Volume 2 - CH 48

Volume 2

Chapter 48-Negotiations and traps and (Bran Crowder perspective)

(TL:By Rafael)

"Reynise. I need to talk to you."(Bran)

He called out to Reynise, whom he had finally found on the main street of Duna.

She was moving around so unsteadily. This is why I don't like adventurers.

"I have nothing to say to you. I'm busy right now."(Rain)

I followed her back, feeling a little annoyed at my niece's blasé attitude.

I had information that a man named Yuki was missing at the moment.

In other words, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"I know. That's why I want to talk."(Bran)

" I told you to stay out of my way."(Rain)

I turn my head and glare at Reynise, who is not feeling a twinge of fear, but I  raise the corner of my mouth, feeling a chill as she glares at me.

"You're looking for Yuki Ferdio, aren't you?"

'......'

"There is no other way.'(Bran)

Reynise's shoulders jerk up.

That's exactly what I expected, little girl.

"What do you mean?"(Rain)

"Have you heard of a magical tool artifact called the Seeker's Compass?"(Bran)

"......!"(Rain)

She know what it is.

A little digging around and I soon learned that Reynise is a collector of magic tool artifacts.

It was impossible for her not to know about the existence of this famous and rare magic tool artifact.

The Seeker's Compass is one of the rarest, most valuable, and powerful magical tool artifacts.

It has the simple effect of pointing the user in the direction of what he seeks, but it is capable of detecting all beings, both ancient and modern.

Anything from hidden treasures to missing persons.

"Do you have ......?"(Rain)

"No but I know where it is and I know who has it."(Bran)

"Tell me."(Rain)

Okay, here we go.

I gave a small shake of my head at Reynise, who was trying to jam it up my ass.

"Is that the way you ask people for things?　　You don't seem to have the courtesy and sincerity to ask."(Bran)

'Tell me ......, please.'(Rain)

"Not yet."(Bran)

I crouch down to look into his face as she bows her head.

"I've been shot and threatened with magic by you. But I went out of my way to give you and ...... that man a hand."(Bran)

"......"(Rain)

Can't you just get back my face which is down because of your barbarous action?"(Bran)

Reynise remained motionless with her head in a bowed posture.

I put on a sales smile for the little girl.

"You can meet them and talk to them. I'll tell them that our family has been backing  you this time."(Bran)

"If it's just a meeting then how......."(Rain)

"That won't be a problem. In the first place, it is Mastoma-sama who owns the Seeker's Compass."(Bran)

This is true.

The prince owns the Seeker's Compass.

Because he owns it as  he has such great wealth.

"Do I just go see him?"(Rain)

"Yes. You can negotiate with Mastoma-sama yourself. If he is not in a bad mood, he may lend you the Seeker's Compass, right?"(Bran)

I maintain my smile at Rain, who looks at me suspiciously.

She is a clever little girl. She must have sensed that I was up to something.

But even if it's a transparent hope, human beings tend to narrow their vision when it's put in front of them.

One more push ...... and you can make her a little impatient.

'If you don't believe me, then this conversation is over. Just wait for the Adventurers' Guild to find his body."(Bran)

So I turned away and ...... Reynise grabbed the hem of my dress.

You're just a little girl, after all.

"I-I'm going."(Rain)

"I'm busy and so are they. Let's  be on our way."

"Eh so soon?"(Rain)

I don't want you to be calm.

"What do you think I was looking for you for today? Unlike you adventurers, we nobles don't have a lot of free time on our hands. And they are royalty. Even an audience with them takes time and procedure."(Bran)

After a beat, I scowled at Reynise.

"Well, I don't mind if it's not today. I don't know if the next audience will be in a week or a month, or if he will return home. When you return, will you be able to face the man and your friends?"(Bran)

It is a common tactic in negotiations to take away options.

I'm used to it. I have not been in the business of conning people for a long time for nothing.

If you rush about the man with a hint of his safety, you can handle a single girl who is out of her mind.

"....... Okay, I'll follow you."(Rain)

"All right. You're worried about your friends, aren't you? Write them a letter in the carriage. I'll have it delivered to the inn later."(Bran)

Reynise nodded at my words somewhat frankly and got into the carriage.

I wonder if she thinks I'm paying attention to her.

She is a silly little girl.

However, it was a happy miscalculation to see things go so well.

As for the other three, I had planned to use Reynise as bait, but with the letter in her own handwriting, there was no need to play tricks.

I would have been happy to have been able to get them to come to me or Prince Mastoma with just a little bit of information.

After all, they all are just dim-witted adventurerq.

They will sink into the swamp we have prepared for them with their cheap camaraderie.

You are really helpful, Yuki Ferdio.

You've been very helpful.

You may be dead by now, but you were useful to me at the last minute.

If I am lucky enough to find your body, I will lay flowers on your grave.

...... with the money I made after selling your girls.

TL Note- Now Simon looks like a likable character......Bash Bran in the comments.