Chapter 351: On the eve
During the day, Coco managed to visit more than ten treasuries located in the central part of the city.
When Idan tried to find out how many treasures she had visited in total, Coco was confused and could not answer this question accurately. It was funny to watch her raise her little paws and try to count their number.
The next day, when Coco came to another treasure trove, she was surprised to find that there were already several powerful beings there.
"Remember, Coco, if you see someone inside the treasury, leave, don't try to take anything away," remembering her master's words, she quickly and unnoticeably left this place and went to look for the next one. However, to her surprise, there were other creatures in the next treasure trove.
After visiting a few more treasure troves, Coco hurried back to report to Idan about the current situation.
"They must have discovered the theft and raised the alarm," Idan thought. He was trapped in this place and couldn't get any information, just like Arabel, who had been under the influence of a dark being all this time.
However, sometimes she would learn something from the conversations of Erza's subordinates who brought her food. They discussed current events among themselves, not realizing that she was listening to them, and even allowed themselves to make caustic remarks about her.
Therefore, for the last few hours before updating their storage, Coco studied the layout of the Trading House on behalf of Idan.
After they checked the information from the updated repository and got everything they wanted, Idan and Arabel began discussing when they should act. However, during their conversation, Arabel suddenly fell silent.
{MHG: Belle?}
{MHG: Belle, are you there?}
{MHG: Belle's answer?}
Idan sent a few messages, but Arabel wasn't responding, and he began to worry. When he remembered Erza's words about her, his anxiety increased significantly.
"System! Is Arabelle all right?" he asked her in a panic, forgetting that the System already knew everything.
[Host, don't worry. Your partner is currently busy eavesdropping on information.]
It was only after receiving confirmation from the System that Idan was able to calm down.
"She could have warned instead of disappearing in mid—sentence," Idan complained to Arabel.
Soon, Idan finally noticed a new message from Arabel.
{MBG: Dan, I overheard and found out that a small but important evening is about to take place here at Erza's house.} Always read at the source—MV@LEMP@YR.
{MBG: Do you remember how Erza told me that I would be a great gift for some heir?}
After reading these messages, Idan was surprised. Of course he remembered. Just a few minutes ago, he was worried about Erza's words himself.
{MHG: Of course I remember} – Idan sent a message.
{MBG: So, this important evening will begin in about a few hours, and it looks like this very evening will see this heir. I am more than sure that Erza will fulfill her words at this time!}
{MHG: WHAT?!}
Idan was so stunned by this news that the artifact printed his words in large letters to emphasize his extreme surprise.
{MBG: Don't worry so much, Dan. From what I've heard, this heir is still very young and only has the third rank. This means that he, like us, is only a Golden rank.}
However, these words failed to calm Idan down. The realization that Arabel might be in danger had awakened something in him that he couldn't explain himself.
{MBG: Dan, are you there?}
On the other side, Arabel noticed Idan's words of surprise and, noticing that he had fallen silent, began to worry.
{MHG: I'm here.}
When Idan's simple and short answer appeared, instead of calming down, Arabel for some reason began to worry even more.
Arabel pushed aside her worries and said:
{MBG: Anyway, I have a suggestion!}
{MHG: What's the offer? Idan asked, showing interest.
{MBG: I suggest we kidnap this heir!}
After reading Arabel's message, a wide smile appeared on Idan's face, which looked calm and cold.
{MHG: Heh, I'm in! Can I have more details?} he sent it, suddenly interested in Arabel's suggestion to kidnap the heir from the Territory of the Dark Beasts. Unlike Arabel, Idan remembered Erza's words well and knew exactly which heir they were talking about.
{MBG: The success of this idea depends...}
Idan and Arabel began to actively discuss the details and exchange ideas on how to make this idea a reality. They soon came to a consensus and immediately began preparations.
There were still a few hours left before the appointed time. Arabel just had to wait, and Idan was looking forward to Coco's return.
Soon, Coco returned safely, having collected all the necessary information and taken several dozen photos.
"Good girl, you even found their treasure trove!" Idan praised, gently stroking Coco and immediately handing her a candy.
And she happily accepted the candy.
During the last day, Coco received so many candies that it exceeded the total amount of candies that she had received since meeting the Hosts. Instead of getting tired, she became more and more energetic, eager to get even more candies.
"Coco, I have an important assignment for you. Please listen to me carefully, and I'll give you a whole package of candies," Idan addressed his pet. When Coco heard about the candy, she immediately pricked up her ears and looked at Idan with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Coco, you need to go to Erza's mansion, where the Mistress is currently staying, and..." Idan began to give instructions.
After listening carefully and remembering the words of the Master, Coco was happy to receive the promised package of candies. After placing it in her small backpack, she swung her tail, opened the rift, and jumped in to complete the task.
In the remaining hours, Idan thought about the upcoming event, trying to anticipate what might happen and what steps they should take in case of surprises.
He realized that it would be naive to assume that they already knew everything. In fact, they had only superficial information and made plans based on it alone. So despite their best efforts, problems are likely to arise and they will have to solve them as they arise.
"Phew..." sighed Idan, once again thinking over his plan. At that moment, he felt the signal and, using of the his Soul Force, looked inside the storage space. When he saw Arabel's message, he whispered:
"It's started."
{MBG: The party is already in full swing, and Erza personally visited me. She ordered me to get ready to meet someone soon!}