I WAS The Rank–1 Hero-Chapter 129: Before the Journey [4]

Turning my head toward the tables, I found no one here.

Where exactly is she?

Checking the time:

4 P.M.

I was pretty sure I had made it at the exact time.

—Creak —Creak.

Then, I heard a creaking sound coming from the left. Turning my head, I soon found the person I was looking for.

"Sorry for the wait," Amy said while tying up her silver hair into a ponytail, as she gestured for me to take a seat on the sofa.

Nodding my head, I sat on the sofa, and she followed me, sitting right in front of me.

"So tell me, Mr. Nox, what can I do for you?" she said, picking up her tablet from the table between us. She turned it on and began scrolling through its contents.

Without beating around the bush, I got straight to the point.

"I want information."

"..Hm?" She stopped mid-scroll and answered me with a smile. "Then, you are at the right place. From all five kingdoms, whether nobles or commoners, we have all the information you seek."

I doubted that.

Keeping that thought to myself, I told her what I was looking for.

"I want information, particularly their locations, on ancient artifacts, or some 'strange' monuments, no matter how big or small they are…"

Without letting her speak, I continued.

"…basically, I want you to search for things that defy logic."

I paused and looked into her eyes. There was slight curiosity in her gaze, but I ignored it and added,

"Can you do that?"

"Haah," she smiled at me, speaking with authority. "That type of work needs time, and lots of money."

She didn't decline me, nor she questioned on 'defy the logic' thing, that means…

She knows something.

I already knew she would say this, so I came prepared.

"One million," I said.

"...Sorry?" she blinked at me.

Lifting my feet and resting one on the other, I coldly said,

"I will give you one million for each useful piece of information you bring me." I grinned and added, "I'll even raise the amount to two million each if you give me the information as soon as possible."

"..."

She went silent, her eyes wide open as her lips parted into a stuttering voice.

"O-One million for each piece of information?" She seemed to be in total disbelief.

Placing my chin on my hand, I looked into her eyes and added,

"Don't get me wrong," I said coldly, narrowing my eyes as I released a little bit of my essence, letting her feel my dominance over her.

"If the information turns out to be anything ridiculous, I will only provide you one hundred thousand and nothing more."

She gulped at my suffocating aura, and I delivered my final offer.

"So, Miss Amy, do we have a deal?"

"...!?" She panicked for a second before replying hesitantly, "B-before that, how can we trust you?"

"..Oh," I said, reaching my hands inside my pocket. "Apologies, where are my manners? Here, take this."

—Stomp.

I tossed her two thick bundles of envelopes.

"Five million in advance, inform me through text each time you have to share some information."

Watching those thick stacks of bundles, her posture became steady before she opened them up and ran her fingers over each of the notes in the stack. I could see a lustful spark in her eyes as she graciously counted each of the notes.

Hey Miss, your mask is slipping off!

To be honest, I knew she would accept it. And I even knew that she already had the information I sought; this Mercenary Department was that good.

With enough money, I doubt I could even get information on Amadeous too, I joked.

Maintaining her posture, Amy replied,

"You got a deal."

"Perfect." Standing up, I said,

It's already 5 P.M. I have to get back to the Academy before it's too late.

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"Wait..!" Amy's voice paused me in my tracks.

Turning around, I asked her,

"Is something wrong?"

"Not at all, Mr. Nox," she came in front of me and handed me the tablet she was just scrolling through. "I just thought you might be interested in today's Auction."

Taking the tablet, I scrolled through its contents. There were various items, paintings, and other artifacts listed on it.

Amy, once again scanning me, spoke up, "These are treasures that were collected from all around the world, and you might find something you seek here."

Not bad.

To be honest, a few of the items listed in the tablet already caught my attention.

"Are you interested, Mr. Nox?"

I definitely am interested in visiting this place.

"When is this taking place?" I asked.

"Tonight, at sharp One A.M.," Amy replied, handing me two slips, which were supposed to be tickets.

"Why two?" I wondered.

She grinned before replying, "This is a couple-only place, so you have to bring your partner with you."

"Hmm?"

But why, though? I tilted my head.

To my confusion, Amy answered,

"Mainly, Nobles take part in this auction, and they always bring their mistresses with them for… you know—so it's kind of a tradition now."

"..."

That's just bullshit! Those damn Nobles probably want to flaunt how rich they are in front of their mistresses, nothing else.

Silently, I narrowed my eyes at the tickets, clenching them in my hand.

"Oh my!" Amy's tone suddenly changed, "Are you someone who has no girl in his life—"

"I will come." I said, slipping the tickets inside my pocket.

"Wise decision, Mr. Nox."

I turned around and walked away from the place.

"Auction, huh?" As I walked outside the Black Market, I murmured to myself.

I really want to visit this place, but somehow their weird 'tradition' is what's stopping me.

'Why think so hard?' Sera suggested, 'You have a cute girlfriend now. She too deserves a date, you know?'

"Ruby?"

If I asked her, she would not turn this offer down, and I'd even get myself an easy way out from the Nova tonight.

I guess I have to invite her now.