The Hero Reborn as a Demon King Loli

That's right, it's a matter of interests. After all, if we work according to Chloe's plan, it will be a "huge project"... It will require investment and assistance from many nobles, because this is not an "investment project" that can be solved by the "national treasury" alone.

As for why it's called an "investment project," that requires us to talk about Chloe's project... or rather, the specific details of her proposed work plan.

In fact, the specific details of Chloe's proposed work plan can be summarized in just four words: invest in opening a store.

Chloe's idea is to open numerous shops selling simple potato products in cities large and small throughout the Demon Realm, so that the people of the Demon Realm can accept this food.

These shops initially focused on promoting potatoes to the general public, charging only cost price or even giving away goods at half price... The food processing was handled by Chloe and her team, but opening the shops and promoting them required a large initial investment, which is why noble investment was needed.

In order to persuade the nobles, Chloe's proposal also included the idea that once potatoes were accepted by the public and actively cultivated, they could be turned into a source of income. Furthermore, Chloe's side could provide the nobles with even more profitable potato processing methods.

Although the idea is simple in summary, Chloe had many considerations involved. In fact, Chloe submitted dozens of pages of reports to Lulum to persuade Lulum and the other nobles.

In short, Chloe's "investment project" was theoretically sound, and it was approved by the Demon King and all four Heavenly Kings... most importantly, it was profitable, so the nobles actually agreed to this "investment project" ten days ago.

However, Lulum still needs to argue with those nobles for a while regarding the so-called "distribution of benefits."

This is why it took another ten days for Lulum to reach an agreement with the nobles on the issue of interests.

In fact, if Lulum hadn't made the biggest concession on this matter, essentially giving up all her gains to reach an agreement so quickly, those nobles might have dragged their feet for much longer.

Honestly, if there hadn't been so little time, Lulum would definitely have had Black Lulum "have a good chat" with those old-fashioned nobles. After all, in the end, the Demon Realm is still a place where strength reigns supreme...

……

After thoroughly negotiating the interests with the nobles, Lulum took a half-day off and returned home ahead of schedule.

Ten days ago, after Chloe, as one of the Four Heavenly Kings, finished discussing the "project" with her, the remaining part of arguing with the nobles was hampered by Chloe's often extreme words, and even her repeated attempts to draw her sword and kill those "greedy" nobles... Although Blacklum and the [Dragon King] both expressed their support for Chloe's killing, they were both "kicked out of the meeting" by Lulum.

However, it was precisely because Lulum refused to let Chloe participate in the meetings that Chloe was able to legitimately slack off at home, except for occasionally going to provide "psychological counseling" to those members of the Abyss Order who were under "centralized control".

Lulum already knew this, which is why she deliberately gave herself half a day off and went home to find Chloe... In other words, Lulum actually had something she wanted to talk to Chloe about, which is why she gave herself half a day off.

However, when Lulu returned home, she found several people gathered around a table in the living room, doing something. Chloe, on the other hand, looked like a pitiful little animal being bullied, shivering in a corner.

"What's wrong with Chloe? Is she being bullied...? It seems like no one here can bully her..."

Just as Lulum was wondering what was going on and was about to walk up to Chloe to ask what was happening, she suddenly noticed what the people around the table were gathered around.

It was a picture book... and Chloe's figure in that picture book also caught her eye.

Chapter 396 The Instinct for Survival Erupted

The so-called "picture book" that everyone was gathered around was, of course, the thing that Ilya and Sofina had made using Chloe as their "model".

Although it's called a "picture book," it's actually a light novel written by Illya, illustrated by Sofina, and with Chloe serving as the subject of various interpretations.

However, this is a light novel with "more illustrations," and because almost every page has illustrations, it is more like an "art book" than a regular novel.

Of course, in Chloe's view, this is generally called differential astringency... cough cough.

As for the specific content... well, there's no need to go into too much detail. It's just a bunch of suggestive stuff that makes you blush, but lacks any "details" or "key points."

However, this art form is still a bit ahead of its time for people in this world... This can be seen from the "righteous" judgments of the "onlookers"... It's just that their eyes, which they can't take their eyes off each other, and their almost uniform expressions reveal their true thoughts, which each of them knows without saying.

On the other hand, how did this "picture book" end up in Chloe's house?

The answer is quite simple: the "picture book" has been successfully published by Ilya and her friends and has been sold all over the Demon Realm... In short, it was bought back by someone.

In short, it couldn't have been something Ilya presented for everyone to "appreciate," because Chloe and Ilya had made an agreement... In any case, Ilya still had a "survival instinct," so she didn't promote her work to any "acquaintances," but simply published it quietly.

Even Chloe only found out today that this "picture book" has become a bestseller in the Demon Realm.

Incidentally, aside from being used as an illustrator by Ilyara, Sofina didn't care about anything else, so no matter what, it's impossible to blame Sofina.

The reason why someone bought this "picture book" and took it out for "public appreciation" is... well, besides the fact that it's a bestseller, of course, because of the pictures on it.

Those familiar with Chloe will almost always mistake the people in the "picture book" for Chloe.

Although the "protagonist" in the "art book" is completely different in details and aspects, and the setting of "the hero who is reincarnated as a succubus older sister" is not related to Chloe... at least everyone except a few people who know the truth thinks so, but the illustrations in this "art book" are based on Chloe, and Chloe actually served as the model for the illustrations, so in general, people who are familiar with Chloe can easily "visualize" as Chloe.

Chloe could theoretically be completely unfazed... after all, besides Ilya and Sofina, the only other people who knew the truth were Li Baixue and Stella.

Stella had been involved in Chloe's modeling work throughout, and was probably even the first person to appreciate the "book," so she didn't find the book that everyone was gathered around particularly interesting. She simply stayed quietly by Chloe's side.

As for Li Baixue... she was certain that the "protagonist" in the "picture book" was Chloe, but she also knew that it was definitely not Chloe's masterpiece... However, knowing that some things should not be publicized, she did not make a fuss. She just "appreciated" it with others while subtly glancing at Ilya with a "trash-looking" gaze.

The group gathered around the table "admiring" this "picture book" naturally did not include the two authors, Ilya and Sofina... Didn't they know what they had created? Besides, they had both seen the real thing... cough cough cough.

Although they weren't gathered around the table, Li Baixue's reaction suggested that the two of them were in the living room... only their "postures" were somewhat like performance art.

Sofina was alright; she simply stood by Chloe's side, reflecting on her actions, and seemed to be just like Stella, who was keeping Chloe company in her solitude.

It's mainly Ilya's side... Although she's also "facing the wall in reflection," she's facing the ceiling.

Yeah, she had her face pressed against the ceiling... and she did it on her own... only Chloe knows why she did it.

Chloe knew that once Ilya finished the "picture book" and put it on the market, she would one day face the scene of being "publicly executed".

But faced with this situation, she was so embarrassed that she ran to a corner and shut herself off.

Chloe hadn't expected this day to come so soon... and even if it were just ordinary people who saw it, Chloe wouldn't have become so withdrawn... but the problem was that this "picture book" was brought to her house by her classmates to show to these people she was close to.

That's right, the person who sent this "picture book" was none other than Chloe's only classmate with whom she could chat, namely Satania.

And most importantly, according to Satania, this "picture book" has spread throughout the entire academy, and because the protagonist looks very much like Chloe, and because Chloe took a long leave of absence and had not attended classes for a long time... so everyone in the class is saying that Chloe went to the "sea" during this period.

So even though Chloe thought she had a very strong mental fortitude and was mentally prepared for this kind of thing, she still couldn't help but squat in the corner and shut herself off after hearing the news.

Of course, Chloe did not admit that the prototype of this "picture book" was herself... and everyone who saw the "picture book" could understand why Chloe "inexplicably" became the protagonist of the "picture book" and became withdrawn after receiving such bad rumors.

This is truly tragic, so tragic that they all wanted to write the word "tragic" all over Chloe's legs.

……

In short, returning to the initial topic, it was precisely because of Chloe's "reclusive" behavior that, in Lulum's eyes, Chloe seemed to be "bullied"...

But when Lulum glanced at the contents of that "picture book," she seemed to understand why Chloe was "reclusive"... That's right, Lulum was also "hallucinating" Chloe as the protagonist of the "picture book."

However, just as Lulum was about to move closer to the group to take a closer look at the contents of what even she mistook for Chloe's "picture book," Chloe, who was in her solitude, suddenly sensed Lulum's presence.

Chloe, who was feeling withdrawn, turned around and saw Lulum curiously peering into the "picture book"... Then, realizing what Lulum was curious about, Chloe also showed an expression of "utter horror".

"No! Don't look!"

Chloe screamed in panic as she rushed into the crowd and instantly destroyed the "picture book".

If it were Lulum, she would definitely recognize that the protagonist of this "picture book" is her... If Lulum knew that she had sold herself out for money... No way!

Although Chloe was only selling her image rights, if Lulum saw this "picture book"... Chloe said she couldn't handle it.

Driven by her "survival instinct," Chloe unleashed a speed that subtly surpassed her peak performance. Of course, the price was that after destroying the "book," Chloe collapsed from exhaustion and even sustained some injuries.

Upon seeing the exhausted and injured Chloe, Lulum lost interest in the "picture book" and immediately began treating Chloe.

Chloe breathed a sigh of relief at this.

The others who hadn't finished reading the "picture book" were momentarily bewildered by Chloe's sudden outburst and destruction of it, but after seeing Lulum, they understood what was going on.

However, before Chloe could fully relax, a figure who hadn't appeared in a long time suddenly pushed open the door and entered the living room.

"Look what I've found! Doesn't this look like Chloe... Lady?"

This person was none other than Lin Feier, who had been busy working overtime lately, and at this moment she was holding a "picture book" that was exactly the same as the one from before...

Seeing Linfiel suddenly appear, holding a "picture book" in her hand, Chloe, who had unleashed her potential and was unable to move, rolled her eyes back and fainted as if she hadn't caught her breath.

Chapter 397 Isn't this bullying honest people?!

Chloe suddenly "fainted"... Well, those who know, know. It was just a tactical fainting spell to distract Lulum.

Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. Lulum wasn't drawn to Chloe's actions... because Chloe seemed flustered, revealing too much of her emotions, and most importantly, her reactions were slow...

However, there was nothing that could be done about it. After all, when Chloe hurriedly destroyed the sketchbook in Illya's hands, she clearly looked relieved, which showed that Lulum had developed a strong interest in the sketchbook.

Lulum was originally planning to ask Chloe what was going on, but before Lulum could even ask Chloe, she noticed that Linfiel was rapidly approaching the house.

Sensing that Linfiel had rushed over to find Chloe and the others, Lulum assumed that she had something urgent to attend to, so Lulum used magic to teleport Linfiel back.

Simply put, Linfiel's "sudden appearance" was actually part of Lulum's plan.

Before being teleported to the house, Linfeier naturally realized that this was the Demon King's doing, so she didn't have too many doubts and simply appeared "suddenly" in front of everyone.

And he was also holding the same kind of picture book that Chloe had destroyed before...

Linfiel was originally teleported from Lulum, so Lulum's attention was naturally largely focused on Linfiel. Therefore, from the moment Linfiel appeared, Lulum actually saw the sketchbook in Linfiel's hand...

Of course, even so, Chloe could still have "made amends" with this tactic... If Chloe had simply attracted Lulum's attention by feigning unconsciousness, thus putting herself in danger, and then used hints and telepathy to have others "dispose" of the sketchbook in Linfiel's hands along with Linfiel herself, she could have succeeded.

The problem is that Chloe, who had just breathed a sigh of relief and was thinking about how to explain Lulum's previous "destroying the book and destroying the evidence" operation, was also momentarily stunned when she saw Linfiel, who hadn't appeared for a long time.

Some even wondered, "Who is this?" After all, Linfiel hadn't appeared in front of her for a long time since she had sent her to Lucas's territory... or rather, to help with work in her territory. In addition, she wasn't dressed in her usual black robes, but in casual clothes, so it was normal for Chloe not to recognize her at first.

Then, by the time Chloe realized who it was, Linfair had already finished "introducing" the picture book in her hand.

Even though Chloe reacted quickly after Linfair finished introducing the picture book, it was to no avail... because Lulum had already taken the picture book from Linfair while she was falling.

In short, since Linfeel, who had been "missing" for a long time, suddenly returned with the picture book, the picture book "jointly published" by Chloe and Ilya eventually ended up in Lulum's hands.

Now that Lulum had obtained the sketchbook, Chloe, who had "fainted," lay on the ground for a few seconds... or rather, after Lulum examined her body with more than a dozen kinds of magic, she got up with a sincere expression. After looking at the sketchbook tightly clutched in Lulum's hand with a complicated look, she explained the whole story to Lulum like a criminal confessing in an interrogation room...

"So, Chloe, you're just doing modeling to earn some extra money? Then what's all the fuss about?"

Lulum, who had only listened to half of Chloe's explanation, patted Chloe, who was standing in front of her with her head down like a child who had made a mistake, and said in a puzzled tone.

Throughout Chloe's explanation, Lulum merely tilted her head, casually flipped through the sketchbook in her hand, and gazed at the pictures and words in the sketchbook with her bewildered pink eyes.

Lulum glanced at the text and roughly deduced that it was a picture book similar to a novel. Apart from some words she didn't quite understand, there weren't any major problems.

As for those paintings that Chloe and the others found erotic... perhaps it's because she's a native demon and a succubus, she's seen quite a few "proper" succubi... Compared to "proper" succubi, the images in those paintings seem so... childish, whether in terms of clothing or poses.

If Lulum were to express her feelings after hearing Chloe's explanation in Chloe's way, it would definitely be... That's it? That's it? Isn't that proper succubus more lewd than this?

Chloe only understood Lulum's thoughts later on. After thinking of Miukia and glancing at Tiffany, she also came to understand Lulum's intentions...

……

After the little farce caused by the picture book ended, Lulum also told Chloe why she had suddenly returned.

Chloe was overjoyed to hear that Lulum had already reached an agreement with the demon nobles on the distribution of profits, and that potatoes could be widely cultivated throughout the demon realm.

So she immediately ran to the vegetable garden... and harvested a batch of plants from the experimental field near the laboratory, and made a big meal to celebrate.

After all, this is a stage victory. As long as potatoes are fully promoted in the Demon Realm, it will definitely alleviate the food pressure in the Demon Realm from the root.

While the food problem in the Demon Realm cannot be completely solved, at least for the time being, there is no need to worry about being forced into war due to food issues.

At the very least, Myuukia won't make things difficult for Lulum anymore.

This is undoubtedly another step closer to world peace!

However, Chloe and the others only had a small celebration, and in the days that followed, they continued with their respective work.

While handling matters in the Demon Realm, Lulum also devoted herself to research based on the success of the potato.

Chloe also spends her days training to improve herself and then happily slacking off after training.

Others were either studying, helping out, or slacking off, and their days were fulfilling and peaceful.

And so, the Demon Realm lived in peace for another month or so, so peaceful that hardly any activity from the Abyss Order was discovered during that time.

While it's a good thing that the Abyss Order isn't causing trouble, even Li Baixue, a child, felt that their sudden silence might be brewing some huge conspiracy...

Don't forget, those "traitorous leaders" of the Abyss Order are still in their hands.

Since Chloe had Stella relay the news of the "traitorous leader" back to the Abyss Order, the Abyss Order has fallen silent. This makes it hard for Chloe and the others not to suspect that the Abyss Order is up to something big.

Therefore, Chloe and the others were actually on guard against the Abyss Cult for more than a month.

However, just as Chloe and her companions were becoming increasingly uneasy about the Abyss Order's "big move," Demon Queen Stella suddenly sent Chloe a communication call. After receiving the call and hearing Stella's words, Chloe's eyes widened, and she spoke to Stella on the other end of the call in an incredulous tone:

"You mean... I've been 'promoted' by the leader of the Abyss Order? After heated discussions among the Abyss Order's higher-ups, they unanimously decided that this whole matter concerning the traitor is now entirely entrusted to me?...Isn't this bullying an honest person?!"

These 1 articles are all free labor.

Why did Chloe shout "You're bullying an honest person"?

This requires a detailed account of what Chloe heard from the Demon Queen Stella.

This is what Stella, the Demon King, told Chloe. After she relayed the message back to the Abyss Order, the news, as planned, reached the ears of the leader of the Abyss Order.

However, after receiving news that almost all of the leaders of the "traitors" on the Demon Realm side had been captured and that they had obtained a list of 80% of the "traitors," the leader of the Abyss Order remained extremely cautious and did not show up. He did not even "play his cards" as usual, that is, he did not send people to "recover" those "traitors" and intelligence, as Chloe had requested.