Chapter 45

As the new year began, the first event was the acquisition of the Payload.

Ordinary items could be acquired immediately after the bid, but this wasn’t an ordinary item.

The amount of the bid was substantial, and since it was an item, various processes were added in between.

As soon as the Payload appeared in the middle of the auction hall, the process to acquire the newly bid Payload began.

“Follow me.”

The auctioneer, who had just controlled the atmosphere with a lively voice, tried to guide Asulin and I with a submissive tone.

Asulin nodded at the sight of the auctioneer and started moving after him.

“Let’s go.”

Following Asulin’s words, I followed her lead as well.

While we moved, Asulin shared stories about the auction.

She had acquired many items here, but this was the first time she had moved to another spot to receive them directly from the auction rather than right there.

She talked non-stop about the items she had won, even though she didn’t explicitly say it, it was clear she was boasting by holding up the items to the bidders.

“This is alcohol.”

I realized the item was alcohol.

It was somewhat reassuring that she hadn’t drunk alcohol in front of others.

“I’m really glad there was no other item I wanted besides the Payload this auction.”

Reflecting on Asulin’s mixed feelings, I recalled what had been auctioned off.

Though there were some alcohol items, they were mostly limited-edition spirits from famous distilleries in the Central Continent, which Asulin hadn’t bid on.

I was confident that all those limited-edition spirits would be in her collection.

If not limited-edition, any alcohol produced elsewhere would have caught her attention.

“…What are you thinking so deeply about?”

Seeing me lost in thought, Asulin gently asked what was on my mind.

“It must have been disappointing.”

“What is?”

“There weren’t any exquisite fabrics that could ignite a collector’s fervor like usual.”

The effect was immediate.

Asulin stopped abruptly, stuttering in surprise.

Even when facing deception on the battlefield, she never fell for her brother’s tricks or entrapments, and after his initial failure, she remained unflappable even when he taunted her.

“You seem to think I’m just obsessed with alcohol.”

Seeing her pout in response to my teasing, I couldn’t help but smile.

“Why are you smiling? Are you mocking me?”

“Because you’re cute.”

“Cute…”

Even her reaction of surprise made her endearing.

Everything about her seemed adorable, even without her wielding a sword.

My impression of Asulin began and ended with “cute.”

—

We continued our journey through the depths of Shaten, finally arriving at the place where the Payload was strictly guarded.

Upon entering the room, the cold air emitted by the Payload made the inside feel chilly, despite the heating system of Shaten.

Though we were used to the cold, the chief manager handed us the transfer document and urged Asulin to sign, showing no signs of discomfort despite being closer to the cold.

Though he hadn’t trained his body to withstand the cold, his professional training gave him the mental fortitude to remain composed.

After signing the document, Asulin quickly retrieved something from her pocket and placed it on the table.

“Check it just in case.”

Asulin suggested verifying the amount.

“Of course, VVIP, your calculations are precise.”

The chief manager, with a humble demeanor, immediately instructed the staff to confirm the amount.

Although 7,510,000 Imperial Marks was a large sum, Asulin’s preparations, including the development of metallurgy alongside the advancement of magic engineering, meant the verification process was swift.

Once the staff confirmed the exact amount, the chief manager announced the transfer was complete.

“Now you can take possession of the Payload.”

With the transfer completed, the only thing left was to return to the villa with the Payload.

In theory, someone with experience wielding a sword should have carried the Payload, but…

“Can I hold it once?”

After the staff left, Asulin asked if she could hold the Payload.

“Sure.”

Without hesitation, I allowed her to hold it first.

Without her help, acquiring the Payload through legal means would have been difficult, and given her reputation as a master swordsman who had wielded Kaladbolg, I was curious about what would happen when she held the Payload.

Honestly, I was sure nothing harmful would happen to her, so I handed it over without reservation.

“I’ll hold it.”

Asulin stretched her hand towards the Payload, which was still emitting cold even in its scabbard.

“Your defiance is strong.”

Despite the cold, Asulin’s calm manner showed she wasn’t deterred.

Her right hand confidently reached the hilt, and the Payload, still in her grasp, continued to emit cold.

The cold didn’t diminish, which only increased my curiosity.

“The cold is its only feature. Is that because you’re holding it?”

Asulin, unaffected by the cold, handed the Payload back to me.

Just as she let go, the Payload stopped emitting cold entirely.

Had it not stopped, I would have tried to calm it by channeling hostility, but it was a relief it had ceased.

Holding the Payload again after so long…

“Perhaps it’s reacting to your words.”

“What do you mean?”

“It feels like there’s a stubborn presence inside, just like you said.”

The will to control the sword was clearly felt.

For a normal person, it might have been overwhelming, but the unfortunate aspect for the Payload was…

“Even if you try to wield it, it seems to resist.”

“Then, shall we head back to the villa?”

“It’s late, but the bustling streets will keep us entertained.”

After completing the retrieval of the Payload and leaving the room where it was stored, the power supply to Shaten suddenly cut off, plunging everything into darkness.

Despite the sudden darkness, the people around us remained calm.

“…Andy.”

“I sense it too.”

“…Run.”

“Let’s go.”

Recognizing the dense murderous intent directed at us, we sprinted towards the exit of Shaten.

Oddly enough, after such a routine recovery, the ominous feeling that last year’s troubles would continue this year vanished.

“Who would have thought there’d be moths drawn to the fire in the winter.”

With Asulin by my side, the unsettling premonition disappeared instantly.

—

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