Free Web NovelChapter 75: Chapter 75: Auctioning a Mermaid
From the high vantage point of the Paradise Command Center, one could see a waterfall-like avalanche of snow ravaging the valley below. The deafening ROAR was just like thunder.
Yu Zhizhi followed behind the young man from the Guard Team, her rabbit ears drooping as if trying to block out the concussive sound from outside.
At the end of a corridor flashing with lasers stood a tank-like intelligent machine that glided along. One of its eyes was broken, a dark and empty socket. "Firepower locked on," it said. "Foreign species detected. Commence bombardment?"
The machine’s right arm aimed in Yu Zhizhi’s direction.
It seemed that with just a single command, it would blow the foreign creature’s head to pieces.
Yu Zhizhi’s face went deathly pale.
She instinctively ducked behind the young man from the Guard Team, trembling with fear.
Soon, a gentle voice came from above her.
"Don’t be afraid. It’s just joking with you."
"...Really?"
Yu Zhizhi peeked out and saw the robot spinning around happily on the floor, pleased with its successful prank.
"..."
"Alright, Alu, stop messing around."
The Guard Team member unlocked the room’s door with his fingerprint. "I need to take this esteemed lady to have her abilities tested. Please patrol diligently and don’t let anyone suspicious get close."
"And while you’re at it, make us two cups of hot coffee. Thanks."
The tank-like machine raised its arm in what looked like a military salute. "No~ Pro~blem~"
WHIRRR—
The tank-like machine was about half a person’s height. It activated its small motor, rolled its wheels, and glided past the two of them.
The young man from the Guard Team pushed the door open.
Inside the spacious room was a testing apparatus. A blue circle of light was projected onto the floor; all one had to do was stand inside it.
The young man gave a military salute to the male Beastman in the room.
Following their instructions, Yu Zhizhi stepped into the circle of light.
At the doorway, a young guard peeked in curiously.
The apparatus spun rapidly, and soon the determined Level appeared on the display screen—
[S-Class!]
That settled it. She was a genuine S-Class female of the Rabbit Clan!
The male who had been sitting immediately shot to his feet.
The young guard slipped away quietly. He had to go report this news to his vice-captain.
The male in charge of the Level testing spoke:
"Luther, take this lady to the lounge. Whatever she needs, do your best to satisfy her requests. I need to find the officer for the morning meeting now—beautiful Rabbit Clan Lady, there’s no need to be alarmed. You are our honored guest. Please."
The young man from the Guard Team named Luther gave a slight nod and led the way.
They passed through a clean corridor and arrived at the command center’s lounge.
Inside was a long dining table and comfortable, soft chairs.
The tank-like machine came in carrying a tray and placed two cups of freshly brewed, steaming hot coffee on the table.
It made a point of circling the little Rabbit Clan female once.
"Excuse me, do I need to collect her information?" the tank-like machine asked, looking up at the young man in the brown uniform.
Yu Zhizhi sat in a chair. The room was very warm, a stark contrast to the world of ice and snow outside.
She was a little nervous, her hands resting on her lap, unsure of what she should do.
Luther said gently, "Let’s collect it next time we meet."
’This Rabbit Clan Lady has just arrived in an unfamiliar environment; she’ll need some time to adjust. Something like collecting her information can wait a few days.’
The tank-like machine slid away on its wheels.
Yu Zhizhi looked at the hot coffee in front of her. She couldn’t help but wrap both hands around the cup, lower her head, and start to drink.
"May I ask your name?"
"Yu... Zhizhi."
"Ms. Zhi Zhi, is there anything we can help you with?"
Luther’s attitude was very gentle, his tone filled with patience. He looked at this little female rabbit, who seemed to have fallen from the sky, afraid that speaking any louder might frighten her.
"I need a place to stay." After drinking half her coffee, Yu Zhizhi looked up at the young Beast Clan man before her.
Luther nodded. "I’ll arrange it. Do you have any requirements for your accommodations?"
"I hope it’s somewhere safe. And also... warm."
"No problem." The young man smiled faintly. "You are an S-Class female from the Beast World Planet. You will receive the highest level of treatment no matter which Empire you go to."
"Any other requests?" he continued to ask.
Yu Zhizhi hesitated for a moment before asking, "Are there any of the Mermaid Clan here?"
Luther was taken aback by the question.
He recalled a message he had seen earlier. "There weren’t any before, but one was transported here two days ago."
"...Transported?"
"By air transport. A steam-powered airship brought it back directly. It’s going to be auctioned in Paradise tonight at eight. Ms. Zhi Zhi, did you come here for the Mermaid? I can take you to the auction house."
’If the Rabbit Clan female came for the Mermaid, then that would make sense.’
At the thought of a Mermaid, Yu Zhizhi nodded eagerly. "I want to go!"
’The Mermaid Clan lived in the Deep Sea Empire. If I wanted to get to the Deep Sea Empire from the Moon Rising Empire, I would need to safely pass through the Sad Dragon Cave and traverse the entire Valoran Empire.’
’The risk is too great.’
’It’s dangerous outside, and I don’t have a dedicated Guard Team.’ ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
’Not to mention, if I tried to enter the Valoran Empire, I would definitely be intercepted.’
’If I can find the Mermaid Clan right here in Paradise, that would be so convenient!’
’The time limit for this mission is two months...’
’I feel like if I just seize this opportunity, it’ll be fine!’
「Meanwhile.」
The male who had been in charge of the testing asked, "Sir, the information check is complete. She is an S-Class female of the Rabbit Clan from the Valoran Empire. Luther just sent in his latest report. She likely came to Paradise for the Mermaid auction."
This reason also made sense.
The Mermaid Clan of the Deep Sea Empire was the most mysterious, and it was said that every last Mermaid was beautiful enough to topple nations. Coupled with certain special functions, they were deeply favored by the females of the Moon Rising Empire.
News had been released half a month ago that a new species would be available at the upcoming auction.
Many noble females had come to Paradise in advance to prepare.
So, it was only natural for a noble female from the Valoran Empire to rush over as well.
"Do we need to contact the Valoran Empire and tell them Ms. Zhi Zhi is currently in our territory?"
At the head of the long conference table, the officer in the military uniform gently tapped the table with his pen. "Are you an idiot? Of course we don’t need to tell them something like that."
"..."
"Since she’s here, we will give her our full support no matter how long she wants to stay or what she wants to do. Perhaps this Rabbit Clan female will be willing to remain permanently within the Moon Rising Empire’s borders."
’An S-Class female is a priceless, sought-after treasure.’
"If anyone asks, just say she has always resided in the Divine City. Have Luther ’kindly’ remind her that, for her own safety, she is not to reveal to any Beastman that she comes from the Valoran Empire."
"Yes, Sir!"
’The little female rabbit got lost and wandered into the Moon Rising Empire’s Paradise. That makes her a homegrown treasure of the Moon Rising Empire.’
「7:00 PM.」
Luther took Yu Zhizhi to the Lost Tower.
Many of Paradise’s buildings were built at varying heights, staggered in layers, specifically to protect against the snow tide.
She saw handsome males standing at the entrance, welcoming guests.
The patrons, meanwhile, were almost all females from various clans.
"This place is..." Yu Zhizhi murmured.
Luther smiled. "This is a place where noble ladies come to find some entertainment."
"Is the Mermaid in there?"
Yu Zhizhi’s mind was solely focused on her main quest.
Luther replied, "The Lost Tower holds an auction once a month. I had someone make inquiries this afternoon. The one being auctioned tonight is from the Mermaid Clan; there’s no mistake."
It’s just...
There was one thing Luther wasn’t sure if he should mention or not.
