It had been a week since Noah purchased the house. During this time, he created ten more shadows to help with cleaning and serving him. The women had grown accustomed to their work, and the incident at the slave market didn't cause much panic, perhaps because people didn't sympathize with the victim, or maybe because the way he died didn't seem professional, leading most to believe it was the work of some disgruntled slaves.
Noah had begun teaching the women magic. Talia had shown a keen interest in spells, particularly those related to wind magic. Maria and Zinab, on the other hand, were focused on learning knight techniques and strengthening their bodies. Reve had proven to have a knack for ice spells.
Noah had two of his shadows copy all the books he had acquired during his time at the academy, creating a small library within their home.
He also inquired about the noble families in the city and learned that there were four barons, one marquess, and the city lord. Among the barons, Baron Fortis was well-loved by the commoners for his humility and bravery, as he frequently fought in wars. The other three didn't carry the same prestige. However, Markquess Aldridge was despised by the people. He was also the only rank 3 doctor in the city, but he rarely practiced there, preferring to care for nobility of higher rank or the city lord.
Noah had chosen the three nobles as his targets, intending to make the marquess the prime suspect.
Knock, knock, knock.
Noah waited outside Reve's room.
"Master, please come in," Reve opened the door and greeted Noah. He always addressed her differently, not to discriminate, but to emphasize her importance. He wanted her to understand that her words carried weight when dealing with others.
"Reve, I want you to find these ingredients," he handed her a list of herbs, "and make sure no one sees you purchasing them. Don't buy them all from the same place."
She took the list and studied the ingredients. She was puzzled because these ingredients didn't match anything she had learned during the past week. Yes, Noah had been teaching her herbal medicine, and she would eventually be crafting and selling potions. Being ignorant about certain ingredients was a critical mistake.
Noah noticed her confusion. "These are the ingredients for a rank 3 poison," he explained.
"Ah... Master, are you preparing for the rank 2 doctor test?" She asked carefully, still unsure about questioning her master, even though they had spent the past week living together. While Noah typically focused on his training, she knew he also occasionally checked on Talia's new clothes.
"I will kill three nobles tomorrow and make it appear as if the marquess was behind it," Noah said casually, as if this were a mundane conversation.
Reve was stunned because he spoke so casually about eliminating three of the most powerful figures in the city. "Master, are you certain? It sounds incredibly dangerous."
Noah smiled and leaned back on the couch. "Yes, I'm aware. That's the whole point." He stood up and walked towards the door. "Remember, if you want to excel at something, you have to challenge yourself. Playing it safe will never lead to success."
With that, he left the room, leaving Reve in a state of shock. "Master is truly unique," she whispered to herself, blushing slightly, before continuing to read the list of ingredients.
Noah proceeded to the next room to meet Talia. Before he could knock, the girl opened the door. "I've been waiting for you, Master," she said with a wide smile.
"Here, this is the new assassin suit I've prepared for you," Noah said, handing her the clothing he had brought.
Noah used his special ability to assess the suit's quality. It was acceptable for this world, though far from perfect. He didn't say that, though. "Good quality, Talia. With some magical enhancements, it will be perfect," he said, examining the garment more closely.
"Thank you, Master," she said with a sigh of relief. She had been thinking about the suit for the entire week.
"Master, please try it on. Let me see if it fits," she asked eagerly.
Noah nodded and went to the bathroom to try on the suit. It consisted of slim black pants and a cotton T-shirt, along with a cloak and a belt. Noah decided that he would later discuss some unique and comfortable design ideas for his clothes with her.
He walked out of the bathroom, and she was delighted to see him wearing her creation. "It looks good on you, Master," she said honestly.
"It's all thanks to your excellent work," he replied. He then approached her desk, picked up a pen and paper, and began sketching some of the clothes he used to wear in the past.
"Here, learn how to make these, Talia," he said, handing her the paper, before walking out of the room, leaving the girl stunned and perplexed.
"I've never seen anyone wear these before," she muttered, but she remained focused on learning the designs.
Noah wore gray pants and a shirt with a black jacket—a simple yet clean and comfortable ensemble. He ventured out to the market.
"Tell me, sir, how much for this dagger?" Noah asked a young man tending to a weapons shop.
"It's one silver, sir," the young man replied with a smile.