"Effective government transcends species," Lyra replied. "These systems work regardless of whether you're governing goblins, orcs, humans, or any other race."

"True," Seraphine agreed. "Though it does make me wonder—where did a goblin settlement learn such sophisticated organizational principles? This isn't traditional monster culture. Someone brought outside knowledge." Her eyes fixed on Satou with knowing intensity. "Someone with experience beyond this world, perhaps?"

Satou felt his stomach tighten. That was a dangerous observation. Seraphine was probing at his reincarnated nature—information that wasn't public knowledge and could be used against him.

"I've studied various civilizations," Satou said carefully. "Learned from multiple sources. Good ideas come from many places."

"I'm sure they do," Seraphine replied, her tone making it clear she suspected more than she was saying.

The tour continued through the afternoon. Seraphine examined the agricultural plots, the workshops, the communal dining area, every aspect of settlement life. She asked pointed questions, made astute observations, and all the while continued to pay particular attention to Satou himself.

By the time they reached the end of the tour, the sun was beginning to set, and Satou was exhausted—not from physical exertion but from the constant mental chess match of responding to Seraphine's probing without revealing too much.

They returned to find that Lyra's staff had indeed prepared accommodations—a building that was appropriately sized and furnished for a demon lord and her retinue, positioned far enough from residential areas to provide privacy but close enough that Seraphine couldn't claim she was being isolated.

"This will suffice," Seraphine said, examining the quarters. "Well done. It seems your administrator is as capable as advertised."

She turned to face all three of them—Satou, Lyra, and Jessica—her expression shifting to something more serious.

"The tour was informative. Your settlement is more developed than I expected for its age. You've clearly put genuine thought and effort into building something functional and sustainable. That's in your favor."

"Thank you," Satou said.

"However," Seraphine continued, "a settlement is more than just buildings and systems. It's about the people who live here and whether they're genuinely committed to your vision or simply following strong leadership out of necessity. Tomorrow, I'll be conducting individual interviews with residents. Random selection, various roles and backgrounds. I want to hear from them directly about life here."

"Of course," Lyra agreed. "I'll arrange for a private interview space and inform residents to cooperate fully."

"Excellent." Seraphine's attention returned to Satou, her mismatched eyes gleaming in the fading light. "And Satou, I'll want to speak with you privately as well. Extensively. A demon lord evaluation isn't complete without thoroughly understanding the lord himself. His motivations. His desires. His... vulnerabilities."

The way she said "vulnerabilities" sent a clear message about her intentions.

"I'm available for whatever interviews are necessary for your evaluation," Satou replied, keeping his voice professional.

"I'm sure you are," Seraphine purred. "Well then, I'll let you return to your evening routine. I imagine you have... personal matters to attend to." Her eyes flicked meaningfully to Jessica's neck, then to both women. "Do enjoy your evening. All three of you. I'm sure it will be quite... energetic."

With that parting shot, she entered her quarters, her retinue following and closing the door behind them.

The moment they were alone, Jessica let out a breath she'd been holding. "I really, really don't like her. Everything about her feels predatory and wrong."

"That's the corruption," Lyra explained. "Part of what makes Seraphine dangerous is that corrupted angel nature—she can sense desires, exploit weaknesses, and her mere presence makes people more susceptible to temptation. You're feeling that effect and resisting it, which is good."

"She's going to try something," Jessica said. "During one of those private interviews. She's going to try to seduce or corrupt or bind Satou somehow. I can feel it."

"Almost certainly," Lyra agreed. "Which is why we need a plan. Satou, you can't be alone with her. Not truly alone. We need countermeasures."

"What kind of countermeasures?" Satou asked.

"I'm working on it," Lyra said. "But for tonight, neither of you are sleeping alone. We're all staying together in my quarters—they're the largest and furthest from Seraphine's building. Safety in numbers, and it prevents her from 'accidentally' wandering into anyone's room during the night."

"All three of us?" Jessica asked, her eyes widening slightly.

"All three of us," Lyra confirmed. "We're partners, remember? That means we protect each other. And right now, the best protection is staying together."

She looked between them. "Unless either of you is uncomfortable with that arrangement?"

"I'm not uncomfortable," Satou said. "If anything, I feel better knowing you're both safe and close."

"I'm not uncomfortable either," Jessica said, though her blush had returned. "Just... adjusting to how quickly things are changing."

"Welcome to demon lord politics," Lyra said dryly. "Nothing ever moves slowly. Now come on, let's get some food and then barricade ourselves in my quarters before Seraphine decides to take an evening stroll through the settlement."

They made their way through the darkening settlement, and Satou couldn't shake the feeling that the next three days were going to test them in ways the dungeon never had.

Lyra's quarters were indeed larger than Satou's—she'd claimed one of the better buildings early on, reasoning that the administrator needed space for both living and work. The main room served as an office, with a desk covered in neat stacks of documents, but there was a separate sleeping area with a bed that was notably larger than Satou's.

"I had them make a bigger bed when I moved in," Lyra explained, seeing Satou's look. "I like space when I sleep. Though now I'm glad I did—it'll fit all three of us comfortably."

Jessica was looking around the quarters with interest, having never been inside Lyra's private space before. Everything was organized with the same efficient precision Lyra brought to settlement administration. Books were arranged by topic. Clothing was neatly stored. Even decorative elements had clear purpose and placement.

"It's very... you," Jessica observed. "Everything has its place."

"Chaos in my work means chaos in the settlement," Lyra replied. "I prefer order." She moved to her desk and pulled out a map of the settlement. "Now, let's talk strategy for the next three days."

Author Note

Hello its author here , i am here to ask what you think about the current arc , and if you can guessed what will happen in this arc , anybody that wins the guess , i will upload 5 extra chapters this week

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