Destroy the Slave Auction!
The information brought by the nameless slave boy revealed Zarfin's scheme.
Most likely, the slave auction was a new venture Zarfin initiated to entice the nobles who escaped punishment from the underground arena scandal.
Then again, even if that wasn’t the case, he probably would have tried his hand at it sooner or later.
Regardless, attempting to win over potential high-class customers—the nobles—was not something I could overlook.
And so, I decided to crush this auction.
By thoroughly wrecking it, Zarfin’s reputation would plummet.
Moreover, Lucina and Connie’s loyalty to me would grow even stronger.
And that’s not all.
Destroying the auction would work to my advantage in many other ways as well.
Just imagining it fired me up.
But first, we needed to infiltrate the venue.
However, this trading city housed a permanent contingent of knights.
There weren’t many places where such a large-scale crime could be hidden from them.
Actually, the knights might be complicit.
Zarfin might have paid them off to turn a blind eye.
Otherwise, they would’ve noticed by now.
—And the designated venue turned out to be… an ordinary eatery.
“This is supposed to be the auction venue?”
“It looks like a regular public diner.”
Connie and Lucina looked up at the shop’s sign in disbelief.
I was skeptical too, but we followed the instructions on the invitation and entered the establishment.
Immediately, the shopkeeper greeted us enthusiastically, “Welcome! Have you decided on your order?”
… Here we go.
“The steamed Lowen beef. Hold the vegetables, extra spice.”
“Ah! Right this way, please.”
The shopkeeper’s expression changed at the mention of the specific menu item, and we were led to a special room in the back of the shop.
At the room’s entrance, a staff member stood waiting.
“This way,” he said as he opened a door adorned with unnecessarily elaborate decorations.
Inside was a narrow room with nothing but a staircase leading downward.
This staircase supposedly led to the auction venue.
Descending the stairs, we found an expansive underground space bustling with a large crowd of attendees who had come for the auction.
Tables were laden with luxurious food, and scantily clad women served drinks.
The air reeked of suspicion, and as I was absorbing the scene, a man in his mid-thirties dressed in gaudy attire approached us with a pleasant smile.
“Welcome, Lake Gallard. I’ve heard much about you.”
The man, who seemed to exude an air of self-importance, was undoubtedly Zarfin.
“You must be Zarfin.”
“Indeed. I’m grateful you accepted the invitation. Please, take your time and enjoy the event with your companions.”
“There’s no need to enjoy anything. I’ve come here to destroy this venue.”
My words caused an immediate uproar.
Many of them, upon hearing the name “Lake Gallard,” likely had a sinking feeling.
After all, I was the one who had wiped out a similar underground arena.
“Destroy it, you say… how unsettling.”
Only Zarfin remained completely unfazed.
He was clearly a seasoned operator, much more formidable than Craig Beckart.
“I plan to do business in this town eventually. I can’t have a scoundrel like you hanging around.”
“You’re quite bold for someone so young.”
“Zarfin, let me handle this.”
A middle-aged man suddenly interrupted.
He carried a significant amount of mana.
“A mage, and with considerable reserves… were you a former member of the Magic Corps?”
“Who knows? Ancient history is best forgotten.”
“Derrick, rough him up a little. I’ll deliver the finishing blow myself.”
“As you wish.”
So Zarfin was finally revealing his true nature.
That worked for me—it meant I could take him down without restraint.
“I see you have pathetically low mana. You can’t use magic, can you?”
“True. I can’t use magic.”
But I can wield a power that’s very close to magic.
My hand moved to the magic gun hidden in my chest.
If he unleashed magic, I was ready to counter with a perfectly timed strike.
“Hah! A nobody like you picking a fight with me? And those two cute girls standing behind you? Tough luck for them, having to stick with a loser like you. Ladies, you should choose your master more carefully.”
“”—!””
Oh no. Stop.
“Retract that statement immediately.”
“What’s wrong? Did I hit a nerve? Kids like you are so easy to rile up.”
You don’t get it.
Behind me, Lucina and Connie were already on the verge of losing it.
I was just trying to warn you.
But my act of kindness was mercilessly trampled.
“Being someone’s property is wonderful, isn’t it? It makes me drool just thinking about it.”
Zarfin’s lecherous gaze swept over Lucina and Connie.
You’re digging your grave deeper.
“Yes, I’ll make you my women. It’s an honor, isn’t it? Becoming the women of the man who rules this town. Whatever he’s paying you, I’ll double it. Depending on your performance, I could offer even more.”
“”……””
You absolute idiot!
Can’t you sense the aura or presence of the women behind me?
They’re about to explode!
And you’re supposed to be the head of a villainous organization?
By now, Lucina was seething, her patience completely gone.
Zarfin’s heinous acts of using children as merchandise were already unforgivable in her eyes.
And to insult me on top of that… yeah, this guy is dead.
“What’s wrong? Are you too loyal to speak up? Or is he blackmailing you?”
Zarfin kept taunting, taking Lucina and Connie’s silence as a sign of submission.
“Relax. I’ll deal with this worthless scum. Once he’s gone, you can start fresh with me.”
As Zarfin finished speaking, a quiet murmur came from behind me.
“… Unforgivable.”
“Huh? What did you say?”
“Insulting Young Master Lake… is unforgivable!”
Surprisingly, it wasn’t Lucina who snapped first—it was Connie.
What do you think about this chapter?
