𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐬
Scarlet iron legs.
Backstage, Kid clicked his tongue.
ㅤ
“A Parasitic type. . . . . .Damn, what a rare find. Hey, what do we do?”
“. . . . . .We are merchants. We can’t participate in the auction as customers. Besides, we don’t have the money to bid on a slave.”
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Albero, forgetting his status as a slave, asks Arnaud.
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“Isn’t the Parasitic type rare?! Isn’t it bad to have such a thing as a slave?”
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Struggling to find the right words.
He felt a sort of kinship with the 『Parasitic type Summoned beast』, just like himself and Kid.
Arnaud shakes his head in frustration.
ㅤ
“Indeed, the Parasitic type Summoned beast is a rare being. Only five have been confirmed since the history of Summoned beasts began. . . . . .Yes, it’s so rare that its existence is barely known. As the auctioneer over there said, it’s only recognized as 『rare』 by the general public.”
“. . . . . .Damn.”
“But no matter what, it’s a rare Parasitic type Summoned beast. We have to protect it before it becomes a plaything for some corrupt rich.”
“. . . . . .Arnaud-san, I have a favor to ask.”
“. . . . . .?”
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Albero thought as he looked over the auction venue.
Currently, a bidding war is ongoing for the Parasitic type girl.
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『Let’s start with 500 gold coins!』
『Eight hundred!』『Nine hundred!』『One thousand!』
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The bids steadily rise. . . . . .The girl, the subject of the bet, looked indifferent, as if it was someone else’s affair. This bothered Albero.
And then, when the bid reached two thousand, and no more hands were raised, he stepped in.
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『Five thousand!』
『Five thousand! Oh, we have five thousand! Anyone else? . . . . . .Okay, it’s settled! This rare item is yours!』
『Yes! Got the rare item!』
ㅤ
The bid was won by a man, uglier than a fattened Minotaur.
He adorned his entire body with shiny accessories, and his bloated, ugly face contorted with delight is nothing short of repulsive. However, there is no doubt that he has money.
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“Arnaud-san. . . . . .please.”
“. . . . . .It’s too risky.”
“Still, I’ll do it.”
“. . . . . .Understood.”
ㅤ
Albero had a plan, and Arnaud agreed to go along with it.
Ashe and Lapis tilted their heads, while Kid grinned as he was whispered the strategy.
Then, it was Albero and his group’s turn at the auction.
Stepping onto the stage, they felt countless eyes piercing them.
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『Now, entry number ten! It’s the Fragarach Slave Trading House! Registered slaves: two cute girls and one equally cute boy!』
“Eh, I’m cute?”
“Idiot, don’t talk.”
ㅤ
Kid inadvertently reacted to the comment.
The auctioneer explained the “uses” for Albero and his group. Whether for pleasure or nighttime company, the distasteful descriptions made Ashe and Lapis struggle to keep their composure.
When the explanations were mostly done, Arnaud raised his hand.
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『Hmm? What is it, Fragarach-san?』
The auctioneer passed the mic to Arnaud. By the way, “Fragarach” is an alias.
Arnaud began, chuckling softly.
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『Well, we had prepared a surprise. . . . . .but it seems it might have lost its novelty now.』
『A surprise?』
『Yes, let’s have a look.』
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Arnaud glanced briefly at Albero.
There was no nod or conversation. They communicated only with their gazes.
Arnaud took off the handcuffs and collar from Albero.
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『Hey, what the?!』
『Don’t worry. Now, show it!!』
“───Hehe.”
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Albero transformed his right arm.
Jabberwock. A monstrous black arm with golden eyes entered the venue.
Just like the girl with the crimson legs from before, it was a combination of a summoned beast and a human.
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『Please look!! He’s a rare find just like the girl from earlier! I had prepared him as a surprise. . . . . .but it seems I was preempted.』
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The venue was in an uproar.
This time, there was a cheerful surprise.
When Arnaud returned the microphone to the host, the host cleared his throat.
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『Ahem! What a surprise! Who would’ve thought he had such a hidden gem. . . . . . I’ll need to hear the story later, but since it’s livened things up, great! Let’s start the bidding! This time it’s a bit special. We’re bidding on all three at once! Starting from three thousand gold coins!』
『Ten thousand! Ten thousand gold coins!!』
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As soon as it started, the man who won the bid for the girl with iron legs raised his hand.
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『Hahaha!! A rare item, a real gem! I’ll add it to my collection! You guys, listen, it’s better for you if you don’t compete with me!!』
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A man resembling a Minotaur shouted with ragged breath.
His shout seemed to have worked, as there were no other bids.
And so, Albero and the others were bought. Just as Albero had planned, the same man who bought the Parasitic type girl bought Albero and the others.
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“. . . . . .As planned.”
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Albero smirked.
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