People often crave what they lack. For commoners, that longing was simple—a fence. They dreamed of living safely within sturdy walls, a barrier to keep danger at bay. For those whose lives were as fragile as candle flames in the wind, such a fence represented security, a foundation for freedom.
The Kinzera triplets—Drkin, Drje, and Drla—were no exception. They had initially trained in assassination to protect themselves. But as their skills grew, so did their ambitions. They sought more than mere survival; they wanted a master worthy of their loyalty, one who would recognize their worth.
"Jed. Jed Arahan," I said.
The triplets bowed deeply. "We will remember your name forever, Lord Jed."
Their sincerity was unmistakable. Unlike the nobles who sneered at them, I had given them something precious without hesitation.
Promises must be kept.
Nobles were often cunning and ruthless, but I intended to be different.
"If fate allows, we may meet again someday," I mused, turning to leave.
As my footsteps faded, the triplets stood still, listening. But just before disappearing into the shadows, I paused and looked back.
"Kinzera, right?"
"Yes... that is what they call us."
"Come with me," I said. "I'll hire you officially. Name your price."
Their eyes widened in disbelief. It was as if their dreams had materialized before them.
"Why would you make such an offer?" they asked.
"Because I value your skills and your loyalty. I need people like you."
"But what could we possibly offer you?" They hesitated, uncertain of their worth.
As assassins from the underbelly of society, they had never imagined they could stand alongside the powerful.
"A sword is only as strong as the one who wields it," I told them. "And the handle matters more than the blade."
My words were both reassuring and commanding. Their abilities were valuable, and I was confident in how to use them.
But loyalty was not so easily transferred. The triplets had already pledged themselves to Edi, the King of the Back Alleys. To follow me would mean betraying him.
"We are grateful, Lord Jed, but we have already sworn allegiance to Edi," they said.
I understood their hesitation. "Loyalty is not something to be discarded lightly," I acknowledged. "Then let's do this properly—I will buy your contract. This is not betrayal, but a transaction."
Their resolve wavered. In the end, they led me back to Edi.
When he saw me return, Edi's face twisted in frustration. "What now?"
"I want to buy the Kinzera brothers."
His expression darkened. "And you're no longer interested in the information about your siblings?"
"No. I've realized it would be a poor trade."
Edi's lips curled in annoyance. He prided himself on the value of his information. Being dismissed so easily was an insult.
"A bad deal?" he repeated, his voice laced with irritation.
"I'll pay whatever is necessary for the Kinzera brothers," I reiterated calmly.
Edi's irritation boiled over. He grabbed my collar, his face twisting with anger. "You think you can do whatever you want just because you come from a noble family? You have no real power!"
I met his glare without flinching. The intensity of my gaze made him falter. His grip loosened.
Kinzera intervened. "Leader, stop. He's the son of Arahan."
Edi exhaled sharply and let go. "I lost my temper. My apologies."
I dusted off my collar, unfazed. "So? Name your price."
Edi's sneer returned. "You're the one making the request. Shouldn't you make the offer?"
I smiled. "The seller sets the price, does he not?"
Edi tapped his fingers against the desk, considering. Then his lips curled into a sly grin. "I don't want money. Instead, tell me everything about your life after leaving prison. How you escaped, where you've been, what you've done."
Ah, so that's what he wanted—knowledge, not wealth. Information was his true currency.
I had no reason to refuse. Nothing I shared would put me at a disadvantage.
Edi leaned back, satisfied, thinking he had outplayed me.
"Before we finalize the deal," I said, "let me ask you something. Who do you think is standing before you right now?"
Edi scoffed. "Jed Arahan. The noble brat. Didn't we just go over this?"
I ignored his sarcasm. "You hate nobles. But have you ever considered using them instead?"
His smirk faltered. "Using them? What do you mean?"
"Your obsession with information is well-known, but your sources are limited. The back alleys can only give you so much. If you truly want power, step out of the shadows."
Edi frowned, unsure where I was going with this.
"I'll give you a building—a legitimate front. A detective agency. The nobles control this world, so by dealing with them directly, you'll gain the most valuable information."
Edi scoffed. "And where exactly am I supposed to find the money for this grand venture? I'm a commoner—I can't even own property."
"You won't own it. You'll rent it—from me."
Edi stared at me in stunned silence.
"I'll also assign Arahan's magic corps to guard the place. No one will dare lay a hand on you."
He swallowed hard, his mind racing. This was more than just an opportunity—it was an escape from the limitations of the underworld.
"You'd really deploy Arahan's magic corps to protect me?" he asked, still skeptical.
I nodded. "I keep my promises."
Edi clenched his jaw. The deal was too tempting to ignore.
Finally, he let out a slow breath. "Fine. I'll partner with you."
I grinned. "Then consider this your down payment."
"What down payment?"
"Information. Everything you know about my siblings and the Kinzera brothers."
Edi's eyes widened as I held his gaze, unwavering.
He had just agreed to the deal—now he had no choice but to honor it.
And just like that, the King of the Back Alleys was mine.