The next day, Sebastian came down from the inn and decided to explore the market. Eager to start a new business in the West, he needed to familiarize himself with the products that were in demand. He carried a small notebook where he meticulously noted down all the information. This habit had served him well in his earlier life as a merchant in the East. In an instant, he immersed himself in the bustling crowd.

  "What are you looking for? Don't worry, I have everything you need," the shop-owner asked as Sebastian entered a random shop to inspect the wares.

  "No, no, I don't need anything. I was just seeing what kind of goods you have. I noticed some crowd near your shop," Sebastian replied.

  "Let me guess. You want to start a new business, and you're doing a little inspection of the current market flow. Am I right?" the shop owner said with a laugh.

  "Yes, you're right, sir," Sebastian replied with a smile.

  He then left the shop after chatting with the owner for a while. He roamed the market for several hours, noting down everything he needed to start a business in his trusty notebook. It was thanks to his previous experience as a merchant and his honed skills.

  Sebastian also made some connections in the market, believing that building relationships would help improve his reputation and boost his merchandise.

  After buying a few items that Menah had requested, he began walking back to the inn. As he walked, he reflected on his new role as a father. He needed to tread carefully to ensure a comfortable life for his son. He also realized the weight of his new responsibilities, as he had to ensure the safety of his wife and baby boy.

  "I'm home!" Sebastian announced as he entered the room.

  "Welcome!" Menah called from inside.

  As he entered, he saw their son sleeping soundly. Menah was busy with chores in the kitchen.

  Menah came into the room and noticed Sebastian staring at the baby without blinking.

  "Isn't he cute, my husband?" Menah asked.

  "Really cute," Sebastian replied.

  He thanked the heavens for answering their prayers and for the joy their son brought into their lives.

  "Do we deserve this happiness?" Sebastian pondered silently.

  "What are you thinking so hard about?" Menah asked curiously.

  The question caught Sebastian off guard. He quickly gathered himself and said, "Nothing, really."

  "How was your inspection today? Did you learn something?" Menah inquired.

  "Yes, I learned many things. The most important point is that there are many competitors in the market. No one bothers anyone, and everyone minds their own business. When I asked someone about something, some replied as friends while others viewed me as a competitor. If that's the case, this will be very challenging," Sebastian said.

  "Oof, don't worry too much. You did well in the East, so I know my beloved will not disappoint me," Menah reassured him.

  "Hmm," Sebastian replied, looking anxious.

  Menah saw his expression and understood that starting a business from scratch wouldn't be easy for him.

  The West was entirely unknown to them, and they didn't know the people well. They had said they would start over, but it was proving to be a difficult task, especially with their baby boy.

  Menah sat beside Sebastian, thinking of ways to support him. She knew the struggles but understood the importance of staying strong.

  "You worked hard today. I know we don't have time to go slowly, but let's not rush," Menah suggested.

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  "No, that boy is sleeping soundly and is dependent on me. I have to do my best for him. We've always prayed for a complete family. Now that we have it, we must face the responsibilities that come with it," Sebastian said.

  "We have to, and I know that too. But if we rush, we won't be able to do our best. Let's relax a bit and think it over again," Menah advised.

  Sebastian rested his head on Menah's shoulder, and she welcomed the gesture. He closed his eyes, trying to clear his mind.

  "It's my first time in the West. How about we go to the countryside for sightseeing? It will be refreshing," Menah suggested.

  Sebastian pondered for a moment and then agreed.

  After dinner, they went to sleep and awaited the new sunrise.

  ***

  "I will come straight to the point. Who will now take the throne?" the long-bearded man asked.

  "Hahaha, Duke Goldsman," said the man with a scar.

  "Well, it's in our blood to calculate the profit first, Sir Joshua," Goldsman replied.

  "Well, we had to confront this matter sooner or later. It's not something we can avoid," Ashworld said.

  "But what will you tell the people about his sudden disappearance? They elected him as their next lord in the square that day," the Pope, Joseph, asked.

  "I have a plan for that. We shouldn't worry too much," Ashworld said, laughing.

  His laugh reassured the others, as his plans had brought down the most powerful faction and hero of the land.

  "What about the division? Are we going to follow it or not?" Joseph asked.

  After hearing this, everyone looked at each other. Of course, everyone wanted everything for themselves.

  "We will stick to the plan. What was requested was noted down with their signatures. There is no way to ask for more or give less," Ashworld said seriously.

  "Where is it?" Joshua asked.

  "Bring it here," Ashworld ordered his men.

  Two soldiers entered, paid their respects, and handed the paper to Ashworld.

  "You know what to do," Ashworld said.

  The soldiers paid their respects again and left. A few seconds later, a faint sound was heard.

  "You told them to commit suicide, didn't you, Sir Ashworld?" Goldsman asked.

  "There is no need to take any risks. They were just punching bags who would open their mouths for some sweets," Ashworld said mockingly.

  "You're truly cruel, Sir Ashworld," Goldsman commented.

  "It's also in your blood, Duke. Our faction is built with more blood and might than bricks. Don't you agree, Sir Joshua?" Ashworld said.

  "Don't remind me of that again, Sir Ashworld. You know why I joined forces better than anyone. If I had the chance, I would have struck him dead with my own hands," Joshua said with a hard face.

  "Enough chatter, everyone. Now it's time to take our payment," Ashworld said.

  "Yes, yes, I am ready for an eternity," Goldsman said excitedly.

  ***

  After 'The Table',

  Ashworld gave the men farewell and came to his room.There was a man waiting for him.He sat on the couch.

  "Huff, it's tiring to deal with those swine," Ashworld said to his closest man.

  "Well, it's just the beginning. There's a lot more to come," the man wearing a black hat replied.

  The man's attire was completely dark, hiding something perfectly in the shadows of his clothes.

  Ashworld sighed.

  He had said those words, but they vanished like vapor as he thought about placing the crown on his head. His wish was about to come true.

  "Don't you want to explore the treasuries? Even if you were the most trusted person, you weren't allowed to step there. Quite fascinating, isn't it?" the man in dark clothes asked.

  "Hmm, I think about that too," Ashworld said.

  "But do you have any ways to find the route?" the man inquired.

  "Don't worry about that. Someone, bring him here," Ashworld ordered.

  "Who is he?" the man asked.

  "A loyal Black Knight of 'his.' I want to kill him by torturing every part of his body," Ashworld said, looking forward to it.

  But the man in dark clothes didn't pay much attention to Ashworld's words. In fact, he didn't care about Ashworld's wishes. What he needed was in the treasury of the Faction.

  "Sir, we have an emergency," a soldier hurriedly reported.

  "What happened?" Ashworld asked.

  "We were going to bring him to you. But when we reached the cell where we had him captive, it was broken, and all the guards were killed," the soldier reported.

  "WHAT???" the man screamed as if he was going to destroy the whole world at that moment.

  The soldier who reported the situation was petrified and trembling with fear.

  The man saw this and calmed himself.

  "What are you going to do now? If an ant gets mixed in the crowd and reveals the truth, all our plans will be in vain," the man asked Ashworld.

  "Why are you staring at me? Go deploy the search team. Get his face drawn and announce a bounty among the soldiers. Move it," Ashworld ordered.

  "Yes, Sir," the soldier replied, terrified, and quickly left.

  "I'm going to sleep," Ashworld said.

  "How can you sleep in this state?" the man asked.

  "I can't do anything here. Just pray that the cats successfully catch the mouse," Ashworld replied calmly.

  "LISTEN HERE, ASHWORLD. IF ANY WORD LEAKS OUT, I WILL BRING EVERYONE DOWN WITH ME!!" the man threatened Ashworld.

  Ashworld heard the threat but paid no attention. He went to his room and lay on the bed.

  In the darkened room, the man stood alone. His face was a clear picture of rage, full of annoyance.

  "Why? Up until now, I did everything flawlessly and brought down the elephant. But now you're saying I'm in a mess. No! I can't let that happen. Otherwise, our plans to awaken the 'Demon' will go to waste. They won't spare my life if I mess up now. I have to move too," the man mumbled to himself, clenching his fists as if they were about to burst.

  ---