### Chapter 15: Threats
“Wasn’t it you who approached me first? And the excuse of ‘I’ll run if I find the wrong person’? How rude.”
Night Star looked at the masked man in front of her and felt like she was facing a fraudster in the theater troupe.
Almost everything had changed, much like how things were with Hughes.
But from the look of it, he seemed pretty wary.
It’s reasonable.
After all, he didn’t know Night Star personally, nor was she a fraudster from the theater troupe.
She seemed to need to reassess this encounter.
“Well, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Night Star, nice to meet you.”
The masked man did not respond but continued to silently size up Night Star, wondering what exactly she was planning to do.
Seeing him remain silent for so long, Night Star pouted slightly.
“A gentleman doesn’t keep a lady waiting like this.”
Upon hearing that, the masked man couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m not a gentleman. In fact… you’re not a lady either? Your fraudulent abilities are too weak. You can only fool ordinary folks.”
“Mhmm, that’s right. I don’t lie, you’re the best; so, should we talk now?”
Night Star decided to change tactics directly.
After all, it’s no big deal to admit that she isn’t as good at trickery.
She’s a good kid!
Not being able to trick people is totally normal!
The masked man chuckled lightly.
“You’re not pretending anymore?”
“There was never any point in pretending.”
Having seen the human version of the fraudster, Night Star started to loosen up a bit.
However, she wasn’t going to let down her guard completely, nor was she about to trust him.
This masked man wasn’t like the theater troupe members who doted on their audience performers.
With strangers, he would undoubtedly impose sanctions without mercy.
Night Star pondered for a bit.
“Could you at least tell me your name? It’s not like we won’t be seeing each other often from now on. Can’t just call you ‘Mask Man,’ can we?”
“Seeing each other often? Not necessarily.”
The masked man kept a skeptical attitude.
He couldn’t yet establish Night Star’s stance and naturally wouldn’t blindly trust her.
He was a professional con man and getting conned himself would be quite embarrassing.
Night Star, maintaining her suspicion, found herself quite troubled.
She hated thinking too hard, and her speaking skills weren’t great.
Forget about convincing anyone with fancy words—this person in front of her? Forget about it.
Indeed, relying on one’s own strength is always better.
Lift weights, throw bricks!
It’s an age-old truth.
Night Star extended her hand, clearly indicating what she intended to do.
The continuously vigilant masked man’s eyes flashed. He guessed Night Star’s move.
He wouldn’t just stand there and get caught.
“White horse is not a horse.”
With this kind of ability, no matter who it is, his mind can alter some basic concepts.
Combining this ability with his own techniques, he could almost fool anyone.
Since Night Star aimed to attack him, naturally, he’d retaliate and show her he wasn’t someone to mess with.
A second later, he found out in shock that his abilities had no effect on Night Star!
This was the first time!
While he was stunned, the invisible thread instantly controlled his body, then hoisted him into the air.
Escape was now impossible.
Night Star grinned triumphantly.
“Wooden blocks! Surprised? Unexpected? My abilities don’t work on you!”
The masked man’s mood plummeted. He was clearly thinking of ways to escape.
He discovered he couldn’t control his own body, as if his physical self had been taken over.
This was all done by the silver-haired girl in front of him.
He hadn’t expected to get tripped up after being so careful, feeling quite frustrated.
But he can’t show his frustration because manipulating emotions is part of fraud.
Even if his abilities don’t trick people, he trusts his linguistic and psychological manipulation skills more.
This is where he excels.
“So, what do you want?”
“Well, you tell me your name.”
“Yuri,” the masked man replied calmly.
Hearing this, Night Star tilted her head, falling into silence.
Isn’t this supposed to be the real name of the fraudster?
Oh boy.
Maybe he told her just anything to throw her off.
If Night Star didn’t already know he was good at lying, she might have believed him.
Still, she kept quiet.
After all, they’re still strangers, and no way would she ever relax around him.
Now Night Star has gotten a bargaining chip through her strength; perhaps feigning it is better.
“Yuri? So, you’ll go by that henceforth.”
Night Star retracted the strings connected to Yuri and gently placed him back on the ground.
“Just don’t try to run away, or I’ll control you a second time too. Underestimating me will come at a price.”
“Naturally. I’m no stranger to reality,” Yuri assured.
He stretched, feeling the sense of control dissipate.
And at the same time, increasing his confusion.
Where does this girl even come from?
How can she be immune to his abilities? It’s incredible!
Yuri had never encountered such a peculiar person before.
From now on, he must be extra cautious.
There will always be someone better than you, something greater beyond us.
Some people can’t be influenced by that kind of power.
Reducing reliance on such powers is key.
“All right, tell me. Why are you after me? Paying me a visit to settle debts?”
In Yuri’s eyes, Night Star was probably just another noble’s lackey.
Only the nobles can cultivate individuals like her with special abilities.
Intending specifically on him.
Pretty much a sure bet.
Night Star gently shook her head.
“I’m not after you. To put it differently, I’m here to make friends.”
“Hahaha!”
Yuri couldn’t help bursting out laughing.
That perplexed Night Star.
“What’s so funny?”
“I’m just amused by your reasons.”
“Is there any reason not to be?”
“The idea of you, a fraudster, trying such a method—do I seem naive enough to believe you?”
Tricksters rarely take anything at face value.
Yuri wouldn’t lower his guard simply because of Night Star’s words.
Making friends with a fraudster?
Ridiculous.
Night Star pondered for a brief moment.
“If you don’t believe me, it’s fine. I’ll just follow you until I achieve my goal.”
“Then you have a specific purpose?”
Continuing, “At least I won’t hinder you in this interim. I’m just a bystander. Whatever happens to you has no consequence for me, plus, perhaps I’ll save you from getting a beating. What do you think?”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course.”
“And if I disagree?”
“Then I hit you!”
“…”
A moment of silence passed, and Yuri, once again, felt somewhat aggrieved.
Why must this grown man be threatened by a little girl?
Such humiliation.
Especially since he can’t defeat her.
“The way of violence isn’t befitting of a proper lady.”
Night Star made a subtle grimace.
“You said earlier I’m not a lady.”
“…”
Alright, seems like he has no other choice.
“I’ll honor your request, provided you hold up your end of the bargain.”
“Don’t worry, I’m known for keeping my word!”
Upon achieving her goal, Night Star wore a triumphant grin.
To Yuri, it was the start of unfortunate events.
