Chapter 80
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 80
Chapter Title: A Delightful Rebellion 1 (2)
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3.
They arrived in Leven.
Returning in nearly a day, Leven appeared far more heavily guarded than when they had left.
At a glance, it looked as though the clouds of war were gathering.
Considering the southern Kingdom of Sion was currently engaged in military provocations, the expression clouds of war might have been accurate.
Halt!
Rebellio's gold-plated vehicle was forced to stop by the soldiers remaining in the city.
However, even the soldiers who had stopped the vehicle hesitated, unable to take further action.
It was a vehicle that, even to a common soldier, clearly carried someone of great importance.
Rebellio stuck his head out the window and shouted.
Who do you think you are, blocking my path?
At that, one of the soldiers immediately bowed and replied.
M-My apologies! But rules are rules!
Whats going on? Is something happening in this city?
The southern Kingdom of Sion has moved its troops to the border! As a result, martial law has been declared, and entry into the city is being strictly restricted to prevent any potential sabotage!
The soldiers voice was sharp with discipline.
Rebellio frowned and pointed to the white lion crest engraved on the carriage door.
Cant you see this crest? Your eyes seem to be in the right place.
...My apologies! Even for a member of the imperial family, the rules are the rules...
It was then.
Creeaak.
The closed city gate opened, and a knight in armor came running out at full speed.
As soon as he arrived, he angrily kicked the soldier in the shin.
You fool! How could you be so inflexible as to block the path of the Sixth Prince!
M-My apologies!
Utterly stupid. This is why the uneducated are so troublesome... Tsk.
The knight, having openly berated his subordinate, bowed deeply to Rebellio and spoke.
My apologies, Prince Rebellio! Weve tightened our inspections due to the provocations from those southern kingdom bastards.
Rebellio looked down at the knight, who, unlike the soldiers, had recognized him at once, and spoke with amusement.
How did you know I was the Sixth Prince?
...I had heard that the only one who uses a gold-plated vehicle is the Sixth Prince.
Quite the tactician, aren't you? Your name?
I am Dekal, Vice-Captain of the Leven Knights.
Ill be sure to remember that name.
At those words, Dekal bowed repeatedly with an exaggerated motion, as if deeply moved.
It is an honor! But may I ask what brings you here, Prince Rebellio?
Rebellio snapped back, clearly displeased.
Is there anywhere in the Empire I cannot go?
My apologies! That is not what I meant!
Come closer.
When he beckoned with his finger, Dekal cautiously approached the vehicle.
Rebellio then spoke in a low voice.
A younger brother Im close with told me I could experience something interesting here.
...Something interesting, you say?
Ah, you know. Like... beastkin, or elves. I came here knowing everything, so don't even think about playing dumb.
If I may be so bold, who recommended this to you?
You dimwit. Karron Leston. That punk, the youngest son of the Leston ducal family. He was bragging to me about buying an elf. You think I can let him one-up me?
Only then did Dekal nod.
Karron Leston.
So the bastard who bought an elf here yesterday couldn't wait to brag.
The Sixth Prince may have been gaining attention recently, but everyone knew of his lowly birth.
Like a child born of a vulgar mother, his hobbies seemed just as crude.
It suits him well.
But Dekal did not voice his thoughts.
The knight sitting at the front of the vehicle.
It had to be Mason, the 8-Star Knight said to be the Sixth Princes guardian.
Besides, he wasnt foolish enough to insult a royal in front of another royal.
Having sorted his thoughts, Dekal looked at the vehicle and spoke.
If we could perhaps conduct an inspection...
It was then.
Rebellio, who had been grinning until now, spoke angrily.
A worm like you dares to search a carriage carrying a member of the imperial family? How dare a pissant like you challenge the authority of His Majesty the Emperor.
At the sudden outburst, Dekal immediately bowed his head and replied.
I was foolish. Please, quell your anger.
Where is the Margrave? I must go and confront him at once. I didn't realize he was the sort to manage his subordinates so poorly.
The Margrave has personally gone to the border. Once again, I apologize, Your Highness.
Despite the repeated apologies, Rebellio did not hide his irritation.
He looked down at Dekal and said.
Just how long am I supposed to wait here?
I will guide you inside at once. What are you all doing? Clear the way!
At Dekals command, the soldiers guarding the gate quickly parted to either side, immediately creating a path.
Seeing this, Rebellio closed the window and shouted.
Sir Mason, lets go.
Yes, Your Highness.
Vroooom!
The stationary vehicle began to move again.
Karron, who had been hiding behind the seat and watching quietly, tossed out a comment.
Youve really got that power-tripping down to a science. I guess it takes one to know one, huh?
Crushing people with authority is always effective. In the past, everyone would have laughed, but not anymore. The Leston ducal family is behind me now. So youd better watch out too.
You know, brother, I cant tell if youre actually smart or just pretending to be.
Both.
Rebellio took a sip of water, then looked out the window.
Perhaps because of the dark clouds overhead, the citys atmosphere seemed much gloomier than Karron had described.
There certainly dont seem to be many soldiers. Alright, Karron. Whats our first move?
We go to the slave auction house and grab the guy named Nur. Then we take every single ledger he has and free the slaves from the holding pens scattered across the city. Once thats done, you can consider our primary objective complete.
Sounds easy when you say it.
It wont be that hard. The preliminary work is already underway.
At Karrons words, Rebellio narrowed his eyes and asked.
Preliminary work? I dont recall hearing about that.
Ah, its nothing much. I just asked a local contact to spread some rumors among the citizens.
What kind of rumors?
What do you think? That Margrave Leandro is plotting a rebellion. You know how words can become reality.
Karron took a piece of jerky from his pocket and popped it into his mouth. Then he grinned and said.
Well, in this case, I guess you could say were planting the seed.
And just like that, Karron was able to enter Leven again, completely undetected.
4.
Was it because Rebellio had already made such a scene at the gate?
After entering Leven, there were no further annoyances.
Dekal, the Vice-Captain of the Leven Knights, obediently guided Rebellio to the slave auction house.
Didnt they say the auction house deals in precious metals in the morning?
Perhaps that was why the people they occasionally saw were all dressed like they had quite a bit of money.
By the way, Karron, how are you going to disguise... Whoa, what is that?
Rebellio let out a small gasp as he looked at Karrons instantly transformed appearance.
Karron was clad from head to toe in black plate armor.
It was a disguise created in an instant using Kavanas shape-shifting function.
Is that an artifact? I dont think even my sister could make something like that easily.
They said it was a treasure used by the family head.
Thats insane. You can change into whatever you want, whenever you want? Im so curious, maybe later, if you have time...
No. If you want to borrow it, be born into the Leston ducal family in your next life.
...Ah, I really do covet it.
An appearance that perfectly suited the term black knight.
Clad in black plate from head to toe, Karron exuded an almost palpable sense of pressure.
Nodding, Rebellio slowly stepped out of the vehicle.
A familiar face was already waiting in front of the auction house.
Welcome, Prince Rebellio. I am Nur, the owner of this establishment. It is an honor to have such an esteemed personage grace us with your presence.
Nur, the owner of the auction house.
The man wore the same golden mask as before and was bowing politely.
Rebellio gave a slight wave of his hand toward Nur.
Do I need to wear a mask too?
At that, Nurs lips, visible beneath the mask, curled into a slight smile as he replied.
We are merely a place that deals in precious metals. While it may be beneath your station, Your Highness, you need not worry about prying eyes.
Having said that, Nur slowly turned his gaze to the two knights standing behind Rebellio.
One elderly knight and one knight completely covered in black.
He had already received a report from Dekal about the elderly knight.
8-Star Knight Mason Paul. The Iron-Blooded Knight, also known as the Unbreakable Shield.
In a word, a formidable figure.
For all he knew, one swing of that mans sword could send the entire building flying.
Swallowing hard, Nur turned his gaze back to the knight in black.
A knight whose face was also completely concealed.
Who is he?
He didnt know who it was, but as a knight accompanying the prince, he had to be powerful.
Do you have some business with my knight?
At Rebellios words, Nur smiled and shook his head.
Not at all. I shall guide you inside immediately.
Since he was the princes knight, Nur felt no need to verify his identity.
And so, the three of them followed Nurs guidance into the auction house.
It had a completely different feel from when hed come at night.
The first things that caught his eye were the merchants and appraisers trading jewels.
Looking at it like this, it was hard to imagine it was a place that traded slaves at night.
I heard that you came on Lord Karrons recommendation. But its quite a distance from the capital. How did you hear the news and arrive so quickly?
A polite question, but one clearly intended to probe for information.
However, Rebellio answered shamelessly without so much as a change in expression.
I happened to be on vacation in Thebes.
Ah, so you didnt see Lord Karron, then?
Why would I go out of my way to see that unlucky bastards face? Hed just brag about his elf slave the moment he saw me.
I didnt realize Lord Karron would send such a distinguished guest. But as you know, this business of slaves... Many people find it rather uncomfortable, dont they?
Rebellio scoffed at his words.
For people who trade in slaves, something forbidden by His Majesty, youre quite spineless. Did you really think I came here without knowing that?
Haha... Its just that we must be cautious.
Im not an idiot who goes around blabbing about buying slaves like that fool Karron. Of course, the fact that you saw me here... that will have to remain a secret.
Thoroughly protecting our clients identities is the principle of our auction house. Please do not worry.
As they exchanged this simple conversation, they soon arrived at the reception room on the top floor.
It was the very same reception room where Karron had met Margrave Leandro.
As soon as they arrived, Nur immediately offered the seat of honor to Rebellio.
I apologize that this reception room is too humble to host Your Highness.
At that, Rebellio sneered as he sat down.
What else can you expect from a backwater like this? I didn't have high hopes.
Some refreshments, perhaps...
Forget it. As if refreshments from a place like this would taste any good.
Despite the prickly response, Nur simply smiled and nodded.
You are as straightforward as Ive heard. Very well. You need only tell me what kind of product you require.
Nur said this as he pushed a thin book that was on the corner of the desk toward Rebellio.
That book contains information on the products currently handled by our auction house. They are originally slated for next weeks auction, but I will give Your Highness the special opportunity to purchase them first.
Rebellio flipped through the pages to check the contents.
The book was a kind of catalog.
Product 12
Race: Beastkin Tiger Tribe
Gender: Female
Special Notes: Possesses a hardened body from training in the Tiger Tribe's unique martial arts. Please be aware that the tendons in her legs and wrists were severed during the acquisition process. Her beauty is quite exceptional, but her will has not yet been properly broken. This product will require time to tame.
A catalog detailing the products to be auctioned and their features.
He had expected it after hearing about it from Karron, but seeing it with his own eyes made him feel disgusted.
Rebellio only skimmed through the catalog. Then, placing it back on the desk, he spoke.
This isnt what I wanted.
Nur then asked cautiously.
Then I would be grateful if you could tell me specifically what you are looking for.
The ledgers.
...Excuse me?
No matter how much Margrave Leandro is lining his pockets through this place, you must have ledgers organizing the auction proceeds, right? Bring those first.
At Rebellios words, Nurs smile vanished in an instant.
Nur spoke to Rebellio in a much stiffer voice.
I will assume... this is a joke, Your Highness.
Rebellios golden eyes gleamed as he retorted.
Does this look like a joke to you?
If this isnt a joke, then...
My little brother doesnt seem to think so.
Craaaack!
Keoheok.
Nurs face was slammed into the table.
The golden mask he was wearing shattered into pieces, revealing his bare face.
With his face half-buried in the table, Nur looked up.
The knight in black armor was pressing down on his head.
Why, why?
It was a situation he couldnt possibly comprehend.
Why would the Sixth Prince do something like this?
But a moment later, when the black knights bare face was revealed, Nurs expression twisted in horror.
We meet again. Been well? Ah, its only been a day, so maybe its a bit much to ask if youve been well.
Blond hair and blue eyes.
And perfect features.
Once you saw that face, you could never easily forget it.
Nur struggled to squeeze out his voice.
Karron... Leston. Why... are you... here...?
Why, you ask?
Crack.
Gyaaaaaaah!
The black knightno, Karronwho had just bent Nurs right arm in the wrong direction, smiled and said.
I came to repay my debt. Didnt I say Id pay you back later?