Chapter 35

I will translate the text while maintaining a first-person perspective and avoiding any additional commentary. Here is the translation:

—

Allying with Asulin to reclaim the Failord is a joy that overflows. Even if it means cheering me on at the auction when I bid for the Failord, it would be immensely helpful.

“Don’t worry about money. As I’ve said before, the fact that I pretended to be generous by returning the mining rights to your territory still bothers me. This time, I’m determined to help.”

Asulin, who declared she wouldn’t withhold economic support to reclaim the Failord, which is a renowned blade, was a treasure in herself.

However, beyond the gratitude welling up inside me, there was something else.

Even in Shaten, the so-called shadow market of the empire, someone of Asulin’s status entering boldly would still stir gossip among the elite.

“Even if it turns out that nobles often visit there, someone like you might still become the subject of gossip if you just walk in. Have you prepared anything?”

I asked Asulin what preparations she had made to enter Shaten.

Even though one can buy anything in Shaten simply by paying enough money, the whispers about how these items are not properly sourced add to its dark side.

Despite being a place where the aristocracy, who have amassed wealth through generations, and the nouveau riche, who have quickly gained riches through commerce, satisfy their desires with extravagant items, it’s still unusual for someone like Asulin, a successor to a duke’s residence, to casually enter such a place.

So, I cautiously asked her if she had any precautions in place regarding this.

“Ha ha. Of course, I have prepared.”

As if she had been waiting for my question, Asulin responded confidently.

Seeing such confidence, I couldn’t help but ask:

“Oh… What did you prepare to be so confident?”

As expected, she anticipated my question.

“Hem hem.”

She cleared her throat lightly and then said,

“Look closely.”

With those words, she gently fiddled with the brooch attached to the collar of her robe, which covered her entire body.

“…”

I felt a slight curiosity about why she was fiddling with a seemingly ordinary piece of jewelry, but my curiosity vanished as soon as her hand touched the brooch, accompanied by a sudden glow that illuminated the room.

The momentary light faded away, leaving me speechless.

“Oh…”

My exclamation mixed with amazement and surprise.

“Isn’t it impressive?”

Without needing to hear her explanation, my eyes widened involuntarily at the sight before me.

The change in Asulin’s appearance was so dramatic that it seemed to happen in an instant.

It wasn’t just a change in hairstyle or color; it was a transformation of another dimension entirely.

Her once blue hair, reminiscent of the sky or sea, had turned jet black and was now cut short. Her features, previously striking with a soft beauty, now appeared more sharp and androgynous, though still beautiful. Even with her thick clothing, her figure, which previously had feminine curves, now had a leaner, more androgynous look.

Watching her transform right beside me, even I felt momentarily confused by the perfect disguise.

The only thing that remained unchanged was her emerald-like green eyes.

If I hadn’t seen her change with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have recognized her.

Seeing my astonished reaction, Asulin commented with a playful tone,

“I see you think I’ve changed a lot.”

Her words strangely suggested that she couldn’t recognize her own changes.

“…Asulin, don’t you recognize your own changes?”

I asked tentatively, trying to understand her perspective.

“The brooch I just touched is enchanted to confuse others’ perceptions of me. In simple terms, others see only my appearance changing, but I see myself as I always have.”

“I see.”

Thanks to Asulin’s clear explanation, I understood the nature of this remarkable disguise.

A magical tool that completely alters how others perceive you. It was nearly perfect, except perhaps in places like the Imperial Palace, where detection magic is constantly active.

“Does this also change the aura that surrounds me?”

“How about we check right now?”

“As you wish…”

Following Asulin’s suggestion, I expanded my spiritual sense to scrutinize her carefully.

“What do you think?”

“…Remarkable.”

“In what way?”

“The aura I feel from you is completely different from what I’ve sensed before. While I can still feel your strength, it’s strange how this aura doesn’t seem to belong to you.”

“It’s the result of altering all perceptions, including the five senses and spiritual sense.”

This conversation confirmed that every aspect of Asulin had changed.

Not just her appearance, but also the aura I had repeatedly sensed through my spiritual sense. The aura she emitted now was softer than before, yet it carried an undeniable authority.

The original aura had a tendency to provoke a desire to challenge, whereas the current one was so authoritative that it almost discouraged confrontation.

“A single magical tool can alter all perceptions of a person. That’s quite impressive.”

I expressed my admiration for her disguise, commenting on the brooch she wore.

Given how little known I am in the central political circles, and considering how few people would recognize Asulin entering Shaten, it seemed unnecessary for me to disguise myself further.

“That’s enough. I won’t need to wear any additional disguises.”

Even in restrained praise, Asulin’s transformation received high commendation.

Click—

The light emanating from Asulin’s body as she touched the brooch returned her to her original form. Her eyes, which had previously looked androgynous, now shone with a gentle demeanor.

“Why are your eyes glowing like that when you look at me?”

I indirectly learned the reason behind her question when she asked it.

The expression in her eyes would depend on my response.

“What is it?”

Answering such a vague question was difficult, so I pressed for clarification.

“As I mentioned earlier, I can’t fully grasp how I look after this transformation. So, I’m curious. How does my new appearance compare to my current one?”

Asulin, with a look of curiosity, asked me to describe her transformed appearance.

Naturally, I compared her current appearance with the transformed one.

The comparison was quick and conclusive.

While the transformed appearance, with its androgynous charm, was also beautiful, Asulin’s natural beauty, without any adornment, was clearly more appealing.

…

“Your original appearance is prettier.”

I expressed this with a restrained emotion, not wanting to sound too flattering.

“Is that so…”

I could see a subtle change in the corner of her mouth, slightly trailing off.

Having observed her for days, I noticed that her smile often softened when she was happy.

My restrained comment seemed to satisfy her.

With this, it seems that the commotion when we reclaim the Failord at the upcoming auction will be minimal.

“I plan to use a mask to cover my eyes along with this magical tool.”

“Even that much should be more than sufficient.”

“If someone disguised as me tries to suppress the money-grubbers bidding for the Failord with money, they might still try to uncover my identity. Adding another layer of mystery beforehand is necessary.”

“…Indeed.”

Seeing Asulin so cautious about security as she prepares to go to the auction with me, I felt a sense of relief.

“But…”

“What is it?”

“Do you plan to wear a mask when you enter Shaten?”

“As you know, among the Failord family, only the late head of the household draws attention from the central nobility and the capital. My recognition is practically non-existent.”

“So you won’t need to disguise yourself since you won’t stand out?”

“Something like that. If I wear a mask, it might reveal that I’m a noble hiding my identity.”

“No!”

Suddenly raising her voice, Asulin interrupted my relief.

“…Asulin?”

Cautiously calling her name, I tried to understand why she was against my not wearing a mask.

“…You… You… Youuuu…”

As she struggled to express something difficult, her characteristic habit of trailing off and becoming flustered grew my curiosity and concern.

“…Your face is too good-looking to walk around uncovered. So, you need to cover it.”

After a long silence, Asulin finally regained her composure and spoke clearly.

“…Do you have a suitable mask to recommend?”

I managed to regain my composure and responded calmly.

“I’ll recommend one that matches the one I’m wearing.”

Hearing my response, Asulin’s lips relaxed, returning to their usual form.

In our street days, she used to intimidate thugs and delinquents with her looks.

It seems Asulin tends to overestimate my appearance.

Anyway, with her support, we started preparing for the auction together.

“The timing is perfect. It’s the ideal time to visit Shaten for a preliminary inspection.”

As Asulin said, as the majority of imperial citizens fell asleep, the time for those who thrive in the shadows of Blood Haven to act began.