The weight of leadership (2):the vendor

That morning, the dormitories were unusually quiet. Belial stood by the window in Theodore's room, arms crossed, deep in thought. His face bore an expression of irritation, which didn't go unnoticed when Mimi and Luna walked in.

"Sir Belial, is something wrong? You don't look happy," Mimi asked, her tone curious yet cautious.

Belial sighed, shaking his head. "It's something about my lord."

Immediately, Mimi's killing intent surged through the room, dark and suffocating. "Who's disturbing our lord?! Tell me, and I'll—"

"Enough!" Belial snapped. "Release your killing intent. It's not what you think, Mimi. You need to control yourself. Do you want to bring unnecessary trouble to our lord?" His sharp gaze fell to Luna, who was glaring at Mimi with arms crossed. "Besides, you're making Luna tremble."

"Luna's not scared," Luna declared, puffing out her chest defiantly.

Belial smirked and bent down to her level, looking at her closely. "Ah, that's right. I forgot. You're not a normal eight-year-old, are you?"

Mimi chuckled, her earlier anger dissipating. "She's adorable, isn't she?"

Belial straightened up, his smirk fading. "Adorable or not, now's not the time for praise. I called the two of you here for something important."

Mimi and Luna both nodded attentively, waiting for him to continue.

"From now on, we'll prioritize investigating the Marquis and eliminating all potential threats to our lord. But most importantly, we need to focus on that strange cult. Something tells me they're going to be a significant problem in our lord's future."

Mimi's expression shifted, unease creeping in. "What do you mean, Sir Belial?"

"I've already been investigating them in secret," Belial replied, "but I couldn't find any solid traces. Their movements are well-hidden."

"What?! You investigated without our lord's approval?" Mimi gasped.

"Mimi, this isn't about approval," Belial said firmly. "Remember, our lord is not originally from this world. It's our duty to ensure his safety, even if it means going against his orders. We can't sit idly while the number of assassins sent after him grows daily." His voice grew graver. "And the Marquis—he's suspicious. Sending cursed gifts? That kind of tool shouldn't even exist in this world anymore. And don't forget, your father captured a member of that cult who was proficient in black magic. That level of magic isn't something you come across casually. It's likely the Marquis is tied to them."

Mimi's eyes widened as realization dawned. "It all makes sense now!"

Belial nodded. "That's why we can't kill the Marquis yet. He has too many connections and valuable information. We must tread carefully."

"I understand," Mimi said, though her voice wavered slightly. "But why involve Luna?"

Belial's gaze fell on Luna, who stared back with confidence. "Because she's one of us, serving our lord. It's time for her to prove her loyalty. After all, she's neither human nor a normal eight-year-old girl."

"But Sir Belial…" Mimi began to protest, but Luna interrupted.

"Luna will prove her worth!" she said with determination. "I'll show Big Brother Theodore that I can be a great help!"

Belial smiled approvingly. "Good. Then let's go to Donovan Territory."

With a wave of his hand, black and purple mist swirled around them, forming a glowing portal in the center of the room. The three of them stepped inside, emerging in a shadowy alleyway in Donovan City. The portal closed behind them with a soft whoosh, leaving no trace of their arrival.

Covered in cloaks, they blended into the bustling streets as they made their way toward the mercenary guild to meet Cahir. The city was alive with activity, merchants hawking goods and children running about. As they moved, Mimi held tightly to Luna's hand to keep her close.

Suddenly, a man with a small stall called out cheerfully. "Hey, little girl! Want to try this yummy applepop?"

Luna's eyes lit up. "Mimi, can I have that applepop stick? It looks delicious!"

Mimi chuckled. "Of course."

Belial groaned. "We don't have time for this."

Mimi approached the stall. The vendor was a middle-aged man with a kind smile and muscular arms. His table was filled with skewers of fried apples coated in golden honey.

"How much for one?" Mimi asked.

"Four copper coins," the man said. "But since you're my first customer today, I'll sell it for two."

Mimi tilted her head curiously. "Your first customer? What do you mean?"

"It's my first day here in Donovan," the man explained, chuckling. "My wife and I just moved here. We heard this city was safe, so we decided to settle down. I'm hoping to make a living selling these treats."

"Miss Mimi, we don't have time!" Belial snapped, checking his pocket watch impatiently.

Mimi shot him a quick glance before paying for the applepop. She handed it to Luna, who gripped it tightly with a smile.

"Haha! This little one sure has a strong grip for her age," the vendor said, laughing.

Belial sighed and started walking ahead. "Hurry up. We have no time for delays."

"Wait!" Luna suddenly called out. "Can we stay here a little longer, please?"

Belial turned, his piercing glare making the vendor flinch. "I'm not here to babysit. Start moving, or I'll break your legs." But when Belial locked eyes with Luna, something in her gaze stopped him. It was as if she was silently telling him to stay. He groaned, rubbing his temple. "Fine. But make it quick."

Mimi looked at Luna, confused, but trusted her and waited.

The vendor chuckled. "This little one really likes me, huh? How about I invite you to my home? My wife would love to meet new friends."

"We're not—" Mimi began to refuse, but Belial cut her off.

"We'll go," he said firmly, earning a shocked look from Mimi.

The vendor smiled warmly. "Great! My wife will be thrilled. Let me just pack up here."

As they helped the vendor close his stall, he chatted with Belial about his life. He'd once lived in a small village but moved to Donovan for its safety. His wife had suffered from a strange illness that left her blind, but they'd managed to find a cure for the disease itself. Belial nodded along, but his mind was elsewhere. (Why did Luna lead us to this man? There's more to him than meets the eye.)