Chapter 82
Chapter 82
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: Royal Road Hero Tale (20)
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The Madam's seductive voice caressed my ear.
It felt sticky and lascivious, just like being teased by a tongue.
No, was she a siren or something? Seducing people with her voice alone.
I tried checking with Observation just in case, but as expected, it didn't work.
"What other reason would there be to visit an information broker?"
"Hehe, that's true enough."
As I shook off the temptation and gave a confident reply,
the Madam looked at me with a hint of surprise, as if impressed,
like she was gazing at a pet dog that had just succeeded at housebreaking,
and flashed me a lovely smile.
"Then, care to tell me what information you're here to buy?"
"I'm not here to buy. I'm here to sell some."
"Oh my? Hehe, hohoho... You've come to sell me information?"
I had no idea what it was worth, so I couldn't just buy it outright.
I'd end up getting fleeced without even realizing it.
So, worst case, I break even—I'm planning to sell something worth selling.
And luckily, I had just the perfect piece of intel.
"Yes. Information on the recent modified goblin subjugation incident."
"I know all about that. They say your party took them down nice and easy."
"...That's right."
She knew exactly who I was. No wonder she was the top info broker.
By this world's time, not even a full day had passed, and she was already in the loop.
"No way~ You're not trying to pass off info on the demon-modified goblins and their traits as something valuable, are you? That'd be... a little disappointing."
"Uh..."
What the hell? The atmosphere shifted in an instant.
The moment the smile vanished from the Madam's cheerful face,
an overwhelming pressure poured out of her, making it hard to even breathe.
Was this the charisma of a named character?
Her unexpected attitude had cold sweat trickling down my back.
Was she angry? Why? I racked my brain, but it made no sense.
Did she think I was overstepping? Acting like I knew something she didn't? Coming off as arrogant?
If she had a twisted personality, that could be it.
Or maybe she was testing me? Seeing how I'd react?
The latter seemed more likely.
"No, this is it."
"Oh...?"
Either way, this would settle it.
No matter the reason, one of these fixed everything.
Right in front of the Madam, I pulled the green dagger I'd stashed in my inventory.
I gripped it with the blade facing me and held it out to her.
"It's the artifact those guys had. A mass-produced one at that. Doesn't something smell off about it?"
"This is..."
The moment she carefully took the dagger, the intimidating pressure vanished like a lie.
Did that mean I passed?
The Madam cut me off entirely from her attention as she examined the dagger from every angle.
And during that time, I found myself mesmerized by the mole on her breast.
They said a mole on the breast meant you'd be rich...
Someone running a high-class brothel like this had to be loaded. Phrenology checks out.
"Quite the surprise. Really."
"Is it?"
Of course it was. We'd kept the artifact under wraps among ourselves, so the info was exclusive.
Even she didn't know about it, which let me stay confident to the end.
Alright, she'd have to acknowledge me now, right?
"Yes, that trick of pulling items out of thin air... or should I call it an ability? Amazing. First time I've seen it."
"......"
Ah, shit. I'm screwed.
Kierna, who prided herself on her sharp eye, was certain the dagger before her was indeed an artifact.
It wasn't high-class enough for the man to boast so boldly about, but it was still annoyingly potent.
If these got mass-produced—and wielded by monsters—no doubt it'd cause a real headache.
And that meant this dagger was likely made by 'that group.'
'So this isn't some low-value trinket. Does this kid know that and pulled it out on purpose?'
That man staring right through her chest—her eye told her he was a worthless nobody.
Handsome on the outside, but rotten to the core, low-quality trash.
Yet he'd brushed off her seduction like it was nothing and handed over the dagger so casually. It flew in the face of her judgment.
'And... what was that just now? A trick? No. Nothing fools these eyes.'
'Spatial magic? Invisibility? No mana stirred at all. No clue. My instincts are blank.'
The man had clearly pulled the dagger from empty air.
Kierna ransacked her knowledge trying to figure it out but came up empty.
Even she, the Marta info broker famed for knowing everything.
So she had to ask.
"Yes, that trick of pulling items out of thin air... or should I call it an ability? Amazing. First time I've seen it."
She tried her seduction again, demanding the truth.
But just like before, it didn't faze him.
Instead, his face hardened coldly, like he wasn't the same guy who'd been leering at her chest moments ago, and he met her gaze calmly.
And then...
'He's smirking? Hehe! So he's the one testing me now?'
He twisted one corner of his mouth into a faint smile.
Kierna had no choice but to admit her eye had been wrong.
This man was worth talking to.
"Fine, fine. A man with secrets is sexy, after all. I won't cling to you like some desperate virgin."
"...What a shame. Looks like I missed my shot at you making a move, Madam."
"Hohoho! What a fun guy! So, how much do you want for it? Mind if I throw in the dagger too while I'm at it?"
This was her gesture of goodwill.
Kierna planned to use this chance to teach him about info value.
Undercut it way too low at first, then pay fair price—give him a lesson about not trusting strangers lightly, and earn his trust.
But...
"It's free."
"Huh?"
"Think of it as a greeting to kick off our dealings. That's all I'm after."
This man wanted more than goodwill.
He wanted genuine favor.
Did I... pull that off somehow?
My heart was pounding so hard I thought I'd drop dead. Whew...
To escape the Madam's pressure, I'd used my inventory right in front of her without thinking.
Inventory was an ability from Heroine NTR,
and in this Royal Road Hero Tale world, subspace pouches or storage weren't common fantasy tropes, so getting caught would be trouble.
I didn't want unwanted attention.
I was already hiding Aria Goddess stuff until I got stronger—going viral over this would wreck my plans.
I thought I was done for and let out a wry chuckle, but luckily, she didn't pry. She respected boundaries.
Looked like she bought that I'd shown it on purpose—big misunderstanding.
But it worked in my favor, so no need to correct her.
"Think of it as a greeting to kick off our dealings. That's all I'm after."
She didn't charge for the info or dagger. Useless to her anyway, and building a connection with the Madam was profit enough.
Dagger? Two more back at the inn. One's no big loss.
A bit regrettable, but it wasn't my main weapon, and this expense was within limits.
"Hohoho. What's that about? You want my body instead of cash?"
"Just pure goodwill."
"Hmm~ I'm game, you know?"
Bullshit. Another test.
If I said sex over money, she'd flip like before.
Pressuring me to death earlier, now playing seductress.
Not falling for it anymore.
"I'm really fine too."
"Hehe. Alright then. Pure goodwill from me too—here's a good tip.
Pay attention to Asellen Forest by the west gate. Word is the guards are eyeing it."
"Asellen Forest, you say?"
"Yeah. Help out, and Louise'll be thrilled."
There we go! This is why I cozy up to info brokers.
With Favorability Manipulation in play, quests just pop like this.
And Louise? Who's tha—oh! That Louise!
Marta Guard Captain Klein Louise,
the Blue Flash knight weak to compliments,
the sub-heroine who almost dated Siwoo...!
A plan formed in my head.
A brilliant plan to fill the seat next to Siwoo,
one letting me keep going with Sophia and still enjoy this world safely!
"Madam, really... really thank you!"
"Hmm~? So you do want my body after all?"
Damn, got too excited and grabbed her hand without thinking.
But she didn't pull away—instead, she caressed mine with her other hand.
Softer than expected... Does she get treatments? Not a wrinkle on her face...
Ah, snap out of it. Almost fell again.
I yanked my hand back quick, and she smacked her lips like she was disappointed,
but I still couldn't tell if it was genuine or another test.
First, get close enough to figure that out.
"Sorry! Got too grateful and..."
"Hehe. So cute."
And hey, back in Royal Road Hero Tale after so long—
first things first, Sophia.
Yeah, that's right.
With my business at the Madam's done, I headed to the parlor to wait for Siwoo. But... what the hell's this guy doing? Why're you waiting for me there? Siwoo, sitting in a chair, spotted me and waved like "welcome back."
What...? It wasn't even a long chat... I eyed him, wondering if he'd chickened out and couldn't stand waiting, and his expression was just obnoxious. Face of a guy who'd just ditched his virginity. So, premature ejaculation? First time, could happen. Me too. But damn, that quick? One pump and done? She'd said they kept going till the customer was satisfied... No way? This punk came once and bailed? Ha... unbelievable. For real.
"Bro! You just finish too?"
"You kidding? I was working. Snagged some solid intel."
"Uh... sorry, you came all this way and..."
"Forget it, man. Not like it's our first time here. So, how was it? Good?"
"...Yeah, amazing..."
What a prick. Was dying to do Sophia first, now his voice is all refreshed. Knew it'd happen. And why's he blushing in front of me? Seeing a dude like that made my fists itch, but he's the Hero—holding back. Pretty sure I'd lose a fight...
"Good for you. Let's bounce."
"Uh...? Yeah..."
He looked itching to brag about his exploits, but why indulge him? No plans to listen. Confirmed he's not a eunuch. Get this girl-addicted Siwoo hooked up with Louise, done. Different reasons, but both satisfied, we headed back to the inn. And the next morning, "Chuuup, gulp, haa... Ah, Oppa! Sleep well? Hehe..."
I finally started the day with Sophia's morning fellatio after so damn long. But Siwoo... you left a girl this hot alone, and you're that thrilled over whore sex...