The Fox of Sixth Street

Chapter 13

Disclaimer, first chapter!

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Bardic Needle - Lycaon's room (Temp)

The wolf Thiren stood in the room lent to him by the manager of the store with a phone to his ear.

The call connected, and soon a man's voice came through.

"Lycaon, it's rare for you to reach out to me while you're on a job."

"Good morning, sir. I apologize for disturbing you so early... and after the recent matter, to add."

"It's fine." A brief pause followed before the voice continued. "Did something happen?"

The butler stood still for a few seconds. He was about to break one of Victoria Housekeeping's rules by revealing their current employer's identity, but this was too important to keep.

"Well, I was wondering if you know someone by the name of Uzumaki Naruto?"

A sharp intake of breath came from the other side.

"Sir?"

The line went quiet for a moment before the voice exhaled faintly.

"Tell me, Lycaon, was it one of ours that caused Uzumaki Naruto to spend a night in jail?"

The butler froze and straightened unconsciously. He hadn't reported that incident since it seemed trivial, and the master was busy. Yet he had still learned of it.

"Never mind. You'll have to forgive me if I can't go into details," the man said at last. "What I can tell you is this, someone very... old, and an acquaintance to the Mayflower family, is tied to Uzumaki Naruto. Closer than you might expect."

That was enough to stir Lycaon's curiosity, though his face remained composed.

"As for the rest..." the man's tone grew lower, almost amused, "let's just say much of the technology New Eridu depends on didn't originate here. His parents' work laid much of the groundwork, whether people realize it or not."

"I see..." the Butler closed his eyes. If he couldn't tell him anything, then he should accept the answer. "Very well. I won't pry into details... However, there is something you should know, sir." the voice on the other side kept silent as Lycaon continued. "We discovered a relic in his residence. One thought lost to time... the first Bangboo, and the original Carrot."

There was no answer from the other side for a few seconds until.

"... I see."

Lycaon's brow rose slightly. The lack of reaction was... unexpected.

"Sir?"

"As I said, Lycaon, I can't go into details," an exhale was heard from the other side. "I trust you'll understand. For now, focus on building ties between Victoria Housekeeping and Uzumaki Naruto... and if he ever needs your help with anything, do your utmost best to help him, no matter what."

Now, that made the butler's curiosity reach its peak.

For the Master to order them to do anything to help Uzumaki Naruto, if ever asked, was something that he didn't expect.

Still, he obeyed him.

"...Very well. I'll carry out your order."

"Thank you, Lycaon... I know I'm asking a lot, but Uzumaki Naruto is that important to us." The line stayed quiet for a moment before the man spoke again, softer this time. "...And you? How are you holding up?"