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Chapter 52: Incognito

 

The excitement of the auction hall did not subside for a little while.

「As expected of Aun. You won the auction with a single blow.」

「Thank you very much, Aun-sama! I will make sure to master it!」

After winning the bid, Shinku went up to the stage, took out the 5,000 gold coins I gave her from her magic bag, and placed it on the desk.

She then easily lifted the Deformed Giant Ax that was placed inside a glass case, stored it in her magic bag, and returned to the audience seating.

Normally, you would only pay and collect the items you won at the time you are leaving the venue, but Shinku didn’t care about that. She must have wanted to have it in her hands as soon as possible.

We still sat at the auction house even after we won the deformed giant ax, but they didn’t put up anything we particularly wanted. And so, we left the auction house about three hours later.

By the time we left the venue, it was already evening.

We had quite a bit of time, but we haven’t even decided who will be the first participant from our clan in tomorrow’s match, let alone gathering information on our opponents.

But I think it’ll be fine.

When the five of us were about to return to the inn, with a cheerful Shinku and Nelfie in the lead, someone called out to us from behind.

「You people are from the Star Supremacy clan, am I right?」

As I turned around, a man in his 20s, looking at me with a smile, came into view.

At first glance, he looked like a merchant, but his appearance was impeccable.

…There doesn’t seem to be any hostility.

There was a woman dressed as an adventurer standing one step behind the man, and her standing posture was strangely beautiful. Moreover, the sword hanging from her waist is… I see now.

「Yes… What do you want?」

「Bastard! His Highness is–」

「–Legenda.」

「I apologize, sir.」

「Just as I expected. I apologize for my previous rudeness, Your Highness.」

「Just from the slight doubt, you decided to trick the other party into revealing the truth? Not only combat strength, but your observation and intelligence is also excellent.」

Huh… Did he notice that I was deliberately being rude to observe the reaction? Just by looking at my expression and line of sight?…That’s pretty darn good.

My guess is that this man is the second prince of the Arto Kingdom, His Highness Ruzark Arto.

There are three people in this country who are called His Highness. The first prince should be much older. Furthermore, there was an article about the third prince who was born when I was still in the royal capital 14 years ago.

「No, that was not my intention. So then, why are you here, in a place like this, Your Highness?」

「Right now, I am in town unofficially. I’m sorry, but it would be helpful if you spoke in a casual tone.」

「Understood. Excuse me then… So? What do you want?」

「Fuhahahaha! You’re an interesting man! Well, about that, I saw yesterday’s match and the auction just now and just wanted to talk to you. Sorry to bother you.」

He laughed as if he was truly amused from the bottom of his heart. Do you want to hide your identity or not?

「If it’s just talking, then I’m not bothered by it.」

「Your Highness, it’s about time…」

「Alright, Legenda. Oh right, Aun-kun, can you do me a favor?」

「It depends on the favor…」

「No, I don’t mean it in a strange way, so please don’t get me wrong… Please do whatever it takes to win this year’s ranking battle.」

「Naturally. We are already aiming for that.

…Even so, the way you said it seems to have other implications.」

「I’ll let you know if you win.

Ah, no. When I am talking to you, I can’t hide the way I actually speak. Well then, I’ll take my leave here.

If we meet in an unofficial setting the next time too, please keep your tone the same. I’ve never had someone my age talk to me like this before. Well then, I am looking forward to your ranking battle matches.」

「Yeah. I’ll show you the kind of strength you’ve never seen before.」

The second prince Ruzark smiled as he turned around and walked towards the royal castle with Legenda.

That Legenda woman wasn’t actually angry either.

Perhaps that’s also what Prince Ruzark told her to do.

And that sword… It had the crest of the Kingdom’s Knight’s Order on it.

If he really wanted to hide his identity, all he had to do was put the weapon in a magic bag. I wonder what his intentions in making us realize his identity by displaying the sword.

Well, it’s not like I was asked to do anything troublesome.

There is no change in our goal to win the ranking battle. And if I win, I will get to understand the second prince’s intentions.

Besides, it looks like I’ll be more involved with the slave traders and nobles in this way.

Let’s not worry about it!