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After a shocking meal that left many in awe, Lewin returned to his room to find his servants silent. Seeking conversation, he asked, “Don’t you want to talk?”

Unexpectedly, their response was a simple “Yes,” which caught Lewin off guard. Even Eyriel and Hains appeared troubled, their expressions hinting at an underlying issue.

“Are you sure?” Lewin inquired, his suspicions growing. Alex, noticing his unease, spoke up with a reassuring smile. “You’re not upset about Young Master not going to the Royal academy, are you?”

As Alex broached the topic, the three servants chimed in almost simultaneously, “We’re actually relieved.” Daisy’s genuine sigh of relief struck Lewin as peculiar. He wondered, ‘Is this not what I anticipated?’

The reaction seemed odd considering the commotion he had caused. “Exactly. Frankly, I was worried we might encounter trouble at the Royal Academy…”

Lewin couldn’t help but question Eyriel’s thoughts. Her pale complexion and trembling voice betrayed her anxiety. “If it were Beresha Academy, we could use the Dryerf family’s influence to cover up any incidents.”

Hains had already been contemplating how to employ their power to conceal any mishaps. “Your decision rendered our survival plan for the Royal Academy useless.”

“The best outcome is to avoid any accidents.”

“In other words…”

“It’s actually a good thing?”

“Uh-huh?”

Each statement resonated with sincerity. Lewin pondered whether he should find solace in this unexpected support or if it irritated him, as he had worried about unnecessary interference.

“We always respect your choices.”

“Then show some respect when I say I don’t want to attend classes.”

“We have no choice; the family’s decision takes precedence.”

“The family pays our salaries.”

“In reality, we are purchased by the family.”

“Indeed.”

They were skilled at rhetoric. It was common for servants to defer to their masters. But why were his servants like this?

‘Is it because of me?’

Initially, things were not this way. Lewin acknowledged that it was all karmic retribution, yet nothing had changed.

‘Living like this isn’t boring.’

9 years old.

By ordinary standards, it was a very young age, but not for Lewin of his previous life.

The Demon Tribe, who live for hundreds of years according to their race, and their king, the Demon King.

In a situation where such monsters could invade, he could not waste 9 years.

He openly displayed his talent, leveraging his family’s influence to attract promising individuals. Every day, every hour was invaluable as he honed his swordsmanship and magic skills. People looked at him with awe and fear, unable to fathom that Lewin of that time and they were the same human beings.

That’s why no one found it peculiar when the Lewin of his former life was chosen as a hero.

‘That’s what’s truly strange.’

What kind of life had his past self lived? The more Lewin contemplated it, the more questions surfaced.

Nine lifetimes were sufficient to experience such a lifestyle.

That’s why, even in the face of his servants’ unexpected reaction, Lewin could still smile.

“I appreciate your enthusiasm.”

“Noooo!”

Lewin’s statement was met with a piercing scream that reverberated through the room.

Perplexed, Lewin turned his gaze toward the source of the scream.

“When did you get here?”

There stood Laila, her face etched with exhaustion as she sobbed uncontrollably.

“Oh my!”

Though she appeared furious, Lewin remained unfazed.

‘How?’

Had she received the blessings of a true stealth god?

Despite being reborn and having his abilities reset, she managed to bypass his senses and enter unnoticed!

‘Laila, she’s terrifying.’

Was it just his imagination?

Gradually, he sensed her presence fading more and more.

‘If she grows up a bit more, she could probably speak right next to me without me even noticing.’

‘It defies common sense, but it seems plausible if it’s Laila.’

With a somber expression, Lewin spoke sincerely to Laila, who was looking up at him.

“It’s okay to be inconspicuous, just grow up to be kind.”

If any part of her innate disposition or environment had been negative, she could have become a significant figure in a detrimental way.

Lewin believed so as he gently stroked Laila’s head.

“What?”

Laila, biting her lip tightly, anxiously swatted Lewin’s hand away.

“Why are you doing this?”

“Are you really going to Beresha Academy? Really? Truly?”

Despite the pitiful look in her teary eyes, Lewin dismissed it lightly.

“Yes.”

“Aren’t you going to stop him?”

“…The opposition wouldn’t change anything.”

Alex’s gaze met Laila’s clear, doe-like eyes, causing him to hesitate. However, she was not his master.

“Am I really going alone?”

Laila envisioned her life at the academy.

Nobody recognizing her, and her living a solitary existence at the academy.

For a very long time!

Laila’s pale face shook vehemently at the thought.

“That can’t happen!”

The mere idea made Laila feel lightheaded.

Of course, there was a possibility that she would meet good friends who would recognize her at the royal academy.

‘If I can’t make friends, it would be a big problem!’

Combining elementary education with high school, that’s over 10 years.

Laila didn’t have the courage to stake everything on a single gamble.

Thus, she saw only one path before her.

“I will go to Beresha Academy too!”

And after a while…

“That’s not possible…”

As expected, her request was rejected.

***

“Why can’t I?”

Laila muttered, her face pressed against the table, wearing a gloomy expression.

“Of course you can’t.”

It was undoubtedly a great disappointment, but it was inevitable.

She had been educated according to the empire’s finest curriculum, so it was only natural for her sudden desire to attend an academy far below that level to be discouraged.

“Why can’t I?”

Laila pouted her lips, raising her head with her cheeks puffed up.

Her cheeks had turned slightly red from rubbing her face against the table for an extended period.

“Because you excel too much in your studies.”

If Laila’s grades had been poor, going to Beresha Academy wouldn’t have been a bad choice. However, her grades were exceptional. She not only qualified for the Royal Academy but also had the potential to be the valedictorian.

“Lewin is better.”

“Yes, and I was better at convincing my parents.”

“That’s true.”

“I never imagined that even the Lord would share the same thoughts as us.”

“That’s why regular behavior is important…”

Hains mumbled, scratching his head.

“Is it really different?”

When it came to regular behavior, Laila was far superior. To be honest, comparing them felt unfair.

“It can be seen as a difference in perspective. Being well-behaved doesn’t always lead to advantages.”

“I guess so…”

“Even if you spot a black dot on a black surface, it won’t stand out. But if you spot a black dot on a white surface, even a tiny dot becomes clearly visible. It’s the same principle.”

Hains nodded in understanding, while Lewin muttered in disbelief.

“…Am I the black dot?”

“Well, it’s quite obvious, young master.”

Daisy, who overheard his mutter, responded, making Lewin click his tongue and shift his gaze to Laila.

“Well, that’s what they say.”

“Hmph…”

“Hmph…”

As Lewin’s finger poked Laila’s cheek, the air leaked out like a balloon with a hole.

“Miss, here’s a cookie for you.”

“Ah.”

Eyriel handed a cookie to Laila, whose cheeks had returned to their normal state. Laila accepted it without refusal and began to chew and swallow.

“Is white a bad color?”

“No, miss. It’s not that white is bad; it’s just that black is more striking.”

“Black is bad?”

“Yes, miss. Think about it. In most tales, the hero is portrayed in white armor, while the demon king is depicted in black.”

“Black is bad?”

Lewin felt that it was going a bit too far to comfort Laila in this manner.

Then…

“And who says the hero’s costume is white? More often than not, it’s black!”

The sword of the gods, the hope of humanity.

While many legends depict the hero wearing pure white armor, wielding a white sword and shield, the reality is quite different.

“Don’t they usually depict it that way?”

“Think logically. The demons are sharpening their blades to kill the hero. Would he wander around the battlefield in such conspicuous attire?”

‘Difficulty in acquiring magical coordinates? Let’s wear eye-catching clothes to make it easier for the enemy to target us!’

The hero’s costume in legends was exactly that.

“And even if they did wear such armor, where would they find the time to maintain it on a blood-stained battlefield? After a few days, it would be stained black.”

If they had the luxury to polish their armor, they should use that time to behead the demon king.

This is why Lewin believed that fairy tales and legends were misleading children.

“Why are you so angry?”

Hains was taken aback by Lewin’s sudden outburst.

He initially thought Lewin was angry because he was being teased, but he knew that Lewin wasn’t the type to get upset over such things.

“Do you think life is as simple as a legend? Huh? The hero and the demon king die together, and the world is peaceful again! Do you really believe it will end the same way?”

Absolutely not.

The hero who had experienced it nine times, the seasoned hero, had long gone on strike.

Yet humanity continued to reassure people with empty legends.

“Will the demon king appear again?”

“I don’t know.”

Lewin shook his head in response to Eyriel’s question.

Not all of his nine past lives had the demon king make an appearance. While there were often connections with the demon race, there were also times when only warlocks or followers of the demon god emerged.

“Don’t the prophets have endless debates about whether the demon king will arise in this generation or not?”

If he does appear, they claim victory. If not, they can simply say, “Well, it was a possibility.”

The chances of the demon king appearing or not are 50 percent.

Even if someone boldly states, “The demon king will appear!” or “No, he won’t!”, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to consider them aspiring prophets.

“So, one must be cautious and prepared at all times… uh… what?”

Lewin shifted his gaze to the sensation of a finger poking his side.

There stood Laila, who had finished her cookie and puffed up her cheeks once again.

“I was talking, and you casually stole the conversation and ignored me.”

“That’s because you lack presence… hey! It hurts when you poke someone with a mana-infused finger, you know? If you do it wrong, you could pierce through!”

True to her status as the scion of a prestigious family, Laila, who had already awakened her mana and was learning magic, weakly poked Lewin’s side with her finger.

“I’m sorry I don’t have a presence. That’s why I wanted to go to the academy with someone who would notice!”

Kkug-Kkug-Kug

Laila’s manipulation of mana was laughable compared to a knight enchanting a sword with magic.

“Does it hurt?”

“Of course it hurts when you’re poking me to hurt!”

But it truly did hurt. It hurt quite a bit.

If he wanted, he could easily put an end to it.

“Master…”

“He made her cry again.”

Sigh…

It’s unfair.

What did he do wrong?

He’s the one currently being struck!

Lewin, though feeling deeply aggrieved, swallowed his resentment.

‘Alright, I’ll endure.’

As a man who had lived through ten lifetimes, what other choice did he have?

“Do you really want to go to the academy together?”

“Yes. I don’t have a choice.”

No choice.

Hearing that pitiful statement, Lewin offered heartfelt advice.

.

.

.

“Like this…”

“Can I… Can I do that?”

“Do you want to go to the academy all by yourself?”

“No, no…”

“Do you want to experience being marked absent because the professor couldn’t find you, even though you’re frantically waving your hand during attendance?”

“Absolutely not!”

“Then, you have to do it like this.”

“Okay…”

While observing Lewin instructing Laila on how to get into Beresha Academy, the three individuals pondered.

‘He’s becoming even more black.’

They wondered if it was okay to let things continue like this.

They believed that they should intervene now, while they still could.

The three of them contemplated endlessly, but upon witnessing Laila’s desperate expression as she listened to Lewin, they found themselves unable to utter a word.

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Lewin Dee Dryerf, a 9-year-old boy, had developed a new hobby over the past year. One day, a girl stormed out of Lewin’s room, tears streaming down her face. Surprisingly, nobody paid any attention to her distress. Observing this, Lewin was taken aback.

“Wow,” he exclaimed, witnessing her emotional resilience. “If she continues honing her skills like this, she could become the greatest thief.”

Curiously, he had never provided her with any formal training after their initial encounter. As days passed, he found himself increasingly captivated by her blossoming stealth abilities.

“Master, Miss Laila doesn’t need to aspire to become the finest thief. No, there’s something even greater she can achieve,” a cold voice interjected.

Lewin turned to see Daisy, wearing an indifferent expression, casting a piercing gaze at him. Bewildered, he inquired, “Why?”

Daisy’s gaze remained icy as she responded, “She belongs to the prestigious Reinhardt family. Continually troubling her like this could create significant issues.”

“What? Troubling her? Anyone who hears that would misunderstand,” Lewin retorted, adamantly defending himself against the accusation of tormenting his only companion.

Daisy let out a heavy sigh, clearly exasperated. “And what about the playmate who just ran out crying?”

“People feel wronged when they lose. If they are competitive, they may become angry,” Lewin argued, convinced that it was all part of a fair game.

Unable to find a rebuttal, Daisy remained silent, silently acknowledging his astute point.

‘You articulate your thoughts quite well,’ she mused internally. It was Lewin himself who consistently provoked that competitive spirit, continuously issuing challenges. From Daisy’s perspective, observing from the sidelines, no other villain could be as cunning as this young master.

However, Laila, despite being on the receiving end of Lewin’s provocations, had not yet surrendered her determination.

“She’s quite remarkable,” Lewin commented, seemingly in a different mood.

“……”

“Exceptionally talented, hardworking, and mentally resilient.”

Daisy almost felt as if she could hear a voice saying, ‘There is no greater toy than this!’

She unwittingly let out a sigh.

“But Daisy, you were the one who brought Laila here, correct?” Lewin’s next words left no room for argument.

“That’s correct,” Daisy confirmed, aware of the consequences of her actions.

“I had to do it to ensure you wouldn’t escape, Master.”

Lewin’s enrollment in the academy was just a year away. Daisy had never doubted his ability to pass the entrance exam, despite his apparent lack of study. Somehow, he possessed a vast knowledge base.

The reason Laila had stormed out moments ago was because she lost a match based on what she had learned prior to her academy admission.

“The person who matters most to me is you, Master.”

Therefore, Daisy would employ Laila’s skills to whatever extent necessary.

“That’s scary.” 

“ Butler Alex said— A servant does their best for their Master, and the Karma that arises from that is the Master’s responsibility.”

Lewin was taken aback by her words that seemed to warn him to behave.

“It sounds like a threat, is it just my feeling?”

“It’s only your perception. Where would you find a servant threatening their master?” Daisy responded, dismissing his concerns with a hint of sarcasm.

“You’ve made remarkable progress,” Lewin complimented.

“I owe it all to you, Master..”

“Hehehe.”

“Hohoho.”

As the master and servant laughed in an eerie manner, Laila, clutching a stack of prepared papers, sought out Lewin for their second round.

“ I won’t lose this time.”

“Finished.”

“What?!”

The match concluded five minutes earlier than the previous one, leaving Laila in tears once again as she ran away.

***

“Don’t worry, Miss. It’s the Master who’s peculiar. You’re doing exceptionally well.” 

“Absolutely. It’s commendable that you’re not giving up despite facing such an extraordinary master.” 

“Lady Laila, you will undoubtedly succeed in whatever you do.”

Upon hearing these words of praise from those around her, Laila’s tears began to subside, and her spirits lifted.

“Yes, you’re right. It’s Lewin who’s strange. I’m doing great!”

“That’s correct.”

“The Master is the odd one.”

“Everyone in this mansion is aware of that.”

“…….”

Lewin, who had been quietly listening, was taken aback.

The praise directed at Laila was one thing, but he couldn’t help but suspect that they were subtly mocking him.

“You’re all making fun of me, aren’t you?”

The sarcasm was apparent, even if they tried to deny it.

“No.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Would we dare to mock a noble master like you?”

“Indeed, they are all well-behaved individuals.”

The four of them, including Laila, vehemently denied his accusations.

‘They’re in perfect sync.’

Laila and the three servants worked together so seamlessly that they hardly noticed the absence of Alex.

“I can’t even tell who’s servants you are anymore.”

“Of course.”

“We are servants of the Dryerf family.”

“Lewin Dee Dryerf’s loyal servants.”

“Unfortunately.”

“You must have rehearsed in advance, didn’t you? Right?”

Especially the word “unfortunately” carried a genuine sentiment.

As someone who often got lost, Laila found Lewin’s competent servants endearing.

“Do you want to join our household? We can offer the best compensation in the industry.”

“No, thank you. They wouldn’t. And where did you learn to talk about the best compensation in the industry?”

Lewin frowned at his childhood friend’s covetousness towards his servants, but their response was unexpected.

“We appreciate your kind offer, but we are bound to the Dryerf family and cannot move freely.”

“That’s a shame.”

“Yes, indeed.”

A voice filled with genuine regret.

Lewin was about to say something, but his three servants had already anticipated his thoughts.

“Lady Laila never skips her lessons.”

“She doesn’t escape out of boredom either.”

“And she doesn’t mercilessly beat people under the guise of training.”

“You’ve pent up quite a lot, huh?”

“Why? Don’t you understand?”

Feeling betrayed by their alignment with Laila, his mood soured momentarily.

“In any case, they won’t transfer. They will spend their entire lives taking care of me in this household. So, don’t tempt them.”

“Wow…”

Laila was impressed by his audacity.

“If you have a complaint, find someone else.”

“I tried. But my father scolded me.”

“Miss, imitating the Master’s actions is ill-advised.”

Hains felt sympathy for Duke Reinhardt, who had to hear that his daughter wanted to purchase a slave from the slave market.

“The pursuit of the unknown always deserves admiration, Hains.”

“Don’t plant useless ideas in the noble lady’s mind, Young Master.”

“There should only be one person like you in the world, Young Master.”

“To be honest, even one feels like too many.”

Engaged in a playful argument, they reached the room where Laila and her companions were.

“She’s out!”

The reason why all the servants who should have been attending to Laila were present became evident.

“Have you arrived, miss?”

“…Why are you addressing Lewin!”

Because Laila’s servants lacked the ability to locate her like Lewin’s servants could.

“It’s a misunderstanding, miss.”

“Say it with confidence! Look into my eyes and say it!”

“H-How can I do that?”

Laila puffed out her cheeks, her servant’s eyes trembling as if in an earthquake.

“They certainly know how to have fun.”

“The servants of Sir Lagil or Miss Luna don’t seem like this at all.”

“Young Master, it’s only us.”

“It’s only near you, Young Master.”

“Why does it always become my fault?”

It felt as if all the world’s unfairness was placed on his shoulders.

As Lewin, who had saved the world nine times, it was an incredibly unjust situation.

‘Well, it doesn’t matter now.’

Having saved the world nine times, it should be fine to make a mistake once, right?

“Well, even if it is my fault, it doesn’t matter.”

With that, Lewin could confidently carry on.

“Please don’t admit it!”

As someone overhearing that muttered statement, there was no choice but to feel dejected.

***

“Huh?”

“What?”

“Yes?”

During a peaceful dinner time at the Dryerf residence, that peace was easily shattered by a single comment from Lewin.

“Why are you all reacting like that?”

However, Lewin struggled to comprehend their response.

“Lewin?”

His sister, Luna, who had returned home after a long absence, looked at her brother with trembling eyes.

“Aren’t you coming to our academy?”

The empire provided equal educational opportunities to everyone.

Officially, that was the case, but in reality, there was a significant disparity among academies.

The Royal Academy, directly managed by the royal family, held the highest position among them.

It was the most prestigious academy coveted by all nobles, and all the Dryerf siblings had enrolled there.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Luna’s expression portrayed a sense of world-shattering disappointment, but Lewin remained resolute.

“I’m going elsewhere.”

The Royal Academy surpassed all other academies in the empire, even on the continent.

It excelled because it was established by the most powerful country on the continent, and as its reputation grew, talented individuals naturally flocked to it.

Consequently, it became the foremost educational institution acknowledged by everyone on the continent.

‘But the class hours there are excessively long.’

It had transformed into a place where not only admission but also graduation was challenging.

If one were to treat it casually like any other academy, they would be expelled midway through!

Lewin had an aversion to the bustling atmosphere of a place consumed by an overwhelming enthusiasm for learning.

“R-Really?”

Laila, frozen in place with her spoon halfway to her mouth, stared at Lewin with quivering eyes.

Even she had assumed that Lewin would choose the prestigious Royal Academy.

“Yes.”

The shock was palpable, not only for Luna but also for Laila, who had turned into a statue from the sheer surprise.

Lewin held immense value as a dear friend to Laila.

While playing with children from other families, it often ends up in a game of hide-and-seek, Lewin was an exception.

“You don’t enjoy studying?”

“No, I don’t.”

It was yet another shock.

To outshine Lewin in a battle of knowledge, Laila had diligently read books, keeping her drooping eyelids open.

‘On countless occasions, I had to prevent the servants from turning off the lights when they thought everyone had left!’

Yet now he was denying it all.

It felt so unjust that she almost burst into tears. However,

“It’s not necessary to go specifically to the Royal Academy. I never said I wouldn’t attend any academy.”

Lewin spoke with an air of nonchalance.

‘I was so prepared.’

Lewin had already experienced academy life multiple times.

He had even delved into what was referred to as the grueling life of a graduate student.

Thus, he was well aware of the importance of the academic environment within an academy and had earnestly investigated the merits and drawbacks of the various institutions throughout the empire.

His choice of self-study subjects was a testament to that effort.

Each person he had consulted was either affiliated with an academy or had a past connection to one.

After extracting information about each academy and discerning their distinct characteristics, he had come to a decision.

“I will be attending Beresha Academy.”

Conveniently located on the outskirts of the imperial capital, it boasted a laid-back academic atmosphere.

As one of the relatively newly established academies, it possessed excellent facilities and a sizable campus.

And…

“Why there?”

“The vacation period is the longest.”

Upon hearing that resolute statement, both Laila and Luna were rendered speechless.

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Understanding children is difficult.

But this one is even more challenging.

Lewin pondered and muttered, “…You’re doing well?”

She really was doing well.

But why was she doing so well?

“I guess I’m a bit of a genius.”

Her confident expression as she proudly puffed out her chest was quite endearing.

However, her fleeting glance as if seeking further praise made Lewin slightly concerned about the future.

“You truly are a genius.”

There was no denying it. She was undeniably a genius.

“Right!”

Looking pleased with the compliment, Laila skipped away with light steps, and Lewin nodded in response to her retreating figure.

‘The problem is that she’s a genius in stealth and assassination.’

If it were in his previous life, he would have sought after such talent, with eyes shining with opportunity.

Unfortunately, the Reinhardt family, who traditionally served as the Empire’s Ministerial family, had no need for such skills.

‘I can’t believe this is working.’

Lewin couldn’t help but admire as he watched Laila swiftly maneuver past people.

The basic principle of the stealth technique that Lewin had developed was not overly complicated.

Harmonizing with one’s surroundings.

Becoming one with the background.

And the foundation of it all was the breathing exercise.

‘Absorb mana fully into your entire body and harmonize with the mana.’

It was a method inspired by observing spirits, which could be seen as concentrated forms of mana.

Whether one could perceive spirits or sense mana at all, it all started from there.

The spirits born from nature were merely seen as part of nature until they became aware of mana.

‘I thought it was possible because I stored mana throughout my body through the breathing exercise.’

And it worked when he tried it.

It proved to be remarkably effective.

Since it didn’t utilize any distinct mana, it wouldn’t be detected by mana detection methods. Furthermore, it worked exceptionally well even against those with keen senses, as it blended seamlessly with the natural background.

Sometimes he struggled with old-fashioned traps, but after multiple lifetimes as a hero, he had learned to decipher them easily.

That’s how he managed to pilfer hidden artifacts from royal families and nobles and use them for the greater good, and how he had taken the life of the concealed Demon King.

He even put it to good use for skipping class in this current life.

‘Is that also a talent?’

In contrast, the young girl Laila had yet to master the breathing exercise.

Though she was familiar with mana due to her noble lineage and the presence of mana around her heart, that was the extent of it.

It could be said that she was a genius for quickly absorbing and applying the basics of the stealth technique he taught her.

‘Even geniuses have their limits.’

But that was all.

Even if one was a genius with a sword, it still required mana to infuse into the blade.

The distinction between geniuses in theory and practice was not without reason.

If the body couldn’t keep up, theory would forever remain just theory.

“Huh?”

Lost in thought, Lewin looked ahead and made an unexpected discovery.

***

“And they all got lost.”

“I see.”

Laila, who had been gleefully darting around, soon grew tired and began chattering beside Lewin.

In summary, she explained why she was here and why she had been left alone.

“Everyone seems to have a knack for getting lost,” Laila lamented, and Lewin nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, it’s quite common.”

Lewin recalled the image of Laila’s back that he had seen earlier, when she momentarily blended into her surroundings, making it difficult to distinguish her.

‘I wonder if she received a blessing or a curse from a God’

It wasn’t a special technique or the manipulation of mana. It was something so natural, so inherent to her being that it could be considered a natural phenomenon.

‘She simply lacks a presence.’

Even after living through ten lives, Lewin had never heard of a God of Stealth or a God of Nonexistence. Perhaps she had been blessed by one of those nameless Gods often spoken of, who have lost their names.

Lewin felt a chill, a sense of foreboding that he couldn’t explain without such an explanation.

“How can they always get lost like that!”

Observing Laila’s demeanor, as if she was blaming others for something that wasn’t their fault, Lewin silently gazed at her.

‘Why?’

He couldn’t help but ask this question purely out of curiosity.

Reinhardt.

The family itself exuded an aura that was by no means ordinary.

In this era of peace, they could be considered a family even more powerful than the Dryerf Duke House.

‘But why?’

On closer inspection, Laila’s appearance was exceptional as well.

Her flowing blonde hair below her shoulders gleamed, and her blue eyes, which transparently revealed her emotions, sparkled like jewels.

Though her face had yet to fully mature, based on his experience from ten lifetimes, it was evident that she would grow into a beauty that would captivate both him and ordinary individuals.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Her voice, too, was clear and distinct.

‘Why… can’t it be distinctly audible?’

When he realized this, numerous thoughts began to surface.

“No, it’s odd.”

It was then that Lewin finally grasped the truth.

He had been taken aback when she detected his stealth and caught him, but even before that, he hadn’t been aware of Laila’s presence.

“What is it?”

“It’s something remarkable.”

Though comparing his current body to his prime was a stretch, he was rapidly growing, accumulating experience from ten lifetimes.

The fact that he, of all people, failed to notice an ordinary child who was not a professional assassin.

‘It’s tempting.’

A talent that begins to tempt, even when he doesn’t seek to be a hero.

If he hadn’t resolved against becoming a hero, he would have sought to recruit her by any means necessary.

“Remember the technique I taught you today.”

“Yes!”

The sight of her clumsily nodding her head while smiling was truly endearing.

But why did it appear somewhat blurred?

‘I don’t know how she will utilize the talent bestowed upon her by the heavens.’

That would be her fate.

“Are you troubled?”

“Huh?”

Fate.

Isn’t it a word that carries a tinge of bitterness?

“No, it’s not like that.”

If this child were to resist her fate in the future, he wouldn’t mind lending her a helping hand.

“……?”

“•?”

It was Laila who would later shed tears because of it, but that is a tale for a distant day.

***

A little while later, Lewin safely reunited Laila with her missing party.

“Isn’t this a bit much?”

Although there was some commotion due to the stealth technique that even trained knights couldn’t detect, with a few knights drawing their swords in shock, it soon settled down.

Lewin received praise for finding Laila, but he was forcibly taken away by the servants, including Alex.

“I thought doing good deeds would earn me praise.”

He grumbled with a pout, receiving cold voices in response.

“Ah, you did really well.”

“As expected of the young master.”

“Wow, you’re amazing.”

“You truly are the best, young master.”

Alex, Daisy, Eyriel, and Hains praised Lewin in unenthusiastic voices, as if they had rehearsed it beforehand.

“Hey, just curse at me instead.”

Lewin let out a hollow laugh in response to their cold reactions.

“There’s no servant who would curse their master.”

“Right. Even if we’re abandoned, as servants, we have no choice.”

Alex and Daisy spoke these words in front of and behind Lewin, respectively.

Especially Daisy, perhaps still harboring some resentment from the morning incident, had a sharp edge to her words.

“Right, young master.”

“It was merely a compliment.”

Eyriel and Hains also stood by Lewin’s side.

‘Did I overdo it?’

The handling was too clean.

No matter how well one blended into the surroundings, something would always remain in reality.

Spirits, which could be described as clusters of mana, materialized using mana. But humans did the opposite. Therefore, if one was physically touched, their existence couldn’t be erased.

‘There is a way to counter that, but…’

Was it really necessary to go to such lengths just to avoid a lesson?

.

.

.

“I should have done it.”

Five hours had passed since the start of the class.

Lewin couldn’t help but regret his decision.

“This time, young master…”

This was already the third class.

The lessons kept coming without a break, as if they had designated the entire day for it.

‘They’re really determined, huh.’

As Lewin looked around with such thoughts, he noticed Alex and Daisy exchanging knowing grins.

‘What’s the issue?’

‘It’s all your karma, young master.’

Although they didn’t say it aloud, Lewin could hear the voice in his mind, causing him to grit his teeth and continue with the lesson.

It was because he knew that solving the given tasks quickly would be more beneficial than wasting time here.

“Well, this time…”

“Here’s the answer.”

“Huh…?”

“The answer for the next one.”

The assigned teacher was left baffled by the answers that flowed out before he even had a chance to explain the problem.

“Um, well…”

Had Lewin already learned the content from someone else?

Then why attend the class at all?

“Um, then next is…”

But the teacher was a professional.

Although he was about to move on to the next topic he had prepared, he soon realized that it was unnecessary.

“It’s already done.”

Witnessing all the prepared problems being solved within just ten minutes, he could only despair.

***

Three hours later, the class finally ended.

“This is child abuse.”

Being made to study for eight hours straight.

It was undeniably abuse.

In response to Lewin’s protest, who had previously sacrificed his sleep time and burned his life away, Alex replied firmly.

“If you want to attend the academy, you’ll have to do even more than this.”

This is just the foundation of education.

In higher education, it’s common for students to increase their study hours in order to graduate.

Pointing out this fact, Lewin’s expression turned grim.

“Do I really have to?”

“Young Master….”

Alex’s expression twisted upon hearing Lewin’s words.

He knew all too well that the escape attempts, which had become a daily routine in the Duke’s household, could also happen at the academy.

But there were individuals who took the matter even more seriously than Alex.

It was the three individuals who were supposed to accompany Lewin to the academy.

“Mr. Butler, can’t we just give up on the entrance exam?”

Eyriel, her face pale, spoke with a trembling voice.

There were dozens of servants serving Lewin Dee Dryerf, and when considering the entire staff managing the Duke’s household, there were hundreds of them.

If Lewin were to run away, half of them would help in the search for him.

However, the instances where they found Lewin were few and far between. And most of those rare instances were when Lewin himself revealed his presence.

“Young Master….”

“I don’t have confidence either.”

Daisy and Hains looked at Lewin with fearful eyes.

“Sigh….”

Although Alex would have loved to accompany them, the academy was considered a sanctuary in the country.

While it was rare to witness, everyone was expected to put effort into their studies at the academy, regardless of their social status.

Therefore, bringing servants along was strictly prohibited.

Even the presence of bodyguards posed challenges unless there were special circumstances.

Of course, it was not entirely impossible.

If similarly-aged servants who were eligible for academy admission were to come along, the academy tended to provide as much convenience as possible.

That’s why Daisy and the other two had planned to take the entrance exam at the same time as Lewin’s academy admission.

Although there was a slight age difference, given their association with the Duke’s household, accommodating such a request was a simple matter.

“Young Master….”

The problem lay in the determination of the parties involved.

If they failed the entrance exam, they wouldn’t be granted such considerations.

“Don’t you feel sorry for the children?”

“I’m the most pitiful one here.”

To subject such children to the swamp of excessive studying!

The three individuals who witnessed Lewin’s unwavering insistence could only wear gloomy expressions, but there was nothing they could do.

They had just two more years.

During that time, they could only hope that the young master, who seemed so destined to follow this path, would change his mind.

.

.

.

Another year passed, and Lewin Dee Dryerf, now 9 years old.

“Please, Young Master…”

The hero who had saved the world nine times remained steadfast in his 10th life, defying the expectations of those around him.

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The day begins swiftly for Daisy, the exclusive maid of Lewin Dee Dryerf. It is dawn, with a faint glow from the moonlight. Daisy wakes up and refreshes herself with a splash of cold water before enjoying a moment of solitude during her tea time. As the other servants start to wake up, she begins her preparations for work, already completing most of the morning tasks by the time they finish theirs.

While others may consider this a usual productive start to the day, Daisy is different. Once all the preparations are done and the sun rises in the sky, she engages in a constant battle.

“Master,” she calls out to Lewin Dee Dryerf, the young master she has been serving for a year now. He is hailed as a genius in the Dryerf Duchy but is also known for being incredibly lazy.

“Master,” she repeats, slightly startled. The slight movement from Lewin causes a small vein to appear on Daisy’s beautiful forehead. Instinctively, she knows that her troublesome master is finally waking up.

“Master, I know you are awake,” she asserts.

Lewin’s eyelids slowly open, revealing his gem-like blue eyes. He lets out a weak chuckle and a small whine, reaching Daisy’s ears.

“Just 10 minutes.”

While other members of the Dryerf Duchy might easily acquiesce to this outrageous request, Daisy is not one to give in.

“That’s not possible,” she retorts with a colder voice than usual.

Daisy is all too familiar with this trick, which is why she firmly grabs Lewin’s blanket.

“Hey, hey!”

“It’s time to get up.”

Lewin desperately clings to the blanket, protesting Daisy’s attempt to forcefully lift it.

“What are you doing? Taking away the blanket of the master resembling the sky!”

“Master, the sun in that sky has been up for quite some time now. Please wake up.”

Despite Lewin’s feeble resistance, Daisy does not hesitate. She snatches away the blanket, opens all the windows to let in the fresh air, and forcibly awakens Lewin, who shivers in the cold wind. Thus, her day truly begins.

“That’s too much,” Lewin grumbles after being kicked out of bed, but Daisy’s expression remains cold.

“What’s too much is you, master. By waking up early, you shorten my working time by at least 30 minutes.”

That’s the minimum.

Unable to refute Daisy’s assertion, Lewin has no choice but to suppress his sulking.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

With Daisy’s unequivocal response, Lewin is left without words.

Instead, he suggests, “Then sit on the bed.”

“…Yes.”

Lewin beckons Daisy to sit on the bed, and she complies, closing her eyes as if it’s a routine.

“Gah!”

The moment Lewin’s hand touches her body, Daisy clenches her teeth and lets out a brief moan.

‘It’s always strange.’

The peculiar sensation envelops her entire being. Despite experiencing it multiple times, she never gets accustomed to the surge of energy coursing through her body.

“Breathe.”

“Yes…!”

At Lewin’s composed command, Daisy regains her composure.

She inhales, holds her breath, and exhales. These actions cause the mana within her to move according to Lewin’s will.

“Is it difficult?”

“No.”

“Of course, Eyriel and Hains must be constantly striving to become stronger, right?”

In the Dryerf dukedom, there were four individuals dedicated solely to serving Lewin. Alex, the butler; Daisy, the maid; and the two children, Eyriel and Hains, who had come to the dukedom alongside Daisy.

“As the older sister, you wouldn’t want to lag behind the children, would you?”

However, Daisy’s daily responsibility was to take care of Lewin’s mornings. There was a simple reason for this: she had no talent for swordsmanship.

“Yes.”

Daisy managed to respond, her teeth clenched.

The mornings of Eyriel and Hains, who unexpectedly showed talent in swordsmanship, differed from those of typical servants. They began their day by training with other knight apprentices.

“So endure it.”

“Hmph!”

With that remark, the flow of mana intensified, and the peculiar sensation Daisy was experiencing grew stronger.

“Done.”

How much time had passed? It couldn’t have been very long. But even in that brief span, her entire body was drenched in sweat. The strands of hair clinging to her cheeks and the uncomfortable feeling of her clothes sticking to her skin with every movement bothered her.

“May I excuse myself for a moment?”

Daisy wished to wash up and change her clothes. With that thought in mind, she looked at Lewin.

“It must be difficult for you to move around like that.”

Seeing Lewin nod, Daisy’s face slightly creased.

‘It can’t be easy.’

Directly manipulating the mana inside someone’s body from the outside—such an act was unbelievably extraordinary, even to Daisy, who had been ignorant of mana before joining the Dryerf family.

Yet, he seemed perfectly fine.

A stark contrast to herself, who felt utterly exhausted from merely breathing and absorbing the flow of mana within her body.

Feeling the disparity anew, Daisy unknowingly bit her lip.

‘Will I ever be able to assist him?’

The day they first met, she poured out the depths of her heart without realizing it, and he responded with a smile.

“Sure, I’ll crush them all.”

It was a response akin to a child’s playful remark.

In truth, even then and even now, Lewin Dryerf was, indeed, a child.

The ones who had brought about her downfall were high-ranking nobles of a kingdom and the priests of the supreme deity of mankind. Even though the Dryerf family was a duke’s family in the empire, they were not to be trifled with easily.

But why?

Back then and even now, Daisy believed in Lewin’s words.

Was it because it was her only glimmer of hope? The sole lifeline she could hold onto?

That might be the case.

After all, she could no longer do anything herself.

However…

‘He might actually succeed.’

She was certain.

She was certain that Lewin Dryerf, the person she had placed her trust in, could make it happen.

She couldn’t explain why, but he seemed like someone who could accomplish anything.

“Huff.”

After washing away the sweat with cold water and changing into fresh clothes, Daisy returned to her master’s room. As she looked at the empty bed, she realized she had been deceiving herself.

“Ah.”

Lewin Dryerf, her master, indeed seemed capable of anything.

However, that didn’t guarantee that everything would go smoothly.

“This guy, really.”

She groaned, recalling today’s schedule. It was time for enrollment at the academy, which meant various teachers were scheduled to visit.

In other words…

“Did he run away again?”

He had run away.

From what exactly was this planned event? Sensing the flow of mana? Refusing to get up from the blanket?

“Ha.”

Daisy felt a headache, but that wasn’t important right now.

What mattered was finding her elusive young master before classes began.

“Every day is never just a day.”

She sighed softly and started gathering people to help catch the runaway Lewin.

***

The morning of Lewin Dryerf started in a hurry.

“Young master!”

“Where are you?”

Of course, it wasn’t his intention.

‘Why are they so diligent?’

It would be nice to take it easy for once.

As he thought this, Lewin took careful steps, concealing his presence.

‘A day spent lying under a warm blanket as if you were dead is a good day too.’

Taking a walk outside was pleasant, but the comfort of a cozy blanket was the best.

Muttering to himself, he strolled lightly through the house.

The vast size of the castle befitting the title of a duchy made it difficult to find Lewin.

“Young master!”

But from the beginning, they didn’t recognize Lewin walking right beside them.

‘They’ve probably stationed guards in all the best napping spots.’

The public perception of a hero is that of a warrior who courageously defeats enemies on the front lines.

But the reality was a bit different.

Standing at the forefront and triumphing over the enemy was only possible when the gap between allies and enemies was not significant, or when there were no formidable foes.

Initially, defeating enemies on the front lines would boost ally morale and lower the enemy’s spirits.

However, heroes are human too.

Swinging a sword continuously leads to fatigue, and utilizing mana depletes one’s energy.

It would be ideal if the enemy could be vanquished before reaching one’s limit, but there existed a formidable monster beyond the hero.

The Demon King.

Even under optimal conditions, defeating that monster was a challenge.

Especially after exhausting stamina and mana, the outcome became evident.

Therefore, humanity devised a strategy for the battle between the hero party and the Demon King.

But the demons were not foolish.

They would not send out the Demon King, their most powerful entity, to all fronts.

Hence, heroes had to adapt.

They had to learn the method to slay the Demon King, the leader of the enemy.

For Lewin, who had experienced being a hero in nine out of ten lifetimes, the definition of a hero was straightforward.

An assassin.

A precise instrument of humanity aiming for the Demon King’s throat.

‘Hehe~’

With his stealth skills capable of infiltrating the Demon King’s castle across continents, Lewin had reached a divine level.

Though there were physical and mana limitations, unless directly confronted, ordinary servants couldn’t detect Lewin’s presence.

“Hello?”

‘How is this possible?’

Why was he caught?

No, who is she, to begin with?

Lewin gazed at the girl standing before him, their heights nearly equal. She appeared to be around the same age, dressed in neat and luxurious clothing.

‘Do we have such a girl?’

The Duchy held significant power and often hosted visits from numerous noble families, including their children. However, he couldn’t recall her face.

With his extraordinary memory, Lewin was certain he would remember anyone he had encountered since birth.

“Who are you?”

Driven by pure curiosity, Lewin questioned the girl in front of him.

In response to his inquiry, the girl stared at Lewin with a blank expression.

“What?”

“You should introduce yourself before asking someone else!”

Lewin nodded in agreement with her statement.

“Hello, I am the son of the owner of this estate.”

With a brief and straightforward introduction, the girl blinked.

‘Um…’

The etiquette education she had received did not include such a self-introduction. However, she had also learned that customs and etiquette could vary among different families. Thus, she introduced herself as she had been taught.

“Hello, son of the estate owner. I am Laila Reinhardt, the second daughter of the Reinhardt family.”

There were a few points he wanted to address, but something else seemed more important.

“Reinhardt?”

“Yes!”

The name sounded familiar.

Whenever the Duke Dryerf was mentioned, there were always two names associated with it. One was the name of the empire to which the Duke belonged, Babellian. The other was the name of the family that stood as pillars alongside the Duke Dryerf.

“Reinhardt?”

“Yes!”

The Reinhardt family.

If the Duke Dryerf’s role was to vanquish the enemies of the empire, the Reinhardt family focused on strengthening the empire from within.

As Lewin, who frequently heard such discussions, a pure question arose.

“Why are you here?”

Why was a daughter from the prestigious Reinhardt family in their modest estate?

Perplexed by the series of events he couldn’t comprehend, Lewin tilted his head.

“Because I am here?”

She also tilted her head, displaying a similar confusion in response.

And then…

“Young Master, you really need to come out now!”

At the familiar voice of Alex, Lewin momentarily set aside his curiosity.

“Well, then take care.”

“Huh?”

Laila caught Lewin as he attempted to hastily hide.

And then…

“They say a noble should be someone who can help when help is needed.”

“….?”

What is she talking about?

Laila swiftly addressed Lewin’s question.

“So, please help!”

As expected, children can be difficult to understand.

Lewin couldn’t help but sigh as he looked at the girl who bore a resemblance to him.

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A slave’s morning commences at a leisurely pace, contrary to expectations.

However, this does not apply universally to all slaves.

For most, the arduous tasks begin from the early hours.

“Yawn.”

Yet, there are exceptions, such as the slave named Daisy.

Daisy only awakens after the sun ascends to its zenith.

“The noise outside is unbearable.”

The surroundings are filled with clamor and commotion.

It’s an atypical morning, stirring her curiosity.

Driven by curiosity, she rises and moves about.

“Bring her quickly!”

“Adorn her in the most revealing garments, accentuating her figure as much as possible!”

“Trust the muscles you’ve honed through rigorous training! It’s the Dryerf Duchy, Dryerf! Even if you’re dim-witted, you must have heard of it!”

“A knight! An opportunity to transform your life!”

Loud cries echo from various directions.

“Could it be a knight’s gathering?”

If that’s the case, the raucous atmosphere is understandable.

Especially if the knight in question hails from the illustrious Dryerf Duchy.

“It doesn’t concern me.”

Nevertheless, today will be a boisterous affair.

Having resided in the Beltesis slave market for three years.

A girl of eight, who was sold into slavery, mutters such words and retreats to her room.

“The Dryerf Duchy.”

She closes her eyes, repeating the name.

She was once of noble birth, although she pales in comparison to that renowned lineage.

Lost in a political power struggle, her name was erased.

Sighing deeply, she brushes her sleek ebony hair and emits a bitter laugh.

“Black hair and black eyes, evidence of the demon’s bloodline.”

Even now, those words reverberate like a haunting nightmare.

Such an absurd rumor spread, leading to the destruction of her family by hostile nobles and corrupt temple priests.

It was absurd.

Even though they were corrupted by bribes, the fact remains that those who accused people of being demons were priests devoted to serving God.

The fact that there are those who wholeheartedly believe their words.

But the truth remains unaltered.

She fell and was eventually sold into slavery.

“Can I exact revenge if I’m sold there?”

Even if she becomes a body servant to an elderly and decrepit nobleman, she would seduce him and seek retribution.

Such thoughts occasionally crossed her mind.

When she first arrived here, she clenched her teeth and harbored a burning grudge.

But she was too young.

While indelible scars remained etched deep within her heart, she had no choice but to confront the harsh reality as one year passed, and then another.

“It’s impossible.”

Slaves are commodities.

They are raised according to their designated roles and sold to customers who desire those roles.

Among them, her purpose is to serve as an ornament.

A decorative item to flaunt to others.

Sighing again, she realizes that her worth is acknowledged solely based on her appearance.

Hence, any action that could harm her physical beauty is strictly forbidden.

Of course, it is not entirely undesirable.

Sleep at the assigned time.

Consume fruits and nourishing foods for radiant skin.

Engage in moderate exercise daily for weight management.

It was a paradoxical daily life, one that defied expectations of a slave’s existence.

Some even expressed envy towards her circumstances.

However, she knew the truth.

This life was no different from raising livestock.

Just as a pig is fattened to fetch a higher price, she too was being groomed solely for her appearance, to be sold at an inflated value.

“Life is harsh.”

Such words were not befitting an eleven-year-old, but for Daisy, they had become all too familiar.

And then, it happened.

A sudden commotion broke out outside.

Light, nimble footsteps echoed through the air.

There weren’t many individuals within these confines who moved with such energy.

“Eyriel, Hains, how many times have I told you not to run…?”

As she imagined the faces of children in a similar predicament, a mixture of sadness and resignation tugged at her expression.

“It’s happening.”

Beyond the roughly ajar door stood the two children she expected.

However, the third figure caught her off guard.

Baran.

The proprietor of this establishment and the one who held ownership over her.

There was only one reason why he would utter such words.

“A customer wishes to see you.”

So, the day had finally arrived.

She had known that this day would come, but the proximity of its occurrence made her heart race.

“Yes.”

Yet, there was nothing she could do.

Daisy understood the nature of her existence as a slave.

The relatively comfortable life she had led thus far was all in preparation for this day.

‘Who could it be?’

Despite this, anxiety gnawed at her with each passing step.

The best outcome would be to be sold as a servant to a noble family, while the worst would involve becoming a plaything for a depraved aristocrat.

Recalling the tales she had heard during her three years in the slave market, she was determined to avoid the worst-case scenario at all costs.

‘Should I pray now?’

Such thoughts elicited a hollow laugh.

The very people who worshiped the Goddess of Creation labeled her as a wretched apostate, tainted by demon blood. Should she now bow her head in prayer?

She would sooner embrace death than engage in something she vehemently abhorred.

‘Somehow, things will work out.’

With this fleeting hope, she surveyed her surroundings.

Baran’s back.

And the two frightened children trailing behind him.

“It will be alright.”

Just a little while ago, she herself had likely experienced the same fear.

Yet, she did not reveal it.

Instead, she cautiously reached out and clasped the hands of the two children.

“Do not fear.”

Perhaps the warmth transmitted through her touch dispelled their anxiety.

The children, who had been trailing behind Baran with their heads lowered, raised their gazes.

“I am here, am I not?”

Eyriel and Hains.

They may not be nobles like her, but like her, they were raised as cherished adornments.

“Everything will be fine.”

Her hand trembled.

Was it the tremor of the children clinging to her, or was it her own uneasiness?

With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Daisy took a few more steps, finally arriving at their destination.

“Speak only when necessary, and answer the customer’s inquiries.”

With that instruction, Baran pushed open the previously closed door.

And inside, there stood…

‘A child?’

Several robust-looking knights, an aged butler, and amidst them all, a child who seemed utterly out of place.

And that child locked eyes with her.

“Pass.”

Clear, tranquil blue eyes curved into a contented smile.

“Young Master?”

Daisy stood there, her eyes widening at the perplexing sight of the bewildered butler and the group of knights simultaneously washing their hands. A small gasp escaped her lips in response.

***

‘That should be enough to have confidence.’

Well done.

Even in Lewin’s eyes, these were remarkable children, each with their own distinctiveness.

‘Good.’

Good. Very good.

Especially the black-haired child standing between the bewildered duo.

Not only possessing good looks, but also emitting a peculiar aura.

‘Such a thing is inherent.’

That unique aura that individuals possess.

Lewin considered it of great importance.

For it spoke volumes about the lives they had lived.

In this regard, the child before him was undeniably captivating.

‘Dark, heavy, gloomy!’

She carried a special story within her.

An entire body emanating such a feeling! Lewin had encountered many such individuals.

‘People born with a tragic destiny.’

Based on Lewin’s experiences, those who carried such an aura led one of two kinds of lives.

Either they succumbed to the trials presented to them and perished.

Or they triumphed over every obstacle and made their name known throughout the world.

“Pass.”

From the moment he laid eyes on her, Lewin harbored the firm conviction that this child’s life would only have one trajectory.

And for good reason.

‘I am an expert in this field.’

Few fates could be more tragic than his own, having lived nine lives as a hero.

To prevent the annihilation of this world.

To uphold the peace of this world!

Engaging in battles against demons that appeared out of boredom, confronting traitors who betrayed their own kind.

He had traversed his nine lives hand in hand with those referred to as Demon Kings or Great Demon Kings, sacrificing himself.

As a veteran in this realm, Lewin could confidently assert that he could easily handle most tragedies.

‘Ah, how melancholic.’

Lewin, who had been nodding approvingly, was suddenly engulfed by a wave of melancholy as memories of his past resurfaced.

But all of that was confined to the past.

Ahead lay an ordinary life, devoid of brilliance.

“How much do they cost?”

The words slipped from Lewin’s lips unwittingly, fueled by his overwhelming contentment.

“Young Master, please…”

“Eh…”

“Master…”

Sighs reverberated from all directions, but Lewin paid them no mind.

“Thing is…”

“Don’t offer a discount, and don’t even think about double-crossing me.”

Upon hearing Lewin’s words, Baran had no choice but to deliberate.

The value of these children still remained relatively low.

No matter how promising they appeared, expectations were merely expectations.

The price did not skyrocket based solely on mere ‘potential’.

‘Except when appearance holds the value.’

In the realm of slave talent, physical appearance ranked low on the scale.

Unless one’s looks possessed the power to shake and reshape an entire nation.

‘That child possesses that potential.’

And Daisy had the potential to embody the kind of appearance that could truly ‘shake a nation’ in the future.

That was precisely why Baran had convinced the hesitant nobles to part with Daisy, paying a considerable price, and brought her to this very place.

“So…”

However, the other party happened to be the Dryerf Ducal Family.

In the face of such a prestigious lineage, one could not inflate the price based on future prospects alone.

Hence, Baran quoted a price he deemed fair, and Lewin nodded in agreement.

“Alex.”

“Young Master, it’s not too late.”

“Buy them.”

“Young Master…”

“Buy them!”

At his commanding voice, Alex was left with no choice but to open his wallet.

‘Let’s just get this over with.’

Alex made the decision to swiftly resolve the matter before any unnecessary rumors could spread.

“……. “

Think positively.

Alex, who had been swayed by Lewin, changed his perspective.

As a young master with inscrutable thoughts, he must have had his reasons for acquiring these children.

Then.

‘Utilize them.’

He would train the three children before him meticulously and turn them into a force against Lewin.

‘If I can’t stop him, someone else will!’

If that were to happen, everything would turn out fine.

Feeling a sudden chill run down their spine, Daisy and the other two children glanced around, unaware that their fates had just been sealed.

***

The rattle of the carriage filled the air.

Listening to the sound, Daisy, who had been gazing down at the carriage floor, lifted her head.

“Ah….”

And the moment her eyes met the deep blue gaze before her, she immediately averted her gaze and lowered her head.

‘What lies ahead now?’

She had been sold.

That was a fact she had accepted.

She knew the day would come, but she had not expected it to arrive so soon.

And to whom…

‘I was sold to the Dryerf Duke?’

Daisy, who had never even entertained the thought of being sold to the prestigious Dryerf Duke, wondered.

‘What awaits me now?’

Revenge had always occupied her thoughts, but now that she had been sold to the Dryerf Duke, she was at a loss.

She had hoped to enhance her value and amass influence to carry out her plans, but facing the Dryerfs altered the entire dynamic.

A family that could be considered the most powerful on the entire continent.

‘If it’s a matter of influence, they surpass even the royal family.’

The very family she once served, before becoming a slave, and now the target of her revenge.

Could she accomplish her goals in a place that potentially wielded more influence than an entire kingdom?

‘Is it even possible?’

Even if she had been sold as a concubine to a lustful nobleman, her despondency would not have reached this level.

Even in her worst imaginings, if she had been sold as a maid to an insignificant noble, she would have had more agency than she currently possessed.

‘Can I bend that person to my will?’

She already knew the answer, yet she couldn’t bring herself to relinquish her desires.

Revenge.

The flickering flame of revenge, even when it seemed within reach, she refused to extinguish.

And then, from those lips.

“Do you desire something? If you do, I will grant it to you.”

What should she do to elicit those words?

‘…Huh?’

Daisy, sensing something amiss, lifted her head.

“Tell me.”

With a voice as sweet as a devil’s temptation, as if he knew everything, Daisy couldn’t resist the urge to speak.

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“Young Master…”

Lewin sat in the reception room, observing Alex’s tearful face as he glared at him.

“Yes?” 

“What do you mean by a handsome face!?” 

Despite his aged appearance, Alex had yet to grasp the true nature of the world.

Drawing upon his experiences from ten lifetimes, Lewin felt compelled to enlighten someone with a mere 60 years of life about the realities of the world.

“Alex, there are values more significant than money in this world.”

“What nonsense are you talking about now?”

Nonsense? These words were born from the wisdom gained through ten lifetimes.

Although tempted to express himself, Lewin held back and prepared to share a fundamental truth.

“One of those values is appearance.”

Alex couldn’t help but sense an undeniable conviction in Lewin’s words and remained silent.

“Young Master, I believe there are other important values in this world.”

“Yes, there are.”

This was indeed true. Lewin also held such beliefs. However…

“But appearance reigns supreme.”

In his earlier lifetimes, Lewin sought peers with similar skills. As he underwent reincarnation, his skills reached greater heights, and those considered the best fell short of his expectations.

Thus, Lewin found himself at a crossroads.

Should he single-handedly defeat numerous demonic beings, or should he gather peers who might not meet his standards to fight alongside him?

At that critical juncture, Lewin chose a third option.

To personally nurture his peers.

“This is the truth.”

By the time he reached his tenth life cycle, Lewin had nurtured numerous skilled individuals.

The techniques he developed surpassed all existing ones, and those who learned from him inevitably grew stronger.

“Young Master, with all due respect, this seems a bit off.”

“Trust me, Alex, you can enhance your skills, but you can’t change your appearance.”

Skills can be developed, but appearances cannot be altered.

This was a truth Lewin had come to realize throughout his life.

He shared his techniques, procured potions, and even extracted mana from his own body to strengthen others.

Lewin, who had successfully created formidable individuals to combat the Great Demon King Apelios using various methods, understood the limits.

That limit was appearance.

“Even Hero Derden once said, ‘You can create a thousand knights, but you can’t prevent a single hair from falling out.'”

“When did Hero Derden say such a thing?”

‘Hmm, wasn’t it recorded?’

Perhaps it wasn’t recorded due to embarrassment, as it seemed like a plausible comment concerning a subordinate’s hair loss concerns.

“Never mind.”

“Young Master…”

Lewin chose not to mention the fact to protect his old subordinate’s dignity.

However, he remained steadfast in his belief.

“Face, appearance, beauty, handsomeness, prettiness. That is what matters most.”

The world values appearances.

Regardless of the era, while preferences may vary slightly, no one can disregard the significance of appearance.

That’s why Lewin needed people with good looks for his plan.

“So, acquire them.”

If he came across children he liked, he would consider purchasing them.

Alex couldn’t help but feel on the verge of tears at Lewin’s rather audacious statement.

“Young Master, no matter what you say, this seems rather wrong.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine.”

“It’s not fine at all…”

Alex wiped his face and covered it with his hands.

“….”

Observing Lewin and Alex, one of the knights who had accompanied them as a guard awkwardly interjected.

“Is the Lord… buying slaves?”

The knight wore a questioning expression, unsure if this was an appropriate course of action. Alex wished he could hide in a rat hole.

However, Lewin remained undeterred.

“Yes. Isn’t that our purpose today?”

“Well, yes, but…”

The knight hesitated, finding the Lord’s actions somewhat inappropriate.

Despite the knight’s expression, Lewin disregarded it nonchalantly.

“That’s how it is.”

“That’s… how it is, I see.”

The third son of the House of Dryerf, at the age of seven, had come to the slave market to seek out good-looking slaves.

What could this be called?

‘Is it a way to look toward the future in some manner?’

The knight harbored slight concerns for the future of the House of Dryerf.

Alex shared the same worries, but unfortunately, there was little they could do for the family.

“I apologize for the wait.”

And their worries only grew as Baran arrived with a few slaves.

“Their appearance isn’t satisfactory.”

Lewin muttered with a serious expression, causing the two onlookers to feel a growing disconnect.

What did they just hear?

With a statement that made them question their own ears, the knight and Alex locked eyes, wanting to confirm that what they heard wasn’t a figment of their imagination.

And then…

“Next!”

As Lewin casually called out for the next slave, the two individuals felt their minds go blank.

******

“What on earth is happening here?”

A good-looking slave, huh?

To Baran, who had spent 30 years in the slave market, this request was quite familiar.

Particularly, young lords from noble houses often made such requests.

However, it was usually around the age of puberty that they began to care about appearances. But at such a young age, it was something Baran had never encountered before.

“Is he destined for greatness?”

With a hollow chuckle, Baran swiftly pondered.

With his extensive experience, Baran managed a fairly large-scale slave stall in Beltesis and had access to prompt information.

‘I recall the Temple Knights seeking good-looking individuals for promotions within the temple.’

It had proven to be effective in terms of promotion and had briefly become a trend.

However, for knights, the most important factor was not appearance but power.

Before the complaints from existing knights erupted one after another, the trend of forming a knight group based on appearance failed during an orc suppression mission and faded into obscurity.

‘Could it be that the House of Dryerf is adopting this approach, or is there another reason?’

It wasn’t a practice followed by the empire’s military powerhouse or any other prominent institution.

Could this be a personal deviation by the young lord?

Then what did this young lord desire? What was his motive?

Usually, such desires would revolve around personal or sexual gratification, but considering his age, it seemed unlikely.

“Vanity.”

After contemplating for a while, Baran arrived at that conclusion.

‘Clothing or jewelry to flaunt one’s status is a behavior often seen among lower-class nobles. But for a noble house like Dryerf…’

For those considered upper-class nobles, there was an even grander form of adornment, and that was “people.”

“At his age?”

If it was true, then he truly was an exceptional individual in a different sense.

With that in mind, Baran contemplated the slaves that would suit him.

‘If they are too beautiful, the master’s radiance may fade.’

Even at a young age, Baran, who had encountered numerous slaves, understood.

Lewin’s own appearance would shine.

When combined with the illustrious background of the Dryerf family, it would leave many women envious, even in their prime.

Therefore,

‘I need to search for a young lady from a fallen noble family. While there haven’t been any major incidents recently, most are from lower-class nobles, but they are still better than ordinary slaves.’

Exquisite yet not overpowering the master’s brilliance.

Elegant and capable enough to be of assistance to the master.

Even though it was a child, he would provide the product that the customer desired.

Baran was confident.

He could comprehend Lewin Dee Dryerf’s intentions and provide him with the perfect slave.

However,

“They are all unsatisfactory?”

“Yes…?”

“Their appearance is truly lacking.”

“What…?”

The moment the twelfth slave he presented was dismissed, Baran had no choice but to admit that he had made some sort of error.

“My lord, that child is…”

A modest appearance and exceptional talent.

Moreover, possessing high-quality mana manipulation skills!

Yet, Lewin disregarded such explanations and called for the next one without listening.

“I have been saying it from the beginning, there is no need for explanations.”

“But…”

It was an unreasonable request.

To purchase a person without considering their worth.

Nevertheless, in Lewin’s subsequent words, Baran realized that he had made a grave mistake.

“Mister, I have been saying it all along. Bring me someone with the finest appearance.”

“Appearance..?”

That single word illuminated Baran’s mind.

“That’s right.”

Appearance did not require explanations.

It could be judged simply by laying eyes upon it.

That’s why this young master dismissed explanations and made judgments solely based on appearance.

“Hehe.”

“Did you understand? Now, clear them all out.”

As Baran observed the composed demeanor of the young boy, who requested a change of slaves, he realized one more fact.

‘He’s going to be someone.’

For better or worse.

The young master standing before him would undoubtedly become a significant figure!

***

“I will bring the finest merchandise I have.”

Observing Baran’s departing figure after making such a declaration, Lewin contemplated.

“If this turns out to be another bluff, I will have to search elsewhere.”

Lewin had high standards.

No, he couldn’t help but have high standards.

After living through ten lifetimes, he had encountered all the beauties and handsome individuals that existed in this world.

His standards encompassed not only humans but also other species and even the demons he had faced as adversaries.

‘Not quite like the Great Demon King, whose face seemed to emit its own light, but enough to make a name on the continent solely based on their appearance.’

There’s a saying that “the protagonist of life is oneself.”

Lewin believed that this saying held some truth.

It was true that everyone lived their own lives and had their own stories.

However,

‘There are levels to being the main character.’

Not all protagonists are equally beloved in every story.

Some stories become known to many people, while others remain unknown to all but a single individual.

In other words, the protagonist of a widely recognized story cannot be treated the same as the protagonist of an obscure tale.

It’s a matter of recognition.

While each person is the protagonist of their own life, within the grand narrative of the “world,” most people can only play the role of extras.

“Young Master, what kind of s… no, what kind of children are you searching for?”

Lewin revealed his appearance standards to Alex, who appeared on the verge of tears.

“I’m looking for those who can at least remain as extras, if not as protagonists.”

“?”

“Just based on their faces.”

What nonsense.

Ignoring Alex’s disbelief evident in his expression, Lewin contemplated his life.

‘I was too exceptional.’

Lewin knew that he was a protagonist-level character in the grand narrative of the “world.”

From the perspective of humanity, he was the irreplaceable protagonist, the embodiment of their hopes and dreams.

From the perspective of demons, he was the strongest and most formidable adversary, always obstructing the protagonist’s path.

At worst, he was the final boss, determining the protagonist’s fate, and at best, he was the protagonist with the task of saving the world.

But now, things were different.

‘Being an extra suits me perfectly.’

In his tenth life, he had relinquished his role.

He had chosen to live an ordinary life.

However, Lewin was born with too much potential to lead an ordinary existence.

He was born into the noble Dryerf family, which held the utmost authority in the most powerful country in the world.

Not only was his status remarkable, but his appearance was also striking.

Even at a young age, Lewin’s appearance commanded attention.

Considering the lineage of the Dryerf family, his appearance would only grow more radiant as time passed.

Therefore,

‘I must divert attention.’

Those who could divert the gaze directed at Lewin Dee Dryerf.

It would require numerous criteria to be met, but Lewin was confident he could find suitable candidates.

Thus, he sought individuals blessed with natural beauty.

And those who fulfilled his conditions.

“These are the finest ones I have.”

Fortunately, it seemed possible to discover such individuals.

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The carriage wheels rattled noisily, their rhythmic sound filling the air. Through the window, a whole new world unfolded, captivating to any child taking their first steps outside. However, Lewin Dee Dryerf seemed unaffected by the excitement.

“Young Master,” Alex called out, observing Lewin reclining in the spacious carriage.

“What is it?” Lewin replied, his tone nonchalant.

Alex wanted to say many things, looking at the young master in his relaxed state. But he chose his words carefully, exercising great patience.

“It can be dangerous if you fall off,” Alex finally uttered.

Lewin, despite his usual demeanor, adjusted his posture and nodded in agreement. “You’re right. It could be dangerous.”

Alex breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Lewin understood the potential risks involved.

“If I were to get hurt, both the coachman and you would be in trouble,” Lewin continued, contemplating the consequences.

Alex nodded, adding, “The knights serving as escorts would also face reprimand.”

Lewin pondered the situation and expressed his agreement. “Hmm, that might be the case.”

Alex found himself surprised by Lewin’s response. The young master seemed convinced by his words. However, just as Alex thought this, Lewin began adjusting his posture once again.

“Young Master?” Alex questioned, unsure if he had imagined the change.

Lewin appeared even more at ease than before, leaving Alex momentarily stunned.

“So, if it’s dangerous, you’ll catch me, right?” Lewin asked, a hint of expectation in his voice.

Alex fought the urge to blurt out, “Don’t lie down!” His superhuman patience barely held him back from voicing his desperate plea.

“Can I trust you?” Lewin followed up, his question chipping away at Alex’s patience.

“Young Master…” Alex began, his voice filled with sincerity. 

“I have faith in you.”

As someone who had dedicated most of his life to serving others, those were the words Alex longed to hear. Yet, why did it leave him feeling unsettled? Was this also a talent of Lewin’s? His ability to evoke such conflicting emotions amazed Alex.

“In that case, I will sleep soundly,” Lewin declared, seemingly content with Alex’s assurance.

“Young Master, this is your first time venturing into the outside world. Don’t you want to experience something different?” Alex asked, hoping to spark some curiosity.

“Just because it’s the outside world doesn’t mean it’s any different. Besides, I’ll have to face that world once I step out of this carriage, whether I like it or not. Wouldn’t it be better to conserve my energy until then?” Lewin explained, his words surprisingly mature for a ten-year-old.

It made sense, but it wasn’t the response one would expect from a child his age. Alex struggled to find the right words. At Lewin’s age, innocence should prevail. Where had it gone?

Understanding the person he served had become increasingly challenging for Alex.

‘Indeed, hardships do arise in the later years, just as the fortune teller had predicted,’ Alex recalled the words of a fortune teller he had encountered in the past.

⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩

Lewin’s journey progressed smoothly.

The routine was established: traveling by carriage, taking breaks for meals and sleep, and resuming the journey in the morning until reaching the next destination.

“Are you not bored?” Alex asked, aware of the monotony that typically troubles those embarking on their first journey.

However, Lewin, who seemed to have abandoned his dreams from the beginning, appeared different.

“Why would I be?” he replied, wearing a perplexed expression.

In reality, Lewin was occupied with enduring the challenges of this harsh world.

“It’s because you spend the entire day sleeping in the carriage,” Alex explained, urging him to stop lying down.

Understanding Alex’s concern, Lewin showed no intention of complying. “I am busy,” he stated matter-of-factly.

His words were not mere excuses. To an outsider, it might appear that Lewin was idly rolling around or dozing off, but he was actually engaged in a busy schedule.

He diligently practiced breathing exercises, channeling and controlling the mana that accumulated within him. This process paved the way for him to reach the state he had attained in his previous life. Once done, he would mentally review the final climactic battle with the Great Demon King Apelios.

‘I was truly fortunate,’ Lewin thought. His reckless actions had defied expectations. The disoriented Apelios was unable to unleash his full power, resulting in a close and intense fight.

Yet, even after reviewing the battle countless times, Lewin couldn’t envision a victory. He recognized the significant gap between his former self and Apelios, a gap that couldn’t be bridged with just analysis.

‘Demons grow stronger with time,’ Lewin contemplated. Just as the hero’s strength increased over time, so did that of the demon king. A formidable opponent, stronger than any he had faced in his nine previous lives, had emerged.

‘If the Demon King hasn’t experienced nine lives like me, humanity’s hope is dim.’ 

It would be inconvenient for mankind to perish just when he was beginning to enjoy life. Therefore, he needed to prepare for various scenarios, keeping himself occupied—too occupied.

“Are you really busy?” Alex asked, unable to perceive the extent of Lewin’s activities.

“Yes,” Lewin replied, rising from his seat as if to emphasize his words. “Today, we have other matters to attend to.”

“Young Master?”

“Yes, me.” 

Living a life filled with constant busyness, he had reasons to adhere to the Knights’ schedule. Since his birth, he had meticulously planned his life, contemplating the conditions necessary for his envisioned future countless times each day.

“So, I am counting on you today.” 

⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩

Alex Rumberg, the exclusive butler of Lewin Dee Dryerf, took great pride in serving the Dryerf Duke’s family. After all, it was an honor to serve the most esteemed family in the finest country on the continent. However, this pride had been frequently shaken as of late. Specifically, since he had become the exclusive butler to the youngest son of the family!

“Young Master, please remain in the carriage as usual,” Alex pleaded.

“No,” came Lewin’s firm response.

“I implore you, I beg of you.”

“Nope, I cannot comply,” Lewin’s voice echoed in Alex’s ears, leaving him in darkness, hoping it was all just a dream.

“The purpose of this journey lies here!”

Alex was roused from his slumber by the energetic voice, reluctantly opening his eyes. With a dazed expression, he lifted his head slightly.

A bustling crowd surrounded them, the clamor of various voices filling the air. The name of this place, resembling a bustling commercial city from the outside, imprinted itself on his retinas.

The Beltesis Slave Market.

It was one of the five slave markets officially recognized by the Empire. Here, people who couldn’t repay their debts, those defeated in wars, and other lawful slaves converged.

Yes, lawful—this market operated within the bounds of the law. It wasn’t an illicit slave market rife with abductions and illegal human trafficking.

However…

‘This is definitely not a place for a seven-year-old to wander around,’ Alex doubted whether the young master truly comprehended the concept of slavery.

“Alex, the butler,” a voice called out.

“Yes, Sir Garen?” Alex responded, meeting the knight’s gaze.

“With the young master…” Sir Garen’s voice trailed off, unable to finish his sentence.

Can they proceed?

Alex gave a heavy nod, indicating his acceptance. The knight chuckled and moved forward, beckoning them to follow.

“Huh,” Alex exhaled softly, questioning whether this was truly permissible. He shifted his gaze away from the departing knight.

“Young master, even now, if we were to turn back…” Alex began, but before he could finish his sentence, Lewin interrupted.

“Didn’t I say I’m going?” Lewin’s refusal was unwavering, leaving Alex crestfallen, helpless in the face of his master’s determination.

The relationship between Lewin and Alex was that of master and servant. If the young master desired something, Alex was bound to follow. All he could do now was to keep his concerns buried deep within his heart and fervently pray that his young master would avoid any mishaps.

⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩

“Has the Duke of Dryerf arrived?”

“Is it already time?”

“Today is the day when your fate is decided! Give it your all—for me, for yourself!”

Loyalty was one of the most valued virtues for a knight. It entailed being willing to sacrifice one’s life for their lord, but such loyalty didn’t materialize overnight upon donning the knight’s mantle.

Many noble families sought external talent for their ranks, recruiting individuals from outside their bloodline. They also purchased young slaves from the slave market, raising them to become knights. The motivations behind these decisions varied.

Some believed that slaves, bound by their circumstances, would never betray their masters. Others saw offering salvation to fallen slaves as a means to secure loyalty. Some simply found it convenient and easy to acquire individuals through this method, subjecting them to rigorous training. And then there were those who followed suit because other families did so.

However…

“Imagine the tales of the hero, Derden! You can become a hero too!”

The legend of the hero who saved the world, Derden De Blade, held immense sway over the minds of many. The story of a hero who bought slaves and forged a deep friendship with them became a renowned legend within the slave market from a young age.

But was that all?

The slaves who were sold and subsequently made significant contributions in the decisive battle against the demons were hailed as heroes. Their stories were revered, etching themselves into the annals of history.

“You can achieve the same greatness!”

Families bearing their names spanned across the continent.

That’s what the slave traders would tell the slaves.

“You can be like them.”

“You can achieve greatness too.”

These words were meant to maximize the value of their merchandise, but for the slaves, they also represented their last glimmer of hope.

“It’s the Dryerf family!”

This time, their distinguished guest was none other than the renowned Dryerf Duke’s family, known throughout the continent. Whether they were slaves or slave traders, being chosen by the Dryerf family meant a chance at happiness. It was the ultimate honor.

“I’ve been eagerly anticipating this day.”

Baran Degrenta, a seasoned slave trader with thirty years of experience in the Beltesis slave market, had been waiting for a day like today.

He had encountered extraordinary slaves throughout his travels across the continent. There was the former gladiator slave who earned his freedom after winning several battles in the empire’s arena at a young age. Then, there was the prodigious swordsman who fell from grace overnight due to his father’s involvement in a crime. And let’s not forget the talented individual who had caught the attention of a prestigious mercenary group, only to be sold as a slave after being captured in a battle he had fought in.

Having witnessed such exceptional individuals, Baran patiently awaited the arrival of the members of the Dryerf Ducal Family.

“I have a feeling.”

After mentally preparing himself for about an hour, the emblem of the Dryerf Ducal Family finally came into view before the stand Baran operated. But then…

“What is this?”

It was small. Too small.

No matter how slow the growth rate, seeing a young boy who couldn’t have been more than ten years old standing at the forefront left Baran momentarily dumbfounded.

“Are you conducting business?”

“Young master!” 

The elderly butler exclaimed, snapping Baran back to reality.

‘What does it matter if it’s a child?’

To a merchant, it made no difference whether the client was a man or a woman, a child or an elder. The only thing that mattered was money. It was the sole standard in this cutthroat world.

“No, we are open for business, indeed.”

Baran nodded his head, assuming a submissive posture as he scrutinized the young boy before him.

‘Young master.’

As Baran caught sight of the Dryerf Ducal Family’s emblem and heard the title ‘young master,’ he mentally ran through the names of those who held such a title within the Dryerf Ducal Family.

“If you don’t mind me asking, may I know your name?”

“Lewin Dee Dryerf.”

“It is an honor to meet the third star of the Dryerf Ducal Family,” Baran replied, relieved that he remembered the name.

Now, he observed Lewin even more deferentially.

“Do you have a specific type of slave in mind?”

Baran nodded with a satisfied expression.

‘Not bad.’

In fact, it was better than expected.

The course of action had already been determined.

No matter the reason, Baran simply needed to adjust to the child’s pace.

‘Although I can’t inflate the price dealing with the Dryerf family.’

Nevertheless, he might be able to sell a few more slaves.

Not by selling himself, but by making the other party desire them.

“Yes,” the young child affirmed.

Baran assumed he would express a desire for slaves who would become knights. He was ready to deliver his well-prepared lines when…

“Somebody with a handsome face.”

“Pardon?”

“It doesn’t matter if they are male or female, as long as they are exceptionally good-looking.”

“Excuse me?”

“Bring them all.”

The child before him uttered words that Baran hadn’t anticipated at all.

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