Chapter 43
Chapter 43
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 43
Chapter Title: EP. 43: The Truth (3)
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Kim Hyunwoo was well aware of the auction house.
That made sense, since the auction house had existed as a systemic feature of Arteil even when he played the game, and he had used it quite frequently.
In truth, what existed in Arteil wasn't so much an auction house as it was better described as the game's integrated trading assistance system.
Players weren't really interested in the auction system itself—they were more drawn to the convenience of buying and selling items for a small fee.
However, the auction system Kim Hyunwoo had favored back in his Arteil days was purely a 'systemic' element. So, he turned to Adria with his question about the auction house in Lafengan.
"It's exactly what it sounds like—an auction held in the commercial territory of Lafengan. Other commercial cities do hold auctions from time to time, but the ones in Lafengan are on a whole different scale."
Adria began answering Kim Hyunwoo's question right away.
"Unlike other auctions, Lafengan's only happens three times a year, so the items up for bid are of exceptional quality by default. That draws a different crowd altogether—and on top of that—"
"—since it attracts all the high-and-mighty, it naturally turns into a sort of social club. These days, the Lafengan auction basically functions as a venue for networking too."
"I see."
"Of course, Lafengan has established itself so firmly through this that their auction fees are no joke..."
Adria glanced at the executioner's sword resting on the desk in the office as she spoke.
"This one... it should do just fine."
"You think this will work?"
"If the item Lord brought us is truly an executioner's sword, as my eye tells me, they might even waive all the fees in Lafengan."
Of course, that's just my guess—realistically, it'll probably be around 3%. Adria added silently to herself.
"...So it gets special treatment because it's an executioner's sword?"
When Kim Hyunwoo followed up, Adria explained.
"More precisely, it's not because it's an executioner's sword—it's because of the value it holds. As I mentioned, Lafengan's auction outclasses those in other commercial territories, so they put in the effort to keep it that way."
"Ah."
Even without further explanation from Adria, Kim Hyunwoo let out a sound of realization and continued.
"...So, if gear of this caliber showed up at another auction, it'd draw all the attention, so they offer perks to keep it here?"
"Exactly. Lafengan's reputation is built on its auctions, so they don't want to give other territories any openings. As you know, Lord, even the current top dog can't stay on top forever."
"They're pretty sharp over there."
"Merchants have to value the unseen more than the obvious... just like you, Lord."
At her words, Kim Hyunwoo tilted his head with a fleeting thought of Like me? But he soon shrugged and replied.
"Anyway, then I'll leave it in your hands."
"Understood. But this time, I'll adjust the terms a bit."
"The terms?"
"Yes. I won't charge a fee for this executioner's sword."
"...?"
Kim Hyunwoo gave her a puzzled look at Adria's words.
"In the end, this sword will be sold at the auction, so the only help I can offer is anonymity."
"If that's the case, I'm grateful—but are you sure you're okay with that?"
"Of course. But if it still bothers you... could you grant me one favor later?"
"...A favor?"
He posed the question at her follow-up.
"Nothing major—just someone I'd like to introduce you to next time you have the chance."
"An introduction, you say?"
"Yes."
"Well, sure, an introduction's no problem."
"I'm glad to hear that."
With her smile at his positive response, that wrapped things up.
"Then, since we need to move quickly this time, I'll take my leave here."
Adria left the territory in a flash.
"Contact Lafengan right away. Tell them we want to consign an executioner's sword for the upcoming auction."
"Understood."
After meeting Kim Hyunwoo in Lartania territory and departing swiftly, Adria instructed her secretary like this. Once the secretary left, she let out a soft sigh and thought.
Last time it was a coma recovery potion, and now an executioner's sword.
Adria let out an involuntary wry chuckle as she gazed at the executioner's sword displayed in an ornate frame on one side of the office.
...How does that lord even have something like this?
As far as Adria knew, executioner's swords were incredibly rare treasures—and since the 'Great Depression' a few years ago, they had become virtually impossible to find.
Yet Lartania territory somehow possessed one.
No, beyond that.
...How can he hand over something like this without a second thought?
Adria had signed a contract with Kim Hyunwoo.
But a contract was just a contract—it didn't mean deep trust had formed between them.
In reality, it hadn't been long since they made the deal, nor since they last met face-to-face.
Yet the lord of Lartania had handed over the executioner's sword as if it were nothing, like he trusted her completely.
An item that could generate wealth beyond comparison to the coma recovery potion.
"..."
Of course, she knew it was possible his actions stemmed from ignorance, but Adria didn't think that was the case with Kim Hyunwoo.
His behavior in their first contract was far too shrewd for simple ignorance.
...Is he testing my trustworthiness this time?
That was the conclusion Adria reached after pondering for a while.
"Merchant leader."
Before she could finish her thoughts, her returning secretary's voice drew her attention.
"We got a reply from Lafengan right away."
"What'd they say?"
"I sent them the artifact-stored info on the executioner's sword, and they said they'll reserve a spot immediately. They're also spreading the word far and wide."
At the secretary's report, she nodded with a satisfied expression.
"Perfect."
"So, we head straight to Lafengan?"
"Probably. Given the importance of this."
"Figured as much."
"Why?"
"No reason. As I reported last time, the time to offer tribute to the Guardian is approaching. I was actually heading there but detoured to Lartania, so I'm wondering if the schedule lines up..."
"Don't worry about that. Even if we're a bit late, I've planned to arrive three weeks before the deadline, so we have plenty of time even with the Lafengan stop. Plus, since we didn't find what we wanted last time... we'll just bring a mountain of gold coins. Or whatever."
Adria reassured her secretary dismissively.
"And when the time comes, I'll introduce you to a decent human too."
"...A decent human?"
"Yeah."
With the secretary bowing her head at Adria's words, the Tiinus Merchant Group set off toward the commercial territory of Lafengan.
And.
If he can somehow produce items that don't exist in this world, then maybe he has what that one desires.
Adria smiled faintly as she thought of Lartania's lord.
To be honest, when the Absolute Ruler of Darkness first heard Loriell's words, her surging emotions were bewilderment, anger, and anxiety.
The bewilderment came from Loriell meeting Lartania's lord without her permission.
The anger and anxiety stemmed from worries that Loriell might have carelessly mentioned her to the lord.
Right now, just the thought of receiving an evaluation from the lord terrified her.
...To put it bluntly, she hoped that if she heard a negative one, it wouldn't shatter the fragile hope she still clung to.
So the Absolute Ruler of Darkness nearly stormed out to vent her rage at Loriell's words.
"The lord thinks highly of you, Master...!"
But at Loriell's follow-up.
"...What did you say?"
The Absolute Ruler of Darkness found herself asking involuntarily.
Soon, back in the grand cavern with her, she heard the full story from Loriell, who had just returned from Lartania.
Starting from how she used Harancia and Sertova territories as pretexts to approach Lartania's lord.
Then, weaving in casual anecdotes before bringing up the Absolute Ruler of Darkness to gauge the lord's thoughts.
And.
"Did he... really say that?"
"Yes. The lord of Lartania said you were truly an excellent hero, and honestly, he misses not having you now."
Loriell relayed the lord's words, even mimicking his slight smile.
"Ah... uh... ah?"
She watched as a blush and a wobbly smile crept across the Absolute Ruler of Darkness's previously gloomy face.
Then, pressing both hands to her cheeks, she let out a short "Ooh... uwah..." and bowed her head sharply.
Seeing her master's eyes glisten at the corners with emotion, Loriell felt a surge of protectiveness—even though she knew full well this was her master standing before her.
And.
Three days after Loriell brought this good news to the Absolute Ruler of Darkness.
"Ah, eek—"
Unlike before, the Absolute Ruler of Darkness had spent those three days immersed in bliss, reveling alone.
"M-Master!"
She was about to snap at Ruin, who burst in without warning.
"The executioner's sword you've been seeking is being consigned to Lafengan's auction!"
"!"
But at the voice that followed, her face lit up with ecstatic joy as she smiled.