He got straight to the point immediately.
"Father told me many things about the current affairs of not only the territory, the Kingdom, and the Empire, but also our very house. I know that you study poison. I am not Father, and I believe that you can do whatever you want, just don't endanger anyone else." He said.
Skymender nodded.
"Also, I've found that you've spent a lot of the Barony's money on these studies. As much as I hate to do it, I can't allow you to continue spending that much, especially during this time of change. Of course, you are still a member of the Sky Barony and can essentially spend as much money as you want, but within a reasonable limit. Otherwise, get your own money, alright."
Skymender nodded. It was reasonable.
After all, the money he had spent came from the Sky Barony's earnings, but did not contribute to the Sky Barony in any way whatsoever.
Seeing Skymender agree, Baron Sky thanked him and left to conduct more business.
Truth be told, Skymender had not spent as much of the Sky Barony's money as before. His current expenses should be considered reasonable, so for the time being, nothing should really change.
However, it was indeed true that he needed to make his own money at some point. He instantly thought about his specialty, poison.
With poison, there were only a few things he could do. As of now, it was yardwork and assassination.
He had experience involving himself in the criminal world, such as when he had completely orchestrated the kidnapping of a Duchess's daughter. Skymender had a few ideas on how to get started. First, he needed a few loyal and skilled followers. This could be solved simply.
Skymender had a mask custom designed for him through a somewhat hidden channel. It was different from his old mask, in that this one covered his entire face and left nothing to see besides his eyes.
He went out into the city a few times. With the changes in place due to the new Baron Sky, the police were cracking down on criminal's. However, they would never be able to solve all of it.
For the first few nights, Skymender gathered information. This was always the first step, and its importance could not be underestimated.
Skymender's desired target's needed to check off a few requirements.
First, they must care about others, best if they have a specific person they care greatly about. Second, they have to be smart and strong. Third, they must be willing to get their hands dirty.
Preferably, they would be in some sort of trouble already, but worst case scenario, Skymender could create some for them.
He eventually found three people who fit the criteria. Although it seemed like a small amount, in such a small city, he was lucky to have even found three.
Skymender approached, the first, which would be the easiest target.
As the sun fell and the moon rose, three thugs knocked on the door of a house. The house was only slightly above poor class. A man opened it. He was clearly a bit strong, but he could only take on one of the thugs at most.
One of the three thugs spoke. "It is time to pay up. You've been stalling for a long time, and the boss is getting impatient."
The man who opened the door spoke. He tried to act calm, but was clearly a bit worried. "Just a few more weeks. My Mother is still sick, and everything I make is being used to maintain her health. However, I have a few job interviews lined up for better positions. Once I get paid some more, you will naturally get all of your money back and more. But even if you take everything here, it would barely allow you to break even."
His reasoning was so good that it made even the three thugs hesitate, but they quickly shook their heads and snapped out of their thoughts.
"Good reasoning indeed, but you've been saying that for more than two months. You better hand us the money right now, or be made an example."
The man gritted his teeth. He was in a hopeless situation.
"What if I join you all? I can work off my debt, just as long as my Mother is able to survive."
Without another word, the three forced their way into the house. From outside the small yard, Skymender finally moved. He quietly moved, appearing behind the three thugs. With a single swipe, a head flew off. Another followed it. Just as the third reacted, another fell.
The man stood stunned, looking at the three headless thugs. He had never seen such a scene in his life.
He then looked at Skymender, who stood short and wore a mask. But the feeling he gave off was something unbelievable.
After all, he had just killed three men.
"Who are you?" The man asked, doing his best to keep his composure.
"The person who just saved you and your Mother's lives."
The man spoke with hesitation. "Thank you, sir. How can I repay you?"
Skymender had been waiting for that. "You said you were willing to work for the group behind those men earlier. Why don't you extend your offer to me?"
The man clearly did not want to agree. He wanted to leave the life of the slums and join the middle class. But like this, even if he wanted to disagree…
"Of course, sir. What will I do to repay you?"
Skymender explained. "You just wait until I give you something to do. Every month, the expenses you need for you and your Mother will be delivered. You can even work a job to earn more. As for your hiring bonus, that will come soon."
The man was surprised at his words. "Yes sir. But what about the three thugs? If it is found out that they died in my house…"
He did not need to finish his sentence.
"That is what your hiring bonus involves. Just live the life of a normal person from now on, blending in. As for the events of today… for the sake of you and your Mother, I wouldn't spread any information."
The man shuddered as Skymender left. He had lept out of the dragon's mouth, only to end up falling down into a pit of lava.