The tales of Rotenburg's success traveled quickly throughout the Kingdom. Especially to the ears of a famous thief. She packed her bags and set off immediately.

She was thrown off by the peacefulness, but shook the distracting thoughts and melded into the crowd.

She had to succeed.

Rotenburg had successfully made new weapons that made use of rare magic stones while being mixed with magic dust. The product was an amazingly powerful conduit for mages, making magic swordsmen a popular class to work towards.

The power of their medicine reached a great peak, but to the Thief, they still weren't her target.

She needed the money. She heard rumors that all of the money in the entire city went to the Demon Lord. She saw the many Goblins and Kobolds but was surprised to see some Orcs and Lizardmen as well.

It seems that the Demon has a more powerful army now.

She hastily snuck into the castle and reached the treasure room. It was as beautiful as she thought it would be. She snatched enough for her goal and some extra for essentials. She didn't think that this much money would be missed amongst this enormous pile.

But she was wrong.

She hadn't even left the castle when a dark aura permeated the surroundings, rippling through the air. The world went a shade of purple, but the sun was still shining. In an instant, several monsters were on her.

Then the Demon Lord made an appearance. His casual gate showed he was in top form, as he looked down on everyone like a person looks down on an ant. She involuntarily shivered, fearing the worst.

"Give me back my money."

She did. Plus whatever was on her beforehand.

"Tell me why you did this."

"Huh?"

She was confused. Why would a Demon care of her plight?

"You gave me extra, there had to be a reason, right? Are you buying my services?"

"Huh?"

"…Do you need any help?"

The thief was startled. What kind of Demon was this?!

"Um, my sister. She's sick."

"Okay. Bring her here and I will help. Next time, don't steal from me."

He turned around and returned to the castle.

He wasn't telling her to stop stealing, just not to do it to him. She grimaced, aware that somehow, she was saved. She quickly went back home empty handed. But she returned, her poor sister in tow.

"Hm, took you five days. Must be a long way away."

She wasn't going to tell the Demon that she actually spent three days debating on the matter.

"Hoh? Your sister isn't sick. She's actually the opposite."

At this, both girls lifted their heads in shock.

"It seems you have high amounts of magic essence."

"Like Mana Overdose?"

"No. Mana is the fuel for magic, magic essence helps increase the effect of magic. Come here, little girl."

His voice wasn't rough, but it was still commanding. The Sister timidly approached before she shrieked in pain.

He had cut her!

"Why you!"

"Calm down. The essence is in her blood. I just have to bleed it out every now and then. Of course, it would be a wasted to just throw it away. Let me buy it off of you two. Stay here and work for me."

"Huh?"

"Is that all you know how to say?! Work here. I will make sure you are fed and healthy. Just provide me with this magic essence and you both will be fine!"

The two looked at each other before slowly nodding.

"Good! Haha! I can see the money now!"