TNCTR 26

Chapter 26

I could tell there was something strange about his words, but I didn’t have anything to say in response, so I just shook my head.

Alcohol—sure, it’s nice.

But it wasn’t something I could allow.

Because personally, I didn’t drink.

‘My drinking habits… Yeah, I can’t let those show.’

Though it wasn’t just because of that.

‘Not today.’

There was something I had to do.

To firmly secure my position as the Duke of Mertiel…

“Not today.”

“Really? That’s a shame.”

Before we knew it, the sky had long been swallowed by darkness, the sunset fading away.

“Actually, there’s someone I want to introduce you to soon.”

Between the buildings, light spheres glowed brightly, illuminating the area.

Shops that normally would be closing were instead bustling, their doors wide open.

“Introduce me to… someone?”

He smiled faintly, blinking as if puzzled.

I looked around.

The colorful clothes people wore and the lively atmosphere stirred a flutter of excitement in me.

Unfortunately, that feeling wouldn’t last long.

‘Because I’m going to break it.’

There was only one purpose for tonight.

It wasn’t to have a sweet time of getting to know Ashid better…

“It’s Count Ilia Adin. I hope you can get to know him too.”

But to shatter this pleasant atmosphere.

✦ ✦ ✦

Slavery had mostly disappeared from the Empire.

“Mostly,” that is.

Slave markets still thrived in the shadows.

[Brother, can you look into something for me?]

Even though the previous emperor had worked to abolish them, traces of these markets remained.

[Try to find out when the next slave auction is happening.]

Still, it was illegal.

And those who rescued people from within it—

Knowing how powerful such a role was, I had no hesitation.

[You can do it, right?]

I recalled the image of Ilia, sighing but nodding his head at my sudden request.

“So you’re saying you want me to meet Count Adin… Is that your way of asking me to support him?”

Ashid muttered as if trying to search out some hidden motive in my words.

Of course, that wasn’t the case.

‘If the Crown Prince is there, he can immediately take control if anything happens.’

In other words, he was practically my guarantor for tonight’s raid on the auction house.

“It’s not like that. He’s just an old and precious friend of mine—I wanted to introduce you.”

A deeper smile formed on Ashid’s lips.

“Then why a night market, of all places? It’s not exactly ideal for meeting someone.”

“Well… Count Adin likes night markets too.”

That part was true.

Ilia was the type who enjoyed being around people and places, regardless of where or who.

But the real reason tonight’s location was the night market was because we’d received word that a slave auction would be held here.

‘Though we don’t know the exact location yet…’

Ilia would find it out soon enough.

“Do you know Count Adin well?”

As the night deepened, we walked through the increasingly radiant streets.

“I do find him quite interesting. I didn’t expect you two to be close, though.”

A glint flickered through Ashid’s blue eyes.

He gripped my hand tightly, as if to keep me from being swept away by the crowd, while we admired the enchanting scenery.

Then I felt a slight vibration near my ear.

It was a signal from the communication device connected to Kissel.

‘What could it be?’

Kissel didn’t contact me for just anything, so I instinctively frowned slightly.

‘I should answer.’

I glanced at Ashid beside me.

“Ashid, can you wait here for just a moment?”

Before he could respond or object, I quickly turned to leave.

“I’ll be right back. Just a moment, okay?”

Because of that, I didn’t hear what Ashid mumbled behind me—or see the expression he wore.

✦ ✦ ✦

I moved toward a quieter area and fiddled with the artifact.

“What’s going on?”

I activated the communication device.

A small light flashed briefly, and then a familiar voice flowed into my ear.

“Master, is this a good time?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. Go ahead.”

Though I felt a little bad for leaving Ashid alone, Kissel’s call took priority.

And that decision turned out to be right.

“Ilia is here with me.”

Huh? Why is Ilia there?

I thought we were meeting here.

“The subordinates we sent to track the slave auction location have all lost contact.”

“What? How…”

“Even the meeting place with you was compromised, so he returned to the mansion. He has no way of contacting you directly.”

As I pictured Ilia in my mind, I tapped my lips with a finger.

“Is he hurt?”

“No, no injuries reported.”

Whew… I leaned my head back in relief.

The hood of my robe fell away, and the cold wind helped clear my head.

“Looks like some nobles are deeply involved in this.”

I kicked at the stained floor littered with traces of alcohol and cigars, repeating the words.

“When has a noble not been involved in things like this?”

Just then, I heard Ilia’s voice come through.

“I couldn’t pinpoint the exact location. Also, you didn’t bring any subordinates with you, did you? Just come back. It’s not like tonight’s the only chance.”

It was a hard suggestion to ignore.

Not because I lacked backup.

“Just give me a rough idea of the location—can you manage that?”

“You’re planning to go alone? Well, the location is…”

Before Kissel could answer, Ilia cut in.

“Why are you encouraging her? You should be stopping her. Ineria, what do you plan to do with that info? Don’t do anything foolish. I’m serious.”

His warning tone grew sharper.

He probably knew his voice was right next to my ear thanks to the earring.

It practically rattled my brain.

“Ineria, don’t make me worry. Come back.”

I let out a deep sigh.

“What can I do if we don’t even know the location? Don’t worry. I’ll give up for tonight.”

A chill wind brushed through my hair.

Even after bringing Ashid along, I was leaving empty-handed.

“I’ll contact you later. Kissel, keep an eye on my brother. He might be hiding an injury.”

Ilia’s voice continued on the side, but without hesitation, I turned off the communication device.

“What a shame.”

I spun around.

Even with Count Adin’s help, we couldn’t locate it—this must be bigger than we thought.

Disappointing, yes. But without the location, there was nothing more to do.

“Let’s go back.”

Ashid was still waiting for me.

I had walked too far into the alley, so it took a while to get back.

Even on the way, I clicked my tongue in frustration.

If this was a big operation, then knowing the location would’ve actually been to our advantage.

That was when I felt it—

The presence of someone.

As I turned around, a figure suddenly stepped in front of me, and I saw something glint dangerously near my throat.

I blinked slowly.

“What are you doing here alone? If you’re not busy, I’d like you to come with me.”

A hoarse voice spoke as the man’s shadow loomed over me.

✦ ✦ ✦

I followed the man obediently.

To be exact, I was forced to follow.

He held my wrist and led me down a dark passage, speaking in a mock-gentle tone.

“So why were you in a place like that alone, huh?”

I turned my head away, repulsed by his gravelly voice.

“Why won’t you answer me, huh?”

Soon after, he blindfolded me and pulled me into some place.

“You’re not going to say anything? I want to hear your voice. Bet it sounds nice. Wouldn’t hurt to get on my good side, right?”

His voice echoed like we were walking down a long corridor.

“You’re not a noble or anything, right?”

He clicked his tongue and spat out the words.

“I mean, if you were a noble or some rich girl, no way you’d be wandering around alone like that.”

He seemed to make up his mind and shook his head.

And then—

When we finally arrived somewhere—

My blindfold was removed, and I was shoved into an iron cage.

The stench, the mocking laughter of the men, and their conversation made the situation all too clear.

“Don’t blame me—it’s just your bad luck!”

Rough-looking men gathered together, their clothes, manner, and words…

It was obvious who they were.

‘Slave traders!’