Hunt for a rabbit.

You, Niki, Amara, and Mina stroll down the cobble pathway between the cozy buildings constructed within the castle walls. There are still several empty lots, and there's much to be done, though first you'll need more gold and more reasons to expand. That being said, you could also build things beyond houses, such as more places to relax--a pool, shops, parks, anything. The area within the walls isn't infinite, but you still have plenty of room. It costs a lot of gold to bring workers all the way here for their services, and those dwarves gave you a discount thanks to Nyllia, but didn't last forever. You're going to need to set up better ways to make money other than the occasional quest that may or may not even grant treasure.

Thomas stands ahead, leaning back against one of the magical streetlamps. At his feet is the goblin Koblix. The two are conversing, though when you near, they both turn in unison and Tom throws up a hand in greeting.

"Hey. What's up?" you ask.

Tom's attention snaps to the half-naked gymrat Niki and mutters," Uhm... Woah," before looking back to you. He clears his throat. "Not much. We're just taking a break. Please don't throw us into the dungeon."

"Well, I haven't had to throw anyone in there yet," you reply.

"Who's that?" Koblix asks. His eyes turn to mouse. "It's good to meet you."

Mina nods from Niki's shoulders. "I'm an artificer and also a member of the organization called Shadow Garden. You can call me Mina."

The goblin's eyes widen. "That sounds mysterious."

"No kidding," says Thomas. "Though what's really mysterious is how you keep collecting all these new girls, Kyle. Are you doing this on purpose?"

"I collected you both, didn't I?" you respond.

"Perhaps he wishes to be one of your girls as well," Amara says.

That was surprisingly sassy.

He throws himself up from the lamp and furls his brow. "That isn't what I meant at all! You just come over here with a whole harem around you, and--... Never mind. All I ask is that you give me some tips sometime."

"Do you guys know where Eva is?" Niki asks.

Koblix shakes his head. "Afraid not. Do you want me to go searching?"

"I appreciate your dependability, but it's not a big deal. Let her do her own thing," you say. "If we run into her soon, then we run into her. Otherwise we're just resting as well. I know we've been working hard, and it's always rough in the early stages of a settlement, but I think I'm figuring some stuff out. Since we have an ally from Shadow Garden now, maybe we can work out some kind of trade route."

"Oh. That wouldn't be too hard," Mina speaks up. "Well, as long as Rose is fine with it."

"Then we can get some better goods despite a lot of people not wanting to trade with a Demon King."

"So where should we search next?" Amara asks. "Perhaps somebody else is around we can ask."

You ponder for a moment. Then after a deep breath, you cup your hand to your mouth and call out, "Hey, Yin. Are you around?" I just kinda want to see if she's nearby. I know I said it wasn't a rush, though if Yin is chilling around here, she'll probably know where Eva is. She's amazing at getting around, making sure everything is good, and--

A cloud of black smoke appears in front of you, and the surprise almost knocks you backwards.

"I'm here, Master!" she shouts with a salute.

"Ooh, you have a devil here too. I shouldn't be surprised," says Mina.

Your maid turns and curtsies towards the speaking mouse. "It is a pleasure to properly speak with you. My name is Yin, the maid of Castle Phoenix, and servant of the amazing Demon King Kyle Warren. Master."

"Where... did you even come from?" you mumble. "That was so fast."

"Of course, Master. I am always here for you. And I was over by the front gate."

"You heard me from there?"

She nods. "After hearing your voice, I came straight away."

"Well, it isn't that time-sensitive. I was just going to ask if you knew where Eva was."

"Indeed. The two of us were just together."

"Did you abandon her in a moment's notice just to come here?"

Yin hangs her head. "Are you upset with me, Master? Have I been a bad girl?"

"Don't word it like that... No, you're great, Yin. But we might want to head over there right away."