Chapter 75

The shopkeeper and I were in a private room on the ground floor, drawing up the contract for the elf’s purchase.

Per my request, I would be taking custody of her tonight. I signed the document, which stipulated an upfront payment of seven large gold coins and fifty gold coins, with the remaining seven large gold coins and fifty gold coins to be paid upon pickup this evening.

“Well then, let us speak. As I mentioned before, the Underground Guild is involved. Is that understood?”

“No problem. I’m paying extra specifically so you’ll talk.”

In the end, I had agreed to buy that elf for fifteen large gold coins.

It was a steep expense, but it couldn’t be helped.

“So, why is the Underground Guild hunting elves and spirits?”

“…To be precise, the elves are just a bonus; their real target is the spirits. The noble who rules this land has fallen ill and is bedridden. As a result of the ensuing conflict over the next ducal succession, the spirit hunting began.”

“I see. So the ones after the spirits are the nobles who haven’t been able to form a Spirit Contract. But then, why not target only the spirits?”

“It is quite simple. Spirits are often found together with elves, so targeting the elves is more efficient. The leftover elves were sold to us slave traders, while the ‘merchandise’ spirits were sold off to various nobles.”

Hmm, I certainly understood what he was getting at.

However, that meant they were selling spirits that were already contracted. To form a new contract, the previous one would have to be nullified.

If they hadn’t been nullified yet…

“Have you heard any news of these nobles successfully forming contracts?”

“No, I have not. Since all the spirits were brought in by force, it seems there are many issues occurring even before the contract stage.”

Just as I thought—I should assume the contracts haven’t been severed yet.

A contract with a spirit isn’t easily broken; while not as absolute as a Soul Contract, it is a very powerful bond.

In that case, it would be easier to find the elves after first liberating the spirits they were contracted with.

“It seems very few people have managed to contract with spirits.”

“Yes, the only ones who succeeded were those who formed contracts as children. The nobles currently employing the Underground Guild don’t seem to be having any luck.”

“Thanks, Shopkeeper. That was good info. Or would you be willing to tell me which specific nobles are involved if I pay extra?”

“My apologies. I’m afraid I cannot go that far…”

“I see. My bad for asking. I’ll be back tonight.”

“Thank you very much.”

I’d managed to hear quite an interesting story.

I left the shop and decided to look for an inn for the night.

As I walked while searching for a place to stay, two presences began trailing me.

I ducked into an alleyway, pretending not to notice.

When the presences followed me in, I turned around and asked.

“Are you the people Elder Al mentioned?”

“Yes. Thank you for cooperating with our operation this time.”

It was as I expected.

For people following me, they didn’t seem to be trying very hard to hide their presence.

“So, what are we discussing?”

“We would like to hear the details of your conversation with the slave trader just now.”

“Fine.”

Information sharing is vital, so I recounted everything in detail.

Including the fact that the real targets were the spirits, and the elves were merely a bonus.

“We’re just a bonus!?”

The male elf expressed his anger in a low, trembling voice.

The other one remained silent, but I could feel the fury radiating off them.

“Also, I managed to buy one of the elves. Her name is Wilos Rae Solon. Know her?”

“That is Elder Al’s daughter! She is a person of great importance to our village!”

“Then it’s a good thing I got her. I’m picking her up tonight, so I’ll leave it to you guys to get her back to the village. I’m going to investigate the auction and the nobles’ spirits, so I’ll count on you to handle the escort.”

“Understood. Should we accompany you tonight?”

“No, better not. It’ll be a pain if we get jumped right after leaving the shop. I can’t guarantee I’ll have the leeway to protect you two if things go south.”

“…Understood. In that case, we should agree on a meeting spot. Where would you prefer?”

“You guys can decide that. You’re the ones doing the transport.”

“Then, Master Ryu, let us meet back here in this alley.”

“Got it. You guys stay sharp, too.”

“Until then.”

The two of them vanished back into the crowd and went on their way.

Now then… there’s another group watching me.

I guess I’ll start by catching the one that looks the easiest to deal with.

I flipped open the lid of a nearby trash can, and there was a kid inside.

“…”

“…”

Our eyes met, but I quietly closed the lid again.

“Why are you ignoring me!?”

“No, sorry. I just didn’t think you were a homeless kid…”

“I’m not homeless, and I’m not a kid! I’m nineteen years old this year!! Whoa-oa-oa!!”

Because she had leaned out of the trash can too far, the “child” lost her balance.

At a glance, she didn’t look older than me at all…

She didn’t even reach my shoulder, her body was completely flat, and a prominent cowlick stood out atop her short red hair… Yeah, definitely a kid.

There was no way she was older than me.

“Look, kid, I’ll give you some allowance, so just go home for today.”

“Stop calling me a kid! I’m from the Intelligence Department of the ‘Country of the Light Hand (Light-Light)’!! I’m an elite, you know!”

She puffed out her non-existent chest with pride—which she was free to do—but I could sense her partner’s presence nearby feeling incredibly disappointed.

Wait. Light-Light?

“That’s my homeland. What business do you have here?”

“Eh, really? Then won’t you cooperate with us?”

“Why should I?”

“Because we’re from the same country! Please, do it for the sake of the motherland!”

“…Depends on the details. What do you want me to help with?”

“Illegal slave trading and the overhunting of spirits in this country. The spirits, in particular, are a massive problem. If the spirits stop cooperating with humans at this rate, humanity will lose to the monsters. Please, even just sharing information would help.”

…Man. Why am I so weak against the eyes of a woman with resolve?

“For starters, let’s talk once you’re out of the trash can.”

“…Ah, I forgot.”

The girl from the Intelligence Department climbed out of the trash can, her face turning bright red.