Chapter 201: Adjusting His Plans: Preparation Before Pedro Visits the Auction Mansion!

The demi-humans placed their right clenched fist and placed it to their chest—the left side where the heart is located, and bowed towards Pedro as they said in unison, "This lowly servant greets young master!"

Pedro, on the other hand, could not help but scratch the back of his head—thinking of what to do next with his slaves. 'Now… What should I do with these demi-humans? It's obvious that I should buy them clothes, equipment, and weapons… But I still can't do that! Not until the blood contract has been established between me and these demi-humans. Only then I could ensure that they would never betray me no matter what happens!'

Pedro glanced to the contracts in his hand and thought, 'These contracts were just for formality as Auction Guide Weese had said. These were just in accordance with the laws of the Tarala Kingdom concerning slave trading. The effect of these contracts might even be restricted amongst places that the Tarala Kingdom was only affiliated with… In any case, I can just make them sign a blood contract later on. And while I am on it… I can't help but wonder what would happen if I use a Nearis Paper for the blood contract?'

Pedro can't help but sigh deep inside. Then, he shook his head and thought, 'I could only try it if my plan works. The silver sword I bought from the BHO HQ would surely attract the eyes of the Auction Master. I could only hope that I would gain his favorability and be treated like a VIP. Only then I can make the blood contracts without anyone watching.'

Since Pedro could not arrange a change of clothes for the demi-humans, he could only rub the back of his head and embarrassingly said, "Please raise your heads… Unfortunately, I can't provide a change of clothes as of now. So, I would have to trouble all of you to endure your uncomfortable clothes for now."

The demi-humans slowly raised their head and glanced towards Pedro. Then, after a few seconds, what Pedro said had sunk into their minds. Some of them forced out a smile whilst shaking their heads and said, "Y-Young Master, you need not trouble yourself about that!"

Pedro simply shook his head in response and said, "It's not a trouble for me! In fact… I want all of my slaves to be well dressed and equipped. Do you know that what you wear would reflect back at me as your master? Besides… I am not doing it purely out of my reputation. I am an adventurer… So… You would know by now why clothes and equipment are important, even if you are just my slaves."

Pedro's demi-human slaves could only avert their gazes to the ground and remained silent. As the word itself says, Adventurer! A person who travels often from one place to another. Thus, Pedro indicated in his message that they would face constant threats posed by the monsters that were scattered in the wild. Consequently, his message had highlighted the importance of proper clothes—against the unpredictable weather in the wild, and the importance of armor and equipment as protection against the threats posed by monsters.

That said, the reason why they can't help but avert their gaze from Pedro was because most slaves bought by adventurers would end up dying after a few months, or even days. This was because most slaves are used by adventurers as baits or meat shields against monsters. Thus, if they are not physical, mentally, nor magically strong, their fate is most likely sealed and their deaths would be inevitable.

Well… They had no choice after all. If they try to do anything funny, they would certainly die inside the Kingdom, on the spot. So… It was still a better choice for them because being baits or meat shields gives them a chance to be able to live more—depending on their strength, wit, or such.

On the other hand, Pedro understands the grim look on their faces. He knows that they are weak and are afraid because of what he had just revealed to them. However, he was lax because he would never let them be in a perilous situation. Well… depending on the situation.

In any case, it was the reason why he wanted to provide them proper clothes and equipment at the bare minimum. He just wanted to establish an irrevocable contract so that his investments won't go to waste. After all, he would develop them to the point that they would become pillars of his force later on.

In the end, Pedro simply ignored them and watched Auction Guide Weese contact the other slave traders regarding Pedro's request. At this moment, he thought to himself, 'I know that it is hard for these demi-humans to accept their fate. However, I want to establish them as strong individuals. Taking care of them like a baby would not bring anything good. I might even mess up their development if I interfere with it. So… I could only leave them on their own and develop. After all… Unlike Players… NPCs have no system to guide them in increasing their strength.'

A few seconds later, Pedro can't help but frown deep inside and thought, 'That said… It seems like Auction Guide Weese would take a few more minutes before she would able to settle all the matters with the slave traders. I only have two hours left. I haven't even checked the items sold inside the Auction Mansion. What much more finding the 'hidden gems' inside it! Should I extend my stay here???'

Pedro rubbed his chin and pondered for a few seconds before clapping his hand, thinking, "I have decided! I'll stay here for now. Besides… I doubt that the issue concerning the Royal Family would happen soon. The Royal Knights are still too stubborn—meaning that this kind of event is something still normal for them. As for the case of them being perpetrators for the death of the King… Seeing the Teleportation Portal Head Guard was more concerned about the reputation of the Royal Family and the Kingdom, and at the same time, was more concerned about the chance that would be lost if they did not meet me, indicates that my initial hypothesis is still right and that this is still something normal to them.'

'In any case, there won't be much of a problem if I stayed even longer here in the Auction Den. As for the annoying kid—Neerak, and everyone else… I'll just arrange for Aldo to meet everyone else and bring them to the Head Guard of Teleportation Portal to ask for help in finding a decent place to stay for the time being. It would be a good chance to rest and save energy until Mathew's group arrives. Well… if they would arrive in this Kingdom before the chaos occurs.'

With that in mind, Pedro started typing in his player interface—sending a message to Aldo about his arrangements. In turn, Aldo messages him back saying not to worry about it. On top of that, he even said to Pedro that they have successfully rescued Merchant Nordan Karva's family and were just on their way back.

That said, something bugged Aldo. They had successfully rescued Merchant Nordan Karva's family but the quest was yet to be completed. Fortunately, Pedro knows about the reason behind that and simply informed Aldo that it would be completed… probably… once they are out of the Kingdom.

Since they still have a few days left before the quest deadline ends, Aldo could simply follow arrangements and recon with Neerak Axutar's group and the Trio's Group before they ask for help regarding the place where they would stay, from the Teleportation Platform Head Guard.

On the other hand, Pedro took the chance to ask Mathew about their whereabouts after he settled the arrangements for the rest of the advance team. Unfortunately, Mathew was not familiar yet with the land on the eastern continent. Thus, he could only describe their surroundings to Pedro with the help of Sabrina.

Thanks to that information, Pedro learned that the three are just a day away by foot from the Tarala Kingdom. That said, he did not inform them about it. Instead, he simply encouraged them to continue heading towards the east at all cost.

It was not the direct way to the Tarala Kingdom, but… Pedro knows that they would eventually find their way to the Tarala Kingdom because there are some trails or paths that they could follow.

With that, he was able to successfully arrange the next steps for the rest of the Advance Force without the need of leaving the Auction Den anytime soon. He had ensured that he would have enough time to spend in the Auction Den and find some hidden gems that he wanted.

Fortunately, at this moment, Auction Guide Weese was walking back towards Pedro—finished with the matters concerning the slaves. This, in turn, made Pedro crack his knuckles and say, "Now… It's time for the real business!"