Anju used Instantaneous movement again, and they arrived at a luxurious inn they didn’t recognize.
It was three stories high, but it was so magnificent it could easily be mistaken for a Noble’s Mansion.
“Let’s just go in normally~”
Upon entering, the reception area was also luxurious, truly an entrance like that of a Noble’s Mansion.
“Welcome back, Anju-sama. Welcome, Derus-sama.”
A beautiful woman with golden hair was sitting at the reception.
No, this was clearly a former Noble’s Mansion that had been converted into an inn.
“U-um, hello.”
“Your rooms are all located on the first floor.”
“Y-yes.”
“Everyone has already finished their meals, would you like yours?”
“I’m good, I think.”
Anju led me to the back. There were many rooms, and a bath. When we opened the door at the very end…
“You’ve returned safely.”
“Yes, Nina-san must have made arrangements.”
“Indeed. Now, about your forgotten items…”
I took out the Sexy Panther Mantle and Robe from my Item Box.
“You could have left them at the Adventurer Guild, you know.”
“…Is that all?”
“Yes, is there one missing?”
“No, if Derus says this is all, then I suppose it is.”
“Huh???”
Was there still something else?
“Everyone else is already resting in their respective rooms.”
“Ah, the Cupids!”
I could see the Tim Monster Huts from the window, where they were sleeping soundly.
“I’ve finished bathing!”
Clarice entered, fresh from her bath!
“Um, what else?”
“Helen is in the room of that former companion, but it seems they sleep separately. The Beastkin are in the same room as the old Tamer. They said it would be fine for them to bathe last, together.”
“Th-then I need to hurry and bathe too.”
“You haven’t bathed yet?”
“No, I was called away right in the middle of my meal.”
It’s not like I can control the timing perfectly, right? It’s impossible to finish eating, take a bath, get out, and then just as I’m about to relax in bed, someone knocks.
“Derus-kun, I want to bathe with you.”
“Yes, I’ll scrub you clean.”
“…I’ll scrub you clean too, okay?”
(Alright, she’s in a better mood now.)
Before going to the bath, Nina-san told me that this mansion was indeed a repurposed Noble’s house, divided into first, second, and third floors. And the first floor, where we are staying tonight, was vacated by those who only needed it for the second day of the Auction. We, who had just become an A-rank party, were able to rent it.
(That’s right, even though I didn’t notice during the teleportation, this was indeed Area E, eastern district.)
Now, Anju can use Instantaneous movement anywhere in the S-area without complaints. After thoroughly washing Anju, I also got a decent wash and was enjoying the bath when…
*Creak*
“Derus-sama, Derus-sama!”
“Huh? Helen-san? What’s wrong? Your glasses are fogging up from the steam.”
“Um, someone from the Commercial Guild is angry.”
“Eh? But I went.”
“They say you haven’t arrived yet.”
Hmm, that’s strange. Oh, I see. I forgot to submit the report after receiving it.
“Has the messenger left?”
“They have already departed.”
“This is troublesome. Anju-chan, can we go out? Not now, I’m completely naked.”
“…Yes, I understand.”
“After you put on some clothes, of course.”
It was just a report, so after taking my time to dry myself and calm down, I put on my clothes. Anju-chan also activated Illusionist Mode. Then, I asked her and we used Instantaneous movement to the West Commercial Guild. It was already quite late at night, and there were few lights on.
“The front is closed. Let’s go in through the side.”
There were no more customers, and only one reception desk was open.
“Excuse me, I am Derus of Nina Starlights.”
“…You have forgotten items at the Colosseum. Please retrieve them immediately.”
“Right now? Isn’t it closed?”
“They are having trouble with the clean-up.”
“Understood. I’ll go right away.”
After disappearing from in front of the reception, I asked Anju to use Teleportation magic to go to the Colosseum together. Naturally, the main gate was closed here as well, so we went to the staff entrance.
“Excuse me, I am Derus of Nina Starlights. I’ve forgotten something.”
“Ah, that. It’s in the underground. Hurry and take it so you can leave.”
“I-I’m sorry.”
When I entered the lobby, there were stacks of booklets, and some pictures were posted. These were materials related to real estate that would be sold on the third day of the Auction. Since it was impossible to exhibit land and houses in person, this was where they would hand these out and negotiate. There was no one else around, so I thought I’d take one.
(It might be paid, but oh well.)
Anju-chan also copied me and took one.
“Now, to the underground. Underground, underground…”
It was completely empty, and only sparse lights illuminated the passage. It seemed all the items that had been left behind had been cleared out, leaving the place spotless. Originally, the waiting rooms for the arena should have had items for that purpose, but since they were still being rented for the auction, they weren’t there yet.
“Let’s see, this way. This was for Tim Monsters and slaves… Ah!”
I saw them. In the depths of the empty, dimly lit room, nine tanned women stood frozen like ghosts!
(I completely forgot about them—!!!)
Their expressions look like ghosts too!
It’s bad, they’re looking at me with so much resentment!
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so-rry—!!!”
