第１４８４堀：紛れて入り込む (Part1)
Chapter 1484: Blending In
Side: Dressa
"Hey, I want to go to the auction, too."
I say this to Yuki, plain and simple.
The "auction" refers to the slave trade, which includes rare races from outside the Alliance.
It’s already common knowledge that, based on information from Lowel, Yuki has decided to storm—or rather, participate in—this slave auction.
Honestly, even I was surprised.
And I thought that if it were just Yuki, he could handle it somehow, but the heads of each Alliance nation are going along with him, too.
Thanks to that, it’s become a massive ordeal.
Beyond the obvious concerns like bodyguards and lodging, the issue of the auction venue’s defensive posture naturally came up. Lowel stepped in directly to resolve it by proposing that the Alliance construct its own lodging facilities near the town within a month—a method that would be considered insane under normal circumstances.
Well, with the power of a Dungeon Master, once the location is set, it can be done in an instant.
And I’ve heard the reasoning behind it, too.
As always, the logic is flawless.
I’ve realized once again that it’s impossible to out-argue Yuki.
The Alliance is keeping an eye on non-Alliance nations, not through force, but through trade and interaction.
The fact that the top leaders of the Alliance are visiting is proof of this; it’s a gesture so significant that no one could possibly complain.
Gates are being installed in the Kingdom of Ewai, and since this is the first time a non-Alliance nation has been given such recognition, it’s practically a guarantee of future prosperity.
Everyone wins.
Except for the Dark Guild, that is.
Anyway, that brings us back to why I’m asking.
"It seems your subordinates are going to infiltrate the town of Wean, but hardly any of us are going, right?"
"Well, our faces are a bit too well-known, after all."
"That’s where I come in. And Vilia and Hiiro, too. Aslin and the others... well, that’s a bit tricky, isn't it? I’d like to bring them if possible. Their faces aren't that well-known, and they can pass for children, right? I want to walk around and see the scene for myself."
"I see. So you want to conduct an inspection?"
"Exactly. Tori and Riel are on security duty, aren't they?"
"That’s right."
"We have to wear our uniforms, and besides, we have school duties to attend to."
It’s true—Tori, Riel, and Kaya will be involved in guarding VIPs and the lodging facilities as police officers. But if they walk around town like that, they’ll definitely be viewed with suspicion or through a biased lens.
That’s why I thought it would be better for those of us who look young to go, so we can observe the town in its natural state.
"I understand the logic. Now, what’s your real motive?"
"I suppose it’s that I want to see the state of the slaves... and the town itself? After all, people will always put on a front in front of you and the others, won't they?"
"That, well, is probably true."
It’s because I was a slave once.
Granted, quite a few members here were slaves, but we are the best choice if we want to avoid being treated with suspicion.
If we don't do this, we won't be able to hear the town's true atmosphere or the honest opinions of its people.
That said, they’re likely gathering information through the dungeon system, but there are some things you can only understand by walking the streets yourself.
"Hmm. Well, I support Dressa. Since you’re going to be on-site this time, I want to send as many people as possible. To various positions. It’s not that I don’t trust your subordinates, but in terms of combat power and the ability to move quickly, it’s better to have people from among us, isn't it?"
As Seraria says, there’s the fact that we’re worried about Yuki, and it’s convenient to have people on the ground who can handle various situations.
"That’s true, but I doubt the Dark Guild hasn't looked into us."
"Even so, it’s better than not being there at all. I’ll make sure you have Fiora, Prof, Orelia, Hovis, and Yayui, not to mention Ria, Deryu, Cleena, and Samantha, who have been with us from the start."
"That’s a lot."
"It’s barely enough."
Everyone nods at those words.
Yuki is really hopeless when it comes to things like this.
"Still, the auction is held over three days. Aside from school, will the military side be alright?"
"It’s a bit late for that. We’ve been operating without them ever since we started attending school, so we’re fine. We’ve set it up so we’ll be contacted in case of an emergency."
"I see. No, I’m just worrying too much. I heard at the briefing the other day that there are no problems."
That’s right—at the previous report meeting, we heard that everything is proceeding as planned, so the military—or rather, the navy and the school—are fine.
Just as I was thinking that...
"That’s true. I agree as well, but in that case, why don't we have Dressa and the others participate in the auction separately and purchase some slaves?"
"Ah, that’s a good idea."
Kirue agrees with Ratz’s natural suggestion.
"At this auction, we of the Alliance nations will be purchasing slaves. However, we can't buy every single one. There will be people from non-Alliance nations gathered there for the purpose of buying slaves, too."
"So, Dressa and the others, who are moving separately, can handle that. Well, I wonder if they can pull off being children of nobles?"
Sasari tilts her head, looking at me.
Grr, I’m still a little kid, sure.
But I’m scheduled to become a gorgeous, busty beauty in a few years!
"They’ll be fine. There are plenty of nobles around the size of Dressa. It wouldn't be strange at all for them to come to this auction to recruit talent for their territories or to seek connections."
Seraria says this to back me up.
Indeed, it’s not like being a young noble head like me is all that rare.
In this world, monsters, bandits, and wars are commonplace, so it’s quite common for the next generation to take over after their parents lose their lives.
To make up for what they lack, they have no choice but to bring people in from elsewhere.
They would naturally think to use auctions like this to make connections with famous, powerful people and seek their support.
"Wait, hold on. Does that mean a lot of nobles in my position will be coming and going?"
"Ah, that’s to be expected. People from non-Alliance nations will be coming to make connections while they have the chance. Lowel says there’s been an increase in inquiries about whether they can participate in the Ewai Kingdom’s auction now that we’ve joined the Alliance. She’s asking for advice on how to adjust or screen them."
"Whoa. I’m the one who suggested it, but is this really okay? A bunch of riff-raff are going to come, aren't they?"
I thought we would infiltrate the town separately to protect Yuki, but won't this make things even more chaotic?
"No, I expected this. This way, even if non-Alliance nations don't join the Alliance, they’ll become friendly with us, right? I don't want assassinations or monster stampedes happening within their borders. The people who want to rely on such things are the ones who can't topple their countries through legitimate means."
"That’s exactly why we added a lounge and conference rooms during the construction. We’re ready to bring the non-Alliance nations into the fold. Well, that’s all the more reason for Dressa and the others to infiltrate as young nobles. Though, the question remains: which noble house will you officially represent...?"
"If I’m going to claim to be a noble, even if it’s a lie, does that mean you’re going to create a proper noble house for me?"
When I ask for confirmation, Yuki and Seraria nod.