Chapter 223: Lonely People
I conveyed the news we discovered to Sigren. He nodded slightly. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“We need to prepare for a raid.”
“There might be children or other people locked up inside. We have to be careful.”
Sigren had a thoughtful expression. “…Then we need to send someone in to locate everyone beforehand. There could be a risk of hostages being taken.”
“Right. Carl and I were thinking of taking on that role.”
“…”
He looked at me intently. I expected this reaction. I had my explanation ready.
“I won’t deny it could be dangerous. But since we’ve already been introduced, we won’t raise suspicion if we go in. Besides, if it’s two women, they’ll likely be less cautious if things go south.”
I said this because Carl would be going in disguised as ‘Mia Yan.’
“You’re not wrong, but…”
Sigren pulled me into an embrace, his arms around my waist, and buried his face in my neck, speaking in a languid tone.
“Lately, it seems like you care a lot about Carl.”
I couldn’t deny it. I gently stroked his black hair. “…I was reminded of you.”
“Reminded of me?”
“Yeah, when you were little. Sometimes he really looks just like you.” I paused briefly before continuing cautiously. “…And besides, it’s better if everyone can be happy.”
He chuckled softly. “Yeah. This is so you.”
At that moment, I suddenly remembered something I wanted to nag him about. “Wait, if you don’t like me caring about Carl, why don’t you do it yourself?”
Sigren lifted his head and asked with a troubled expression. “Me?”
I looked at him, “Yeah, you could be a friend to him. Then I won’t have to worry about Carl as much, and you’d have a friend too.”
This was what we called ‘it’s a nice thing for sister and husband as well’. [t/n: Win-win situation/good for everybody) 누이 좋고, 매부 좋고다]
However, my fiancé looked like he had just been given the hardest mission in the world. “I…I’ll try.”
I emphasized clearly. “Do your best.”
“Hmmm….”
“Got it?”
“….”
I smiled with a satisfied expression. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
***
So, we proceeded with the plan.
We had Sigren and our other allies wait outside for now.
Carl and I went to meet the broker.
“Oh my! It’s an honor to serve such beautiful ladies!”
The broker didn’t know our identities, but he seemed to know our statuses. He bowed very humbly.
“Enough with the small talk, just lead the way.” Carl, disguised as Mia Yan, nodded his head in an overbearing manner. He perfectly embodied the demeanor of a haughty noblewoman.
The broker, seemingly accustomed to such behavior, behan to guide us without missing a beat. “Yes. for our esteemed guests, I shall first present you our finest selections.”
I glanced at Carl. He had been taking the lead in the conversation with the broker. It seemed like he was trying to keep me as inconspicuous as possible. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
He didn’t have to go such a length though. I appreciate the protection, but still. Moreover, perhaps it was just my imagination, but Cal’s face seemed paler than usual. A cold sweat glistened on his slight bluish face.
‘What’s wrong with him?’ He didn’t look good since the last time we dealt with the countess. We definitely needed to wrap this up quickly.
“Here we are. Please, take your time and choose whichever one you like.”
Despite everything, Carl continued his act like a picky noblewoman. “Where did you get these kids? There won’t be any problems later, right?”
“Of course. Rest assured. They are all orphans, so no one will come looking for them.”
“What if one is from an orphanage? There would be a missing person report.”
“We have taken every precaution, of course. Officially, it’s handled as an adoption, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
“….”
I see, that’s how it’s done. That’s why the charity group mentioned ‘facilitating adoptions’.
The broker laughed heartily. “Besides, even if an orphanage files a missing persons report, who would seriously look for them? The worry is unnecessary.”
While they conversed, I examined the children. They were confined in iron cages, but fortunately, they looked healthy. There were quite a few of them. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“There wouldn’t be any records, right? If there were, we wouldn’t proceed with the transaction.” I was probing to see if there were any ledgers or customer lists
“We would never make such a mistake.”
“You must have done this kind of business more than once?”
“Of course! I’ve been in this business for years!”
Carl and I exchanged a brief glance.
If the man had been in this business for years, he must have prepared measures against any risks. He claimed there were no records, but surely he must have hidden a secret ledger for contingencies. In case he needed to call for help or blackmail his clients.
This should be enough information.
It was becoming too difficult to watch this any longer. I clenched my fist and released it, channeling my magic. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
I then positioned myself in front of the cages to protect the children.
I’ve gathered all the necessary pieces.
Now it was time to attack.
A whirlwind of magic-infused wind swirled around us.
“What the hell is happening…?”
Before the broker could fully grasp the situation, I took a deep breath and shouted, “Everyone, attack!” Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
***
Check out my Patreon to read advanced chapters!
Patreon updated MLW: Chapter 242
