lord Demon Lord, we should use these Evernight crystals for the military!”

One general proposed.

“With them we can forge far stronger weapons and armor, greatly increasing the army’s combat strength.”

“No.”

Vivian shook her head.

“While Evernight crystals can indeed strengthen the military, their value extends far beyond that.”

“We should use them to develop the economy and build Evernight Academy to cultivate talent.”

The officials looked puzzled.

They could not understand why Vivian would prioritize the economy over the military.

Vivian explained.

“Military power is important, but the economy is the true foundation of growth.”

“Only when the economy flourishes can we have sufficient resources to sustain the military.”

“Moreover, establishing Evernight Academy and training talent is vital for long-term development.”

Hearing this, the officials suddenly understood.

They finally grasped the depth of Vivian’s foresight.

“Lord Demon Lord is wise!”

They praised in unison.

Vivian nodded and continued.

“From today onward, Evernight City enters a phase of full-scale development.”

“We will transform Evernight City into a prosperous metropolis in the shortest time possible.”

“Yes!”

The officials answered as one.

Looking at their confident faces, Vivian allowed herself a relieved smile.

She knew Evernight City’s future was bright.

****

Tenth floor—Evernight City Academy.

Under Vivian’s direct orders, construction of Evernight Academy proceeded at breakneck speed.

Teaching buildings rose from the ground, laboratories were equipped and put into use.

Soon the academy took shape.

Vivian personally assumed the position of dean and selected a group of outstanding instructors from the city.

She also established a comprehensive set of rules to ensure smooth operation.

The founding of Evernight Academy attracted large numbers of scholars and students eager to study and conduct research.

Vivian valued these talents highly, providing generous salaries and excellent facilities.

Under her leadership, the academy quickly became Evernight City’s premier institution for cultivating talent.

Courses ranged from magic to alchemy, engineering, and commercial management—students could choose according to their interests and strengths.

Vivian encouraged innovation, supplying abundant experimental equipment and materials.

Thanks to her support, wave after wave of outstanding research achievements emerged.

These achievements brought enormous economic benefits and powerful momentum to Evernight City’s growth.

Gazing at the ever-expanding academy, Vivian smiled with gratification.

She knew the future of Evernight would be even brighter because of these people.

****

Eleventh floor—Evernight City commercial district.

Construction of the commercial district also surged forward under Vivian’s command.

Shops sprang up like bamboo after rain, streets filled with bustling crowds.

Soon it became the most prosperous area in Evernight City.

Vivian introduced a series of preferential policies that drew merchants from far and wide.

These merchants brought not only goods but also information and technology.

The commercial district greatly stimulated Evernight City’s economic growth.

Goods flowed, techniques were exchanged, and commerce flourished as never before.

Looking at the thronging streets, Vivian wore a satisfied smile.

She knew the city’s economy would grow ever stronger thanks to these merchants.

****

Twelfth floor—Evernight City military base.

Construction of the military base proceeded methodically under Vivian’s orders.

Barracks rose, training grounds were completed.

Soon the base took solid form.

Vivian personally oversaw the soldiers’ training, raising the army’s combat ability to new heights.

She equipped them with the finest gear and the most rigorous drills, making them unstoppable on the battlefield.

Under her leadership, Evernight City’s army swiftly became a formidable force—well-armed, highly disciplined, and ready at any moment to defend the city’s peace.

Watching the high-spirited troops, Vivian smiled with satisfaction.

She knew Evernight City’s safety was now far more secure thanks to this army.

****

Though some remained silent and their faces still showed reluctance, they ultimately made the rational choice.

“The Lancaster family accepts as well.”

“The Fernandez family accepts…”

One by one, four noble houses compromised.

Only Count Victor continued to hesitate.

“Victor,” Vivian turned to him, “and you?”

In the end, every gaze settled on the oldest and most stubborn of them all.

The old count’s face flushed crimson, his white beard trembling.

Clearly he was undergoing an immense internal struggle.

Finally, as if all strength had been drained from him, he let out a weary sigh.

“The Victor family… also accepts. However, Lord Demon Lord, such drastic change… I beseech you to grant us a grace period so that we may… prepare and adjust.”

“Very well.”

Vivian nodded.

“I will give you one month of transition. Within that month you must complete the release of all slaves and their registration. My head maid Aria and Miss Lucia will assist with the procedures.”

“Any obstruction or half-hearted compliance will be punished without mercy.”

“Yes…”

The nobles bowed, their expressions varied, and withdrew from the hall.

Once they had gone, Lucia emerged from behind the screen.

“They have accepted on the surface, but I doubt their hearts are convinced.”

She looked at Vivian with slight worry.

“Be careful they don’t scheme behind your back.”

“I know.”

Vivian rubbed her temples.

“That’s why I’ve had Aria and As secretly watch them. No move will escape my eyes.”

“But honestly,” she gave a self-mocking laugh, “I thought that as long as I offered enough benefits in exchange, they would accept more willingly.”

“I never imagined that giving up their ‘privilege’ to enslave others would hurt them so deeply, as if I were carving out their very hearts. They came here to pour out their grievances as though I owed them something.”

Lucia could not help laughing.

“You have to understand—you are shaking the very foundation of their rule and the sense of superiority they have enjoyed for centuries. The fact that they chose the path most beneficial to themselves so quickly already proves the strength of your authority and the attractiveness of your offer.”

“I hope you’re right.”

Vivian sighed.

She walked to the window and gazed out at Evernight City.

Reform was never smooth sailing.

The resistance of vested interests, the obstruction of conservatives, the undercurrents swirling in the dark…

All of it was inevitable.

But she would not back down.

Because she knew that only by pressing forward could the Evernight Territory truly become strong.

****

That night, while Vivian was studying ancient texts sent by Carol, Aria hurried in.

“Lord Demon Lord, something has happened.”

Her expression was grave.

“Count Victor sent a secret envoy out of the Evernight Territory tonight.”

“Where did he go?”

Vivian instantly grew alert.

“Toward the Molten Heart Territory,” Aria replied.

“It appears he has gone to seek Gulaim.”

Vivian’s eyes sharpened.

“Gulaim… if I remember correctly, that is…”

“A tremendously jealous and wildly ambitious lava Demon Lord. He once sent envoys to provoke us, but you ignored and refused to receive them.”

“Victor is inviting a wolf into the house.”

Vivian sneered.

“He thinks clinging to Gulaim will let him resist my new policies?”

“Shall I intercept that envoy?”

Aria asked, frowning.

“No.”

Vivian shook her head.

After a moment’s thought, a smile spread across her face.

“Let him go. I want to see what tricks Gulaim intends to play.”

“Besides, this gives us the perfect pretext to thoroughly purge the cancer that is the Victor family once and for all, leaving no future trouble.”

“Also,” she continued after a brief pause, “intensify surveillance on Victor. Since he dares to do this, he must bear the consequences. When the evidence is ironclad, I will make him understand the price of betrayal.”

“Understood!”

After Aria left, Vivian stood alone in the room.

She slowly walked to the great map of the Evernight Territory hanging on the wall, her gaze lingering on the names “Victor,” “Gulaim,” and several other nobles who might still harbor discontent.

“Internal and external troubles…”

She murmured to herself.

“It seems the coming days will not be peaceful.”

But there was no fear in her.

On the contrary, battle-lust gleamed in her eyes.

“Come then,” she whispered, “show me what you’re capable of.”

“The Evernight Territory is not so easily touched.”

Outside the window, moonlight flowed like water.

The next day, far away in the Molten Heart Territory, Gulaim received the secret envoy in his castle.

When he heard Victor’s message, a cruel smile spread across his face.

“Vivian… you’ve finally revealed a weakness.”

He murmured.

“Since your own house is divided, don’t blame me for striking while you’re vulnerable.”

“Men! Summon the army!”

“I will make that arrogant little girl learn what a true Demon Lord is!”