Little Pink Starfish

The players were buzzing with excitement over the limited-time event results, while poor Claude’s post sank almost instantly.

But Golden Rose Manor was far from calm.

Eagle’s old friend, Count Aken Ashkro, had unexpectedly arrived, accompanied by dozens of knights, clearly fleeing from something serious.

In the Kingdom of Esmia, a territory-holding noble like Aken rarely left his domain. For him to appear in such a state meant his lands had likely suffered a major blow.

“I think something happened to ‘him,’” Aken said tactfully, avoiding using King Leiser’s name directly, knowing Eagle disliked hearing it.

Eagle shook his head. “I doubt it. He was sick but recovered.”

Aken fell silent, then murmured, “Then he must have forgotten the promise he made to House Ashkro.”

Though not an ancient noble family, House Ashkro had long been allies with the Lano family. Both had been marginal nobles until the political upheavals during King Orlington’s reign. Back then, the Lano family supported Leiser, and the Ashkros followed suit, helping him suppress rival princes.

Leiser, the son of the former queen, was known for his extreme temperament and his infamous entanglements with Duke Burke Angre. After claiming the throne, he killed nearly all his siblings, sparing only his full sister, Princess Carolina.

Ancient noble houses that supported other claimants were devastated. House Ashkro rose from the ashes but paid a steep price, losing nearly all its members.

Aken’s father was granted the title of Silver Eagle Count and a wealthy territory, but died early. Aken inherited the title as a minor.

Leiser had once vowed that the Ashkros would always remain a pillar of the kingdom—but that promise clearly no longer held.

Now, Aken’s lands had been taken and restored to their previous owners, House Boswick—who had only lost it because they supported the wrong side years ago. History had turned full circle.

Aken, hugging his knees on a chair, looked lost.

Eagle patted his shoulder. “Get some rest,” he said, then left the room with Pei Sen.

“Is it really that easy to lose your lands in Esmia?” Pei Sen asked quietly.

“Not normally. But he was clearly abandoned by the capital,” Eagle replied. “Something bad must have happened there. But it has nothing to do with me.”

Just then, Atwell approached with two priests and overheard the conversation.

“It might actually have everything to do with you, young master. Especially the recent assassination attempt.”

Pei Sen tensed. Atwell smiled knowingly.

Eagle was far from the capital, and information traveled slowly. Sadin might know more through Burke Angre, and Kesso had his own sources through the Mage Tower’s magical communication network.

But Atwell followed only Eagle’s orders, not Sadin’s or Kesso’s.

“If there’s something to say, just say it. Pei Sen is trustworthy,” Eagle said, sensing Atwell’s hesitation.

“The assassination was tied to Viscount Frey,” Atwell finally revealed.

“Who? A viscount tried to kill me?” Eagle frowned.

“His full name is Frey Esmia. His father was Prince Latimer—King Leiser’s uncle.”

Prince Latimer had been executed by Leiser for scheming against Duke Burke Angre and Princess Carolina.

Frey survived and managed his father’s former territory well. Though only a viscount, his lands were vast and prosperous, arguably more prestigious than Eagle’s own.

He kept a low profile due to his father’s disgrace, but he was still of royal blood—a legitimate heir to the throne.

Atwell advised caution. Even if Sadin stayed at the manor, risks remained.

Pei Sen silently sighed. How safe could Eagle really be in this manor?

Despite the heavy protection, the original timeline still led to him going blind.

“Wait two more days,” Eagle said. “I’ll send Mary to Casey City, and those Bix people can help with the new city’s construction.”

He paused. “Besides, Aken is not weak. He crossed thousands of miles with knights to reach me. But apparently, he was betrayed by someone he trusted.”

Eagle’s eyes darkened. “I don’t even have someone I can trust here. Except you.”

Pei Sen’s heart clenched.

“Take me with you, Pei Sen. You promised we’d get stronger together. Don’t leave me behind.”

Faced with that rare vulnerable expression, Pei Sen gave in.

“Fine. I’ll bring you.”

Eagle smiled, so dazzling Pei Sen finally understood what those novels meant when they said someone’s smile was brighter than spring.

Eagle rarely smiled. But when he did, it was unforgettable.

Pei Sen didn’t dwell once he made a decision. They would wait until Mary was settled in Casey City before sneaking out.

Meanwhile, Pei Sen fast-tracked player construction missions. Rather than demolish Wallis’s luxurious manor, he kept it for use by Mary. It would become the new administrative hub.

He planned to open a mission and exchange point in Casey City for players. That way, they wouldn’t have to constantly return to the manor.

Eagle agreed. Neil would accompany Mary, and some servants would relocate supplies. They could even reward hardworking Bix players from the surplus.

Eagle asked if they should raise the Bix payment. Pei Sen said it wasn’t necessary. Players valued experience and contribution points far more than in-game money.

The forum buzzed as usual. Pei Sen noticed foreign media had started reporting on Bix Magic Cube. Though no foreign players were in-game yet, the upcoming open beta with 10,000 spots might change that.

Before his transmigration, Pei Sen had joined long after launch. Foreign players were rare, but language wasn’t a barrier. The in-game system handled translation automatically.

“Just two months,” he sighed. The game felt like it had already gone through so much.

He ignored gossip posts linking him romantically with Eagle, instead focusing on dungeon clues.

The moment someone found a dungeon entrance, he wanted to be ready.

Mary had left. With fewer eyes near Eagle’s room, Pei Sen could better plan their escape.

If necessary, he would use a precious teleport scroll—though it would be a waste if it landed them back inside the manor.

He assigned two suspicious maids, Carla and Linnie, near Eagle’s quarters. They appeared as yellow units, likely spies. Several male servants showed the same traits.

Pei Sen figured that if he and Eagle vanished, these people might hide it rather than report it—if it suited their masters’ goals.

“Young master, that’s all for today. I’ll go get your lunch.”

“You don’t need to go yourself. Send a servant.”

“I want to scout a few paths.”

Eagle said nothing more.

Pei Sen tiptoed down the hall, checking for patrol gaps.

Ahead, two male servants whispered, unaware he was nearby.

“Damn, he reshuffled everyone away from the young master.”

“Yeah, we’re not allowed near him anymore. He’s got full control now.”

“Carla and Linnie? Really? They barely talk.”

“That’s probably why. They know how to keep quiet.”

“And have you noticed? No one guards the bedroom at night now.”

“Exactly. Everyone knows what that means.”

Pei Sen: “…Wait. What?!”

“No one outside to hear any… noises.”

“Our young master is an adult now.”

“Good looks really do get you everywhere.”

“I bet he got rid of Mary so he could do whatever he wanted.”

“Now even if something happens in that room… no one will interfere.”

Pei Sen: “……………………………”

Wait a minute. Are they thinking what I think they’re thinking?!