Volume 9 Chapter 34 A Certain Day In Nilfheim - Part Ii
The place was like a narrow alleyway between a slum and a bazaar.
On the street, shabby street vendors were peddling unknown goods, and demon bodyguards were standing around. The area was bustling with people, and many were walking down the narrow path.
This was the Black Market, a secret underground market. Due to the Merchant Guild's instability, it had become a hot spot for illicit goods.
I used my Ajna Chakra to locate Rollo's position. She seemed to be inside a building a bit further down.
As I walked and stood in front of the building, a demon bodyguard approached me.
"Hey, this auction is invite-only. Show me your invitation...huh?"
"Do I really need an invitation? By the way, have we met before?"
"...No."
Despite saying no, the demon was drenched in cold sweat.
I carefully observed the demon's appearance. He had cow-like horns, bulging muscles, and a large axe by his side. He looked like a rough demon.
"...You're that guy, aren't you? The leader of the hundred thieves who stole the sculpture. I'm the one who beat you up last time."
He was the enemy I met during my first encounter with Kyrie, on a mission from Barcow. His sorcery, which could freeze a massive axe, had left a lasting impression. It was a powerful and enjoyable memory.
"...No."
On the other hand, the cow-horned demon was still sweating profusely.
"By the way, didn't you say I needed an invitation? Like, your horn or whatever?"
"...N-no, the invitation is...like this."
The cow-horned demon took out an invitation and handed it to me. I quickly snatched it and thanked him.
"Thanks, I think I dropped this. So, you said I needed an invitation? Look, I've got it now."
"...Y-yes...please, come in."
After a brief struggle, I used the invitation to confidently enter the auction.
Inside, it was dimly lit, and in the back, there was a stage-like area with bright lights.
It was like a live music venue from my past life in Japan. The eerie atmosphere was exceptional.
"Alright! This young, forbidden magic beast is going for one big gold coin! Congratulations to the winner!"
The emcee was loudly praising the winning bidder. The winning bidder, who had gone up on stage, was triumphantly holding up a bottle containing a slime.
A slime, a forbidden magic beast...? And it was sold for a huge amount of big gold coins. I wonder if it's not what it seems.
I sent off the winning bidder and made my way to the back of the auction hall. Along the way, I received a bidding paddle from a staff member and took a peek at the stage from the front.
If Rollo shows up, what should I do? It wouldn't be good to cause a scene here. It's dark, so my face won't be visible, but there are a lot of customers.
In that case, maybe it would be better to attack the winning bidder later and rescue Rollo...?
As I was thinking this, the emcee started talking again.
"And now, our next item is...this! A lewd demon sl*ve girl! She was caught in the wild and seemed to be quite tame, so she's probably a runaway sl*ve!"
"Ah, yeah~♡ I'm being looked at with such dirty eyes~♡."
The one who came out with a lively attitude, wearing a revealing outfit that only covered her private parts, was Rollo.
"..."
I let out a sigh and covered my eyes.
"This sl*ve girl seems to have a lot of experience as a sl*ve, and the trainer says she's 'the best-trained sl*ve'! What's more, her beauty and seductive attitude are her charms!"
"Hehe, everyone's eyes are bloodshot and it's so gross~♡ Do you all want to mess with me that badly~?"
Rollo was teasing the crowd, blushing and swaying her hips.
"Starting bid is one big gold coin! The auction begins!"
"Two big gold coins!" "Three big gold coins!" "Damn! The price is rising too fast! What's going on!"
The excitement of the surrounding customers was intense. It seemed that many wealthy people were gathered, and the price was rising in units of big gold coins.
However, from 7 big gold coins, the momentum began to decline.
"7 big gold coins and 5 gold coins!" "7 big gold coins and 6 gold coins!" "7 big gold coins and 6 gold coins...and 5 big silver coins!"
Rollo let out a sigh and said...
"You're all so naive~. You think you can train me, Rollo, just because you're stingy with your money~, you pathetic masters~?"
Rollo laughs mockingly, stirring up the entire audience. The customers' faces turn red as they tremble with excitement, and the auction heats up again.
"8 big gold coins!" "9 big gold coins!" "Ah, damn it! 1 platinum coin! How's that, huh!?"
"Hehe~♡ everyone's dancing on the palm of Rollo's hand~♡ How embarrassing~♡"
"Damn it! One platinum coin and one big gold coin! If I win, I'll r*pe her right here on the spot!"
The audience's frenzy has become unbearable. I thought, "Maybe I should take a more forceful approach," and decided to abandon my plan to rescue Rollo after the auction.
"Object Weight Increase."
"Gahhh!"
I crushed everyone in the room except for Rollo and myself with gravity. As Rollo looked at me in confusion, I approached her, trying to hide my face, and held out my hand.
"Let's go, Rollo."
"...Ah, Master?"
"Hurry up."
As I urged her, Rollo's seductive expression disappeared, and she took my hand with a pure, joyful face, looking like she was teasing me. She got down from the stage.
"...Hehe, Master's so sweet~. You came to rescue me, and I'm so happy~."
"And take care of your body, okay?"
"Y-yes~! G-got it~!"
Rollo rubbed the spot on her forehead where I had hit her, glaring at me. But she quickly changed her mood and said, "By the way, Master~..."
"You're taking me out like this~? Ah, Master's so cruel~."
"Ah, I guess you're right. It's a bit cold with you dressed like that... This guy's clothes look warm, though."
"...Huh? You're not getting it... I meant it in a temperature sense, not a revealing outfit sense..."
I took some clothes from one of the customers and put them on Rollo. Then, I took her hand, and we left the auction hall.
As we exited, the cowhorn asked us...
"Hey, hey. I heard a huge noise coming from inside... Huh? Did you win the auction for that thing?"
"No, I'm going to take it down and bring it back. It's originally one of my own, anyway."
"Alright, I get it. I'm also going to bail out of here. If I get caught with you in tow, I'll be in big trouble, so let's make sure to get out without a scratch."
The cowhorn disappears off in a dash. I shrug my shoulders and ask, "Rollo, aren't you cold?"
"This outfit is so warm and fluffy~ Should I let Master in too? Rollo's body heat will keep you warm and toasty!"
"If you can still crack jokes, you're fine. Let's go."
"Master~, you're always so mean~!"
As I start walking, Rollo follows close behind in a jog.
"Master, where are we going?"
"I was originally planning to look for Ice and take a stroll around. Since she's out shopping, I thought she might be around here somewhere."
"Shopping, huh? That means she's looking for food, right? If so, it's probably that way~."
I head in the direction Rollo pointed. As we go further, the goods on sale start to change to food items. And then, I spot Ice's white silhouette in the distance.
"Ah, found her."
I approach her slowly. As I take in the surroundings, I notice...
Demons frozen in place with ice spears, stuck to the wall. They're completely still, like ice sculptures.
And then there's the vegetable vendor, who seems concerned, and Ice, who's completely unfazed as she inspects the produce.
"So... I'll take this potato, please..."
"Ah, yeah... As always. About those guys in the back... is it okay to just leave them like that?"
It seems they're demons who tried to mess with Ice and got frozen in return.
However, Ice tilts her head, and the vendor decides not to press the issue.
"Yeah... I think I've got everything I need... Ah, Wade-kun And Rollo-chan too..."
Ice finally notices us and flashes a bright smile at me, before turning to Rollo with a slightly awkward expression. Ice is always so straightforward.
As I approach Ice, I briefly explain the situation.
"I heard you were out shopping, so I came to pick you up. And I also rescued Rollo from a sl*ve auction."
"Was she on sale... or something?"
"It was amazing. Rollo got a platinum coin all by herself~♡."
Ice gives a wry smile, unsure of how to react to Rollo's boasting. I can understand how he feels.
As I look around, I ask Ice while gazing at the demons frozen in the walls.
"So, what's up with these guys?"
"Ah, yeah... They were, like, about to attack me, so... it's a hassle to kill them since they'll just revive, right...?"
"So, they're still alive..."
Ice looks down, blushing as usual. Rollo stares at the demons with a blank expression, saying "They can't die..."
"Ice, are you done shopping?"
"Yeah... So, we're heading back now, right...?"
"Then let me carry your bags for you."
I take the bag from Ice. It's filled with meat, vegetables, and other ingredients.
"Eh...? I, it's okay, Wade-kun... I can have the ice soldiers carry the heavy stuff, so..."
"I want to help you out, Ice. Let's go."
"U, yeah... ...thanks, Wade-kun...!"
Ice says, looking a bit embarrassed. I smile back and say "I'm your partner, after all. It's only natural I'd help out," and start walking. Rollo follows, saying "Ah, wait up~"
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