An Extra’s POV

[Moments Earlier: The Merchant City]

"This is weird…"

Rey and Esme were walking alongside each other, though with both of them cloaked, no one around could see them.

They couldn't hear them either.

"Why haven't we spotted a single Warehouse with any slave in them?" Esme muttered, her tone showing signs of impatience.

She was, of course, in her full-plated armor, and her face was covered in a dark helmet. Still, that didn't stop the emotions she displayed from leaking out.

"I'm not surprised." Rey answered her, causing the Half Elf to turn in his direction.

"What do you mean? You knew this would happen?"

"No. I wasn't sure. But, with all of this happening, it's pretty clear what's going on now."

Esme's quizzical expression was hidden underneath her helmet, just as Rey's smile was also locked behind his mask.

Both of them merely spoke without once being able to visually express their current emotions.

"With Scylla and her cohorts already aware that the Full Sweep is happening today, it's very likely that they have already transferred their assets to a different location." Rey finally answered.

To this, Esme groaned.

"But we've been searching a lot of places for days now. Nearly two weeks, even." She sighed, slapping her hand against her metal helmet.

If not for Rey's control over sound Magic, her sudden action would have definitely attracted attention.

"Does that mean we'll have to search for them all over again?"

A slight chuckle echoed from Rey as he looked at Esme, wishing he could see what kind of expression she had behind the Orichalcum.

"You're very smart and collected, but when it comes to matters like these, you really are naive and excitable."

"W-what?"

"Pfft! Relax. I don't blame you for being unaware of how things work in this sphere of life." Rey shrugged, his tone still containing hints of amusement.

"You don't know anything about the Criminal Underworld."

entire Slave Trade business, it was previously assumed that she would have her Slaves in the regions that were now under her

none of the merchandise

slave was spotted

been transported to places that aren't even on the map, or they exist somewhere close… where they're very accessible."

and through and we've found nothing." Esme sighed. "And you also added that there's no underground

Rey nodded slightly.

business of the Black Market flowed well, the Allied Merchant City had Black Market activities

an expert in the field, or a proper investigation was carried out, it would be difficult

City. But, after finding nothing,

in unregistered areas that aren't on the map. That'll make our search more

option?" Esme quickly asked, neatly cutting Rey off when

moment of silence

"S-sorry for that…"

shoulders as she apologized. She was clearly anxious and extremely worried for

Rey understood that.

really show how young she is.' He smiled underneath his mask before proceeding to tell her what she wanted

closest place they can be to Scylla—the venue

"A-ah…?"

storing her goods. It's the perfect place to hide merchandise." Rey found his lips widening the more he mulled over

he could get very far, though, Esme's voice

referring to them like

"Pardon?"

slaves. They're people, you know? Why do you keep referring to them as

he didn't particularly

them. If I want to figure out

putting himself in their kind would he be able to fully grasp their thought process and

"I see…"

neutral, though Rey felt like she was sort of

such a methodology is, she'll understand.' He shrugged all of those

which of the two options is true. We'll be able to find out everything once the Dark

time we returned

*******

~VWUUUUSH!~

parted, spitting out Rey and

Rebal and Kara seated on their beds, with

"Y-you're back, Sir Ralyks!"

Sir Ralyks

two awkwardly gave their greetings, Rey nodded