### Chapter 28 The Beginning
When Night Star first approached the information broker, she was rather shy and couldn’t quite loosen up. But the second time around, she was all business. You know, you get comfortable after a few tries.
Whenever the information brokers saw Night Star approaching, they were like, “Oh great, the plague has come.” Almost everyone wanted to find a secret exit.
But could Night Star really let them escape?
She directly asserted control over “Doll City” and made them immobile. No matter what, they were stuck there like glue.
“Really now, we’ve been through this before. Why resist? Life’s like a forced kiss; if you can’t resist, might as well enjoy it, right? And we’re still paying, aren’t we?”
It wasn’t exactly proper, but at least it wasn’t causing her any hassle.
Night Star mumbled to herself as she came up to a reliable broker.
This guy had been stripped of the most fleece, meaning he gave true and reliable info. Who else could compete with him?
So naturally, she had no choice but to go all-out on him like a sheep.
“So, any new intel today? Preferably something about the nobles.”
“No news,” he replied.
Night Star narrowed her eyes.
“If you’re trying to scam me, you’re out.”
“There’s some intel! But… I’ll need more money!”
The broker quickly changed his tune.
Night Star pondered for a moment, then stated a figure.
The broker’s eyes bulged.
“You’re robbing me in broad daylight!”
Night Star scratched her mask nervously.
“Haha~”
Too bad, the comical mask gave away nothing. Instead, it gave off a vibe of “I could care less.”
“Why bother robbing when you can trade faster? I’m the fairest trader around! Plus, I’ve got a natural flair for commerce,” she added quickly.
Uh-huh.
Seizing and selling forcefully must be a special skill indeed.
Could the other merchants do that?
The broker’s heart sank—he felt incredibly disrespected by that comment.
How could the girl’s face be so thick?
What family raised such a prodigy?
The info broker tried to haggle.
“How about ten times the price?”
“I don’t have the cash!” Night Star declared proudly.
On hearing that, the broker knew he’d once again lose money.
A bit later.
Night Star left the building with a few sheets of paper, holding the info she sought.
“Mm, the internal nobles seem fine. But is it only a matter of time before those soldiers return?”
In any era, there’s always tension. Countries are no different.
Aside from hereditary nobles, warriors can also become nobles through military achievements.
Some soldiers who earn significant honors on the battlefield could turn royal quickly upon their return.
“Um, it seems a cohort of soldiers will return. Likely, many will become nobles. I’m not sure how that will impact the stability. But who cares?”
Night Star mulled it over, planning to tell Hughes and Yuri.
Days passed.
Sharon invited Hughes for a tea chat while Night Lan continued to stick around like a lightbulb. As the conversation lagged, Night Lan interrupted.
“Hughes, heard the soldiers who earned honors are coming back.”
Hughes paused, then reflected.
“This could complicate things.”
He knew these honored soldiers would have a tough time adapting compared to hereditary nobles. War veterans were fierce, valuing power over niceties, making them potentially unpredictable.
If such fierce individuals entered the ranks, the nobility could see significant upheaval. Gentlemen manners wouldn’t mean much to them.
Hughes smiled briefly.
“Thanks, Night Lan. Thanks a lot.”
“Sure thing! That’s what friends are for.”
Elsewhere.
Night Star approached Yuri.
“Yuri, some new noblemen will appear thanks to military honors. Does that affect your plans?”
“New noblemen?” Yuri looked puzzled.
“Yes, said to have returned from war. They should receive noble status based on their achievements.”
“Oh! Won’t affect grand plans, really. Anyone can be deceived.”
Yuri shrugged it off.
Well, except Night Star.
Back on track, as per the plan.
Days moved slowly.
Weeks passed, and Night Lan struggled. Everything seemed normal.
One spot—
Night Lan and Night Star gathered, ranting.
“Wow, it’s already been two weeks. Still no sign of the Ballad Conductor… What gives?”
Not to mention everything remained smooth—too smooth.
Night Lan felt frustrated, itching to punch someone.
But the Ballad Conductor was cleverly hidden.
Night Lan scoured everywhere, to no avail.
Or perhaps, he just had too much power, hiding himself effectively.
With passing days, Night Lan became increasingly anxious.
The calmer things got, her nerves grew worse.
She knew disaster awaited.
This was a false calm before the storm.
Current peace felt temporary.
Moreover, the Ballad Conductor lingered unseen, influencing events.
How much longer till he acted?
Cut to a scene inside a building.
A figure sat by the balcony, looking out into the distance. He stood out oddly, almost an outsider watching the play unfold.
“The show is about to begin. The tragic start is coming.”
Smirking, the Ballad Conductor anticipated the unfolding drama before him.
He would manipulate everyone’s fate, plunging them into a tragic whirlpool.
No one could escape.
Except, something felt amiss.
The Ballad Conductor glanced somewhere, locking onto an unknown gaze.
“I can’t control her, nor give her tragedy. Who is she? Changing the course of my plans?”
He reviewed everything and confirmed her role.
“So, interfering with my scheme? Let’s see how you fare. Will you meet your own tragedy?”
Simultaneously,
Night Lan instantly shivered.
“I felt a chilling glare moments ago—whose was it? Could it be the Ballad Conductor? Did he catch onto me?”
Realization hit, and she braved it.
“Who knows how he’ll retaliate, but no way I’ll be scared. Bring it on! I’ll punch him in the face!”
Night Lan shouted confidently, then headed back towards the others—Sharon and Yuri—before she worried them too much.
