In the western district of Demon City, Elm Street's temple.
A Shadow Priest cloaked in black robes sat shoulder to shoulder on a pew in the main hall with an elegantly dressed man.
The believers passing through the main hall kept casting respectful glances at the finely attired man, solely because his sculpted-like handsome features were quite extraordinary.
In Hell, such appearances were usually found among the Enchanting Demons or Blood Race.
And considering the Shadow Priest's aversion to Enchanting Demons, the man's identity seemed self-evident, leaving only one possibility.
"How has he been doing recently?"
"So-so... How well can an 'orphan' do? Mr. Roxey Colin, can't you imagine what it's like? That place is where Demon Kings are nurtured."
"I know, the teaching there is very strict—"
"Not just strict. Most of the students there are High-level Demons of prominent status just like you. As a 'pureblood' human, he not only has to study there but also be careful not to become prey for the other Demons."
Sensing displeasure and disapproval in the tone, Roxey Colin's expression turned slightly awkward, but he still instinctively tried to excuse his irresponsibility.
"To be honest... I hadn't thought he would take this path; I would have preferred he become a clergyman like Tiffany, serving His Majesty the Demon God..."
Feeling the murderous intent in the gaze beside him, Roxey involuntarily shuddered his neck and wisely shut his mouth.
Though he was a Vampire Duke, he had little confidence in the presence of this Shadow Priest.
It was irrelevant to either strength or status.
Mainly because this elderly human Shadow Priest was the foster father of his late lover, or in other words, his prospective father-in-law.
But that's not all.
After his lover had died from a magical ailment that was beyond cure, he had the impudence to beg this "father-in-law" to take in the fruit of their union—Luo Yan.
Even in Hell, being an illegitimate child was a disgrace, especially one born to a clergyman.
But he actually had no choice.
Being born into a prestigious household like the Colin family, even a Vampire Duke had many moments where he had no control over his fate.
The elders and the Clan Leader of the family would not agree to him bringing in an illegitimate child to dilute the Colin family's noble blood. In the whole of Hell, no one was more obsessed with bloodline than the Blood Race.
And shortly after Tiffany's death, Roxey had been compelled under his father's directive to marry the eldest daughter of a collateral family, and now he already had a son and a daughter.
"Becoming a clergyman... Hah, His Majesty the Demon God's temple has almost become a harem for your kind to raise illegitimate children!"
Geoffrey sighed, and although he had little respect for the man deep down, he did not wish to be too harsh... after all it was pointless.
The words that needed to be said had already been spoken eighteen years ago; he truly did not wish to repeat them.
After a pause, the aged Shadow Priest slowly began speaking again.
"Luo Yan... he's a very hardworking kid. He has his own ideas and convictions. He even chose his own name. Since you've decided not to involve him in the affairs of the Colin family, I hope you'll be consistent in your actions and words, refrain from interfering with his development."
"I know, I know."
Roxey smiled weakly, looking towards the statue at the front of the temple, his eyes showing a trace of weariness but also a touch of pride.
"To be honest, it's a surprise to me too. He's even more diligent and impressive than I imagined. Although there's nothing to be done about his Casting Talent, in a place like Demon King Academy, his written test scores have been perfect in all subjects, and for two consecutive years at that... Perhaps he's even more suited to be the next Family Head than I am."
Although Vampires were immortal, the Family Head could not hold the position forever.
Every century, the Family Head would pass on the title of the Vampire Prince symbolizing the head of the family to the next Family Head, while entering the honorable Council of Elders themselves.
However, because of this system, the Family Head actually has little real power in the first fifty years, and the latter fifty years are basically governed together with the Council of Elders.
And for a Family Head like him, it was possible he might be a puppet for the Council of Elders for the whole century... until his child becomes the next Family Head and passively becomes a dominant Vampire Prince due to the weakness of the previous generation.
Observing this indecisive man, Geoffrey calmly stated.
"I remind you once again, you said you would not involve him in the Colin family's conflicts."
At that moment, a bat flew into the temple from the main door and skillfully landed beside the pew.
Seeing the copper tube tied to the bat's foot, Geoffrey reached out to remove it, taking out the letter inside while slipping in a banknote as payment for delivering the message.
Watching the bat flap away, Geoffrey unfolded the letter and upon seeing the end, a smile appeared on his face before handing it to Roxey sitting beside him.
"A letter from your son. I was going to read it to you... but you should see it for yourself."
Roxey took the letter carefully, unfolding it.
When he read that Luo Yan had volunteered to take on the role of Demon King and earned the appreciation of a Demigod Witch Demon, who recommended him for an important position in the cabinet, he stood up involuntarily, although he quickly sat back down.
"He actually chose to become a Demon King?!"
This child... had far more guts than his father.
At this thought, Roxey felt a mix of mortification and pride for his son.