Chapter 26
“Isn’t this an auction limited to members? How do we participate?”
“Membership is by invitation only from existing members. There are identity restrictions as well.”
“So only nobles can enter?”
“No, it’s the opposite. Only commoners can attend. Even nobles can only be of the lower baron level at most.”
“Really? Then you must already qualify as existing members, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. W-wait a moment. You’re not seriously thinking of participating in the auction yourselves, are you?”
“That’s right. Can you write us an invitation?”
At Narcia’s quiet reply, the man’s face twisted with exasperation. He hesitated, glancing between the two of them.
“That’s not possible. If anything happens, we’d be fully responsible!”
“Ah, why are you talking so much?”
Violette, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, fiddled with her sword in disbelief. Under her threatening demeanor, the man finally lowered his head in resignation and mumbled:
“I-I’ll… send the invitation…”
“That’s what you should have done from the start.”
The man rummaged through a folder, picked up a quill, and began writing intently. Despite the quick movements of his hand, his face remained grim.
How did I end up entangled with a rogue like this woman? I should have realized something was off when she emptied twenty ales without stopping. Looking at the coworkers sprawled on the floor, all I could do was sigh. I could only hope—prayerfully—that this would be the last time I’d have anything to do with this strange woman.
A few days later, at the secret auction house of the Hiltonton Guild, masked individuals entered the venue. A luxurious carriage stopped in front of the guild hall, and a man and a woman wearing fox and tiger masks appeared, gently draping their arms around each other.
“Hmph, I hope there’s something good today. Don’t you think so, darling?”
“…Let’s not get our hopes up too much.”
The woman in the tiger mask rested her head lightly on the chest of the man in the fox mask. Though most of their faces were hidden by masks, the couple exuded a commanding presence that drew attention from nearby onlookers.
“May I see your tickets, please?”
The man handed over his tickets with a cold demeanor, ignoring the staff member. The staff bowed and allowed the couple to enter.
“Aren’t you clinging too much?”
Seeing the woman cling to him, the man gave her a light push and whispered:
“What’s wrong? Who suggested we act like a loving couple first? If not now, when will you show me your charm? Enjoy it, darling.”
Violette, wearing the tiger mask, spoke teasingly while slowly running her finger across his face. Narcia, who had no experience with such gestures, shivered and flinched slightly.
“Feeling a little excited seeing me like this? Are white hairs your type?”
Violette winked mischievously, letting her snow-white hair fall through her hand instead of her usual vivid purple.
“Ha… This isn’t what the hair was changed for. Anyway, enough playing around. Focus now. One wrong move and this could go badly.”
Narcia, now with pink hair unlike usual, let out a deep sigh, appearing exhausted by the situation.
A few days after returning from the game hall, the two had planned an assault on the Hiltonton Guild. The guild, part of the Navian territory, was illegally distributing monster eggs—a critical issue for both Violette and Narcia, who governed the territory. Beyond that, it would also harm the Kegreiner Ducal family.
‘Strictly speaking, this was the guild acting independently before we arrived, so it’s not really our fault.’
However, for the nobles eager to find faults in the Kegreiner Duke, this situation was perfect bait. They needed to handle this matter flawlessly.
Violette and Narcia used magic to disguise themselves and joined the auction directly, while the Navian knights awaited their orders nearby, ready to intervene at any moment.
The secret Hiltonton Guild auction, held once a month, was surprisingly large in scale. A glance around confirmed that, as the staff had said, the attendees included not only merchants and commoners but also low-ranking nobles. The atmosphere suggested this wasn’t the first auction, and Narcia’s expression stiffened further.
“Look at these people…”
“Haha, wonder why our darling is sulking again.”
Seeing Narcia stiffen, Violette coyly leaned into him, trying to lighten the mood. She whispered just loud enough for him to hear:
“Act naturally, naturally!”
At that moment, a man in a mask and suit ascended the stage. The spotlight shone on him—it seemed the auction was about to start.
“Thank you for waiting. Let’s begin this month’s Hiltonton secret auction. As always, we’ll start lightly with Drigona. Starting bid: 3,000 gold!”
“Drigona?”
Drigona was a type of herb causing hallucinations and addiction—a form of drug. Seeing it as the first auction item shocked Violette, who glanced at Narcia behind her.
As expected, Narcia watched the auction silently, exuding a lethal aura. The price of Drigona soared quickly, selling for 10,000 gold.
Violette, in Narcia’s arms, noticed his displeasure. A worrying thought crossed her mind, and she whispered just for him:
“Just so you know, I don’t do drugs. I’m not that reckless.”
Narcia said nothing at first, staring at her intently.
“I knew it! You were suspicious of me!”
Violette stepped back, scolding him. Narcia, calm, lightly patted her head and said:
“I know you’re not that type. I never doubted you.”
Before Violette could reply, he pulled her back into his arms and whispered softly:
“I told you, trust is important between spouses.”
His breath near her ear made her blush. Surprised by his unexpected closeness, Violette lowered her head and muttered softly:
“…Alright, fine.”
Though she reminded herself that this was just an act—they were only pretending to be a loving couple—her heart still raced uncontrollably.
Time passed, but the auction showed no sign of ending. After Drigona, other drugs, unregistered jewels, and art pieces continued to be auctioned. Narcia’s expression grew increasingly stern.
He planned to arrest everyone there for tax evasion and drug charges and shut down the Hiltonton Guild for good.
“Where on earth did they get all this?”
“I… don’t know…”
Narcia noticed Violette stiffening. Though partly hidden by her mask, her ears were red, showing her discomfort.
“Are you okay? Feeling unwell?”
“No, just a little hot.”
With so many people in furs, it was surprising she felt warm. Narcia loosened his grip slightly. Before he could ask more, the auctioneer’s booming voice drew everyone’s attention:
“The next item, as announced last time, is a liquid-type monster! Freshly hatched just three days ago! Since it controls water, its temperament is gentle. Starting bid: 100,000 gold!”
The auctioneer revealed a small, blue monster inside a cage. The creature, resembling a squirming drop of water, looked around nervously, clearly frightened.
