Cooking Swordmaster [EN]: Chapter 137

42. Goodblood Auction House

Leaving the Gold Rush sooner than expected, Cainchel returned to Citizen first.

The gate, designed for easy travel to the north, significantly reduced the return time.

Detective Siegfried decided to remain in Krolltra, as his work there wasn’t finished.

Meliot’s engagement to Count Algedi’s daughter stemmed from Lucia’s existence.

However, Meliot transformed into a Berserker, and Lucia has vanished from social circles for a long time.

‘Lucia is likely imprisoned somewhere in Krolltra. Maybe…’

Zeke resolved to find her while also searching for foods that held cherished memories for Meliot and Lucia.

The effect of these foods varied depending on the customer’s satisfaction, even when the dishes were identical.

If he could recreate a dish with profound meaning for someone, it might even completely break the curse.

‘Like the Coq au vin [chicken braised in wine] of memories I made for Vincent.’

Therefore, Zeke’s role was crucial.

Cainchel’s first stop was the Deus Church temple.

He intended to meet Archbishop Caroline, a regular customer and ally in the fight against the Seven Deadly Sins Church.

“It’s been a while, Lord Cainchel. Have you discovered any leads regarding the Seven Deadly Sins Church you were investigating?”

Cainchel briefly recounted the events in Krolltra to Caroline.

She listened with wide, surprised eyes.

She exclaimed loudly when he described using Durendal, the sword he received from Blue Mountain, to extinguish the fire spirit.

“Oh my! So, the sword you carry at your waist is Roland’s sword, Durendal? I can hardly believe Lord Cainchel is capable of wielding Durendal…”

Durendal was notoriously difficult to handle unless the wielder was a Sword Master.

If it didn’t receive enough Aura [magical energy], it would even drain the user’s life force, making it more akin to a demonic sword than a treasured one.

However, its power was undeniable.

Its ability to freeze everything around it was comparable to large-scale magic.

Caroline’s eyes turned cold as Cainchel recounted Meliot’s transformation into a Berserker.

“You mentioned his arm was severed but reattached? That’s impossible, even for a Berserker.”

“Yes, it must be connected to immortal cells.”

“To think the lord of Krolltra would resort to such measures…”

Caroline paused, closing her eyes for a moment. Then, as if reaching a decision, she nodded.

“He collaborated with the Seven Deadly Sins Church and inflicted a curse upon the people he was sworn to protect. That sin is unforgivable. Alejandro Auguste von Algedi will be judged in the name of Deus.”

However, regardless of the Temple Knights’ strength, only a Sword Master could truly contend with another Sword Master.

That’s when Cainchel mentioned Draupnir’s existence.

Using it could temporarily restrain Meliot.

Thanks to Mimir’s spring water, Nimue and Abel’s injuries had nearly healed. With their assistance, they could adequately confront Meliot.

Caroline spoke with a reverent expression, a far cry from the girl obsessed with jewel ice cream.

“As long as your sword points in the right direction, the Deus Church stands with the free knight Cainchel van Zistad.”

With this, Caroline was fully on board.

@

The only concern was Abel’s existence, the half-elf who could be seen as proof of lust.

However, the issue had resolved itself in an unexpected way.

“Abel…?”

“You seem embarrassed, which makes me feel awkward. Cainchel, didn’t you say that race or gender doesn’t matter between friends?”

“…No, but still.”

The half-elf Abel sat in the drawing-room of Well-ride Mansion, transformed into someone barely recognizable as a half-elf.

Her slender frame appeared fragile enough to break with a hug.

The clear blonde hair cascading over her shoulders and back was identical to Nimue’s.

Furthermore, the lingering androgynous aura on her face had vanished, replaced by a beauty that would be universally recognized as feminine.

“Could it be Mimir’s spring water?”

Cainchel had given Mimir’s spring water to Abel and Nimue, who had sustained serious injuries in the battle against Meliot.

The life force of the World Tree contained within instantly healed the two elves’ wounds.

“It seems the World Tree only restored the elven aspects. Moreover, judging by my appearance, the World Tree seems to have determined I am female.”

Abel had constantly worried about her identity, torn between human and elf. Was it acceptable for it to end like this?

“…”

Abel chuckled and muttered softly.

“It will be difficult to refer to myself as a man from now on. Apparently, in situations like this, gender is determined by the person you have affection for…”

It seemed she wouldn’t be able to discuss it with Cainchel for a while.

“Ahem. Anyway, Cainchel, I survived such severe injuries thanks to Mimir’s spring water. I will definitely repay this debt.”

“Then keep enjoying the food I make. Preferably with gusto.”

“Isn’t that what I should be asking of you?”

“Oh? Is that so?”

Cainchel scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile on his face.

It was always the same.

Abel suppressed her suddenly racing heart and said,

“Then let’s discuss the future. As you know, planting the World Tree in the Green Mountains failed.”

To rebuild Britannia’s World Tree, Count Algedi and Meliot had to be defeated.

“But the World Tree sapling is safe, right?”

“Of course. Nimue and I protected it with our lives. We plan to replant it after defeating Meliot.”

“In the Green Mountains?”

“That’s the most ideal environment for the World Tree to thrive. But it’s too exposed there. Nimue is considering another location.”

Where would the new home of the Wind Tree tribe, led by their queen Nimue, be?

Abel whispered to Cainchel in a seductive tone, as if sharing a secret.

“Nimue told me to keep it a secret for now, but it would be wise to obtain permission from the lord of that land in advance.”

“Could it be…?”

“Yes, it’s Zistad territory.”

The Zistad barony, devastated by the aftermath of the Seven Deadly Sins War. Cainchel aspired to become a Sword Master to rebuild it.

And now, he was encountering potential residents who wished to relocate there.

“But can the World Tree Yggdrasil truly take root in that cold climate?”

“We intend to seek assistance from the lord. He possesses Mimir’s spring water, which can sustain it until it establishes itself in the soil.”

It was said that flowers bloomed even in the dead of winter in lands blessed by the World Tree.

“Are you certain about this? The north is a harsh environment for humans.”

“That’s why we must become so powerful that no one can easily threaten us.”

The response came from an unexpected source.

Nimue entered as the drawing-room door opened.

“Nimue?! Are you alright?”

“Thanks to you. I overheard the conversation. You’re going to fight Meliot?”

“Yes.”

“Abel and I will join you. You seem to have grown incredibly strong in the past month, but facing that monster alone will still be difficult.”

Cainchel nodded.

All he needed was an opportunity to use Draupnir.

With the two elves by his side, he could adequately confront the immortal monster.

“Then, shall we discuss something a bit more pragmatic? If you accept the tribe, we can offer the goods we saw in Eldrad. Vegetables that only grow near the World Tree and wine crafted by elven hands… Surely those will fetch a high price.”

Not just considerably, but ridiculously high prices.

She resembled a new bride excitedly discussing her trousseau.

However, protecting the elven territory residents as a free knight would be challenging.

‘There’s another reason why I need to become a Sword Master.’

He was already close, but hadn’t yet broken through.

However, he would soon unleash an Aura Blade [a blade of pure magical energy] more brilliant than any other.

Because Cainchel had so many regular customers who savored his food.

“Then we should retrieve Draupnir first.”

Using the gate in Citizen, they could instantly reach Edinburgh, home to the Goodblood Auction House.

Abel, who had been sitting quietly, rose from her seat.

“If it’s the Goodblood Auction House, I’ll accompany you.”

“Abel, you?”

“Didn’t you say you can acquire weapons there that are unavailable through normal channels? Don’t worry so much. I asked the Count to obtain an Edelweiss merchant pass. Surely no one would dare to interfere with the head of the merchant group.”

She had said enough that he couldn’t leave her behind, claiming it was too dangerous.

Abel wasn’t someone to be protected, but a comrade to fight alongside.

“Besides, I’ve been there a few times with Cain. Although I went there to purchase something other than weapons back then.”

“If that’s the case, I too…”

“Nimue, please wait at the mansion. Two elves are too much to handle.”

“…Yes.”

Nimue sat on the chair with a sulky expression, fidgeting with her fingers.

She muttered with the forlorn look of a puppy abandoned by its owner.

“I want to be with Cainchel too…”

@

The port city of Edinburgh was a place where the influence of trading companies was stronger than that of a commercial city.

Cainchel and Abel were able to travel there instantly using the gate in Citizen.

As if he had been notified in advance, the man managing the gate bowed.

“Welcome to Edinburgh, Head Merchant Abel.”

“You’ve worked hard. Is the carriage ready?”

“It’s waiting right in front.”

As expected of the heir to a viscount family, she commanded people with natural ease.

Traveling by carriage would prevent unnecessary attention.

Cainchel said as he entered the carriage,

“Seeing you like this, you truly resemble a head merchant.”

“I am a real head merchant. When we relocate to the north, I will oversee the branch there.”

“I’ll have to make a good impression from now on.”

“A tax of 10% should suffice, right?”

“That’s too little.”

Cainchel and Abel chuckled inside the carriage.

The carriage carrying the two headed towards a large building on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

It was the Goodblood Auction House, rumored to be run by vampires.

On nights when the full moon rose, it transformed into an underground grand auction house where extraordinary items were traded.

And today was that night.

As the carriage approached, a guard in armor raised his halberd [a combination spear and battle-axe].

“I apologize, but there is no auction today. Please turn back.”

Abel casually presented the merchant pass from the window.

“I am Abel, the head merchant of the Edelweiss Trading Company. I am here to participate.”

“Oh, I… I apologize. I didn’t recognize such a high-ranking individual. I will open the side door for you. Please enter through there.”

The tightly closed door slid open, and the carriage entered.

Abel whispered softly,

“If I had displayed the nobility’s crest, the main gate would have opened. The treatment varies from the moment you arrive depending on your status. It’s an unpleasant place.”

Passing through the long side door, they entered a place filled with splendor.

Magnificent chandeliers and golden, glittering pillars. Nothing was spared.

Several middle-aged men with covered faces walked between them.

“I heard that a great treasure is being exhibited today. The weapon offered by the dwarves is particularly anticipated. Displaying it at home will make you feel like the hero of a legend.”

“Hehehe! Such precious items are emerging. But I’m only interested in slaves. Today, there’s even a very beautiful elf…”

Abel’s eyes narrowed. This was how other races were treated in Britannia. She pulled her hood down further.

There was also a man walking with a woman who was barely clothed.

The night had just begun.

The truly valuable items only began to appear after midnight.

Cainchel had Abel wait in the carriage while he went to find Blue Mountain.

He found him without difficulty.

“Dwarf! Please! Give me the Breath of Shiva!”

“I apologize, but all the items have already been registered with the auction house! I can’t sell it, no matter how much you offer!”

“I will pay a penalty. There are too many people interested in that item…”

Trading outside the auction house was strictly prohibited.

Blue Mountain, who had exhibited a large number of weapons, was receiving VIP treatment. His safety was guaranteed by the auction house until he left.

Blue Mountain eventually summoned the soldier guarding the area.

“That’s why I told you to wait in the exhibitor’s room.”

“Hehehe. I was getting impatient… Oh, isn’t that Lord Cainchel!”

Blue Mountain, spotting Cainchel, feigned recognition.

His eyes widened in surprise, as if he hadn’t expected to see him there.

Blue Mountain waved the soldier away.

Following him to the exhibitor’s room, they entered a room filled with luxurious furniture.

“You can speak freely here. What brings you here so suddenly?”

“I’m glad you seem to be doing well. I came because I suddenly need something from your exhibited items.”

Blue Mountain scratched the back of his head and said,

“You don’t mean Draupnir, do you?”

Cainchel’s eyes widened. How did he know that Draupnir was what he needed?