Chapter 39 

“Well then, starting today, we’ll be counting on you to guard the items being put up for auction. Auction staff will be arriving tonight to appraise the goods, and while I’ll be present as well, I’d like one of you to accompany me in the storage area.”

“Understood. We’ll guard them with everything we’ve got.”

The day before the auction came quickly.

That day, the Pigeon Trading Company delivered the auction items to the expansive storage facilities beneath the art museum located in the noble district of the upper city.

As far as the eye could see, the underground storage extended on and on. Each section was guarded by iron bars, housing goods brought in by various trading companies. Currently, this underground facility could be considered the most concentrated area of wealth in all of Lindblum—making it, simultaneously, the place most likely to be targeted for theft.

The person replying to the company president was one of the seasoned adventurers dispatched from the Glory Knights.

Other security personnel present nodded firmly at the words of their team leader.

“Alright, here’s how we’ll do it… Security will be handled in pairs on rotating shifts. The old wing of the museum has been arranged as the guard quarters. We’ll be sharing it with guards from other trading companies, but it’s still a pretty decent setup. Rest well and prepare for your night shift. For now, I’ll start patrol with this guy here. Melt and Letty-san, you’re on standby until tonight.”

“Understood.”

“Got it.”

Following the veteran adventurer’s instructions, Melt and Letty headed toward the old wing.

Some days had passed since their first meeting, but Letty had apparently resolved not to treat Melt with the same condescension she once did, after being thoroughly bested by her.

“Melt-san, let’s go to the old wing. Do you remember where it is?”

“You can just call me Melt, you know? The location… let’s see, it was a door halfway down the stairs we came down from, right? We can go out that way?”

“That’s right. For this kind of security work, it’s standard to memorize both the route and any emergency evacuation paths. Please make sure to keep that in mind.”

“You don’t have to be so formal with me, you know? Let’s be friends.”

“…Once I’ve gotten a bit stronger, maybe I will.”

“But you’re already really strong, Letty-chan…”

“…Hearing that from you, Melt-san, only sounds like sarcasm.”

Letty’s attitude had completely shifted to one of respect for a superior.

After having her skills utterly overwhelmed, her own underhanded tactics rendered useless, and learning that Melt may even be a rare species with an extraordinary background, such a change in attitude was only natural.

And so, the two of them headed for the old wing and remained on standby until nightfall.

“Ah, so this is the contract.”

“Yes. While our company is the one officially listing the items for auction, we’ll be doing so in the capacity of an ‘agent seller.'”

“I see. Since we’re receiving the majority of the profits, calling it an agent listing makes sense. Got it—this is the contract, then.”

Today, the day before the auction, I accompanied the delivery and sat in the salon with other traders and sellers while receiving an explanation about the contract.

…I’m really glad I learned to read and write…!

“…I’ve reviewed it. I understand the terms of liability, guarantees, and compensation. It’s clear that choosing security personnel carefully is crucial—one mistake could ruin a trading company.”

“Exactly. …So, you really can read and write after all.”

“Oh? Did you think I couldn’t?”

“Yes, actually. But I see now—that too must have been a trap to lower our guard. You’re quite something… I’d even like to hire you as a merchant.”

Sorry, but you’re giving me too much credit. I seriously couldn’t read back then.

Still… I guess she understood why I had Melt read things for me. I kind of hoped she’d read more into it than that.

“But ultimately, if anything happens, your own company takes full responsibility. The auction organizers and the Merchants’ Guild accept no liability at all, huh?”

“Yes, that’s correct. If you want to survive in this city, you have to be ready to take that kind of risk and fight your own battles.”

“…I see.”

Well, considering the street where the Curseface Trading Company is located, it’s full of shady, mafia-like businesses. I guess you really do need that level of resolve.

After signing the contract and being told I had no more responsibilities until evening, I decided to take a look around the art museum that would serve as the auction venue.

“Wow… even in a different world… art doesn’t really change.”

I don’t know the exact techniques used, but I could tell they were oil paintings.

Looking at the motifs and the people depicted in them, I got the sense that this world has a history even more violent than Earth’s. That impression came mostly from how many of the works showed scenes of battle.

And the fact that weapons were displayed as art pieces, preserved in perfect condition, only reinforced that idea.

“Whoa… ‘The Greatsword That Defeated the Nether Dragon Burai’… I don’t know what kind of monster that is, but it sounds impressive.”

It must have been a truly famous foe.

Though not flashy, the large sword had not a single chip in its blade, yet was covered in numerous scratches—surely proof that it had actually defeated such a creature.

“To say you don’t know of the Nether Dragon… that’s quite odd.”

Just then, someone spoke to me as I gazed at the sword.

Turning around, I saw a man I’d met once before—a deeply memorable figure, though I didn’t know his name.

“You’re with the Curseface Trading Company, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, long time no see. I didn’t expect to run into you here. Let me guess—you’ve been hired as a guard for some company?”

He was likely a bodyguard affiliated with Curseface.

According to Melt, he was “stronger than me,” and now that I’ve seen Melt’s power firsthand, I can grasp just how powerful that makes him.

If Melt instinctively judged she couldn’t win against him, then he’s undoubtedly stronger than me—Same.

“No, I’m on the seller’s side. I’m not doing security or escort duty this time. My partner is working with the security team, though.”

“Ah, the girl with the sharp detection abilities. Hmph, feels like she might stir up some trouble again.”

“I can’t say you’re wrong about that…”

We chatted lightly. Despite being a formidable person, he didn’t seem to dislike social interaction.

Apparently, he too was here as security for Curseface, scoping out the venue in advance.

He mentioned that the auction venue changes every year. There are three other facilities in the country with large enough storage spaces.

Last year, it was held in a port town far from Lindblum, so he was glad there was no long-distance travel this time.

Makes sense—transporting valuable goods over long distances really increases the risk of attack.

“Well then… I’ll be on my way. I forgot to introduce myself—my name is Gallian Gasfield. I’m a hired bodyguard for Curseface.”

“Thanks for the introduction. I’m Same, an adventurer. Not affiliated with any group in particular.”

“An adventurer, huh? Heh… maybe one day I’ll become one myself. Sounds like fun.”

With that, Gallian walked away, joking as he left.

Hmm… he doesn’t really seem like a mafia enforcer. I wonder if there’s a deeper reason why he took on this job.

After finishing my tour of the museum and the necessary procedures, I decided to kill time until the evening—when I’d accompany the auctioneer for the appraisal—by heading to a library located in the same upper district, away from the noble quarter.

Unfortunately, Melt was on standby in the museum’s waiting room to prepare for the night shift of guarding the auction.

“Hmm… Maybe I should look up the geography of this area too.”

When I asked the female librarian if there were any materials on geography, she kindly helped me search.

“This here contains information about the mountains, rivers, and farming villages around Lindblum. I hope it meets your needs?”

“Yes, it does. Thank you. Sorry to interrupt your work, Librarian-san.”

“Oh no, not at all. If you’d like, please call me ‘Neka.’ There are plenty of other librarians here, after all.”

“Got it. Thank you, Neka-san.”

“If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Neka-san walked away with graceful movements.

She gave off a bit of a stern impression at first—like the typical serious librarian—but she turned out to be very kind. First impressions really aren’t everything.

With that, I spent the rest of my time reading through materials until evening came.

At the guard station in the museum’s old building:

Melt and Letty were quietly passing the time, seated on a sofa in the waiting area without much conversation. Letty was reading a book, while Melt wandered around the room, exploring it with curiosity.

Then, just as Melt returned to the sofa, she was approached by a young adventurer, likely a guard for another merchant group.

“Hey, so which merchant group are you guys guarding? We’re with the famous Mishigah Company!”

“We’re with the Pigeon Company.”

“Never heard of them. So you’re newbies, huh? I heard some of the weaker companies are hiring cheap rookie adventurers for this gig.”

“Is that so? I’ve only been an adventurer for less than a month myself.”

“Knew it. First guard job, huh? Must be nerve-wracking. Our company hires us every year. If you want, I could teach you some stuff. Why don’t you come hang out in our space?”

In short, he was just trying to hit on her.

But Melt, unfamiliar with such situations, took his words at face value and was about to go along with him when—

“Melt-san, please just sit quietly on the sofa. And you—choose your targets more carefully. You’re still on duty, even while waiting.”

“Hah? What’s with you? Jealous or something?”

“I’m saying it’s pathetic how a third-rate adventurer like you is so desperate for women.”

Letty’s harsh response made the man snap.

However, one of his apparent teammates quickly rushed over and restrained him.

“You idiot, this is your first time at the Lindblum venue, right?! Then at least study up on the factions around here!”

“What the hell! Who cares about this brat!?”

“Letty-chan’s not a brat. She’s the same age as me!”

“Melt-san, could you please be quiet?”

“Mm! Got it. Mouth closed! Mm!”

Letty momentarily softened at the sight of Melt shutting her mouth with her hands.

Then she stood up and drew her sword, pointing it at the restrained man.

“Apparently, private duels aren’t prohibited. I’ve heard there’s always trouble like this every year. It really is as rough an event as they say.”

“Sorry! This guy’s from the port area! We’ll make sure he understands right away!”

“I’ll do it myself. You don’t need to hold him down anymore.”

“I’m sorry… please, spare me…”

Saying that, the man’s coworker began repeatedly punching the unruly man in the face, continuing the punishment until he was limp. Eventually, he was dragged away.

It was an excessive response. However, the other guards who had been watching the situation unfold breathed a sigh of relief.

“Mmm, mmm.”

“You can open your mouth now.”

“Why was that guy getting hit so much? Poor thing. I don’t think people should fight.”

“…Melt-san, to put it bluntly, that man was after your body. No matter what excuse they make, men always end up wanting the same thing. Going along with an invitation from a stranger like that is completely reckless.”

“My body… like, my tail? No good. I do sell some fur when I’m shedding, though.”

“…What am I supposed to do with someone this clueless… Anyway, please don’t talk to strangers.”

It seemed Melt had no understanding of romantic or physical relationships between men and women.

“That guy got beaten up so badly to avoid being punished further by me. We, the Glory Knights, must never allow ourselves to be underestimated. If we clash with others in the same profession during duty, we must always overpower them. Ours is a clan granted the authority to do so.”

“H-Huh? What does that mean exactly?”

“It means we’ve been given permission by the higher-ups to beat someone senseless if they mock us or look down on us.”

“Wow! That’s scary! I guess I’d better not go against Letty-chan then, huh?”

“…Why is someone stronger than me saying that?”

In fact, the Glory Knights possess a special privilege usually granted only to royal knights: the right to suppress disputes with adventurers and other guilds by force if necessary.

More than just elite adventurers, they hold a limited degree of law enforcement authority within the Holy Principality. That’s why so many adventurers aspire to join the Glory Knights each year.

“Look, over there. That guy’s getting chewed out. He’s probably just a so-called ‘adventurer’ who gets security jobs from the same merchant guild every year because of some connection. He didn’t even recognize the meaning of our armor.”

“It’s called Keigai, right? I want one too~. It’s easy to move in, and it’s shaped to protect only the vital spots. Do you, like, stuff your boobs into the chest part that’s all puffed out?”

“Wha—?! Melt-san, please shut your mouth again. I’ll take you to a shop that sells light armor sometime.”

“Mmm! Mmmhmm!”

Once again, Melt covered her lips tightly. Her childlike behavior made Letty shrug, torn between protectiveness and exasperation.

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