I don't fear thieves, the thieves fear me

After getting a refreshing nap, Old Hans finally returned with a sickly thin man in tow. Seeing he regained his original complex, looked like he's done keeping up himself.

"Everything is ready dear guest"

"Good. What about that guy?"

"Edmund said he has finished his assignments we can now leave"

"Um"

I swept my gaze to Ademisaul and, as expected the person himself keeping his head low like a humble servant, with a hunched back. Aside from quivering and flinched at the slightest noise from time to time Ademisaul is pretty much as quiet and obedient as a quail. In addition, Hans has brought Ademisaul a blindfold to preventing him from accidentally looking at me and turns into a fountain again.

"Pardon me my guest, but that kitten…?"

"Don't bother it"

If it couldn't find us here it will eventually walk back home on its own. There weren't dogs in the neighbor, it was completely safe, unless a random stranger picked it up. For now, it's better to get the matter at hands done first.

"Let's go rent some terrace apartment, we'll conduct a potion for him"

"Understood"

Looking at how blank his eyes were, I wonder how many thoughts have been going through his head right now. Maybe something like, buy an ice cream for what did she think I am a kid? Haha even a certain little snake who lived far longer than your great-grandparent is very fond of those icy sweets. 

As I and the two getting out of the room we passed by Edmund who has been waiting at the door of the billiard room. He raised his brows, eyes gleaming with interest when he saw Hans guiding Ademisaul at the back.

"Isn't that Monster Ademisaul? Why is he here"

"He will be coming with us"

"Then what about Swain?"

"Swain already knew about it. I'll be taking care of Ademisaul. In addition, there's also a family willing to hire him too"

Edmund nodded and crossed his arms with a smile.

"But that required him to 'become' a normal person first no? Look at his erratic state, it will only creep off those employees" 

"I know, that why we are going to let him become a full-fledge Monster"

"Oh? Old Hans do you know he has a high chance to go out of control? Judging from his current state of mind…"

Hans's mouth bobbed up and down, but no word seemed to come out. Come on, Old Hans, you can do it! Although it's a waste of time to stand here and watch their argument, you can't lose this debate! As if my thoughts had reached him, Hans briefly took a glance at me, and I, without much thought, I gave him a reassuring nod.

"Ed you know me well don't you? If there's something I wasn't fully confident in I wouldn't take a risk. With my creditability so far, Swain have trust in me"

That's the spirit! 

Edward sighed, he shrugged and stepped aside to give a way

"Alright, but if there's anything I could be of help don't forget to call me over"

Thank you, but I hope we don't have to.

Alas, in the end our Old Hans has won the fight, hooray. As always, we took on a public carriage to find a nearby lodging for Ademisaul, thanks to Old Hans like usual, he knew his way in and out around here that even Megose doesn't know of, as expected of our trusty butler Hans. This is going to be my first time seeing a potion being conduct, I'm actually excited, I wonder if a potion for Monster looks better or worse than Seer?

"Dear guest, about Edward"

Ah, what? What's about him.

"Please don't blame him, he's just a good kid with good intention, his way with speech was a little straightforward but he doesn't mean to irritate you"

"Don't worry I understand"

"Thank you"

Old Hans breathed a sigh of relief. I think Old Hans is a little cowardly, why are you so cautious around a helpless young lady like me? Do I look like someone who can take you down? Guess it's good this way, rather than a professional themselves like Nighthawks, else I wouldn't be breathing right now.

We arrived at the Red Wood street, somewhere in the east of the city. Old Hans paid the coach and tipped him to wait for us outside for another ride later. As it was only for temporary use we booked a single room for a couple of days in advance. Luckily we got one at the end of the floor, far from the staircase, with someone coming up and down frequently it wouldn't pleasant if they heard a commotion and decided to be a good citizen they are and call over a police. Old Hans went to ask the landlord to borrow a cauldron before going into the room we rented and laid down all materials needed. Once preparation is settled, all that's left is for Old Hans did his job, I gave Hans a signal to begin. 

Three grown adults crowded in a tiny room, circled around a small single cauldron and watching it so intensely gave me an impression like we're actually conducting some sort of illegal substance instead of potion. Oh wait, they were both illegal in a sense isn't it? 

Old Hans already started throwing in a random bunch of ingredients while our half-witted Ademisaul who has taken off his blindfold since entering this room could be seen hunching in the corner with his head lowered to the ground seemingly admiring his ragged shoes that have been accompanied him for ages. As for me? Obviously, there's nothing I can be of help, so all I could do was to enjoy the scenery. Look at those bubbles popping nonstop from that black juice ah, it's like a sparkling canned drink. Old Hans opened a leather luggage, the main ingredient inside jiggled about just like a pudding before being dumped into an endless wave of bubbling liquid inside the cauldron. The moment it came in contact with, the sizzling noise could be heard aloud, the ecstatic liquid just now quickly calmed down with a swirl of silvery glittering above.

The pitch black thick liquid with shiny fancy sparkling is poured into a prepared wooden mug, unfortunately we don't have any glass vial at hand so this could only be done, besides, it doesn't really matter whatever container you use since you're going to down it, anyway.

Ademisaul walked over, he hesitated at first when the potion is in his hand.

"Take a deep breath, stabilize your mind, if that will you have a higher chance to succeed. Don't worry Old Hans is here, everything will be fine" Yeah, in case you go out-of-control everything will indeed be fine, except you.

Seeing how he still didn't calm down yet, I joked with him.

"Cheers for me, your savior, will you?"

He was having his back against me but I could still see his shoulders trembled.

"…Yes sir! Cheers for the new life awaiting me"

With that said, he really shoved it down like they were water. Good lord when did you become so bold, is this supposed to be a good thing? 

"Thud---"

"Argh- ahhh!"

Woah. It's evident now that it really wasn't a good thing. Ademisaul fallen flat to the ground laying on stomach, his face grimaced in pain as tears and snorts flowed down his face, blood seeped from the corner of his mouth as he bit into his tongue to stay as quiet as possible. He heaved and retched, as if trying to cough out something caught at the back of his throat. Hans was watching on with a grim face, his right hand is reaching out to his back. I tapped him on the shoulder.

"Stay there"

Disregarded a confused gaze from Old Hans, I crouched down beside Ademisaul, patting his back.

"Come on boy, breath, take a deep breath. Good, now concentrate on your mind, follow after me. Imagine something simple out of your mind, anything you could think of, then empty your head… replace them with an object that doesn't exist in this world"

Ademisaul was still struggling, I should lend him a hand there.

"How about this. Before you is a black orb, around it is a golden sand swirling toward it at the centre in a slow motion, just like a huge whirlpool."

Ademisaul's breathing slowed down, good grief I was pretty scared there, thought I was going to lose my debtor real fast, all those money burns to waste I would be quite angry enough to use Ademisaul's corpse as a punching bag. 

"Good. This is what we called cogitation" 

Old Hans hurriedly came over to check on him.

"How was it? Any discomfort?"

"Ah, no, everything is fine just like the lord said"

Ademisaul said with such a reverie face as if I was his god or something, it stung my eyes so much I wish I could have a sunglass to put on.

"…Just call me Megose for now"

At first I planned to tell them my real name but on the second thought, what if one day some Sleepless got into their dream and found out about me possessing Megose? This isn't a right time yet. 

Alas, I'm glad nothing has gone out of control, seems like I still have some bit of the luck on my side.

"Do you see or hear those things anymore?"

"Yes, but it's much better, thank you"

Ademisaul speech was still incoherent, he stuttered in some part but aside from that he's in perfect shape. Thankfully, even with his abnormally distorted spiritual that caused such a backlash, no excessive damage was done.

"It will be smoother for you from now on digesting the potion, since you've already played the part. What you will have to do now is to rest and stabilize yourself, make sure you're at your peak because you will have a lot to work on from now on"

Learning how to be a valet and hunter from Hans… paying off debts… figure out the rule for Monster… Buying some sort of mystical item like that of Catie Huang'1s

"Now I will teach you how to activate spirit vision, this will take some time for your pathway but from what I've seen, you got quite higher spiritual than the norm, it shouldn't be that hard for you"

I gave Ademisaul a brief conclusion about spirit vision and how to deactivate them. 

"Old Hans do you know about a non-physical body and such?"

Well, from the look of his blank face that pretty much summed it up.

"I'll teach you guys about those later when we get back. Ademisaul, try opening your spirit vision, once you're feeling better Old Hans will come pick you up"

"Yes!"

After making sure there's nothing more to do Old Hans and I left the room and faced with an anxious expression of the landlord. Old Hans explained to him it was just some sort of special treatment require for Ademisaul's disease, after the landlord checked Ademisaul and found out that he's alive and well did the landlord let us out. The faces of nearby tenants clearly indicated they thought we were murdering Ademisaul just now. 

Huu, the works here is done, I can finally rest for today.

"Cogitation… simple object and then replaced with something out of this world…spirit vision.. non-physical body?"

Old Hans secretly jotted down his note, huh, as if I didn't see that. He stopped his motion, his brows tightly knotted together. He was hesitating for a while before turning to look at me cautiously, was stunned to see me staring straight at him but quickly collected his composure together.

"Dear respectable guest, what's the meaning of 'digesting'?"

You think I would tell you? Clearly you weren't as trustworthy to me as that Ademisaul you're just putting up with the act.

"Will you pledge loyalty to me in return?"

"Huh?"

"I promise you wouldn't regret it, not only 'digesting', there will be a lot of benefits just by following me. Not only power, but a secret only known to the few, a deepest part of the mysticism world"

"I…"

"No need to be so serious, take your time"

I was thinking of playing it off as a joke but on the second thought it was better this way, not only will I get a loyal meat shield but also a reliable informant with strong various connections, I could also cultivate him into my personal exclusive toolman…. I'm sure my image in his mind was good enough to not let him go anywhere as far as kindly sending me to meet Buddha.

We took the same carriage waiting for us not so faraway. While I was enjoying the view on our way back…

"Hm?"

"Something bothers you dear guest?"

"Nothing, I'll go ahead first. Oh, I almost forgot"

"?"

"Along the way, don't forget to stop and buy yourself a couple of ice cream for yourself"

"Ah??—yes, understood…?"

Outside the window, I saw a fuzzy black ball from afar and without having to verify it up close that's definitely my old acquaintance. Isn't that a rodent that kitten is biting? It's going to keep a corpse again doesn't it. I decided that it was time for me to go have a friendly talk with that little one and opened the carriage door.

"Huh? What--- my goddess!"

What's wrong with hopping off the carriage mid track if you got something to do? Beside Old Hans was there to pay you, eventually. I gave the poor shocked coach a light wave before running off into a distance. 

I breezed through a crowdy group of walking pedestrians and slipped into an alley. As I was making my way down the narrow passage I felt an intense, sharp gaze behind my back, like a dagger. I dodged to the side and saw a glimpse of a calloused hand whistled past me as it tried to grab me. I couldn't help but frowned and took a corner turn. Was it a thief?

However, no matter where I headed to, a sound of rushing steps behind me would follow suit closely. It was extremely light, like someone was tip-toeing, but they managed to keep up with me. I don't know why someone wanted to chase after me, I don't remember committing any crimes lately aside from unintentionally scaring off Old Hans once in a while.

'This is getting annoying…'

I came to a full stop and looked back, what greeted me was a flash of sliver light heading toward me, it's the reflection from a dagger. My brother that's pretty rude of you, in what culture you say hello to your fellow citizen with a knife in the neck? Thankfully, it didn't cut my skin, you should have sharpen your dagger first before coming here, that was blunt as hell.

"Can you please kindly fuck off"

I gave that guy a good punch in their face in return as a thankful gift. A harsh coughing voice could be heard under the hood, oh is that a blood?

"Come on, buddy, haven't your mother ever taught you to respect a lady? How did you grow up to be this way, my boy? It appears to me that they didn't raise you well enough. If your parents find out what you're doing here, they'll be disappointed. Don't you have any dignity? Why instead of working on a legitimate job honesty you chose to be a thief?"

I was busy bashing my heel against their head and preaching their misbehavior that I almost forgot about my business. Right, the kitty. I lifted my skirt and bowed slightly to the curled-up figure on the ground and left this dimly lit alley, ignoring a painful groaning behind my back.

-----

'Tsk, those damn smelly suckers… That was really close' 

To think that they would catch up this fast, how persistence of them. What an unlucky day this is! Luckily I reacted fast enough and hid before it alerts, as expected of me. That disgusting mist and earthly scent on that boy, could it be her? So she really didn't make it out, huh. 

'I should leave for now before getting discovered, my current state isn't stable enough' 

…This is not fleeing, I'm just retreating back to better prepare myself! That's right, I, a noble, esteemed being, how could I lower myself down to do such a pathetic act? It's called a tactic! T a c t i c! 

Just you wait, I'll show you who's the boss here, think I wouldn't come get you guys huh? Hehehe…

I submerged back into the shadow and slithered past alleys to alley, this feeling, how comfortable∼ It's been so long I finally got a chance to experience it again, being able to move about so freely with none of those annoying dumbass baboons spitting their foul mouths what to do. This is freedom, this is what should belong to me! Now that I laid my claws on them I won't go back again even if they try to drag me back, they will only be able to get my corpse, hmp.

'There we go--- Argh, disgusting…'

A rodent, disgusting body. If it weren't because of my the current situation I'd rather die than eat this lowly food--- No it wasn't even consider as food! Garbage! Just a trash! 

And now this lord have to eat a trash… Even though I were starved, fed bare minimum by a bunch of suckers it were still edible, fresh meat after all… Why did I have to fall to such state that my only food route are these inedible scums!? I. Do. Not. Accept. It!!

Hicc, a rodent… fine, much better than a cockroach from the last time. It was almost as big as this body of mine, I really hate how small this body is.

I could only be forced down my resentment against the fate and took that death rodent into my mouth. The moment my hidden fangs sink in, I almost threw up. Really… I can't… Fuck, if this lord found any of those suckers again he'll cut off all their limbs and let the rats and insects climb into their body! How dare they did such a heinous crime to me, they just want to humiliate me don't they!?

This rotting smell, moist and sticky texture, is obviously a sewer rat that has been dead for so long. I have no choice, although foods that slave gave me tasted alright, but they weren't useful to my body at all. I need corpses not only for their flesh but also for the ritual to sustain and strengthen my condition.

Ahem--- no I don't have the same habit like keeping corpses as a trophy like her! I deemed this ritual as barely passable enough and worth awhile to learn it from her just in case, that's all. And see! My vision was right, it did really come in handy. Praise my foresight-! 

I dived through the scattered shadow until I got back to my current recuperation base. 

"… Goddamnit, how am I supposed to hide this, that scary guy will stop me again"

They definitely knew my identity, then why did they kept hindered me time and time again? What's the damn purpose behind this, simply to make fun of me?? Fuck… my luck is so bad to meet them! I first thought they were only a pair of small flies, who would have thought one of them were so capable, covered their presence that well. Even now I still couldn't see through their strength, if not because they deliberately oppressed me last time I would never know… and that was only their sheer aura. 

Curse me, I only wanted to scare someone off yet not I'm the one to suffer, this must be the big boss's way to punish me. I must quickly something to please them, no, maybe I should lie low for now? Yes, that's right I should watch their attitude first, I don't know yet if they will get piss off or not… Agh--- the differences between us was like an ocean and a well, not to mention the present, who knows will I be able to win even with my peak state once the fight broke out. 

I shook my head, gathering my thoughts back. I have to leave now. 

Checking left and right for a familiar figure before quickly leaped into the open window. Good grief, they haven't come back yet, I'll finally able to continue my plan with ease.

Honesty… this room is so weird. It's hollowing, empty, not even a single dust or strain could be seen, contrasted to the lively street as if this room had been sealed off from the outside world. That reminds me of an underground prison, well, except that here is as clean as a newly built place and surprisingly cozy. Speaking of which, that secret notes the big boss called diary under the mattress, I think I've seen similar complicated symbols from somewhere… mah, forget it.

Just as I was about to throw away this disgusting rodent somewhere, all my furs stood up on its end with my instinct running wild, I felt something suddenly appear behind me. Was it those suckers? How could they came up behind me so quietly, could it be, that stinky owl? No matter what I won't let you guys take me away so easily, I'll fight back with all I have left, it's to fight or die! Come at me!

I was ready on all four when I looked back and saw a familiar face. Oh…no, it's the big boss?

No way just when did they get here- I, I am born from the shadow, one with shadow, I spread my essence around here naturally I can sense anything within the shadow like it was my arm and leg. The moment someone set foot in I must sense it immediately, but--- this guy- as expected! To be able to get this close to me so effortlessly without alerting me at the slightest. What a scary person---

"Spit it out"

No! this is essential to me-

"Spit it out"

"Meow.."

I could only give up any futile struggles before stupidly provoking this scary guy's nerves. 

"Fortunately, I parted with Hans to catch you first, haven't I told you before to stop collecting them? Was the bell trinket Hans gave you not good enough?"

Hateful! But I can't do anything thus I'm even more hateful! Why is it so hard being a kitten… 

"Hm… how about this, it's not that much of a bother regarding the smell but Old Hans and people living in here wouldn't like it, why don't you go keep it outside instead?"

This made me hesitate, this big boss is threatening me--- if I were to hide it outside there was a risk those suckers could track me down, they have that stinky owl with them after all, her tracking skill was no joke.

Facing with their heavy gaze I could only grit my teeth and jump out from the same way I came through. I dazedly looking down at the nasty rodent and the pit I freshly dug out beside the house in front of me.

What's the meaning of this? They don't want to have anything to do with me, only sheltering me for a short period of time? Right I can't wish for the strong to be too generous, this was already considerate of them. I see… I wasn't like that butler serving directly under them, their own people, that's why they weren't bother lending me help much, tch. So what? Just because I wasn't their opponent that doesn't mean they were on equal foot to single handling those group of suckers.

Very well, but I'll still consider this temporary kindness you gave me, I wasn't a petty person who doesn't know how to repay someone, wasn't because I don't have any means to fight back against the discrimination I'm suffering…

… Since the big boss allowed it, does that mean I could keep it as much as I want? I glanced behind to find a blond figure there to affirm my assumption. Nod! They nod! This is indeed a permission!

I guess it was better this way, although it's riskier than before, but in exchange I could accelerate my progress. Yes, all need to be done is that I have to be careful with covering my traces. Hey, so what if you don't want to lend me a hand? Once they arrived you will still have to help me fend them off in the end, hehe plus I could use that opportunity while the muddy water was stirred to escape.

Great idea, as expected of me.

----

[Author's note]

Thank you for the supports!