In truth and Deceit. (Prologue)

"Nooo!"

"Woah! Settle down there champ."

"Y-You! What have you done to Xuyin! Where is she!? Do you know what you've done!? You've just hurt one of the owners of the idol industry you love so much!"

Refusing to believe that this man is her all along. The man holding me down, the one Name Moriz Chenghu gives me a gentle smile replying:

"Buddy, I am Wang Xuyin."

"Lies!"

"You want me to transform again?"

"N-Noooo!"

"Sheesh when you scream like that people really might get the wrong idea. Calm down, I didn't lied, I mean I did spent a year AS Wang Xuyin. Well, the method of transformation is different but the content is still the same... Minus the dress, I don't wear such frilly clothing all the time."

"T-Then... Then you really own the idol industry? All that happen... Is *urp* you!?"

Holding back to not puke, he finally lets me go and jump and take a seat beside me replying:

"Well, duh! I just acted how I did back then. And I'm eagerly awaiting to meet Miso tommorow! Killing lots of birds with one stone today, hehehe..."

"No! Your charade MUST be stopped!"

"Lil Suowa, I really am one of the sponsors of the idol industry 4 years ago and is still now."

"H-How?"

Moriz puts his left arm around my shoulders and pull me close as I haven't felt terror in a long while and remembered what he did.

"Ah! Then let me spin you a tale on how. You see, it was around 4 years ago. The night after I got crippled and my uprising ended in failure."

"S-Sorry? What?"

(Uprising? Crippled?)

"Are you still talking the same thing?"

"Shush! I'm getting to it. It was a bloody night, a war raged under the Heavens yet they know nothing about, a bloody civil war between kin for the vengeance of his beloved and cherished."

(Ah, maybe this is just what they call exaggerating? Or setting up the stage? I mean the hero stories I read do just that).

"After pretty much losing everything from a certain triad, I..."

Moriz uses his free hand to rub his upper stomach as he continue saying:

"The leader of the uprising was for some reason spared while I see my brothers and sisters in arms dead underneath my feet. A rigid end for a rigid life. And as to teach me shame and humiliation or something, I don't know. They threw me out alone at the burning ruins that I cause. To live a new life and gave me a new chance.

It was there and it was at that point in time, I was moving up and restoring myself that I notice a girl dancing at the corner of my sight. Moving close as if drawn into it, I could hear her sing and see her dance so cheerfully to the few audience. So bright, and so... Happy among the chaos that have been wrought.

It was funny yet, refreshing to see that even in such chaos and strife someone could still laugh, smile, and even try her best to make everyone happy. I notice what her cursed voice could bring, and realize that... Instead of using her powers to hurt or create new weapons like so many did. She actually uses her curse to sing and entertain people... To make them smile and be hopeful for the things we have now and the future to come.

If the road to hell is paved by good intentions and by Libera's Blue balls that means the road to heaven sure is paved by bad ones..."

Moriz grows quiet as the two companions he bring listens closely as I too am curious.

"Yeah and well... I suppose that's where I first met Rana and fell for her voice. Realizing to start anew, I need to get rid of the laundered money, so I dump all my remaining treasuries I have from the Uprising and threw it into the new and dying Idol industry. And BOOM, I suddenly became the new owner in control of all the industry apparently, got them a new passionate, greedy, and good-willed Boss or CEO I met from a literal garbage can a few years back with my master that shares the same vision as I did. Then Rana becomes international and Wabam! It becomes a multi billion Yuan industry from the back of my head.

A few years later, the same hobo from before came visit me at my new home wearing some fancy sparkling black suit and gave the black medallion later telling me he somehow turn all those dirty cash to legitimate gold. And that's how I become the owner, through sheer dumb passionate luck."

"I-I see..."

(Hmm... Now I'm even more confused. Like a Hobo? The hell is that? Well seeing how he associate it with garbage does that mean he's born in the dumps? Can you be born in the dumps? Aah! Now I'm just going crazy! From what he tells, I wonder is he's actually telling the truth...?)

"Wait, what's laundered money anyway?"

"Well... That's not something someone as good as you should know. But enough about me explaining that, say since you're here you're interested in what I have to say right?

Man, you're great! I thought you wouldn't want to speak to me at all after what I did back there but thank the Gods you're forgiving, I won't waste the chance you have given me!"

(Like hell I did! You're the one who dragged me here and seperated me from my group!)

"I HATE you and I won't let you near my friends."

It seems my thoughts seep out as he just shrugs it off replying:

"Right, that's what the girls told me before they let me into their rooms. But hey, you're a guy no worries am I right?"

By now I realize my face is beyond disgusted by him as he seems to be more happy than before looking at me.

"Hey, big bro. Who's she? Your friend? Is she an Owlian too?"

"Rawr!"

"Yeah, what he said!"

That's when I also realize I've been speaking with Moriz in Owlian and that he actually knows Owlian. And that kid is talking to a monster...

(Is that kid talking to a monster?)

Moriz pats my shoulder replying:

"Duh of course! But it's better you call her, a him. Okay? She wants to be called like a dude."

"Okay... She has a weird request. I mean for someone so pretty why do you want to be called a dude?"

"Right...? Maybe he just like being cute."

Feeling of conflicted, ashamed, and angry along with so many more mixed feelings. I try to calm down and eat some of the foreign good food at the table. With a bit of patience I soon realize something,

"Wait if you own the Idol industry, why can't you just ask them to make more of those idol figures? Shouldn't you be able to do that?"

Moriz who is also enjoying the meal alongside his pet and the boy looks at me with his cheeks full. He swallowed it first with a smile saying:

"Ah well, I mean you could ask anything about where your Sis is and you ask that? Well, okay then! This involves a bit of economic theory and logic. So strap up."

"I don't like that word. And you're right, I think I'm gonna change my question-"

"Too bad! Info dump time! Time tp learn some economic theory!"

"Nooo- urp!"

As Moriz hold my mouth to shut me up, he soon use his free hand to eat and start explaining:

"Sure, I own like... A lot. But that's a different matter as I deal with other businesses like their public support, platform, face, media and et cetera for the idol industry as a whole. For the record, I mostly deal with support and resources. Where was I? Right! Since I'm one of the shareholders, the only way I can influence them is during the board meeting and trying to order them all directly is impossible with how wide, spread out, and independent those we work with are, plus we gotta watch for the wishes for the other owners as well, they don't wanna lose their supports after all.

I suppose that's when Hobo-Chan realize why we invest in the first place and gave me this medallion so I could still make limited direct requests. Like meeting an idol, getting a certain merchandise, or arrange some special event between idol groups or request the merging between the groups, just to name a few. I heard there are different medallion base on how much you own and how much you can do base on the medallion. From only the idols to the highest position in that private group or individual.

But anyways, since we're a pretty flat structured organization. The one who made the idol merchandise and have the actual contract of the idols are a private group, companies, or individuals working for us. That's why there's no universal price and distribution, many idol names, and there are many types of idols or why is it just so many!

Ahem! Sadly even though I own the company that contracted Rana. I simply can't do anything when they're gone and disbanded. Even their manufacture method and the company they task with producing it is gone. So yeah, I actually had to pull out the medallion to gather some groups to find a corner stock or storage to get just that one figurine before it turned to dust- Woah!"

I decided to do the one trick that usually work in this time and... Bite his hand!

"Pff, are you imitating Yuwei? You gotta at least enhance your teeth with qi and make sure it can bite through Zarumite before you can cause pain. Let alone left a- woah!"

In desperate attempt I lick his hand. Using this chance I move away replying:

"Ah! That's too much! And too complicated!"

Moriz grabs some tissues and wipe his hand replying:

"Oh c'mon Suowa, that's not even basics yet. And of course even though I'm just an Heir, that comes with learning both economics and state-craft since my Sister can't rule. I must take her mantle as well, so learning all those stuff just comes in."

"Sister? Right! You lost your sister right? Don't tell me that's..."

He throws the tissue to the corner bin and as it enters he appears beside and grabs me again smiling widely replying:

"Nope, it's not a Lie! Technically, Dinner is my lil adopted sister. If you think Dinner's my pet just because of the name and race, you should be ashame of yourself! Ain't that right!?"

"Wawr!"

"Yeah, ashamed! She's family!"

The monster and boy jumps in place glaring at me as Moriz pats their heads saying:

"That's right! Plus, Daniel may call her a he since Dinner's gender is not really determined yet before she reach adulthood. And for being lost... I actually lost the two bags when I was wondering around, accidentally place them on some moving panels you see and only got them back."

"Wait, is that true big bro? Thought, you said that whole shaking was a wild ride?"

"It is isn't it?"

I grab ahold of his shirt collar shouting:

"That's... That's just you twisting the truth!"

"Yeah, what she said, big bro!"

"Rawr!"

"Nah, ah, aaah! Twisted truth is still the truth when there's no lies! Though I guess you can blame the Vocab for being so interpretable."

The three of us can be easily summarized as being... Pissed! I

"That's... Do you even have a lil sis?"

"Oh? You mean my real Sis? Of course. I told you just now no? And well, half sis since she's from a different mother. But I mean why would my sickly sister even come to this underdeveloped backwater kingdom? She's still at the Turtle Academy busy being that Xiwang's right hand or something. She's refusing to come home and ACTUALLY manage your home from predatory family members itching to rob your people while the lord is away! But luckily Ranger's there for me to watch. Oh, wait! I heard my Lil Sis became rank 2 of the Girl's Super Stars. Amazing huh? But I'n still pissed.

If it were me, I was rank 1 the first month I became a second year at the all girl school and got the Wang Xuyin title as well. You know what the great Sage of Knowledge once said,

[It takes a real man to become best girl]

And I finally realize those words when I sure did become best girl UwU."

(Xiwang? Wait... Isn't she the leader of the bird lady that crash the party or something? And rank 2!? So what rank is Qiyue!? And everything he said is just revolting for some reason! You know what...)

"I'm leaving."

"Huh?"

I forcefully rip his hands away from me shouting:

"I said I'm leaving! I'm gonna go find my friend myself!"

"Wait!"

"What do you mean wait!? You forcefully separate me from a friend and now you're telling me all this bull schnitzel!"

"Prrff, that's a cute way to curse."

"Goodbye!"

"Awww..."

As I try to open the door, I realize no matter how hard I pull, push, or slide, it won't open. When I look back I see him lay down on the Sofa and look at me upsidedown as he hangs his head saying:

"What? You thought I would let anyone see my transformation? I gotta lock everything up and tie any loose ends."

Moriz speaks in runician with a mocking smile. I remember his deeds at the forest and crawl into the corner shouting:

"What are you going to do to me!?"

"Pfff, sheesh! For a guy you sure beat some girls for being feminine. If I haven't fumble your balls and knew you before I would've been fooled myself."

Moriz stands and walks to me as I realize this is it.

"Hey, stop with your ghastly face already. What? You think you're any better? You probably slept and take a bath with the girls too no? What makes you so different from me? Why don't you look in the mirror and reflect on how many girls you tricked and touched so far? I say you're worse than me. After all, unlike me, I doubt you ever admit to them you're a guy no? Afraid of the consequence?"

"That's..."

(Urgh! He's right!)

"Hey, tell you what, I did ask the organizer to search for your friend. That adventurer guild's staff. No? I told her to find her as we speak."

"Huh?"

"So why not talk? Or let's make a deal?"

"A deal? With me? I don't think I can give you-"

"Nah ah, ah. Don't sell yourself short just yet. If there's one thing I can do is find talent. And tell you what, I see immense potential within you. So let's do this. I will call you in a few days, for some gathering of the boys I just made. And in return you can call me for help once. And let me tell you, my favours are pretty valuable. You can ask your own Sis for verification... Say I just realize this but how many girls do you call Sis? You know what, for get that question."

"Ugh... Fine! I'll join your gathering! So let me use that favour now!"

"My, you bold, so what you want?"

(Should I? No! This is the perfect chance! Just look at him! No matter what he looks my senses tingle with danger. He would be the one...)

"I... No... I want you..."

"Hmm? Speak up."

"Teach me how to be a Man!"

Moriz finally turns around and walk away to and sits down on the sofa before he looks down and,

"Heh, hehahaha! Yes, I will have one now Master. (Not of strength but will)."

"One what?"

"It's a deal! And in return, you must call me Master- No! Super Master Moriz! Or Da shi! No Da Shifu! For more gratification! So you must call me Da Shifu! Everytime you speak with me! At the start or end!"

"Sorry what?"

*Wham*

Moriz slams his arm beside my head in such flash speed that shocks me as he brings his face close as to corner me shouting:

"What did I tell you!?"

"Sorry! Da Shifu!"

"Good! Here's the first lesson!"

He backs away a bit but leaves his arms there saying:

"If you wanna prove how they see you, try doing this to a girl and see how they react. If they blush and fidget like you, well you have proven yourself as someone who can make a girl swoon."

(Me? Do that!?)

"I-I'm not! fidgeting! And C-Corner them? Like this!? Uh... Da Shifu!"

"Yeah, this is called the wall slam, or what the people in the Eclipse Empire called Kabedon. Try doing this to that friend of yours or someone else, I don't care who as long as it's a girl. And just tell me the results when I call you back here."

Moriz backs away again and enjoys a meal as I see the boy seems to give him some punches as I hear him say,

"Don't bully the girl!"

"Hey, I'm not! It's called being playful!"

"She's tearing up! And my parents told me to never hurt a girl!"

(I am!?)

I wipe my face as I realize I am.

(What's wrong with me!?)

"Sheesh! You do realize your punches do nothing right?"

"It's the message!"

"Haha, kid soon you'll realize that not all seems as it looks. I mean he's the one who's asking for it."

"Then speak in Owlian! So I understand what you two are talking about!"

I slowly get back up, and take a sit a bit far away as I ponder and rethink what just happened.

(What did I just wish for myself? And agree on? Am I so desperate That I ask... Him to teach me? I mean shouldn't there be a better person? Like Kokkan? But... He doesn't believe I'm a guy! Well, I'll do his advice if the time is right, or never).

"Sigh..."

"Sir...? here. Stop crying."

"Huh?"

I look up to see the kid offering a plate of meal to cheer me up. Seeing how even a kid is trying to cheer me up, I take the plate and try to smile replying:

"Thanks kid, I never get your name?"

I see his face redden a bit as he looks away scratching his cheek saying:

"Daniel, it's just Daniel, miss- I mean sir!"

"My name's Sova Anmao. You can just call me Sova."

"Yes, Sova bro! If big bro tries to bully you again, just tell me! I'll put some senses to him again!"

(Sova bro? That got some nice ring to it).

"Hehe, sure. So how did you two meet?"

(I didn't saw him with Kitten back at the tunnel? And maybe I could speak with an Owlian as I wait. It's been a while. Maybe I can ask him where he comes from and how his home look like).

"How did we meet huh? Well let me weave a you a tale again."

"Oh, please no."

"Too bad! And what did I say!?"

"...Da Shifu!"

"Goo~d."

Moriz shows up behind him with the monster resting on his head. He takes a seat beside me as Daniel takes a chair and sit across us.

"Well, right as I arrive here with a depressed Kitten, I found some Owlian settlement at some abandoned warehouse or storage, well a abandoned building. Turns out they were refugees that arrived here 2 years ago. Some tried to find asylum at the cities after the monster announcement and some decided to stay and in the end, the only one left was this brat and his sister. When I visit him after you left, his sister passed away as the cold seems to finally break them. Once again, I'm sorry I wasn't in time."

"It's fine, big bro. You helped more than enough since you're wanted too."

"I'm... Sorry to hear that."

"It's fine, Sova bro! I promise my Sis I will be a strong! And be brave!"

I pat his head saying:

"I'm sure you will."

Before pulling back to eat the meal he gave me asking:

"Say, Daniel, where were you born in the Aologi Empire?"

"Huh me? I never been to the Empire."

"Huh?"

A bit surprised, he then continue saying:

"I was born when my parents' still running away from the Empire. They told me that their hometown was destroyed in the ensuing battle between the Imperials and Nationalist. And that was 10 years ago. I suppose this kingdom is my home now!"

"I... If you need anything just ask, okay?"

"No need! Sova bro!"

"Huh?"

Surprised once again, he scratches his nose replying:

"Big bro here got me covered! And besides I need to learn how to survive on my own and not rely on anybody too much!"

"I-I see..."

"What bout you, Sova bro? Are you born within the Empire?"

"Ah, well yes, but I don't know much myself. I spend most of my time home and in hiding until it got destroyed as well. So that's why I'm asking you since I wanna know what our country's like.

"I-I see, sorry to hear that too..."

(I wonder if I can hear at least one good story of home).

"Sheesh! Look at the both of you! No need to be so gloom, look at you now, you got a luxurious room, delicious meals right infront of you, enjoy it!"

"R-Right! Let's eat! Dig in Sova bro!"

"Sure!"

*Knock* *Knock*

"Excuse me, Lord! But the guest you wish for is in the waiting room."

"Well, that's your cue, Sova."

"Right... Da Shifu."

"Good you're learning well."

I wipe and wash both my mouth and hands as I look at the three of them saying:

"Since you provided me with all of this. Thank you... Da Shifu..."

Moriz leans back with a mocking grin replying:

"No problem! Just come when I call you okay? You already used your deal so I'll drag you here anyways."

I smile back at him saying:

"Sure! Just no crazy stunt like that again... Da Shifu."

"Heh, I doubt you would consider many stuff crazy after seeing that. Anyways, I told the staff to let you two grab 2 or whatever items you want and paid from me. So take whatever you want! It seems my tax haven bank account still functions. It seems those fools didn't check my foreign account. Take it as compensation for taking your time."

"I don't know what that means but thanks! I'll take you on that offer... Da Shifu."

"Hehehehe..."

Moriz laughs with an even bigger grin and I quickly turn around and went for the door.

(Man that's annoying! No, suck it up! It's all my fault for asking this! And right! Time to get Juha some gifts! Wonder what she will like? And I hope I didn't make her wait too long... Ah, screw that, I'm probably late anyways. It's the start of accepting my... Consequences.

Let's use the opportunity to get the best items for her then. I wonder what she would like? And... When maybe when I gather enough courage, time to be honest to both Yoo-Ah and Juha. I may get castrated whatever that means but I'm ready... I think... That word still scares me. And let's not bring Qiyue and the others at Sis Fei's school... They'll bury me alive too...)