Is it wrong to try to build a criminal Empire?

chapter 3

It was morning when All For One stepped out of the dump Hestia calls a home, a rare smile curling his lips as he made his way to bable to meet with Miss tulle to get a weapon. For the first time since waking up in this feeble body, he was in a decent mood.

The previous night had been productive and irritating. Hestia, overly concerned, stayed up waiting for his return. She scolded him—him, the terror of heroes, the undisputed ruler of Japan's criminal underworld, reprimanded like a child for coming home late. The indignity of it gnawed at him.

For a fleeting moment, he was tempted to incinerate her on the spot with the new skill he had "acquired." But All For One wasn’t foolish enough to act on such impulses. Hestia had her uses. Through her, he gains legitimacy, a façade for his more... respectable ventures. Still, she grated on his nerves—an annoying, childish "god"

Pushing the thought aside, he focused on the more pressing matter: his newly acquired skill. Hestia wouldn’t be aware of it until she updated his status, but it was already proving useful. More power meant more efficient monster hunting, and more monsters meant more money. Slowly, this new existence was becoming something he could work with.

As he passed the alley where he had claimed the skill, he noticed a small crowd gathering. Members of the Ganesha Familia were there, along with a few curious adventurers.

"Poor guy was burned alive," one adventurer muttered.

"There wasn’t much left of him," a Ganesha member replied grimly. "We still don’t know which Familia he belonged to."

All For One kept walking, not sparing them more than a passing glance. It was fortunate the fool had burned beyond recognition. No evidence, no suspicion. Convenient for him.

He reached Babel Tower and stood near the fountain, watching the hustle of adventurers and merchants. The adventurers hurried towards the dungeon, while the merchants shouts filled the air.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Cranel!" came a voice beside him. How did she manage to sneak up on him like that?

He turned to find Eina Tulle, her usual smile on display. "Not at all, Miss Tulle. I just arrived," he replied, studying her closely.

Today, she wore a white blouse with long sleeves, a small brown ribbon at the collar, and a short red pleated skirt that contrasted nicely with the blouse. Black knee-high socks completed the ensemble, giving her a balanced, casual look. Was this supposed to be a date? He thought they were here to buy weapons. Still, it didn't hurt to play along.

"You look lovely, Miss Tulle," he said smoothly. The reaction was instant—she blinked in surprise, a faint blush rising to her cheeks.

"O-oh, you think so?" she stammered, clearly flustered.

"Of course. I wouldn’t lie to a lady," he said, keeping his voice light. He’d learned long ago that compliments disarmed people, especially women. They were easier to control that way.

Her face turned a deeper shade of pink. "T-thank you, Mr. Cranel."