They all call me Great Master

What is the most difficult thing to endure in the world?

Is it missing a five-million prize by just one number?

Or is it the indifference of a loved one?

Or perhaps the betrayal of someone you trust?

Arthur thinks all of these are unbearable and make life worse than death, but the most unbearable is...

Starvation!

Once a person is hungry, that's when reason starts to fade.

When hunger reaches a certain level, the person becomes a beast.

To get a bite to eat, the person will do anything.

Give up wealth, sure.

Give up a loved one, sure.

Give up friends, sure.

As long as the stomach is filled at that moment, it's all worth it.

As for regret afterwards?

That's something to consider after you're full.

If you're not full, there's truly no future.

So, Arthur very much cherishes food, not just because of its deliciousness, although the taste is extremely important, more so the fulfillment from a full belly.

Imagine, late-night cola with fried chicken, beer with barbecue skewers, hot pot with tripe.

If shared with one or two like-minded people, such days are like days of the gods.

Truly, when snow blankets the earth outside, my house feels like spring, with three to five close friends enjoying a meal of mutton, even gods wouldn't trade it.

Arthur doesn't have that many friends.

Nor does he have close confidants.

But, when he saw that little light orb, such a picture involuntarily appeared in his mind—a picture he longed for but dared not touch.

At that moment, [Death Intuition] began to flicker.

Very slowly.

Flicker once, then silence.

Just when Arthur thought it was an illusion, it flickered again.

However, Arthur did not wait for the next flicker—

Huff, huff.

The young spirit medium began to breathe quickly.

He stared at the light orb.

"Actually, actually..."

Such words began to emerge, but without completion.

After repeating several times, the young spirit medium seemed to suddenly realize, taking a step back and looking at 'Old Lion' with a wary gaze.

Yet, the next moment, that gaze turned greedy.

"What do you want?"

The young spirit medium asked.

Hearing these words, 'Old Lion' who had bowed its head had a smile in its eyes.

It knew that no one could refuse this object.

Severus Hamlet couldn't.

Arthur Kredos now couldn't either.

However, unlike before, it wouldn't lose to that replica again; this time, it must regain everything.

And it's its only chance.

After all, Severus Hamlet's bloodline should only have the present Arthur Kredos.

So, 'Old Lion' the human puppet adjusted its emotions.

"Freedom!

I want freedom!

I need your fresh blood and oath to set me free—and it is the bargaining chip I offer!"

'Old Lion' the human puppet's voice involuntarily raised, then with a hint of trembling, the sense of nervous anticipation was obvious.

"Blood and oath?"

Arthur pursued.

"Just some fresh blood and a liberating oath.

Rest assured, neither the blood nor the liberating oath will harm you, Arthur."

'Old Lion' the human puppet assured.

"How did it come about?"

Arthur dug deeper.

"It?

Its appearance was truly an accident—Arthur, you should know the story of 'death' and 'fresh blood', right?"

'Old Lion' the human puppet looked at Arthur.

Upon seeing Arthur nod, the human puppet continued.

"During the war, no one could stay out of it.

Severus was no exception.

However, Severus was lucky.

Caught between the battle of 'death' and 'fresh blood', he received this gift.

Of course, neither 'death' nor 'fresh blood' knows the whereabouts of 'it'; they are all searching desperately.

Yet Severus was also unfortunate.

He was enticed by this power, he gave up everything.

And the result?

It fell onto our hands."

'Old Lion' the human puppet shrugged, looking quite candid.

"So that's how it is."

Arthur realized.

Then, the young spirit medium spoke—

"Let's sign the contract.

Let us complete this fair trade."

"Of course!"

'Old Lion' the human puppet said, taking out a stack of parchment, as Arthur fetched ink and pen.

Contracts represent fairness.

Each person prepares one thing, it's what the nobles believe in.

The human puppet, bearing the title 'Old Lion', was long used to this.

Then, each said a line.

When the contract satisfied both parties, they began signing their names.

Arthur signed Arthur Kredos.

'Old Lion' the human puppet signed Severus Hamlet.

Seeing Arthur's slightly surprised expression, 'Old Lion' the human puppet explained.

"I don't have a name, but within the contract with Severus Hamlet, I can use his name, which holds the same effect for me who voluntarily signed it."

"And what about him?"

Arthur hadn't forgotten about another human puppet.

"He?

He is different.

Ever since he became it, he gained his own name, Severus Hamlet is no longer the name he desires."

'Old Lion' the human puppet made a bitter smile.

Especially when the contract's glow arose, the bitter smile grew more poignant.

So much so that 'Old Lion' the human puppet involuntarily sighed.

"You've never seen anyone as arrogant as he is."

Saying these words, 'Old Lion' the human puppet handed the light orb to Arthur.