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Death’s Daughter Chapter 257

Author: FoodLovingPanda

CHAPTER 257:THE TRAP

I looked up at the person that yelled out that ridiculous price and realized it was none other than my target, the Black Baron. I think I underestimated the allure this monster has for a necromancer. Sadly, I cannot let him get it so easily, even though the price is more than attractive. With that money I can easily pay off all my debt to Earl Orzak for buying that mountain and also get another good piece of land.

“I’m sorry, I don’t plan on selling it. Especially not to someone that hides his identity and refuses to show himself.”

He was wearing a cape, which helped hide his figure. He must have thought of this as a precaution against me so that I don’t recognize him. Unfortunately for him, I am already aware of who he is and what he wants to do with this corpse.

“Duchess, please don’t worry. My background is solid. If you are worried about me not being able to pay I can assure you that to me those ten thousand gold coins are nothing. I really like collecting rare treasures such as this monster. Please give me the opportunity to buy this.”

“Still I won’t sell. However, if you want to admire it, I will let it stay outside for everyone to see. You do have a point, this is a rare treasure that can’t be seen every day. I’ll take it away once I am about to leave.”

I set up a small barrier around the corpse that will prevent it from decaying and headed inside the inn. Vitou was by my side holding my arm and led me to the counter where the illusion me stepped up and greeted me. It felt weird looking at myself like this.

“Duchess, it is an honor of my small inn to have you as a guest. The room has been paid for and the key is with His Highness. If you need anything you can always call for me.”

The sound came from the crystal hidden on the counter, this way it will be more believable that the illusion was real. I think this trick was genius and praised myself internally for coming up with it.

I didn’t stay for too long and went back to my room. I also took this opportunity to call everyone here. I have set up the trap, I just need to wait for the prey to walk into it.

“Naoko, are you sure this will work? He can’t be that stupid, can he? At the very least the person behind him will stop him from acting recklessly.”

“That is why it will work. The more you forbid something the more he will want to get it. Ishikawa, you are underestimating human greed a lot. Besides, the barrier I set up is special and will make him want to act even more. Also, judging from how he attacked Kapitalia, he should be the ‘act first, think later’ type of person.”

The barrier I set up not only prevented decay, but also trapped the remnant spirit of the monster that has remained. If my guess is correct, this will make the undead monster stronger and preserve more of its original strength.

“Nao-chan, why did you send the Archduke to inform the guards? Wouldn’t it be better if Marc or I did it? What are you planning?”

“Could you ensure that guards will come when that person starts casting his magic? You two are too high profile, the guards might as well let us pass the border directly if you show up in front of them. What do you want to do then? All our hard work would be in vain.”

I gave everyone some instructions on where to be later on when the plan starts so that we successfully capture our targets. Ishikawa was sent outside to guard the corpse, Nakamura was with Vitou in the lobby. Marc and Mia were strolling around trying to find anyone acting suspiciously while being on a date. I used this opportunity to chat with some merchants and adventurers.

I decided to try and create an opportunity so that these merchants would come and make deals with Dragon’s Descent. It would be great if I could have a private line to get sugar, spice and fruit coming from Vilikis. This will give me another way to make more money. After all, part of my plan depends on me being able to stand on my own and not depend on any other organization.

“Duchess, are you really not selling that corpse? I would really like to buy it. The price still stands. I can even offer some other treasures to trade as well.”

I looked at the person that sat down across from me. This time he was wearing an additional mask to his cloak. He is the very depiction of a suspicious person. I squinted my eyes and stared at him without answering. When I saw him clenching his fists, I finally spoke.

“Do I know you? I seem to have met you before.”

“Duchess, you must be mistaken. There is no way a commoner like me would have been able to meet you. I am only interested in the Tyrannical Black Bear and have no other intentions.”

He wasn’t nervous at all standing in front of me, but I did notice the hostility coming from him. He obviously recognizes me now, so how come he didn’t recognize me before. I didn’t disguise myself when I acted as an innkeeper. What’s the reason behind it? I don’t believe it is the mere change of demeanor and aura.

“No, it doesn’t matter. I don’t plan on selling it. It is my dowry. If you want to study and observe it, you are free to do it. You won’t have much time as it is only for today. Tomorrow I plan on leaving this place. I know that monster is rare, that is the only reason I let it be outside. If you have nothing else to say, I’ll be excusing myself.”

I stood up and left the lobby, not letting him say anything else. It was already evening. I just need to wait a bit. He should be impatient and cast magic that will either make everyone faint or sleep deeply. At least that is what I would be. If he does it, I will be prepared for it and his magic will fail without him even realizing it. After all, I didn’t spend dozens of magic crystals for nothing when I built this place. If need be, this can act as a fortress.

The night came and tranquility spread through the border pass. I was on full alert just waiting for any signs of magic activity, while keeping an eye on the monster through the window. If my prediction is correct, Taichi will be the first target of the magic. That is why I gave him a magic crystal which will break the spell, but he must still act like he was affected.

It was already past midnight when I noticed a change. I immediately recognized curse magic. I went to the cabinet and behind one of the books I grabbed a crystal and injected mana into it. Soon every room was covered with a barrier that prevented any magic from passing through.

I moved back to the window and sure enough, Taichi was on the floor ‘sleeping’ soundly while a person clad in dark clothes was breaking my barrier. I smiled and waited for the show to start.

“Just you wait, I’ll make you regret everything you do tonight.”

I felt the moment the barrier broke and looked into the distance. In a few moments, the guards that should have been asleep will arrive here. But right now, I might as well learn a thing or two about this undead magic.