They steered the streamlined magic-powered speedboat across the bay. The lights from the bridge reflected off the water's surface in a dim glow, but the Demon King's City, Nicalis's skyline, remained hidden in the distance.

"The Blood Clan's special envoy is arriving at the Demon King's City today. I reckon it won't dawn all morning."

Lysandra gazed at the six o'clock night sky, sighing.

To welcome the visiting Blood Clan envoy, the demons had even activated a sky barrier over the royal capital, Nicalis, blocking out the sunlight like an eclipse.

Looking out over the Nicala Island bay, the dark buildings and squat residences on the opposite shore seemed like they were dreamily built from dark gold. Nicalis City remained full of mystery and beauty, like an infatuation at first light.

The amber magic-powered vehicle sped across the sea.

Just as they were speeding parallel to the elevated bridge, drawing closer and closer to Nicala Island, the sound of flapping wings filled the air. A small wyvern cavalry officer struggled to catch up to them.

"Stop! Inspection!"

The demon realm officer shouted sternly over the waves.

Today was the day the Blood Clan's special envoy was visiting, and several roads near the Nicala Island royal palace had been closed and speed limits imposed. He never expected that a demon would brazenly head straight toward the royal palace along the sea route today.

"I work at the royal palace..."

Lysandra quickly turned around and said weakly.

Before she could finish,

"No need to worry, Lysandra."

Lanci's voice was loud and firm, and he showed no sign of slowing down.

He simply took out a document from the drawer on the driver's side, picked it up without looking back, and let the demon realm officer chasing behind see what was on it.

"Oh, it's you!"

The demon realm officer immediately saluted, his voice filled with respect. He pulled on the wyvern's reins and instantly turned around.

"I'll definitely recognize you next time, Mr. McCarthy. I'm so sorry!"

"..."

Lysandra turned her head to look at the demon realm officer gradually receding into the distance, then looked in surprise at McCarthy beside her.

"I helped their superior out with a small favor."

Lanci explained to Lysandra,

"I usually don't drive this fast, but the situation is special today. I need to make sure you get to the royal palace on time, but I promise I wasn't speeding. I never break traffic laws."

He tossed the document back into the drawer, where a copy of the current demon realm regulations book was also lying.

"Oh."

Lysandra was stunned for a good while.

Only at this moment did she realize that this demon who was as easy to get along with as a princess was actually from another world.

He had unimaginable power, money, and influence in this Demon King's City, Nicalis. Everywhere she looked, there were friends willing to help him, just like how he had easily charmed Miss Tia yesterday.

Before long, they successfully landed on the opposite shore and got back onto the road.

The closer they got to the Nicala Island royal palace, the more congested the traffic became.

"To be honest, this is my first time coming to the Nicala Island royal palace."

Lanci looked at the time and turned off the Demon King's City radio program in the car.

In this bustling city center, even without personal devices, the sound of the radio program could be heard from speakers everywhere.

He determined that driving slowly wouldn't make Lysandra late, so he didn't let her get out of the car and walk the rest of the way alone.

"After all, you haven't been in the royal capital, Nicalis, for long."

Lysandra stood up a little in her seat, looking at the square outside the royal palace, which was full of demons.

Today, traffic was particularly congested because some roads were closed. Even if she went to work as usual, she might be late. Fortunately, she had chosen the sea route.

"I'm so glad you gave me a ride today, Mr. McCarthy."

Lysandra said with a rare hint of resentment.

In fact, she was somewhat dissatisfied with the Blood Clan's special envoy's arrival.

Why did they have to sacrifice half a day to provide convenience to the Blood Clan just because they came during the day?

This kind of weak treaty made it seem like they had to be deferential to the Blood Clan in every way.

"I also think it's unreasonable to close off traffic like this, and it's even more unreasonable to spend demon realm tax revenue to activate the extremely expensive sky barrier. The only thing that makes everyone happy is that they might be able to come here to watch a Blood Clan program this morning."

Lanci leaned back in his seat and drove slowly. Demons on foot walked past the open-top glass windows.

"It's said that Count Sergio is the Blood Clan's top detective. Many demon dignitaries want to witness his reasoning process today."

Lysandra agreed.

Although she and McCarthy were of the same mind and wanted to curse the Blood Clan, her position prevented her from openly insulting them.

For most of the demons who had gathered here early to watch the spectacle, this was a unique detective performance show.

Of course, this was also related to Sergio's authority.

He basically used the result to prove the process.

Count Sergio could first use his authority to find out who the culprit was. Of course, this couldn't be used as direct evidence, because only he could see the culprit through his authority. What he had to do was prove it.

Since the Blood Clan preferred the night, their visit today should have already started before she went to work.

Now, Lysandra and Lanci could look up at the demon-powered screens on the high-rise buildings outside the window and see the situation of the Blood Clan count being received in the square in front of the royal palace.

"The princess is more composed than I imagined."

Lysandra sighed.

She didn't know if the princess was really certain that the culprit wasn't a demon, or if she had a backup plan to deal with the Blood Clan detective.

Not only did she think so, but the walking demons outside the convertible also occasionally voiced their opinions.

But McCarthy didn't respond to her.

Lysandra turned her head to look, only to see McCarthy smiling slightly as he looked at Princess Hyperion on the giant screen.

"The princess is very beautiful, isn't she?"

Lysandra asked tentatively.

She rarely saw the princess dressed up, and she didn't expect Rocky McCarthy to be so engrossed in watching her.

The dance steps in front of the royal palace sparkled. Her face was exquisite and peerless, and her long silver hair cascaded down like a waterfall, softly covering her light blue dress. The hem of the skirt lightly scattered on the steps as she walked down step by step.

"Yeah."

Lanci hesitated for a moment before nodding in response.

"It's a pity that everyone only sees the princess's radiance at this moment, but they don't know that she's the one who's really being tested today."

Lysandra said regretfully.

In this kind of occasion today, she wasn't even qualified to accompany the princess. The only one following the princess was the Fallen Scion, Kaliella, who was protecting her.

"Don't worry, Her Highness the Princess looks like a demon with great fortune. Maybe this Blood Clan count's reasoning show will be over soon, and the princess won't encounter any trouble."

Lanci said with a very optimistic smile.

It was as if he felt that things were already over before they had even begun.

"Hopefully..."

Lysandra muttered to herself worriedly.

Mr. McCarthy was taking it too easy. How could there be such a good thing as solving troubles in an instant by simply paying some illusory price?

(End of chapter)