Night had fallen.
Rebecca's younger siblings, just like before, clustered around Yuuki. Each of them held their breath, afraid of disturbing him, and listened intently as he continued his story.
This time, it was a brand-new tale: Thumbelina.
Halfway through, Yuuki glanced at the clock on the wall above the restaurant and paused.
"Time's up. You all should go to bed. We'll finish the story tomorrow."
He picked up the water cup from the table, took a sip, and smiled at Rebecca's siblings.
"Ah!"
"What a shame."
"We were just at the exciting part!"
"Tell us more, Yuuki!"
The children's excited chatter rose immediately.
"If you want to hear the rest tomorrow, then go to sleep now," he said calmly, his tone gentle yet firm.
To Rebecca's siblings, it was almost terrifying. In a world with magic yet resembling a medieval society, stories were one of the few sources of entertainment for children.
Without hesitation, the children quickly covered their mouths and ran upstairs, afraid that if they delayed even a second, Yuuki would never tell the story again.
Yuuki relaxed as he watched them go. Compared to the children at the Haji Village church, Rebecca's siblings were far easier to manage.
About ten minutes later, Rebecca returned carrying a wooden bucket. She first looked at the places where her siblings usually sat.
"They're already asleep," she said.
Yuuki quietly acknowledged her observation.
"Thank you so much, Yuuki," Rebecca said, bowing in gratitude. The gesture was so exaggerated that it made Yuuki feel the world sway slightly.
"Don't mention it," he replied. "You gave me a discount on the room, so it's only fair I help with your siblings."
He didn't lack money for lodging, but Rebecca didn't know that, he had intentionally received a very generous discount when he decided to stay in the capital.
"Since you're back, I'll head to my room now," he said, nodding to her, and left.
Rebecca watched his retreating figure and whispered to herself, "He's such a kind person."
Elsewhere.
Back in his room, Yuuki immediately closed the door behind him.
"A slight waste of time," he muttered. Then he raised his hand and grasped at the air.
Interdimensional space!
He pulled out the White Robe of the Three Eyes from the space and put it on. Next, he took out a pure black mask, leaving only his eyes visible—a simple mask he had bought for one yul from a street vendor after mailing letters to Asta and Yuno earlier.
"Spatial transfer."
With the robe and mask in place, he stepped into a black spatial portal that appeared in his room and disappeared.
When he reappeared, it was in a dark alleyway.
"Whoosh! Whoosh! … Whoosh!"
As soon as Yuuki emerged, several figures swarmed from the alley, surrounding him.
But seeing the Three Eyes robe he wore, they immediately knelt.
"Greetings, Master!"
"…"
"Greetings, Master!"
A deep voice came from under Yuuki's black mask.
"From today onward, I'll be in charge of the capital. You should be aware of this."
"Yes, Master," a respectful voice replied.
"Are there only ten of you stationed in the capital?" Yuuki asked, scanning the group with some surprise.
"Master, Lord Valtos did not assign many here previously. With the Magic Knights stationed, having too many people might cause unnecessary trouble."
"Master, if you wish to bring in personnel from other towns, you may."
The member spoke with a trace of resentment when mentioning the Magic Knights. Yuuki noticed it immediately—anyone in the White Night Eye harbored some grudges against the Knights and nobles.
"No need. If this was Lord Valtos previous arrangement, we'll continue as before," Yuuki said. "Aside from the Black Bull's and Golden Dawn, which I will personally monitor, keep tabs on the rest of the Knights. Report any suspicious activity every five days."
"Yes, Master!"
"Yes, Master!"
Yuuki then asked, "You know the location of the black market, right?"
"Yes, Master. It's in the seventh alley on the second main street of Kika Town. On the surface, it looks like a dead end, but it's magically rigged to allow direct entry."
"Good. I also need you to find someone named Baro. He collects mana in secret and trades it for money. Whoever finds him first will receive a reward of 5,000 yul."
"Yes, Master!"
"Yes, Master!"
Excitement and respect echoed through the alley. In any world, money is the best motivator. Though these members showed respect, it was Yuuki's position that commanded it.
Yuuki had no need to gradually win their loyalty—they were already bound to the Midnight sun's sacrificial magic. Since they obeyed him, he could use them for his own purposes without issue. Baro would be the key to his plan.
(End of Chapter)
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