Chapter 260

Beverly, seated on the sofa across from Tatsuro's group, made a gesture as if interacting with the system, then looked up after checking something.

"First, we're offering 400 million."

"Yes."

After hearing 5 billion from the previous offer and 1 billion before that, Tatsuro couldn't help but think it was low.

But since Beverly had said "first," he expected something more valuable than money and nodded, waiting for the rest.

"Next, a magic device to reduce weight. Three special wooden dolls: human, horse, and bird, that can serve as vessels for Spirit Magic. A [Fairy Fossil], a material that greatly enhances Tree Magic. A stringed instrument that, when played with Curse Magic, strengthens allies and weakens enemies who hear it. A raw Dragon Eye Jewel that enhances the properties of any metal it's mixed with. That's all for items."

"Items… so there's something else?"

Noting that Beverly didn't produce the items, likely out of caution, Tatsuro thought the listed items sounded promising.

No lies were detected, suggesting they held decent value.

But the mention of something beyond money and items piqued Tatsuro's interest.

"Yeah. Probably something you'd really want."

"That's very intriguing."

Tatsuro interjected eagerly as Beverly teased the reveal.

With a chuckle, Beverly stated clearly:

"The current status of people you were involved with before entering the dungeon. Major events in this country after you entered. And -- information about a girl named 'Leah Schleiermacher' over these 36 years."

"""""""—!"""""""

Shocked and wary that Leah's true identity was exposed, Tatsuro's group tensed.

But Beverly leaned back on the sofa, smiling as if she had no ill intentions.

"No need to be so surprised. A girl with a different face when you entered and when we met inside. Wouldn't that naturally spark curiosity?"

"True. And Leah's info would be easy to gather."

She'd been searched for openly, so a skilled person could quickly find her name.

"Right. We have a few folks specialized in info-gathering, not dungeon diving. When I had them look into it, we figured out who she was right away. The info we're offering includes things not easily uncovered. It should help a lot with your next moves."

"That's true. But it's a bit unnerving how well-prepared you are. You couldn't predict when we'd emerge, and we were apparently presumed dead."

"Simple. I never believed you were dead. I prepared for the chance to get that info someday.

Even if I was in the dungeon, others could negotiate, so we were always ready. Other parties waited two or three years, but after ten, everyone but us gave up. Don't lump our thorough prep with their rushed offers."

"And your hunch paid off."

"Yep. You were alive. And you saw the deepest parts that no party has reached. So, you can tell us about the boss in detail, right?"

"Of course. If we choose you, I'll explain everything."

"That'd be great."

Information—something money alone couldn't buy.

Not amateur guesses, but professionally gathered data over time.

Only possible because they knew Tatsuro's group and believed they'd return.

Unlike Sanjiv's claims, this couldn't be bought.

"You hit a real sweet spot."

"Right? And we're the only ones who know you reached the treasury. I figured you wouldn't care much about money."

It was so spot-on, Tatsuro's group was speechless.

"Just to confirm, how accurate is that info?"

"Everything in the documents we'll provide is thoroughly verified. I'd say it's almost certainly error-free."

"Does it cover fine details?"

"Yep. From basic stuff to things that are hard to dig up."

No lies detected from Jeanne so far. It seemed trustworthy.

Tatsuro glanced around for other questions, pausing at Leah.

She nodded slightly, signaling it was okay, so Tatsuro decided to end the discussion.

"Is that everything?"

"Yeah. That's all we've got."

"Got it. Can we have some time to discuss who offered the best deal among the three?"

"Sure. I can guess what Sanjiv offered, but Ekoarichi might've brought something unexpected. How long will you need?"

"Fifteen minutes should do."

"Quick. That works for us."

With that, Beverly stood, waved at Jeanne, and left.

After the distant door closed, Tatsuro's group began discussing their choice.

"Honestly, Ekoarichi's offer was tempting. But Leah saw it, so aside from material issues, she probably learned something useful."

"Yes. Leave that to me."

"And we're not exactly hurting for money."

"No need to debate that."

"Right. The items were interesting too."

As Beverly seemed the clear choice, Leah hesitantly raised her hand.

"Um…"

"What's up, Leah? Something bothering you?"

"It's just… It feels like this is mostly for my info. Is that really okay?"

"…That's all?"

"No, no. Without that, we could get something better."

"Better stuff? No idea what that'd be. But whatever it is, your info trumps it."

"Exactly. No need to hold back now. We were going to look into the country's situation and Moritz anyway. And now, pro-gathered info just falls into our lap? It saves time, and we get unseen items. It's a win-win."

Leah opened her mouth to say something, but stopped.

Pushing further would dampen their kindness, so she nodded slightly.

"Thank you."

"No biggie."

"Hehe. Why's Nana answering?"

"Because I understand what Daddy and Mommy say."

"She said exactly what we meant!"

As Ai petted her, Nana's blissful expression made Leah feel silly for overthinking, and she watched in silence.

Seeing Leah's face relax, Tatsuro clapped to gather attention.

"That settles it. Let's chill until they come back—time's almost up."

"Agreed!"

Ai leaned her head on Tatsuro's shoulder, secretly boosting her sense of smell with her title's effect to savor his scent.

Lately, she wondered if she was becoming a bit of a pervert, but his calming scent kept her there until the knock came.

Knock, knock, knock -- after three sets of footsteps stopped.

Tatsuro answered, and Sanjiv, grinning confidently, led the others in, followed by the other two, who sat on the sofa.

"So, decided who you're going with?"

"Yes. It's decided."

"Good, good."

Sanjiv smiled smugly at Tatsuro's reply.

Resisting the urge to tell him to stop making it awkward, Tatsuro announced their choice.

"We're selling the info to Fornacis's Beverly-san."

"…I see."

"Heh."

"What!?"

Ekoarichi looked disappointed, Beverly smirked victoriously, and Sanjiv stared at Tatsuro in disbelief.

{Someone's mad.}

{Who cares? Offering money and planning to haggle later? No way.}

"This is rigged! You had it decided from the start!!"

"…Huh? What's the point of that for us?"

If they'd wanted that, they'd have dealt with Beverly directly, skipping the hassle.

Everyone here should understand that—except one red-faced, fuming old man.

"I don't care! It's invalid! How much do I need to pay?!"

"Ugh, that's pathetic, Sanjiv. We agreed on no complaints. Admit, Beverly offered what the kids wanted more than you or me."

"Right, Sanjiv. You gave up within a year, assuming they were dead. We kept preparing, expecting their return. Losing to you would've been impossible."

"—Grr!"

Sanjiv clenched his teeth so hard that a crack echoed as a molar broke.

"Disgraceful. I'm leaving! Pfft—"

"Hey, that's gross…"

Spitting his broken tooth on the floor, he stormed out, nearly breaking the door.

His petty exit left everyone dumbfounded.

"Unbelievable, that old geezer. I'll tell my crew to steer clear of him. Well, I'm out too—too bad."

"Right. We've got important stuff to discuss."

"Jealous, honestly."

Bitterly smiling at Beverly's subtle jab, Ekoarichi turned serious, looking at Tatsuro's group.

"Kids, Kettcherika's doors are always open. If you tire of traveling, consider joining us."

"Hey, that's a bit forward, don't you think?"

"Haha. It's their choice to join or not. Just saying it's an option. Forgive me."

"Fine, fine. Now get out, will ya?"

"Alright. Looking forward to seeing you again, Tatsuro-kun."

"Sure, if fate allows."

At Tatsuro's final words, Ekoarichi grinned, stood briskly, and strode out of the mansion.