Heroine Netori-Chapter 82: 18+

The Madame's seductive voice caressed my ears, sticky and enticing as if licked by a tongue. "Is she a siren, enchanting people with her voice?" Curious, I tried to observe, but as expected, observation proved futile.

"Is there any other reason for seeking out an information broker?"

"Ho ho, that's also a valid point."

As I fought off the temptation and responded confidently, the Madame looked at me slightly surprised yet impressed, as if looking at a pet that had successfully learned to use the bathroom, and gave me a pleasant smile.

"Then, won't you tell me what information you've come to buy?"

"I'm not here to buy, but to sell."

"Oh my? Ho ho, ho ho ho ho... You've come to sell information to me?"

I couldn't possibly buy without knowing the price of the information. I'd be a fool if I didn't even realize I'd been had. So, it's safer to sell good information that I can afford to part with. I happen to have just the right piece of information.

"Yes, it's about the recent Modified Goblin Extermination incident."

"I know about that. It was easily handled thanks to your party, wasn't it?"

"...Yes."

So she knows who I am. She's not just any information broker. It hasn't even been a day here, and she already knows the news.

"Surely, you didn’t bring me information about the goblins modified by demons and their characteristics? That would be a bit... disappointing."

"Uh..."

Suddenly, the atmosphere changed. The smile vanished from the Madame's face, previously grinning, and an oppressive aura emanated from her, making it hard to breathe. Is this the charisma of a named character? Unexpectedly, cold sweat ran down my back due to her change in demeanor.

Did she get angry? Why? Even pondering, I couldn't understand. Did she think I was overstepping my bounds? Acting as if I knew information that even she didn't? Did that seem arrogant? It could be possible if she had a twisted personality.

Or was she testing me? To see how I'd handle this situation? That seemed more likely.

"No, it's this."

"Oh...?"

Then, I'm relieved. Whatever the reason, this one thing would solve it all. In front of the Madame, I pulled a green dagger from my inventory, held the blade towards me, and extended it to her.

"These are artifacts that those creatures had. And they're mass-produced. Doesn’t that smell fishy to you?"

"This is..."

As the Madame cautiously took the dagger, the oppressive aura around her dissipated as if it were a lie. Does this mean I've passed? She stopped paying attention to me and busily examined the dagger. During this time, I couldn't help but gaze at a mole on her chest. They say you become wealthy if you have a mole on your chest... Running a place like this, she must surely be rich. Looks like physiognomy is right.

"Quite surprising, really."

"Is that so?"

Of course, it would be. It’s an artifact we kept to ourselves without showing to anyone else, thus information was monopolized. Thanks to that, I could maintain my dignity to the end. Now, she must acknowledge me.

"Yes, the skill... or should I say ability, to pull things out of thin air is astonishing. I’ve never seen such a thing before."

"..."

Oh, damn.

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Proud of her discernment, Kiyerna was convinced the dagger in front of her was indeed an artifact. It wasn't a high-grade artifact to brag about, but annoying enough. If it were mass-produced and used by monsters, trouble was sure to arise. And that meant it was highly likely 'they' were behind its creation.

"So, this isn’t a low-value item at all. Did he know that when he brought it out?"

The man, who had been blatantly staring at her chest, was essentially a pretty but fundamentally rotten human. However, the boldness with which he resisted her charm and handed over the dagger was contrary to her judgment.

"And... what was that just now? A trick? No, it couldn’t be. There’s no way to trick my eyes."

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"Space magic? Invisibility? But there was no movement of magical power? I don’t get it."

The man had pulled the dagger out of thin air. Kiyerna exhausted her knowledge trying to figure out how, but to no avail. Even though she was the well-known information broker Marta.

"So, the skill to pull objects out of thin air... or should I say ability? Astonishing. I’ve never seen such a thing."

She tried to charm him once again for an answer. But again, it had no effect on the man.

Instead, his expression turned cold, almost unrecognizable from the man who had been foolishly gazing at her chest moments ago. And...

"Smile? Ho ho! Are you testing me now?"

She smirked faintly with one corner of her lips. At that, Kiyerna had to admit that her judgment was wrong. The man was indeed worth talking to.

"Well, fine. A man with secrets is sexy. I won’t cling like a virgin."

"...It's a shame. I missed the chance to be dashed by Madame."

"Ho ho ho! What an interesting fellow! So, how much were you planning to buy it for? I’d like to buy this dagger as well."

This was her kindness. Kiyerna planned to teach him the value of information by offering a discounted price, then charging him appropriately, teaching him not to trust people too easily. But...

"It’s free."

"Eh?"

"Think of it as a greeting to open up our dealings. That's all I want."

This man wanted more than just kindness. Deep affection, that is.

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How did I manage that? My heart was racing, I thought I’d die from the anxiety...

In a thoughtless moment, I used the inventory in front of her. The inventory was an ability I could use thanks to 'Heroine Netori,' In this royal fantasy world, there’s nothing like subspace bags or warehouses, so it’s a tricky ability to reveal. Getting caught would bring unwanted attention. Especially since I’m keeping things related to Goddess Aria hidden until I get stronger. If I became famous for this, it’d ruin everything.

So I laughed it off, thinking I had completely messed up, but fortunately, the Madame didn’t probe further but kept her distance. She seemed to believe that I had shown my ability on purpose, which was a big misunderstanding. But since it’s a misunderstanding that benefits me, there’s no need to correct her, right?

"Please think of it as a greeting to start our dealings. That's all I'm asking for."

I didn't take money for the information or the dagger. After all, it was information I couldn't do much with, and if I could build a connection with the Madame through this, it would already be a win. Besides, I have two more daggers back at my lodging, so giving one away isn't a big deal. It's a bit of a shame, but daggers aren't my main weapon, and this expense is within acceptable limits.

"Ho ho ho. What's that? Are you hoping for my body instead of money?"

"It is truly just a gesture of goodwill."

"Hmm~ I wouldn't mind."

Yeah right, she's testing me again. If I were to suggest swapping sex for money, she'd probably switch tactics like before. After pressuring me like I was about to die, now she's pretending to seduce. I'm not falling for that anymore.

"I'm really okay, thank you."

"Ho ho. Well then. As a pure act of goodwill, let me give you a tip. Take an interest in Aselren Forest by the west gate. The guards have been keeping an eye on that area."

"Aselren Forest, you say?"

"Yes. Maybe your party can help out. Louise would appreciate it."

This is it! This is why I tried to get close to information brokers. See how they just hand out quests when you're in their good graces?

And Louise? Who was that again... Ah! That Louise! Marta's vice-captain ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ Klein Louise, the knight known as 'Blue Flash' who's susceptible to praise, and the sub-heroine who almost had a thing with Siu...!

A plan forms in my mind. A perfect plan to fill Siu's side, a plan to connect with Sophia and still enjoy this world safely!

"Madame, I really... I really appreciate it!"

"Hmm~? Do you really want my body after all?"

Oh no, I got too excited and accidentally grabbed the Madame's hand. But instead of pulling away, she caressed my hand with her other hand. Softer than I expected... does she take care of it? Not a wrinkle on her face either...

Ah, I shouldn't get carried away again. Nearly fell for it.

"I'm sorry! I was just so thankful that I..."

"Ho ho. How cute."

And since it's been a while since I returned to this royal venture, first thing's first with Sophia. Yes, that makes sense.

****

After finishing my business with the Madame, I headed to the drawing room to wait for Siu. But... what the hell. Why are you waiting for me there? Siu, sitting in the chair, waved me over as soon as he saw me.

What...? It wasn’t even a long conversation...? I wondered if he got too scared to stand up when I saw his annoying expression. He looked like a man who had just lost his virginity.

Does that mean he was quick? Well, it’s possible for a first time. I've been there. But that's too quick, isn't it? Surely it didn’t end after just one round? I heard that woman say they keep going until the client is satisfied... Could it be? Did this guy finish and then call it quits?

Ha... unbelievable. Really.

"Bro! Did you just finish too?"

"Are you kidding? I've been working. Got myself a juicy bit of info."

"Oh... sorry, I mean, since you came all this way and that’s..."

"Never mind, man. It's not like today’s the only day. So, how was it? Good?"

"...Yes, incredibly..."

He’s completely refreshed, totally the opposite of the guy who was dying to be with Sophia. Just as I expected. And why is he blushing in front of me? It makes me want to punch him, but I'll refrain since he’s a hero. I'd probably lose if we fought...

"That's good then. Let’s go."

"Uh...? Oh, yes..."

He seemed eager to share his heroic tales, but why should I listen? I have no interest. Just confirming he’s not impotent is enough. If he gets hooked on women like this, it’ll be easy to match him with Louise.

Though our reasons differed, we were both satisfied and thus returned to our lodging.

And the next morning,

"Chuuup, gulp, haa... Oh, brother! Did you sleep well? Hehe..."

I truly started the day with a morning pleasure from Sophia for the first time in ages.

But Siu... you’re so happy about sleeping with a prostitute, leaving such an attractive girl like Sophia behind...