I Became the Porter of a Somewhat Strange Hero Party

37 – Auction (2)

Erin spat out the mixed and unpleasant emotions that churned inside her and turned her back. According to Frey, who came to fetch us, we had to serve as security for the auction. When we asked if it was necessary for us to provide security during the auction, Frey replied it was crucial.

“It’s a precious gem, isn’t it? Although the Duke only sent invitations to those he trusts, there’s no guarantee that the information wouldn’t leak out.”

“Well, so what?”

“So that’s why. If there were valuable jewels like this, there would be groups willing to steal them, even at the risk of danger. Right now Erin is keeping it safe, so it’s fine, but once the auction starts, it will be temporarily transferred to the royal side for a short time, you see?”

“Is that timing dangerous?”

“Yes, that’s right. In fact, we’ve been in danger ever since we left our hands.”

It was a story that mentioned the possibility of being in danger throughout the entire time when the auction starts.

‘Auction terrorism… It’s something that could very well happen in this world.’

Because there was no such event as acquiring jewels in ＜Dungeon in Evil＞, I had no prior information about this incident.

In situations like this, having pre-existing information is very advantageous.

“In order to properly take care of our share, we must prevent the theft of the jewel.”

“I understand.”

At that moment, Kaius, who was listening to the conversation, said one word.

“People are truly greedy. They even try to covet what belongs to others.”

…Is that what dragons who hoard treasures have to say? It’s common for other monsters to forcefully take what has been gathered, but dragons are different.

Feeling incredulous, Frey spoke as if he couldn’t believe it.

“Isn’t that what dragons do?”

“…What nonsense?”

“They seize and collect the treasures of others in their lairs, don’t they?”

“That is spoils. It’s not about stealing, but rather a compensation for winning through battle.”

“When it’s against opponents much weaker than themselves.”

“…That’s sophistry. How many races are stronger than our magnificent dragons!”

Anyway, stealing is wrong.

“So anyway… I understood why we have to stand guard. But how did we decide to protect it?”

“Erin was supposed to stand guard at the closest place to Yong-ok’s house, and we each agreed to take our own area.”

“Area? Who’s going where?”

“I’ll tell you when we get there. It’ll be faster if you see the auction map first.”

I nodded. I had a feeling I might also be assigned to a separate area. I would never do it alone, but now that I could summon Caius…

“By the way, food that Allen cooked for the first time in a while tasted better.”

Everyone surprisingly likes my cooking. Maybe I used to cook a lot before I

‘Ah.’

Upon further reflection, I realized that I still hadn’t checked my stats. After swallowing that unpleasant potion, I hope my stats have significantly increased.

With a racing heart and an anticipatory mind, I proceeded to check my status.

＜Character Information＞

◈ Name: Allen

◈ Occupation: Laborer

◈ Stats

[Strength: 76(▲6)] [Agility: 66(▲6)]

[Stamina: 121(▲6)] [Intelligence: 35]

[Magic Power: 130(▲30)] [Divine: 0]

◈ Possessed Traits

[Rapid Cooking Lv.7] [Skilled Ingredient Preparation Lv.5] [Organization and Cleanup Lv.6] [Convenient Backpacking Lv.5] [Magic Circulation Lv.1] [Magic Recovery Lv.1] [Magic Condensation Lv.1]

“…?”

What’s this.

My strength, agility, and stamina stats have only increased by a measly 6 points. Considering the rare potions I consumed, it was an unexpectedly low increase. How did this happen?

‘I distinctly remember all my stats jumping up to at least 20 when I fed it to the character while playing on extreme difficulty.’

At least there was some consolation in the fact that my magic had shown a significant increase of 30 points. I couldn’t help but raise my eyebrows in surprise at the stark difference.

By the way… I realized that I had run out of potions after consuming about six vials. Both 30 and 6 are numbers divisible by 6.

“…Each vial increased the remaining stats by 1, and magical power by 5.”

Dragon Strength Potion. Perhaps it’s because this potion, made from materials obtained from magic-affine dragons, only enhances magical power. Although there are some differences in this world from the game ＜Dungeon In Evil＞, I never thought such disparities would occur.

Still, the fortunate thing is that my most needed stat, magical power, increased by 30.

Well, since I’m going to be a magician, strength doesn’t really matter. It’s a bit disappointing that my agility and stamina are lacking, but who knows what might happen if I train hard in running.

I should be grateful for the increase in magical power. Let’s think positively.

“…Allen, you look pleased.”

“H

Clara must have seen my expression brighten up.

“Just, well…”

“Allen, are you that happy?”

“What are you talking about?”

What is he talking about again?

Suddenly, not only me but Clara too looked puzzled at Frey’s random remark.

“Wasn’t it nice to see my beautiful and smooth back?”

“…No.”

Crazy exhibitionist pervert…

“Does Allen have a good back?”

“No, he doesn’t…”

Why does Clara keep acting like this again? In a short conversation, my head suddenly feels dizzy.

But more importantly, since my magical power has increased, I should go to Leticia later and learn more magic. With my magical power having increased by 30, I will be able to do more things.

“There’s about a month and 10 days left now.”

The deadline is getting closer and closer.

By then, I must reach a level where I can definitely be independent.

Following Frey, Erin and Letitia were already waiting. As soon as they saw us, they spoke.

“You’re late, Allen.”

“Ah, sorry.”

“So, did you give everything to Aria?”

“I definitely did!”

Serra-Aria said so, showing a bag containing twenty pieces of dragon scales. Kaisius’s gaze lingered on it, but I didn’t know what he was thinking.

“Everyone, come closer~ We have to speak quietly. There might be someone eavesdropping like a sly mouse~♡”

“When did I ever eavesdrop…?”

There is no way.

Anyway, everyone gathered together as Erin had said.

“I’ll be near Yongok. So make sure to take good care of the areas you’re assigned to.”

It was a good decision for Erin, who was strong in the party, to be close to Yongok, as most people would think twice before approaching.

“The auction house is structured with three floors. The first floor has the auction podium and seats for participants. The second floor is solely for participants, and the third floor is the VIP room.”

“What’s different about the VIP room? Like its interior structure or something.”

Erin replied to my question.

“For once, you’re asking a constructive question, not bad~.”

“…So what’s different?”

“Yes~ The VIP rooms are not arranged in a fan-shaped seating arrangement like the first and second floors, but rather in a form where rooms are located on one side of an oval-shaped corridor that rotates.”

“Isn’t it difficult to monitor?”

It’s good for hiding, that’s for sure.

“That’s why it’s the place we need to be most careful about. In fact, since the first and second floors are practically open spaces, there is a high possibility that thieves could hide here, right?”

“That’s right.”

“In the corridor, you can only enter through the door, but one side of the room has a large window that allows you to observe the auction. So you can infiltrate and enter the auction hall at any time.”

Letitia added further explanations while emphasizing the importance of the third floor.

So who will take care of this place? Resourceful Letitia? However, since the corridor is a closed space, it is somewhat uncertain to have elemental beings control it. Plus, among the party members, those with low [Sixth Sense] skill levels are predominant.

Then how about Frey? But Frey also has a relatively low level of [Sixth Sense] skill, just like Letitia.

“Clara… maybe one room could be enough, but it’s not suitable for covering multiple rooms with a small cloak job.”

I naturally don’t think so, then what’s left…

“Of course, it’s Aria after all…”

“Inadequate, so you should take care~♡”

“…What?”

“Now you have a dragon, right? With the dragon’s magic, you can easily cover the entire 3rd floor and still have some left.”

“…That’s true, but wouldn’t it be better if Aria takes care of it?”

Ser-Aria had a higher [Sixth Sense] characteristic level than Leticiana Frey and also had many characteristics optimized for surveillance and tracking, such as [Divination] and [Swift Wind].

When it came to detecting someone’s intrusion and chasing them, she might run together with Clara. Moreover, she was an archer, so she could cover a wider range than Clara.

In response to my opinion, Erin smirked and said.

“Aria, you can’t drink alcohol. What if you miss a thief while drinking?”

“Ah…”

That’s right.

“hahahahaha, I’m sorry!”

If you’re sorry, then stop drinking, you drunkard.

“So, Aria will keep an eye on the narrow path. Even if she drinks, she can still see everything within her line of sight, right?”

“Hmm, leave it to me!”

Just don’t drink and guard the third floor.

The arrangement was set like that.

Ser-Aria looked at the main entrance of the auction house and that street, while Clara monitored the back entrance and that street. Letitia was on the second floor. Frey was on the first floor. And I ended up overseeing the third floor.

I wonder if it’s okay to entrust such an important position to someone like me, a mere laborer.

“But what if enemies intrude… Are you sure it’s fine?”

“Just leave that to the dragon~ It’s simple with just one command. Why are you asking such a foolish question just in case?”

“To him?”

When I glanced at Caius with a somewhat puzzled look, she spoke as if slightly displeased.

“Are you saying I can’t read the movements of those wretches?”

“You’re calling them wretches again?”

“…It was a slip of the tongue.”

“It was a false statement. Would everything be resolved if I say so? If I go back, I’ll have to get hit again.

“Isn’t it enough to keep the pickpockets from coming in?”

“Well… that’s true.”

“If that’s the case, there’s no problem.”

Erin nodded her head slightly and spoke.

“The dragon seems to be confident. Then control it well, amateur~♡”

“…Uh?”

“Then let’s go straight to our positions.”

Saying that, Erin took a large piece of dragonstone with her. She seemed to be trying to minimize the variables by carrying the dragonstone herself.

However, it was said that once the auction began, it would temporarily be handed over to the government…

‘That moment will be crucial.’

It had to be protected without fail. Yongok was a precious treasure that would bear responsibility for our future standard of living.

So, the expenses for this auction will soon…

“Everyone trusts us, right?”

“Of course!”

“I understand.”

“Leave it to me.”

“…Yes.”

Protecting our future life was no different from any other task.

“I have to work hard.”

That’s what he promised himself. If he failed, he decided not to give Kaius rice for a week.

However, things didn’t go as smoothly as he thought. If that were the case, there would have been no need for security.

“Find the culprit quickly!!”

“Don’t get up from your seat!”

“If you try to escape now, you may be suspected as the culprit.”

I was up on the third floor of the auction house. Together with Caius.

How did I end up here…?