The Demon King Who Draws

Chapter 33

A fleeting exchange of glances with the enigmatic lady was all it took before she shifted her gaze, addressing the knight who had mounted his steed.

“Mary, just follow the rules.”

“Ugh… Understood, my la—”

“…Mary.”

“Ah! …Yes.”

Turning away from them, she moved on with her party. There were matters that needed swift resolution, and any semblance of free time would only come after some of these were settled.

“Those children, they’re just like us, concealing their true selves.”

“Whatever their real identity is, Amon… it can’t be more shocking than yours.”

“Well… can’t argue with that. But first, where shall we look? Just so you know, my interest lies in…”

“First things first. We start there.”

“Hmm…”

The priority was clear.

Money.

It was all about money.

The only funds they had were the accumulated wealth of the fortress they had taken over, and even from that, only the spare change was available after operational expenses.

In essence, they were as good as beggars at the black market, necessitating the sale of whatever they possessed.

“Is this the place?”

“Yes, Master Faust. The fence gave us this lead.”

The ominous tent loomed larger than the others. Such a sizeable trading tent was a rarity even in the black market, suggesting its owner was no ordinary individual.

‘Indeed… an opportunity to test the extent of freedom in intelligence activities.’

Previous espionage was confined to the vicinity of Riudira, a village tainted by corruption, and even there, the scope was limited. At most, it involved gathering information and seizing control of local organizations.

What if they were to operate in this black market, far from that place?

Could there be any systemic restrictions? Or perhaps gaps due to unimplemented features?

Beyond this tent, the answers might await.

“…Hmm?”

A rough-looking man guarded the entrance of the tent.

“How did you find this place?”

Swoosh…

Bill handed over an introduction letter he had acquired before leaving Riudira, given to him by the fence.

“Hmm… a guest from Riudira. Not very promising. Wait here, the conversation inside seems to be dragging on…”

“Is this all you can offer?”

“Only a fool would pay full price for trash…”

Tiiing…

…Pffft-!

A commotion erupted inside. A chilling sound was followed by something akin to the smell of blood seeping out of the tent.

No, it was unmistakably the scent of blood.

The pupils of the two demons beside me dilated. They were not so much shocked, but perhaps they relished the smell of blood.

“Hey! Let them in. The talk’s over.”

An aged, raspy voice called out from within.

“…Yes.”

The man outside nodded.

A signal to enter.

Ordinary people might have been overwhelmed by the stench of blood, unable to step forward, but we were different.

Step…

Step…

“…”

As expected, the scene inside was utter devastation.

The seat we were supposed to take was occupied by an earlier guest, now headless. Presumably, the head atop the table where negotiations were ongoing belonged to that guest.

Click…

Click…

Fwoosh…

The man opposite us took out a large cigarette, its scent tainted with a nauseating fragrance, likely laced with some narcotics.

‘Not my concern.’

What did it matter, with a decapitated body sitting before us?

“Sit down.”

“What a mess.”

“Is it now? Hey! Clean this up. It stinks.”

“Yes.”

Only then was the headless guest’s corpse carried out. Likely to be buried hastily somewhere, such was the fate of that body.

Swoosh…

Mori and Bill stood behind me, and I, flanked by two demons, took a seat.

“So, you’re from Riudira?”

“That’s right.”

A woman, who had been toying with a dagger near the grizzled man, approached, seemingly irked by my tone.

“Your manner of speaking is quite irritating…”

Did she think I would cower at such a gesture? Or was it just a habitual act?

“How many owners does this place have? Should I return once it’s tidied up?”

“What? Oh… this is…”

As I sat calmly, the man interjected.

“Don’t interrupt the talk. Stay quiet. We need to make progress.”

“…Yes.”

His glare promptly subdued his subordinate.

“Now, shall we see the goods?”

Large chests were loaded onto a wagon, and Bill and Mori quickly brought one over and opened it.

Inside were the belongings of deceased adventurers.

Beasts die leaving behind their hides, and adventurers leave behind their loot. All I had pocketed was a single repentance stone and a magic stone; the rest of the items were all in this chest.

“Hmm… Appraise this.”

A monocled, well-dressed elder took the chest to begin the appraisal.

“Appraisals take time. Let’s have a conversation in the meantime.”

“I have no objections.”

With that, I casually surveyed the interior of the tent.

The presence and intent to kill poured from all directions.

It felt like there were dozens more.

Zap…

The killing intent was palpable, not just beneath the floor we stood on, but also from the nearby tents. It was like putting one’s hand into a hornet’s nest.

“Did you know I’ve been dealing with stolen goods for a long time?”

“No, I hadn’t heard.”

“While it does make money, there’s an interesting fact hidden within this business of stolen goods.”

Swoosh…

The bearded man smirked.

“Do you know where these stolen goods end up?”

“…With adventurers, I presume.”

“Half right. They do flow to adventurers. But with a twist.”

I pondered his words before responding.

“The stolen goods will lose their tags.”

“Correct. I might be the only one who likes items with a deceased owner. These stolen goods are all cleaned up and reemerge as either the work of craftsmen or as dungeon relics.”

…Dungeon relics?

“Dungeon relics, you say?”

“Yes. Some of the relics circulating in the market are these very stolen goods.”

This was certainly an unexpected revelation.

“The guild wouldn’t like this, would they?”

“On the contrary, they’d welcome it.”

“…What?”

“Do you know that the number of newly discovered dungeons in Solaria is dwindling?”

“Indeed. So…”

“That means the very reason for the Adventurers’ Guild’s existence might be diminishing. Would the Guild really want that?”

Somehow, they manage to plant dreams and fantasies, keeping the ant-like adventurers tethered. That must be what the Guild aspires to.

“The appraisal is complete. There are no counterfeits.”

“Anything noteworthy?”

“The scroll holds considerable value.”

“Ho…”

If it’s the scroll… the very expendable item that Cal Kurso used,d like water. I thought it had an unbelievable performance, but it seems to be quite pricey.

“It might even be worth more than the equipment.”

…Was it that significant?

“Ha-ha… Alright, before we delve into a serious discussion about the price…”

Thud…

The man’s serpentine gaze crossed mine.

“I’m curious about the history of these items. Where did they come from?”

Oh no.

Is this a test of nerves?

‘Hmm…’

I wonder if I have to go through this nerve-wracking ordeal every time I pass off stolen goods, or is it just a ploy to beat down the price? It’s still hard to judge.

These stolen goods are from my dungeon. The intruders who entered…

‘I killed them all.’

What to do with this fellow.

‘Should I kill him?’

Kill? The man I just met?

No, what about the dozens of thugs watching me here?

‘Is that so…’

Such thoughts are proof that I’ve blended into this world. As a demon, I am always under threat of death.

‘But, swordplay isn’t a tool to be used frequently.’

The moment the sword is drawn, flesh, fat, and blood cling to the blade, gradually diminishing its destructive power.

That’s why the use of force must be reserved for the most certain times, when it’s most needed.

Moreover, this black market is peppered with individuals who are known to… let’s say, cause a stir with a single cough, drawing everyone’s attention. Drawing my sword carelessly could complicate matters.

“These are the belongings of adventurers who went missing in Riudira, right?”

Here, I must confront the issue head-on.

“Your curiosity doesn’t seem to fit someone who deals with stolen goods.”

“I often hear that. It’s something I’d like to change, but it’s inevitable. Suspicion is a must if you want to last long in this business.”

Glancing around, I could see everyone’s arms tensed up. Any foolish act, and heads would fly, blood splattering everywhere.

What will you do, Faust?

Did you come here to see blood?

No.

‘I came here to make money.’

Swoosh…

“Yes, these are their belongings.”

“Ho… How did you acquire them?”

“By negotiating well.”

“You’re joking, right?”

“Of course, it’s a joke.”

Rooooar…

I unleashed an intimidating aura using my magic.

The power of a lord that Faust possesses.

Though I used magic, what the enemies felt was sheer force, an overwhelming presence.

“I killed them.”

“…Any complications?”

“If you, standing before me, aren’t my first complication.”

“Hmm… Do you plan to continue doing this?”

“If necessary.”

The man stroked his beard, smirking.

He must be pondering my identity in his mind.

A robber? Or perhaps the leader of a bandit gang?

It’s unlikely he’ll come to the conclusion that I’m a demon with a dungeon.

“Do you think the Adventurers’ Guild won’t take action? With so many missing?”

“Not yet.”

“Why are you so sure?”

“Because disappearances in the remote Great Forest are as common as grains of sand by the roadside. Besides… what you said earlier contributes to that.”

“What? Ah… you mean the Guild’s stance… You’re not wrong. A certain level of danger must persist for the Guild’s power to be maintained.”

Tsk.

“However, if adventurers keep disappearing solely in Riudira, an investigation team will eventually be dispatched.”

“…”

“Let’s do this.”

The man’s expression changed instantly.

The playfulness vanished from his face in a flash.

“From now on, I’ll handle all your stolen goods. And… I’ll use my influence to delay the dispatch of an investigation team to Riudira as much as possible. How about that?”

This is… an offer so tempting that it makes my mouth water. One of the effects I can gain through espionage.

There was a delay in the dispatch of the investigation team.

The investigation team is like firefighters appearing to remove a wasp nest.

Naturally, my first dungeon, the Rotten Root, is so close to human settlements that frequent disappearances are bound to call for an investigation. This man is offering to delay that inevitable doom.

Such a sweet proposal.

There must be an ulterior motive.

What is it, that ulterior motive?

I’ll bite the bait, so tell me.

“What’s the condition?”

“There are some nuisances around here. They keep interfering with my business.”

“Do you want me to deal with them?”

“Yes, if you do that, we could have a good relationship.”

“Is it urgent?”

“As long as I can control my anger, it’s not that urgent. They’re not easy targets, so I need time to set a trap.”

“How long?”

“About three to six months.”

“I accept.”

The man’s eyes widened at my response.

“Without even knowing who they are?”

“You’re about to tell me, aren’t you?”

“Keuk… keuk… Kahaha!”

The man laughed heartily, tilting his head back.

“You’re interesting. I’ve chosen the right person. They’re known as the Unpleasant Trio. You’ve heard of them, haven’t you? They’re quite famous around here.”

“…I’ve heard of them.”

The Unpleasant Trio… the bosses of Episode 2.

‘It’s a wall I must eventually face.’

Through this deal, I stand to lose nothing. Instead, I’ve gained a valuable ally.

“I’ll assign the fence who brokered our deal as our point of contact. What’s your name?”

As I asked for his name, the eyes of his subordinates changed. It seemed unusual for this man to ask for a name.

“Faust.”

“Romwell.”

Alright, Romwell.

…Wait, Romwell?

Romwell… the butcher Romwell?

That’s impossible… he’s…

‘The boss of Episode 3?’

Suddenly, my mind was in turmoil.

“Now, shall we settle the price for the stolen goods?”