On their way back from the Rowan residence, Hikaru pondered deeply on how to handle the situation. Though he had used Lydia’s name to reassure Masaki and promised to handle everything, he had no real intention of involving her or using her connections to solve the problem. His statement was merely a tactic to prevent them from taking any futile actions that could potentially worsen the situation.
‘I can’t keep relying on Lydia to solve my problems and accumulating more debt of gratitude!’ Hikaru mused. ‘After all, a healthy relationship is about give and take, and constantly asking her for favors could potentially sour our relationship. I need to solve this problem on my own. With my wits and qualifications as a human lord, I don’t believe this problem could pose an issue for me!’ A confident smile spread across Hikaru’s face as a plan began to form in his mind.
Throughout their journey back, Hikaru reassured Mina’s mother and Masaki, while also informing them that the situation couldn’t be resolved immediately and advising them to wait patiently. The carriage dropped them off one by one until only Hikaru remained. Starving from skipping both lunch and dinner, he instructed the coachman to stop at a nearby tavern.
Hikaru paid the carriage fare and stepped into the tavern, its rough-hewn wooden beams bathed in the soft glow of dim yellow light crystals. The sturdy oak bar, reminiscent of a long trestle table, was adorned with tankards and plates of hearty food. Drawn to its rustic charm, he ordered roasted meats, the tavern’s favorite dishes, and a pint of ale, eager to indulge in the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
After finishing his meal, Hikaru savored the comforting warmth of the ale. Once satisfied, he settled his bill and made his way back to the Purple Walnut, his home.
As Hikaru knocked on the door, Lydia opened the door with a warm smile, though her eyes held a hint of concern. “Where have you been? I was so worried!” she asked, her tone gentle but firm, a reminder of their agreement for him to keep her informed about his activities.
Hikaru drooped his head, feigning regret. “Sorry, Lydia. I went to the Kaya residence and got so caught up in the conversation that I lost track of time,” he lied smoothly. “I should have reported to you first.”
Lydia’s expression softened, but she still gave him a knowing look. “Just remember to tell me in advance next time,” she said, her voice tinged with both relief and mild admonishment. “It’s important for me to know where you are.”
“Of course, Lydia,” Hikaru replied. “If I leave Bailey, you’ll be the first to know. But as long as I’m here, I can handle myself. Even if I can’t win, I can always make a quick escape. So, rest assured.”
Lydia sighed, shaking her head. “It's not just about that. You should tell me if you're coming home late.”
“Oh, right. Sorry about that,” Hikaru said, scratching his head. “That reminds me, I’ll probably be visiting the Kaya residence a lot over the next few days. We have a lot of catching up to do, so I might be back late at night. I hope you don’t mind.”
After wrapping up his apology, Hikaru swiftly retreated to his room. He pulled out the map Kaito had given him, its worn pages detailing the intricate layout of Bailey Kingdom. With a determined focus, he pored over the map, tracing the pathways and landmarks until he finally spotted his destination.
“Found it,” he muttered to himself, his eyebrows furrowing in concentration. “The Red Curtain is apparently in the Bailey third ring. I thought the third ring was all farmland and agricultural areas. Well, let's check that place out tomorrow!”
With The Red Curtain’s location now mapped out, Hikaru settled into his comfy bed, drifting off to sleep as his mind silently planned ahead.
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The sun rose over Bailey Kingdom, casting a warm glow as Hikaru began his morning routine. After taking a satisfying bath, he joined Loyd and Lydia for breakfast. Then he did his morning physical training session, where he casually mentioned to Lydia his anticipated late return, using a visit to the Kaya residence as a cover. Later, he wore his casual outfit with the addition of his hip pouch, and set off towards the Red Curtain.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the Red Curtain came into view on the distant horizon, nestled among the vast farmlands and agricultural expanses of Bailey Kingdom. Keeping his distance from the facility, he noticed a weathered farmer diligently working his fields and approached him to gather information. A subtle exchange of three silver coins sparked motivation in the farmer’s eyes, leading him to divulge everything he knew about the Red Curtain.
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According to the farmer, the Red Curtain operates as a skill-harvesting facility where beastman slaves are housed and exploited for their valuable skill anima. These slaves wear steel electric collars that automatically zap them if they dare to leave the premises. Day in and day out, they undergo relentless training to produce skill anima, only to be harvested like crops and trained anew. Apart from the staff, only a select few, mostly merchants, are permitted entry to purchase the soulstones produced there. Curiously, the farmer remained clueless about the identity of these privileged buyers.
Satisfied with the information, Hikaru slid three more silver coins into the farmer’s pocket. He then proposed another exchange, offering to work on the farm for a few days and displaying a gold coin as incentive. The farmer eagerly accepted, snatching the gold from Hikaru’s hand. Additionally, the farmer generously offered to provide Hikaru with food and drink during his stay.
To remain inconspicuous, Hikaru needed to pretend to work on the farm. But as Hikaru worked there, the farmer caught on his ulterior motives as Hikaru keep noting the guards there and their shift. So the farmer questioned him about his surveillance. Preferring not to disclose his true intentions, Hikaru discreetly slipped an additional gold coin into the farmer’s pocket, causing him to forget his inquiry.
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The next day, Hikaru followed his usual routine before heading to the farmer’s farm for another stakeout. As promised by the farmer, he provided Hikaru with food and drinks during his stakeout. During lunch that day, from his vantage point, Hikaru spotted Masaki rushing to enter the Red Curtain.
The guards blocked her entry, Hikaru could see she was arguing with the guards but alas their conversation was too distant to hear clearly. As Masaki knelt on the ground, the guards forcefully dragged her away from the compound’s entrance, away into the field. Hikaru watched intently, his heart racing with concern. After a brief struggle, Masaki lay motionless on the ground, obscured by the tall grass.
Hikaru quickly approached Masaki, his heart pounding in his chest. She looked up, eyes wide with surprise. “Loki? What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and relief.
“We need to move,” Hikaru urged, taking her hand and helping her to her feet. Without another word, he led her away from the compound and towards the safety of the farmer's field.
As they hurried through the tall crops, Masaki kept glancing at him, questions tumbling from her lips. “Why are you here? How did you find me? What’s going on?”
Hikaru tightened his grip on her hand, glancing back to ensure they weren’t being followed. “I’ll explain everything later. Right now, we need to get as far away from here as possible.”
Masaki nodded, sensing the urgency in his voice. They continued moving, the tall crops providing some cover as they made their way further from the facility.
Finally, they reached the edge of the farmer’s field, and Hikaru slowed their pace, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. “Are you okay?” he asked, concern evident in his voice.
Masaki nodded, her breathing heavy from the exertion. “Yes, but Loki, what were you doing at the Red Curtain? I thought you said you would ask Lydia for help straightening out the situation?”
Hikaru looked at her and said gently, “Lydia is a bit busy right now. But enough about that. What were you thinking, Ducky? If you create chaos here, it’s going to blow back on the clan.”
Hearing Hikaru’s words, Masaki realized she hadn’t thought things through. She looked at him, a mix of confusion and guilt in her eyes. “You’re right, I wasn’t thinking. But why are you here, Loki?”
Hikaru gave her a reassuring smile. “I have a plan, but I need you to stay away for now. Please trust me and wait patiently!”
Masaki frowned, shaking her head. “No, Loki. I’m not staying back this time. I want in on your plan.”
Hikaru sighed and nodded. “Fine, but you need to stay close and follow my instructions to the letter.”
Hikaru brought Masaki to the farmer and said she would stay with him, while slipping an additional ten silver coins into the farmer’s pocket. The farmer agreed and prepared another portion of dinner. They took a short break as they dined together. Masaki then joined the stakeout until Hikaru decided to follow one of the guards, with Masaki following closely behind.
The guard stopped at a tavern to have his dinner. Hikaru positioned himself in front of the guard’s table and ordered some light food and drink to remain inconspicuous. He gestured for Masaki to sit beside him so she wouldn’t obstruct his view. Hikaru then took out the Mana Scroll from his hip pouch and secretly captured the guard’s face without his notice.
Having gotten what he needed, Hikaru paid the bill and headed home with Masaki while the guard was still eating. He hired a carriage so they could get home faster.
On their way back home inside the carriage, they could hear the rhythmic clatter of hooves on the cobblestones, accompanied by the quiet murmur of evening. Masaki, seated beside Hikaru in the carriage, turned to him with a furrowed brow.
“Why did you take the guard’s picture back there?” she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and concern.
Hikaru glanced at her, his eyes reflecting the dim light from the carriage’s crystal lamps. “You’ll find out tomorrow,” he replied cryptically.
Masaki frowned slightly at his vague answer but didn’t press further. She trusted Hikaru enough to know he had his reasons. As the carriage rumbled on, Hikaru leaned back, gazing out at the passing streets bathed in the soft evening glow. After a moment, he broke the silence.
“I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning in front of the Kaya residence,” Hikaru said, his tone reassuring. “Then we’ll head back to the farmer’s field.”
Masaki nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and curiosity about what Hikaru had planned. She trusted his judgment and decided to go with the flow. With a shared nod of understanding, they continued their journey home. The carriage dropped Masaki off first in front of the Kaya residence before continuing on to the Purple Walnut.