After a while, Egon noticed Vienna stepping out of the mansion, dressed in a sleek purple gown with a cloth bag slung over her shoulder.
Wearing high heels and exuding confidence, she walked toward the elegant carriage waiting at the gate. She was clearly heading out for business.
Trailing behind her were several formidable Beastkin female bodyguards, their presence alone enough to deter any trouble.
Egon instinctively stepped forward, hoping just maybe she would notice him.
But she didn’t spare him even a glance.
Instead, her sharp voice rang out across the courtyard:
"Hilga! Where’s my new pet? Bring him here!"
Hilga, who had been standing nearby fidgeting with visible hesitation, jolted upright.
"Y-Yes, Mistress. Right away," she replied before hurrying back into the house.
A few moments later, Archon emerged.
His snow-white hair caught the morning light, accentuating his chiseled jawline and piercing cold blue eyes. He looked effortlessly noble; well-rested, well-fed, and dressed like someone favored.
Egon stood frozen as envy gnawed at his insides.
Archon looked every bit like the kind of man women fantasized about, especially women like Vienna. For getting a boy toy like him.
Egon clenched his fists unconsciously.
The gap between them was painfully obvious. While he was covered in dust and sweat, Archon walked out like a noble, freshly dressed and seemingly pampered. No signs of mistreatment at all.
Vienna’s eyes immediately lit up upon seeing him.
"There you are," she said in a playful tone, extending her hand. "Come, sit with me. We’ll talk during the ride."
Archon gave a faint nod and followed her into the carriage, with the door closing behind them.
Egon stood there, rooted.
Even though he knew how the story was supposed to unfold... watching it happen in real time still stung.
He gritted his teeth and turned away. He had no choice but to bide his time, until he could change the script.
But there was someone else who felt just like Egon.
Hilga, the Head Maid, also stood still, disappointed.
Normally, her mistress would take her along to the shop as her assistant. It was routine, a sign of trust.
But today, Madam Castros hadn’t called for her. Not even once.
Could it be...?
No.
She shook her head, dispelling the creeping thought.
Her eyes instinctively drifted to Egon, who stood nearby. He wasn’t doing anything suspicious, yet it felt like he could see straight through her thoughts.
That made her uneasy.
She scowled. "What are you looking at? Get back to work!"
Egon turned away, his expression cool. But for a split second, an amused grin tugged at his lips.
Everything was proceeding just as he remembered. If he was right, there were only seven days left until that incident occurred.
Seven days.
That was all the time he had to win Vienna’s favor.
And with his average looks, it wasn’t going to be easy.
This was a challenge.
And for the first time in his life, Egon decided to take things seriously.
After finishing his chores, Egon found a secluded spot and sat down to meditate.
But barely a few minutes had passed when he heard the faint rustling of footsteps brushing against the floor.
His eyes snapped open, a frown forming on his face.
It was already difficult enough to activate his traits, and now this interruption annoyed him.
He stood up, irritation simmering, and turned toward the source of the noise.
Down the right hallway, he spotted a figure dressed entirely in black cloak, mask, and boots. He moved with suspicious stealth.
Egon’s thoughts jolted in alarm.
"How could I forget? There was supposed to be a theft in the mansion today according to the storyline. The thief was never caught, so it was only briefly mentioned... no wonder I overlooked it."
His gaze sharpened.
"But this is a golden opportunity. If I play this right, I can earn recognition from her."
Determination sparked in his eyes.
But instead of following the thief toward the Treasure Vault, Egon turned in the opposite direction.
He wasn’t foolish.
This thief wasn’t just some common burglar. He was one of the Soul Forgers, beings with unique and terrifying powers.
Facing someone like that in his current state would be suicide.
Instead, he went searching for the one person who could stand a chance against the intruder.
Someone strong enough to turn this crisis into his advantage.
"Niyah~ Miss Salazar, should I go with deer meat?"
"Yes, but make sure to boil it thoroughly first."
"Hngg~ Head Maid, maybe fried rice would go better with the deer meat?"
"No! Stick with boiled rice, as the Mistress ordered."
Inside the bustling kitchen, Hilga was overseeing the preparations for Madam Castros’ lunch. The aroma of spices and simmering broth filled the air, as three catwomen and a fox-woman hurried about, slicing vegetables, stirring pots, and seasoning the dishes with utmost care.
Everything was in perfect order, until the moment was shattered.
Bang!
The kitchen door slammed open, nearly coming off its hinges, and a desperate voice cried out:
"Miss Hilga! Thief! There’s a thief in the mansion!"
The loud cry froze everyone in place.
A knife clattered to the floor. One of the catwomen dropped a bowl, splashing broth across the tiles. The delicious scent was instantly drowned out by panic.
Hilga’s eyes narrowed seeing the ugly human slave barging in rudely.
"What nonsense are you speaking, Ugly human? How can a theif enter our mansion? There’s surveillance formations installed." One of the catwoman muttered, looking angry at the interruption.
Egon sensed a problem. If they didn’t belive him right now, it would be great miss of opportunity.
"But I am saying the truth, Respectable Madams. I saw a cloaked figure heading toward the vault hallway!" he added more respectfully.
Seeing his genuine concerns, Hilga got alarmed.
As the Head Maid she couldn’t let anything bad happen to the house on her watch.
She clicked her tongue sharply and turned to the catwoman who spoke rudely. "Sierra, You stay here and make sure the food doesn’t burn. You two—come with me!" she barked at the two nearest maids.
"Yes, Head Maid!"
As Hilga stormed out of the kitchen, apron fluttering, her mind raced.
A thief, here? How dare someone break into this house... while I’m still alive?!
But even as she ran, a sinking feeling twisted in her gut. If anything happened to the vault, if Madam Castros found out something went missing, there would be blood.
She picked up her pace, unaware that Egon was already following her.