Chapter 26: The Story of the Boy
One day.
Night Star returned from killing with Yuri.
Yuri had the Cursed Bird take out a bunch of rotten nobles’ spawn.
He said this was to give the nobles a scare, so as to increase the success rate of fraud.
Or maybe that was just an excuse.
Night Star proceeded to wash the Cursed Bird clean, getting all the bl**d off her.
“Mmm~ Clean and fragrant, how lovely~”
Night Star led the Cursed Bird outside, dressed in a modified outfit, topped off with a brand new cloak.
She looked absolutely stunning!
It would be nice if she said “thank you.”
But alas, the Cursed Bird remained clueless, showing no sign of being able to speak.
Night Star didn’t even grumble, vanishing and reappearing instantly.
Back by the Cursed Bird’s side with some delicious treats.
Through a week of experiments,
Night Star had figured out the Cursed Bird’s preferences.
Like scents that were sweet and tantalizing, which drew her in; foods with light flavors got no reaction.
Strange indeed.
Never mind that.
Night Star handed over the food to Cursed Bird.
She sniffed a few times, then started eating.
“Mmm~ Good girl~ This is a reward for you. You’ve been working hard.”
After arranging the Cursed Bird, Night Star turned to leave.
In the living room.
Night Star saw Yuri sitting on the balcony looking out, obviously preoccupied.
Night Star tilted his head and walked over.
“Thinking about something sad? If you don’t mind, tell me. I might cheer you up.”
Yuri snapped back with a wry chuckle.
“Taking pity on me? I’m not that pathetic.”
“Yeah-yeah, you’re the greatest fraudster. So, can you share what you were thinking?”
Night Star persisted.
“Why should I? Finding out secrets tends to make people dislike you—don’t you get it?”
Yuri smirked, his tone sharp.
Night Star widened his eyes, astonished.
“You dare talk to me like that?! I’m angry!”
Yuri stifled a smile, his face going flat.
Fine.
Of course.
With Night Star’s odd way of communicating, lots of frauds would fall apart.
After spending time together, Yuri understood.
Night Star was truly impossibly simple.
Sure, compared to others.
Who knew there were such gullible girls around?
Unbelievable.
And how did her parents raise her? Didn’t they fear she’d be tricked into mining coal in the mountains?
Nope.
Hard to trick someone when even a talented fraudster like him barely gained anything.
Now the tricky part is understanding her motive.
Though Night Star had mentioned helping him many times.
Why would anyone do that?
Wasn’t Night Star seeking friendship?
Too easy, with no ulterior motives. Yuri found it hard to trust.
What could the guy possibly have to attract a person like that?
His ability to deceive others casually?
That should make folks wary.
Friendship was out of the question.
Especially since trust is vital.
Dealing with a fraudster as a friend? Better to expect betrayal.
Yet, Night Star kept getting closer.
This confounded Yuri.
The angry Night Star grew calmer.
“I’m merciful, so I’ll forgive your rudeness. But my earlier point stands—I’m here for you.”
“Oh…”
Yuri sighed.
Is this girl his nemesis?
Incapable of deceiving or exploiting, and even losing fights.
A fraudster must stay away from such foes, especially if hostile.
But reality is…
No hostility here.
Not even a hint of avoidance.
Only pure kindness.
Preposterous.
Yuri is a fraudster.
Suspicion and trust matter deeply to him.
He knew Night Star mostly trusted him, with zero concerns.
Why trust a troublesome fraudster?
Yuri’s breathing sped up but settled, giving in.
“Alright, I’ll tell a story. Don’t think it changes anything.”
Night Star’s eyes lit up.
“Great! I’m all ears! Go ahead!”
Seeing Night Star so excited, Yuri realized she hadn’t heard a word he’d said.
Typical of her.
Yuri gathered his thoughts.
The moment had come.
“Long ago, there was a boy who was once a member of a performance troupe, skilled at fraudulent performances—kind of like magic.”
Hearing this, Night Star was surprised.
Yuri used to perform professionally?
And after becoming the Star Eclipse, was he picked up by the theater group as fate’s plan?
Night Star stayed quiet, listening intently.
Yuri continued the boy’s tale.
“He was found by the troupe leader when very young, before his worldview was formed. The leader taught him everything.”
“The troupe leader was a mature woman, warm and playful, often teasing members. The newly found child wasn’t spared.”
“As the boy grew into adolescence, he got involved in everything the troupe did. Eventually, he showcased his knack for fraud and was trained by the leader. Soon enough, he became a celebrated performer, a fraudster.”
“But one day, bad apples attacked, wrecking everything, damaging props and even injuring members. The leader, among them, was one of the wounded.”
“Though she seemed healthy, she had a terminal illness. Her injuries worsened her condition, leaving her permanently weakened, unable to perform, until she passed away in bed, regrets lingering.”
Yuri paused, collecting his thoughts.
“On her deathbed, she entrusted me to lead the troupe. But she didn’t know that shortly after, we disbanded. Only a fraudster remained.”
“However, the boy then focused solely on revenge. He worked hard, building leverage to someday strike back at those who hurt them. But the truth revealed a noble support behind them. His goals changed entirely.”
