Published: September 9, 2025
Satou here. I don’t know the original source, but I’ve heard that “if you encounter a doppelganger, you die.” Is it because seeing yourself objectively makes you want to kill yourself?
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“Lord Kuro, welcome back.”
Even though I moved silently into the office, Tifaliza immediately greeted me and pressed the button to summon the manager.
The sound of heavy footsteps, not very ladylike, echoed down the corridor.
The footsteps stopped abruptly in front of the door, then after a few deep breaths, there was a knock.
“Come in.”
“Excuse me.”
The manager entered the room, showing no signs of having run full speed down the hall.
“Lord Kuro, besides the auction, I have reports regarding that boy and the orphanage. Which should I start with?”
“Start with the auction.”
The latter is about the incident we encountered earlier during the day, so it can wait.
“Very well. All magical weapons and armor put up on the first day were sold as planned. Additionally, many nobles, military officers, and merchants who couldn’t place bids have made reservations. The total amount bid is—”
“30,713 gold coins. The details are neatly compiled here.”
After the manager’s proud report, Tifaliza’s calm and beautiful voice took over.
“Not bad for only putting up 100 items.”
“Yes, the incidents involving the demon race and monsters appearing in the Royal Capital had a significant impact. It seems other magical weapons and armor put up for sale were traded at two to three times their usual value.”
...I see.
Apparently, the Monsters of the Red Rope couldn’t be damaged by normal weapons unless enchanted, so it makes sense that prices skyrocketed.
“Hm, check the levels of the reservation applicants, and prioritize those who are level 30 or above, or who have the demon blade skill.”
There’s no point handing a demonic sword to someone with a single-digit level.
“Understood. Also, Lord Heim of the eight swords of Shiga has requested a custom order for a demonic sword.”
“A custom demonic sword, huh...”
Sounds interesting.
Once we get the Chanting Orb, I can make demonic swords without burdening Arisa or Mia, so crafting a one-of-a-kind sword sounds fun.
“I can’t accept it right away, but please tell him we’ll consider it positively.”
“Yes, understood.”
There was a slight pause in the manager’s reply, as if she hadn’t expected me to take the request.
Regaining composure, the manager flipped through the list in her hands and continued.
“The Prime Minister requested that we do not sell magical weapons and armor to other countries or merchants trading with them. This is the catalog.”
I took the list from her.
Among the entries was the home of Boy Soya, whom we met today. Since they apparently have dealings with the Empire of the Weasels and the western continent, it’s no surprise.
The Prime Minister’s request to restrict sales is likely to prevent powerful weapons from reaching other countries.
“Considering national defense, it’s only natural.”
“Very well, I will handle it accordingly. Lord Kuro, regarding this request, I intend to ask the Prime Minister for tax concessions. May I have your permission?”
“You have it.”
Unlike me, the manager is very shrewd.
◇
Next, I received a report about Boy Shin.
“—The kidnapped orphans were rescued by Viscount Pendragon and his subordinate Mithril Explorers. Regarding the orphanage directors, I understand Lord Kuro took action to detain them?”
I answered the manager, “That is correct.”
“Then I will omit that part. Details are in this report, so please review it later.”
I took the report she handed me and tossed it into the black hole of the Item Box.
“Of the missing children, the majority were found in the slum district.”
“I see—”
That’s good.
It seems the missing children weren’t all sacrificed to demon race summoning.
“The Welfare Bureau dispatched junior clerks to the orphanages that lost their directors, according to the monitors' reports.”
I thought replacements wouldn't come for a while, but the government’s work was surprisingly prompt.