I Became the Son of a Corrupt Lord, so I’ll Enjoy an Easy Life in Another World ~but Please Stop Revering Me as a “Saint”!~

Stage 3-21. [Residual Shadows – Wind-Cleaving Dust]

[Everyone, please wait for a moment. We are currently preparing the merchandise. Please wait a little longer.]

This announcement has been repeatedly broadcasted from the stage for a while now.

The dissatisfaction of the noble guests began to rise as the advertised slave auction showed no signs of starting.

So… it worked, Ouga… Reina…

Hiding my smile, I maintained a composed expression, joining in the complaints with the nobles around me.

Unfortunately, today’s slave auction will not take place.

Ouga and Reina have freed all the slaves. By now, they should already be escaping Andraus territory using the carriage they brought.

Without merchandise, the auction will never begin.

All I have to do is continue acting like the corrupt lord I usually am until this party is over.

“—Duke Vellet. May I have a word?”

“What seems to be the matter, Andrus-dono?”

…I didn’t expect him to approach me.

I was a little surprised, having just let my guard down slightly.

“Follow me.”

“Ah, of course.”

Without explaining the reason, Andrus tersely motioned for me to follow.

I had no excuse to refuse.

Could it be that he’s discovered I’m here under the king’s orders to investigate?

It’s too soon to make a judgment. At the very least, I can decide after following him.

Handing my drink to a waiter, I trailed behind him as we exited outside.

Andrus led me to the back entrance of the estate where the slaves were kept.

“…Is something wrong here, Andrus-dono?”

“It seems some rats have infiltrated to disrupt our slave auction.”

“What!? Is that true?”

My heart jumped. …Stay calm.

He hasn’t specifically said that Ouga and the others are the culprits yet.

Make sure not to give yourself away.

“The slaves have all escaped.”

“…I see. So that’s why the auction is delayed…”

“By the way, Duke Vellet, you entrusted some slaves to us today, didn’t you? I apologize for my oversight.”

“There’s no need to apologize, Andrus-dono. We are allies, after all.”

“Thank you, Duke Vellet. …Truly, thank you.”

Andraus’s face twisted into a grotesque smile as he said this.

…An ominous feeling consumed me. A cold sweat trickled down my back.

“But don’t worry. My prized slave seems to have apprehended the rats for us.”

“…Is that so? That’s good news, isn’t it?”

Never have I been more grateful for the years I’ve spent honing my composure.

If not, I wouldn’t have been able to suppress the turmoil in my chest.

“Indeed, it’s wonderful news. So, Duke Vellet…”

A thin arm coiled around my shoulder like a snake ensnaring its prey.

“Why don’t we go and watch? Watch as my prized slave torments the rats that dared to interfere with us?”

I could only nod in response to his whisper.

Clenching my fists tightly, I suppressed the rage threatening to erupt.

Molten anger churned within me—toward the demon in front of me, yes.

But even more so toward myself.

For allowing Ouga’s success to lull me into a false sense of security and bringing myself to this point.

For suppressing my anger to complete the king’s mission, even though my beloved son and daughter might be suffering.

I wanted to kill myself just as much as the man before me.

“I’ve prepared seats for us. Let’s go.”

“…Haha. You invited me for this? I appreciate it.”

“Think nothing of it.”

Following Andraus into the underground area, I noticed three familiar slave traders collapsed on the floor.

It seemed they had lost consciousness, but Andraus paid them no mind.

All that mattered to me now was whether Ouga and the others were safe.

I suppressed my impatience and continued trailing Andraus.

Deliberately slow and measured, he moved with an air of decrepitude.

…Never show an opening. I cannot afford to fall here.

Those few minutes felt like an eternity as we walked the passage until we reached an open door.

“They’re inside this shelter. The rats who freed the slaves and my prized swordsman.”

I didn’t want to step in. I didn’t want to see.

But I swallowed those feelings and crossed the threshold.

“…Hah… hah…”

“[Heal]! [Heal]! [Heal]!”

Looking down, I saw Ouga, blood gushing from his chest, with Reina desperately casting [Heal] over and over.