Reincarnated as Itsuka Shido: Collecting Spirits as Lovers

"We've brought almost all the nobles under your control, Master." the former leader of the Eight Fingers reported, kneeling on one knee alongside Coco Doll, Hilma, and the other former department leaders.

"You've done a good job." Shido nodded, his eyes scanning the list of names in the ledger handed to him. His gaze paused as he spotted a few notable figures, there was even a Marquis among them. A satisfied smile tugged at his lips. Having nobles of that rank under his influence would greatly accelerate his plans to conquer the kingdom.

"Thank you for your praise, Master." The former leader bowed deeply, followed by the others, their heads lowering in unison.

Currently, all of them stood on equal footing, unlike in their previous organization, where a clear hierarchy had existed under a single leader. Now, they answered only to Shido.

Despite their usefulness, they were still wanted criminals, having been broken out of prison by Clementine. Adventurers and soldiers continued to scour the kingdom in search of them, unaware that the Eight Fingers were already moving in the shadows, working to conquer the kingdom from within under Shido's command.

They had already tasted the effects of Shido's slave crest, and none of them dared to entertain thoughts of betraying him. They had become obedient subjects, following his orders without hesitation.

With their previous organization razed and destroyed, they had begun working on new ventures under Shido's command. Unlike their past dealings in slavery and drugs industries Shido found distasteful, he had directed them to build legitimate businesses that could gather resources and influence while maintaining a cleaner public image.

Fortunately, even though their operations had been destroyed, most of their treasures and hidden reserves had remained untouched. As a result, despite the collapse of their former enterprises, they still retained substantial wealth. This financial backing allowed their new businesses to flourish quickly, expanding their influence throughout the kingdom while serving Shido's growing ambitions.

"But this isn't enough." Shido's voice was calm, though his gaze was sharp. While he was satisfied with their efficiency in bringing the nobles of the Re-Estize Kingdom under control, it wasn't enough to fulfill his objective.

"If possible, I want you to bring Marquis Elias Brandt Dale Raeven under our control." Shido proposed this calmly, his eyes shifting to the subjects kneeling before him.

Currently, they were meeting in a secure location, hidden somewhere in the capital where no one would easily find them. Shido had placed a powerful barrier around the area, concealing all sound and presence, ensuring that even magic casters using detection spells would fail to discover them.

"Marquis Raeven…?" Some of the former Eight Fingers exchanged glances, curiosity flashing in their eyes. It was rare for their master to single out an individual, and they were intrigued as to why this Marquis had caught Shido's attention.

"He's actually a good asset to have on our side." Shido leaned back slightly, his eyes distant as he spoke. "Marquis Raeven may be sneaky, but unlike the other nobles who care only about their status and profits, he genuinely cares for his kingdom."

He paused for a moment before looking directly at Hilma and the others. "Marquis Raeven loves his son deeply. If we want him to submit, use his son."

"Understood." They all nodded in unison, fully comprehending the command without hesitation.

"Then you can leave now. Be careful not to get caught." Shido gestured lightly, dismissing them.

"Yes." The former leaders of the Eight Fingers stood and left swiftly, one by one, leaving Shido alone in the silent room.

It might be evil of him to use a child to make someone submit, but Shido had to do that if he want to make progress on his quest. It's not like he would hurt the child so it would be okay, he would only use the child to make Marquis Raeven to submit.

After sorting out his thoughts, Shido stood, his figure blurring before disappearing entirely from the hidden chamber.

...

It was still morning, and the streets of the capital were bustling with energy. Merchants shouted as they promoted their goods, adventurers came and went, and soldiers patrolled the city at regular intervals, keeping the peace.

Shido walked leisurely down the busy streets, letting his eyes wander as he searched for something interesting. It had been a while since he had taken the time to explore alone, and the experience felt strangely refreshing. Lately, he had always gone out with Rumia, Tuare, and Clementine whenever they needed to shop for ingredients or supplies.

As he strolled past the various merchant stalls lining the streets, Shido's gaze suddenly fixed on something that caught his interest. Without hesitation, he stepped toward a particular stall that wasn't attracting much attention from the crowd.

There, he saw an elderly man with a cunning glint in his eyes, enthusiastically introducing his products to the few customers who stopped by.

"Come! Come! Take a look! My goods are all exceptional, and you won't find better prices anywhere in the capital!" The merchant's voice rang out as he energetically advertised his wares.

As he glanced around, his eyes caught sight of Shido approaching. Instantly, the merchant's grin widened, and he turned his attention fully toward him.

"And what might this fine sir be looking for today?" he asked, his tone respectful yet eager. Though Shido's attire wasn't as lavish as that of the nobles who often roamed the streets, the merchant could tell at a glance that this young man was not ordinary with the air he was exuding alone.

Shido didn't reply immediately. Instead, his eyes were fixed on a particular item displayed on the merchant's stall, a black orb, resting inside a luxurious box lined with deep red velvet.

The merchant noticed where Shido's gaze had landed and immediately leaned in, eager to make a sale.

"Oho, I see sir has a sharp eye! This here is a rare obsidian dark orb, something only the most talented magic casters can use…" He launched into a stream of enthusiastic chatter, his hands gesturing wildly as he began to embellish the item's worth with exaggerated claims and flowery descriptions.

Shido, however, didn't pay much attention to the merchant's babbling. Inwardly, he was celebrating. To find such a precious item while wandering the streets at random was nothing short of fortunate.

"…so if you combine this with—"

"Enough. I'll buy it." Shido's lips twitched in mild annoyance as the merchant continued rambling, so he cut him off before he could start another round of exaggerated praise.

"Haha! Thank you for your patronage!" The merchant didn't feel it was rude instead he quickly put the black orb inside the box and give it to Shido while receiving the money.

As Shido turned and walked away, disappearing into the bustling crowd, the merchant waved enthusiastically, a wide grin on his face.

Once Shido was out of sight, the merchant's grin twisted into a smug smirk. 'Heh, what a fool. Paying that much for a useless trinket… Easy money.'

Little did he know, the item he had just sold, something he considered worthless, was worth more than anything he could ever hope to earn in his entire lifetime, it was actually a priceless item.

...

"I didn't expect to strike it big just by wandering around the city." Shido muttered to himself as he stepped into a quiet alleyway, away from the prying eyes of the busy streets.

He opened the box, revealing the black orb nestled inside.

It had cost him fifty gold, but that was a small price to pay considering the true worth of the item now resting in his hands. To most, it would appear to be nothing more than a tool for magic casters, useful, but hardly exceptional.

But for Shido, it was something far more valuable. A tool that could significantly boost his strength.

Cursed Soul Vault (S Grade) - is a cursed item capable of sealing the souls of any living being within its depths, with exceptional efficiency against angels and devils. It currently holds 300,000 souls, each trapped in eternal darkness, ready to be used as fuel for dark rituals or to empower its wielder.

A slow smile spread across Shido's face as he stared at the orb, its dark surface reflecting the glint in his eyes.

'I really struck gold today.'