Chapter 177: City of Romance (2)

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A port city where the sea breeze blows lukewarm.

The woman walked ahead, her lips slightly pursed as she savored the oddly salty air. The way her green dress swayed was as elegant as a tree rustling in the wind—utterly dazzling.

Yet, the further they followed her, the more the surroundings grew unsettling. They entered a shabby, desolate back alley and walked for a long time.

Would a noblewoman even know her way through a place like this?

A suspicion rose in Sugar’s mind. Upon reflection, none of it seemed coincidental—the near-collision, the dropped bag—it all felt staged.

‘Did I go too far?’

At the very least, this woman wasn’t a mage. Sugar couldn’t sense the distinct mana pattern unique to spellcasters.

Or was even that an act?

Part of her wariness came from her companion. Given Riley’s poor physical condition, Sugar had to be the one to protect him if things went south.

Quietly, she pulled out a lantern—one fitted with the eye of a mutated liar-bird.

Can’t use detection magic. If she’s a mage, she’d notice immediately if I cast it. Better play it safe.

‘The distance is just barely enough…’

Sugar handed the lantern to Riley and signaled him with a glance.

“By the way, I just realized I never got your name. May I ask?”

“Ah! Right, how careless of me!”

The woman spun around in a flash, unfurling her fan with a crisp snap! It was so theatrical, Sugar half-expected a stage performance. The motion was flawless—no wasted movement.

Does she practice this?

While Sugar was distracted, Riley positioned himself at the woman’s blind spot, lantern in hand. He pretended to rummage through his bag, giving himself an excuse to stand in an odd place.

“Ohohoho…! Don’t be startled!”

The woman struck a dramatic pose, as if delivering a grand proclamation.

“I am none other than Madame Olivier!”

“Wow…!”

Sugar jumped in exaggerated awe, prompting Madame Olivier to laugh behind her fan.

“Who are you?”

“What?!”

The moment Sugar bluntly killed the mood, Olivier snapped her fan shut with a pout.

“I thought every girl visiting Zenrock knew me… Well, no matter. Just know that I’m the most famous woman in this city these days.”

Sugar replied with a “Sure,” while stealing a glance at Riley, who stood diagonally behind Olivier. His expression suggested no issues.

At the very least, the woman wasn’t lying. Whether she was actually famous or not, Madame Olivier genuinely believed herself to be “the most renowned woman in Zenrock.”

Sugar eased her guard slightly. Someone with a criminal record wouldn’t carry themselves so boldly.

“Let me introduce us. I’m Sugar, and this is my friend Riley.”

“Names as adorable as your looks, hm?”

Though she didn’t know them, Olivier seemed to take a liking to Sugar, giggling in approval.

Hmph. Even if it was flattery, hearing such praise wasn’t unpleasant.

“Ah, the joys of travel—new encounters! How delightful. Oh, dear, is your friend done with his business back there?”

Olivier turned to Riley, who was holding the lantern in one hand and rummaging through his bag with the other. Naturally, he pulled out a snack and popped it into Sugar’s mouth.

“Yes. Please continue guiding us.”

With a businesslike tone, Riley spoke, prompting Olivier to “Ohohoho!” and lead the way.

Good. She didn’t notice.

While Sugar kept Olivier distracted, Riley had positioned himself just close enough to shine the lantern without raising suspicion. A well-coordinated move.

The lantern had one fatal flaw: its light was visible to the target.

It wasn’t an issue for truth games among friends or interrogating enemies. But with strangers—or those who demanded courtesy—caution was necessary.

If the target only spoke the truth, no problem. But if they lied, and the lantern suddenly glowed red… Who knew how they’d react?

It could escalate into anything—arguments, fights, or silent standoffs.

“We’re almost there. Let’s see…”

As Sugar chewed on the snack, they arrived. The trio stopped in front of a rundown building.

Is this the inn?

Olivier strode in without hesitation, so they followed.

“Long time no see, darling. Got any rooms left?”

The interior was dim, shabby but not dirty—likely maintained just enough. A woman reeking of tobacco lounged behind the counter, lazily holding up two fingers in a V.

“Just so happens there are two twin rooms. How’s this?”

Olivier translated, looking at Sugar for confirmation.

It wasn’t bad. Sugar’s friends weren’t the type to fuss over lodgings.

But two twin rooms… As Olivier implied, finding four singles would’ve been tough. This would have to do.

Sugar glanced at Riley.

“Doubt we’ll find better… Should we take it?”

“If you’re fine with it.”

Sugar quietly activated her communication device. She wanted to check with the others.

“We found a place. Two twin rooms.”

[You did? Two twins? … We’re still looking. Might as well take it.]

“Okay. We’ll book it then. Let’s meet at the auction house. We’ve got something in mind. Ah, and… Hm. I’ll explain later. See you soon.”

[Huh? Alright.]

Before negotiations, they needed to secure the meeting with Praline. Sugar almost mentioned the required item but stopped—too many ears around.

“We’ll check in here.”

If the negotiations went well, they could always move somewhere nicer. For now, this was just temporary.

“If negotiations fall through… well, they just do.”

Sugar glanced at Riley before stepping up to the counter.

“Perfect! Well then, enjoy your stay. I’ve got business to attend to.”

“Ah, thank you for guiding us.”

“No need. If fate allows, we’ll meet again.”

With that, Madame Olivier left as cleanly as she had arrived, her green dress swaying theatrically. What an odd woman.

After checking in, Sugar and Riley immediately got to work in their rooms.

First, a detection spell to sweep the area. Then, Louveci’s eye was fitted into the lantern for a more detailed inspection. This was routine whenever they secured lodging.

Given their usual circumstances—and the fact that mages naturally distrusted unfamiliar spaces—this was standard procedure.

At least with twin rooms, this’ll be faster.

Until now, they’d either rented four singles or one large room for four. The former option meant more work, but this time, it’d be quicker.

Twin rooms.

Twin rooms.

Sugar deliberately avoided looking at Riley as she finished the checks. Thankfully, both rooms were clean.

The beds are oddly soft, but whatever. After setting light barriers in each room, they left.

“That woman was… strange.”

“Too polished. It’s suspicious.”

“Eck.”

Sugar made a noise at Riley’s remark.

“It felt like she was playing a role—like she was deliberately performing ‘Madame Olivier.’”

“She probably sees herself as the heroine of some story…”

Sugar trailed off, glancing up at Riley. When she tugged his sleeve and stared, he shook his head.

“Don’t overthink it. Just a hunch.”

Without evidence, it was just speculation. If the rooms had been rigged, that’d be one thing—but they weren’t.

Maybe it’s just my distrustful nature acting up in unfamiliar territory.

Sugar grumbled, trying to pat Riley’s head, but gave up with a sigh when she couldn’t reach.

***************

“Thank goodness! How’d you find rooms so fast?”

They regrouped in front of Zenrock’s auction house, a major tourist spot. Ian and Leon, who’d arrived earlier, greeted them enthusiastically.

“A peculiar woman helped us as thanks. Her name was… Olivier, I think?”

“Olivier?”

“You know her?”

“You mean the Madame Olivier?”

The reaction was immediate.

“The elegant yet dazzling woman with green eyes?”

“Uh… sounds like her. Who is she?”

Ian nearly jumped out of her skin.

“The love story between her and the owner of that perfumery I was talking about! She’s the protagonist!”

“Oh… right…”

That’s what that was about?

As Sugar nodded awkwardly, Ian launched into a breathless explanation.

“Do you know how romantic this is? A young widow, Olivier… Raphael, the owner of Label of the Skin, falls for her at first sight… She returns his feelings but refuses his advances due to societal pressure… until he proposes with a perfume inspired by her, ‘Pour Olivier’…! It’s a bestselling novel now! There’s even a play! Every young woman adores this story!”

“Wow…”

Ian’s excitement was overwhelming. Sugar couldn’t fathom why it was that romantic.

As Ian rambled on, drawing glances from passersby, the other three silently endured. Eventually, she wound down.

“…Sorry. Got carried away.”

“It’s fine. You clearly love it.”

“Yeah… well…”

“It was cute.”

Huh?

Sugar and Riley subtly turned to stare at the last speaker—the black-haired youth, whose face betrayed nothing.

Why’d he say that?

The two flinched and retreated.

(Whispering) Why’d he say that?!(Whispering) Seriously scary…

As they muttered, Ian yanked her hood over her flushed face.

“L-Let’s just go! Weren’t you planning something? Hurry up!”

She marched ahead.

Sugar watched her for a moment before scurrying after her.

“Ian. About the item I asked for earlier… you brought it, right?”

She’d called Ian while heading to the auction house—the item needed for their meeting with Praline, the adventurer.

“Oh, that? Yeah, but why do you need it?”

“Can I borrow it? I won’t misuse it.”

Her smile was so bright that Ian couldn’t bring herself to refuse.

…

Inside the auction house, guards stood watch in the main hall to prevent theft.

A wall covered in auction schedules and rules caught their eyes.

Sugar immediately approached the information desk at the center of the hall, clearing her throat with exaggerated formality.

“Ahem. Miss attendant.”

“How may I assist you?”

“I wish to meet directly with the client of the auction scheduled six days from now—an adventurer named Praline.”

She spoke with undue gravity, her voice artificially deepened. Behind her, the other three stared, their expressions screaming, What is she doing?

“We only facilitate the auction process. We do not arrange meetings with clients.”

“Is there no way to contact them? Even a business card would suffice.”

“I’m sorry. That’s impossible.”

The attendant’s refusal was firm.

Whether for confidentiality or to maintain the auction house’s credibility, direct contact with clients was prohibited. After all, if bidders could intercept items before the auction, the house’s reputation would plummet.

Can’t have people yelling, ‘I came for this item—where is it?!’

But Sugar wasn’t here to care about their policies.

“Please. It’s for the greater good.”

“We do not arrange meetings. This is an auction house.”

“Hmm… I see.”

With theatrical resignation, Sugar slipped a hand into her coat.

The attendant stifled an internal sigh. What’s this tiny girl going to pull out? A coin? Fans of Praline’s adventures occasionally showed up like this, hoping for a chance encounter.

Even if she drew a weapon, the guards were watching. The attendant had handled worse.

‘Years of experience. I can stay calm.’

Smug, the attendant swallowed a smirk—until she saw what Sugar produced.

Then, she turned pale.

“Your cooperation, please.”

An Inquisition badge.

Proof of authority to interrogate heretics.

“Do not raise your voice. Do not panic. We’re merely investigating a matter that requires Praline’s expertise.”

Sugar’s tone was honeyed, her smile reassuring—but her eyes were ice.

“Kindly arrange the meeting.”

“Y-Yes! One moment, please!”

The attendant scrambled from her seat.

“Wait. Also tell them the name ‘Sugar.’”

“R-Right!”

As the attendant hurried off, Sugar preened, radiating smugness.

Didn’t see that coming, did you? Underestimated me because of my looks?

Ian smacked her back.

“You’re getting bolder by the day!”

She hissed the reprimand under her breath.

Of course, Sugar had no real authority as an Inquisitor. If anything, she’d be the one interrogated. This badge was borrowed—without permission—from someone with far higher standing.

“Ow… Why? The result’s what matters. You knew I’d use it for something like this.”

“…You’re going to jail one day.”

Leon nodded solemnly. Riley sighed.

Sugar just grinned and flashed a V-sign.

***************

“I’m not meeting anyone.”

“But… it’s a VIP…”

In front of the auction storage room, the client—who had insisted on guarding their items personally until the auction—stood firm. The attendant wiped sweat from her brow.

“VIP, billionaire, whoever. If I say no, it’s no.”

Clad head-to-toe in steel-plated armor towering over two meters, the client’s presence alone was intimidating. The attendant also dreaded further entanglement with the Inquisitor in the lobby. What if the auction gets canceled?

“The… Inquisitor said they need your counsel.”

“Inquisitor?”

Tch. Complicated. The client muttered under their breath.

After a pause, they turned toward the lobby, likely intending to dismiss the visitor personally. Their armor clanked with each step.

The attendant followed, adding hastily:

“They also said… to mention the name ‘Sugar.’”

The client froze.

For a long moment, they stood motionless, like a suit of armor on display.

“…Sugar?”

Their voice carried an odd tremor.