Your Majesty, Dinner Is Ready. Chapter 224 - E-Rank Labyrinth — Rotten Crossroads Black Market (1)

Chapter 224: E-Rank Labyrinth — Rotten Crossroads Black Market (1)

 

The Rotten Crossroads Black Market was a massive black market that had once truly existed. It was known as the greatest disgrace of the Valterium Empire.

Despite the Emperor’s relentless efforts to hunt it down, it had continued operating safely for nearly a hundred years.

The reason was that the black market’s administrator possessed a high-grade spatial artifact, allowing them to relocate the market every single time.

“Eventually, the administrator was finally captured, and it disappeared into history…”

I lifted the labyrinth entrance, a sheet of stationery, with telekinesis while looking over the members I had gathered.

“…only to be revived once again after being recreated as a labyrinth.”

Lucius.

Bartimir.

The Nameless Demon King.

Abel.

“Only the four of us are going?”

Bartimir glanced toward Marlin, who was sitting on the living room sofa.

“You’re not coming?”

“I don’t want to.”

Marlin shook her head firmly while scratching the head of Iquiril, who sat on her shoulder.

“You said this place is overflowing with the kinds of negative concepts Bartimir loves. Which means it’s basically the worst possible labyrinth for me.”

“Explorers don’t get to choose what they like or dislike.”

“…Ugh.”

Unable to refute such a perfectly reasonable argument, Marlin flinched and hurriedly looked at me.

As an explorer, I agreed with Bartimir.

As her guardian, however, I couldn’t help thinking differently.

“This time, I’m planning to go with those who didn’t participate in the previous tournament.”

I smiled.

“Wouldn’t that be the fairest approach?”

“Ah.”

Bartimir nodded.

“That’s true.”

“Phew.”

I made a finger heart toward the relieved Marlin, then unfolded the letter with telekinesis.

This was essentially an invitation.

A document that had actually circulated in the past, listing the ever-changing location of the black market and the method for entering it.

“Do we just read what’s written there?”

Abel asked, his tail gently swaying beneath the large exploration backpack strapped to his back.

“Simply reading it isn’t enough.”

I floated another item into the air with telekinesis. It belonged together with the letter.

A pure white mask, exactly the sort of thing the former Artein would have favored.

“You have to read the contents while wearing this mask. Only then can you enter.”

A comparatively troublesome method of entry.

The result of historical accuracy being preserved with unnecessary thoroughness.

“I’ll go in first.”

I put on the mask, then read through the contents of the letter.

‘[This letter began its journey in the Western Continent…]’

After reading every line of the refreshingly auspicious text, I suddenly found myself somewhere other than my home.

At the center of a crossroads, where countless people quietly came and went.

The sky was concealed by a black ceiling, while spotless white stone paving covered the streets. A refined, elegant space.

[E-Rank Labyrinth — Rotten Crossroads Black Market]

[A black market where all manner of filthy, despicable, pathetic, and depraved transactions take place. For ordinary demons who consume negative concepts, it would truly be a paradise.]

“Oh…! It’s much cleaner than I expected.”

The rest of my companions soon entered one after another.

Following the labyrinth’s rules, everyone’s face was automatically covered by a mask.

Each one suited its wearer.

“…So this is Heaven!”

Bartimir sounded genuinely excited.

His mask resembled a Demonic Realm Watchdog, the monster that symbolized the glory days of the Demon Realm.

“Hm.”

The Demon King looked around.

“This is hardly a pleasant place for me.”

Unlike an ordinary demon, the Demon King’s mask was simply pitch black.

“What an impure place.”

Lucius remarked quietly.

“My mask is a little too large….”

Abel adjusted his.

Lucius wore a gray shield mask, while Abel’s resembled the face of a majestic tiger.

Then… what did mine look like?

“Falsethy.”

I created an illusory image to use as a mirror.

“……”

It was a golden mask. One resembling a butterfly with its wings spread wide.

Flutter.

For a brief moment, I thought I heard the golden butterfly tattoo on my right hand flap its wings. Perhaps it was merely my imagination.

‘…Alright. I understand.’

Soon, I intended to investigate my own past, starting from the words “Karr who had only just arrived in Pletica” supposedly left behind among the citizens of District Six.

If I dug deeply enough, I would likely meet Butterfly Karr once again.

“…Master?”

“Let’s go.”

I reabsorbed falsethy into my left eye, then addressed everyone.

“Shall we start walking?”

I led the group northward from the crossroads.

The avenue was so wide that even ten sturdy orcs could have walked side by side with room to spare. Elegant buildings lined both sides, each displaying neat signboards.

[Humanoid Race Organs]

[Free Killing]

[Pleasure]

Names stripped of needless embellishment, focused solely upon their essential purpose.

The buildings themselves, along with their interiors, looked luxurious enough to belong in the imperial capital.

“I’m honestly surprised….”

Abel tugged lightly at my sleeve while looking around.

“This black market seems much cleaner than expected.”

“You’re a clever boy.”

Resting my hand atop Abel’s head, I discreetly observed the passersby.

 

[Dominic Wincaster (Human, 44). Head of House Wincaster, Counts.]

[Victoria Judier (Human, 25). Eldest daughter of House Judier, Marquises.]

[Valois de Valliers (Human, 17). Third son of House Valliers, Barons.]

 

Half the people walking these streets were nobles.

The other half were attendants accompanying them.

“This black market was created primarily for people of high status.”

Products ranged from perfectly ordinary tastes to highly specialized goods meant to satisfy the rarest of eccentric preferences.

This place was… a noble indulgence created for wealthy aristocrats with abundant money and leisure.

“Artein….”

Lucius sighed quietly.

“There must be innocent people suffering here.”

“Without a doubt.”

After all, to satisfy depraved demand, voluntary supply alone would never be enough.

“This black market produces a great number of its ‘products’ through illegal means. Fraud, kidnapping, and similar methods.”

“……”

While explaining, I suddenly became dizzy.

My legs weakened, and I nearly collapsed.

“Careful.”

Fortunately, the Demon King caught me immediately.

“Thank you.”

“Be careful.”

“I understand.”

I smiled.

“I’m no longer carrying only myself now, so I need to be careful.”

“…Patron.”

Abel shook his head slightly.

“You always choose your words far too boldly.”

Then he suddenly flinched.

“Uwah… Ehehehe… Hihihihi!”

Bartimir had suddenly begun swaying back and forth, grinning foolishly.

“Oh, dear.”

I sighed.

“Sir Bartimir has already become intoxicated by the negative concepts. Father, would you mind supporting him?”

“Certainly.”

“Wooo!”

Bartimir staggered around.

“It’s sweet! So sweet!”

While making sure he didn’t wander into random shops, we eventually reached the end of the street.

Towering before us stood an enormous building, nearly the size of a royal palace.

[Human Auction]

“Grand Duke Karr.”

The Demon King, who had been supporting Bartimir, quietly asked,

“So. What exactly are the conditions for clearing this labyrinth?”

“Simple,”

I answered.

“‘Purchase any single product.'”

One merely needed money.

Among all labyrinths, it ranked among the easiest completion conditions imaginable.

“Too easy.”

“It’s only E-Rank.”

But… we hadn’t entered the Rotten Crossroads Black Market today to clear the labyrinth.

Whoosh…

Rustle…

At that moment, both Arteins solemnly conveyed Their will.

“This is not a place that should simply be left alone!”

“Surely you don’t intend to let these villains continue unpunished?”

“Naturally.”

Placing a hand upon the shield emblem on my chest, I offered a reverent prayer.

“I shall purify this place of pleasure, ruled by sin and desire, with pure white light, and I shall protect the innocent.”

A devout declaration, carefully composed using only the sort of words that would delight both the past and present Arteins.

Rustle…

Whoosh…

As expected, delighted revelations flowed through the emblem upon my chest.

“Please enjoy watching this adorable Karr’s exploits today as well.”

I made a small finger heart.

“And if you enjoy it…”

I winked.

“…I’d appreciate a little token of affection afterward.”

Turning toward the others, I continued.

“From this moment onward… we shall perform the task that every labyrinth owner is obligated to carry out.”

“What do you mean?”

Abel asked. I patted his back to help him think.

“If our yard becomes dirty…”

I smiled.

“…what should we do?”

“…Clean it.”

“Exactly.”

Cleaning the labyrinth.

I intended to thoroughly clear away every filthy thing and renovate the black market entirely.

“Hm.”

The Demon King tilted his head.

“Grand Duke Karr. If you do that, won’t you lose the ‘adversity’ you enjoy so much?”

“Ahaha.”

I laughed.

“It’ll be fine. As for why… I’ll save that as a pleasant surprise for after everything succeeds.”

“You little rascal!”

The Demon King vigorously ruffled my hair.

I also ruffled Abel’s hair, since he happened to be looking up at me.

Then I spoke once more.

“Now then. Let’s begin the operation.”

I smiled brightly at Lucius.

“Artein.”

I prayed.

“For today alone… please permit Father Lucius to become a fallen priest.”

Then I looked up toward the ceiling and gave a playful wink.

“And… please forgive this blasphemous impersonation as well.”

 

***

 

The Auction House located in the northern section of the Rotten Crossroads Black Market was a facility that received endless praise from its customers.

Products of many different races. Meticulous personality correction, ensuring there would never be unfortunate incidents such as refusing orders.

And, to account for any damage inflicted while playing with the merchandise, each product even came with reusable healing Mystery tattoos.

“Let’s devote ourselves once again today to providing noble indulgence.”

Each business day at the auction house began with a simple morning assembly attended by every employee.

“Everyone, repeat after me.”

The supervisor raised his voice.

“I exist for the customer.”

“I exist for the customer.”

Every effort. Every ounce of dedication. Everything was for the customers.

Only after engraving that spirit of complete devotion into their minds did the employees begin preparing for business.

Dust, an employee at the auction house, quickly cleaned and organized his workplace.

“There’s some trash over there.”

“I’ll pick it up.”

Among the staff, there were no superiors or subordinates.

Everyone was equal. True harmony, free of hierarchy.

Dust genuinely admired the auction house’s working environment.

“Let’s work hard today!”

No sooner had the workday begun than the first customer arrived.

“Good day.”

“Welcome, Lord Vincent.”

A vampire wearing a blood-red bat mask dragged several beastfolk bound by blood-red ropes, lining them up neatly.

Various races. Excellent physical condition. Fine merchandise.

“Your total commission comes to five gold.”

Dust worked at the Natural Merchandise Exchange.

As long as one paid a small commission, the auction house provided every imaginable service, including personality correction and anything else that increased a product’s value.

As a result, there were quite a few regular sellers.

“I’ll return again.”

“Thank you, as always.”

Five pristine beastfolk acquired at once.

Today already felt promising.

“We’ll take them to the Product Management Department.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Everything continued as usual, with Dust faithfully serving the noble clientele.

Then…

“……”

A customer he’d never seen before slowly entered.

A human male wearing a gray shield mask.

‘…A shield?’

The masks used throughout the black market were special artifacts. They openly displayed the wearer’s identity and status.

And the shield was the most famous symbol of the Church of Harmony.

‘A priest of the Church of Harmony!’

An extremely distinguished customer. Someone who absolutely had to be treated with the utmost courtesy.

“Welcome. We’re honored to have you.”

As Dust and the other employees bowed, the priest slowly approached… before glancing back.

Two more people, apparently his companions, entered.

“Honey.”

An elf wearing a butterfly mask spoke cheerfully.

“I can’t wait to see the auction.”

“……”

A muscular demon wearing a pitch-black mask dragged in a natural product restrained by divine Mysteries.

A human with radiant blond hair and neat clothing.

No… judging by that captivating appearance, it was undoubtedly a half-elf.

“…Mmph!”

The half-elf struggled, their mouth gagged.

Their condition was excellent, and not the slightest bit of their beauty had been damaged.

A first-rate product.

“A half-elf priest.”

The priest slowly spoke while looking toward the half-elf.

“And…”

He continued calmly.

“…the next Saint of the Church of Harmony.”

“……!”

The muscular demon abruptly pulled open the half-elf’s upper clothing.

There, clearly visible in the center of the dried, slender upper body, near the solar plexus, were two shield emblems.

The highest-grade mark of Artein Herself. There could be no doubt about its authenticity.

“As you can see…”

The priest said.

“…it’s genuine.”

“……”

A priest of the Church of Harmony. Even more… the next Saint.

It was merchandise of unprecedented value.

Momentarily stunned, Dust hesitated… before bowing deeply.

“Ordinarily…”

He spoke respectfully.

“…there would be a commission fee of one gold.”

“However… since this is your first visit… we’ll process it free of charge.”

This wasn’t normally a service they provided.

But for truly important customers, they made exceptions. A pleasant first experience meant they would return again.

“Excellent.”

The priest nodded.

“Ah. I’d also like to participate in the auction.”

“In that case…”

Dust smiled politely.

“…would you please follow me? I’ll escort our honored guests to the VIP seating area.”

“…Very well.”

The priest glanced toward the half-elf merchandise.

Dust immediately understood his intentions and promptly reassured him.

“Please don’t worry. Our auction house stakes its reputation on transporting merchandise safely.”

“…I have one request.”

For some reason, the priest paused briefly, then indicated the half-elf with his chin.

“They still haven’t fully accepted their situation.”

His voice remained calm.

“I believe they require thorough education… so they may properly develop the mindset expected of a product.”

At those incomparably cold words, the merchandise’s face turned deathly pale.

“…Hmph.”

For some unknown reason, a faint smile appeared along with it.