1984 – Keith's 4th Birthday, First Yearly Sign-In
The moment the clock passed midnight, Keith sat cross-legged on his bed, took a slow breath, and whispered in his mind:
"System, begin yearly sign-in."
The familiar chime echoed in his head.
System Notice:
Host has completed his first yearly sign-in.
Rewards granted: 5 Summon Tickets
Keith blinked.
"…Summon tickets?"
A flash of worry passed through him.
"System, if someone suddenly appears out of nowhere, won't people get suspicious?"
The system answered immediately:
No, host. When a summon is brought into this world, the system automatically generates a complete background and integrates it seamlessly into the world's history. Their presence will not cause suspicion.
Keith nodded slowly.
That solved one of his biggest concerns.
But another problem weighed heavily on his mind—one he had avoided for months.
Lately, Great Sage had begun showing him small, subtle signs:
Several mansion staff members were sending reports to outsiders. The loyal butler, head maid, and older servants were nearing retirement age. And Keith, at only four years old, was unsure how to replace them without drawing attention.
It bothered him more than he wanted to admit.
As he sat deep in thought, staring at nothing, he suddenly felt himself being gently lifted. Warm arms wrapped around him.
Keith looked up.
Luna.
Her expression softened when she saw his tense face. Without saying a word, she sat down on the bed and settled him comfortably in her lap, holding him like a little treasure.
"…Sigh."
Keith leaned back against her.
"Keith," Luna asked quietly, running her fingers through his hair, "what's troubling you?"
Keith hesitated, then told her everything.
About the aging loyal staff.
About the spies inside the mansion.
About how he wanted to give proper retirement to the loyal ones—and remove the spies permanently.
And finally, about the five summon tickets that could replace the entire staffing problem with powerful allies from other worlds.
Luna listened seriously.
When he finished, her eyes sparkled with fascination.
"Summoned people from other worlds…" she whispered. "I want to meet them."
Then her gentle expression shifted, turning sharp with understanding.
"And yes—I also knew for a while about the spies in the mansion. We should handle them. But not tonight." She kissed his forehead lightly. "We'll plan everything tomorrow, together."
Before Keith could respond, she tightened her hold around him, pulled him down onto the bed, and slid next to him.
"Sleep, Keith," she murmured, wrapping an arm around him possessively. "You think too much."
Keith relaxed and closed his eyes.
With Luna beside him, the worries suddenly felt lighter.