Chen Yu's decision.
It was purely from the perspective of a city lord, a decision made based on the future development and interests of the city-state, with no personal emotions involved.
If—
He were to consider the orcs' presence from a personal standpoint.
Then, he wouldn't let even the neutral ones stay; he would expel all of them from his territory. Regardless of whether they wanted to take advantage or simply observe Chen Yu's subsequent actions.
He didn't need anyone's approval.
Since they harbored doubts about him, they shouldn't remain in his domain any longer.
However, for the sake of the city-state, he couldn't do that.
The city-state needed citizens.
No matter how well Chen Yu built the city-state, without citizens, it would hold no value.
The development of a city-state wasn't solely about the decision-maker providing wise decisions.
It also required citizens to drive the city-state's development.
The two complemented each other.
Only then could a city go further.
In fact, outside the underground, the situation was similar. The poverty or wealth of a city was indeed influenced by the region. However, the population size was also crucial.
Population size directly affected local tax revenue.
And business investment.
Chen Yu still wanted to see the city-state have good development prospects, which was why he said those words to Kailin.
"You are not like people your age."
Sona whispered.
She had noticed for a long time that many of Chen Yu's behaviors, thoughts, and decisions were not what one would expect from someone his age.
For instance, just now, having barely entered the city-state.
Chen Yu could instantly transform himself into the persona of a city lord, viewing issues from a macroscopic perspective, which was truly unfathomable.
Instantaneous role transitions were not easy.
Even if one forced themselves to appear in a certain capacity and make certain decisions, subconscious actions were still unavoidable.
However, she didn't see any such subconscious actions from Chen Yu.
This meant—
Chen Yu didn't treat the role of city lord with any pretense; instead, he had truly adapted and recognized the role he needed to undertake and the responsibilities he had to fulfill.
This was truly frightening.
"Do I?"
Chen Yu smiled slightly, placing his hands behind his head with a relaxed air.
"Perhaps."
He didn't offer any further explanation, seeming not to want to continue the current topic. He just smiled faintly and said nothing more.
This scene caused Sona to raise her eyebrows slightly.
He had secrets.
Although Chen Yu said nothing, it was evident from his previous behavior. Fortunately, Sona was not one to pry. While she enjoyed hearing secrets and everyone was interested in gossip, the question was whether she expressed it.
And whether that person was worth gossiping about.
However—
She also respected that others had privacy.
If Barbara were here, she would likely press for answers relentlessly.
"Hey, I'm actually quite curious about you and the little demon," Chen Yu said with a side glance and a smile after a moment of thought. "You say you're from the Holy See, and Barbara is the Great Demon King of the underground. How did you two end up together? From the occasional snippets I've overheard from you two, your relationship is quite complicated?"
"Our relationship is indeed quite complicated."
Sona did not conceal this, pondering for half a moment before pursing her lips.
"We are enemies, and yet we are also close friends."
"I can see that."
Chen Yu smiled and then leaned in mysteriously beside Sona.
Sona seemed a bit surprised by his sudden closeness. While she didn't show any particular resistance, she still took half a step back.
"What are you doing?"
"Tsk, why are you so wary of me?" Chen Yu pouted, sensing Sona's retreat. "What do you think I can do to you?"
"Who knows?"
Sona rolled her eyes at him unceremoniously.
"You act like a pervert all the time, and I'm stunningly beautiful with a voluptuous figure. It wouldn't be strange if you had designs on me."
Chen Yu: ???
"Hey, hey, hey, that's not your character, watch your mouth."
What was going on?
These were clearly words the little demon should be saying. If she were here, she would surely shout about her lines being stolen.
"Ha, I'm just substituting for Barbara since she's not here, giving her some sense of presence," Sona chuckled, then added with a worried tone, "Is it really okay to leave her there?"
"Don't worry."
Chen Yu casually waved his hand and whispered.
"Hey, Sona, seriously, there's something I really want to ask you."
"Speak."
"How did you and Barbara die?" Chen Yu frowned. "I'm really curious. You two shouldn't have died in the conventional sense. You can still manifest bodies now and be seen by others. Moreover, I don't think Barbara is the type of completely evil demon king; her thought process seems like a clown. Why was your Holy See hunting her?"
Instantly, Sona's expression changed.
"This matter should have no direct relation to you," Sona said, her face a little grim. "Please, don't ask, okay?"
"Okay~"
Without even half a second of hesitation or argument, Chen Yu readily agreed.
If they didn't want to talk about it, he wouldn't ask.
He asked these questions purely out of curiosity, not out of any deep interest in Sona and Barbara's past. However, from Sona's expression, he could tell.
This matter was definitely not simple.
"Develop yourself well; perhaps in the future, Barbara will need your help," Sona whispered. Chen Yu wasn't surprised by this.
Enjoying convenience meant giving back.
The moment he gained Sona and Barbara as his lodgers, he knew he would eventually have to do something for them.
He accepted this.
He, Chen Yu, was by no means someone who would burn bridges after crossing them. If Sona and Barbara provided him with help and they needed reciprocation, Chen Yu would not object.
It was just—
What surprised him was that Sona only mentioned Barbara.
"Don't you need it?" Chen Yu raised an eyebrow slightly. Seeing Chen Yu's expression, Sona chuckled, "You're not surprised at all; it seems you are indeed quite special. Well, I truly don't need it. You just need to look after Barbara then."
"Ouch~"
Chen Yu exclaimed.
"No wonder the little demon always gives me good treasures, but you're so stingy and give nothing. It turns out you don't need me to do anything for you."
"Can you stop judging me with your mercenary attitude?" Sona said, looking speechless.
"Am I right or wrong in my judgment?"
"Wrong!"
Sona glared at Chen Yu as if she could no longer suppress her anger.
"Tsk, your persona is collapsing again," Chen Yu grinned continuously. "Sona, you can't just lose your temper; you're a holy angel."
"Yes, holy angels don't get angry."
The moment Chen Yu finished speaking, Sona narrowed her eyes and smiled. Then, in her hand, a blade formed, gathered by holy light.
"Angels don't get angry; they only bring judgment. Do you want to experience it?"