Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1)

“They say if someone has a membership card, they can bring a guest? Is that really possible in a secret auction?”

[Yes. Even if it’s a secret auction, they still need to attract new customers.]

“So the existing members also serve as intermediaries who bring in new clients.”

[Exactly! That’s right.]

Even if it’s a secret auction, it still needs a steady stream of customers. After all, they need to keep making money. What the underworld loves most is money. For them, consistent cash flow is essential.

But there’s also the dilemma that they can’t advertise openly.

So, as a customer acquisition strategy, they probably opted for the “invite-only” method.

[But… are you seriously going to the Pertinax Secret Auction? There are a lot of shady people who go there. They don’t screen clients. Doesn’t matter if you’re a killer or whatever—some high-ranking villains even show up.]

I already knew that, but hearing it directly left me speechless.

“Hey, shouldn’t the government be cracking down on that? Why do they just let it be?”

[From what I hear, the government gave them backdoor approval. It’s like casinos—places of gambling, but they’re allowed to operate. Same concept. As long as they pay bribes, the higher-ups turn a blind eye. Besides, some of those higher-ups also frequent the place.]

The Pertinax Secret Auction House, in the game, was just a stage for a specific episode.

But with all these added details, it now felt like an insect nest. Revolting.

This place wasn’t so different from Earth. Even with demons as a common enemy, rotten humans were still everywhere.

It was one of those moments where the reality of this world hit me again.

Huff— I let out a long sigh, mixed with rising frustration.

First, I needed to calm down. If I walked into that auction with this mindset, I’d probably draw my sashimi blade the moment I stepped in.

‘Patience, patience, patience, patience, patience…’

I steadied my racing heart and resumed the call.

“Hey, about what I asked before—how much have you saved?”

[…To be honest, my wallet’s empty. I already told you the Academy instructor salary is low. After life insurance and taxes, what I have left is…]

Choi Seol-ah made excuses. I lowered my tone and pressed her.

“If you have a membership card for Pertinax, that must mean you have money, right?”

[…U-uh…]

Even through the phone, I could perfectly picture her pale face. I took advantage of the momentum and kept pressing.

“Tell me, who flaunts luxury goods on Stargram while claiming they’re broke? Didn’t you just buy a new Roi Vuitton bag? You paid for that with your instructor salary?”

[That was with bitcoin…]

“Don’t you know Academy instructors aren’t allowed to invest or have side jobs? You want to get reported for embezzlement? Stop lying. It’s all dirty money, isn’t it?”

[…]

No reply. And silence meant yes. Soon, I heard sobbing and a choked-up voice on the other end.

Maybe it seemed like her humanity had returned a little, but Choi Seol-ah wasn’t the type to cry sincerely in a situation like this. It was pure theater. Crocodile tears.

‘Still hasn’t shaken the habits from her villain days.’

I clicked my tongue. Her voice was damp with false emotion. She was squeezing out those tears shamelessly.

I thought about using this chance to lecture her a bit more, but quickly shook my head. I’d pushed her enough—it was time to ease up.

After all, I needed her help for this. If I only scolded her, she might get uncooperative. Even the most loyal dog resents being treated too harshly.

Incidentally, I treat Choi Seol-ah like a pet. That way, I know more or less how to handle her.

I spoke in a firm but conciliatory tone.

“You said you wanted to work as an instructor until retirement, right? Then you need to return all that dirty money. Think about it—do you really believe you can hide it forever? If you get audited, you’ll be kicked out of the Academy immediately.”

[Sob… that’s true.]

“That’s why you need to clean things up now. Also, I didn’t want to bring this up, but I did save your life once. You, with your life insurance and funeral plans—can’t you spare just a little for the guy who saved you?”

[…]

I heard her gulp. Silence on the line.

Choi Seol-ah closed her eyes tightly as if making a major decision, then opened them with resolve.

[Understood. Since it’s also a way to move on from my past, I’ll give you the 10 billion I’ve saved.]

“I know you’ve got more.”

[T-twenty billion!]

“……”

[Twenty-three billion!]

“The auction’s coming up. Be honest. You don’t want me to cut your tongue, do you?”

Clink! I slid the sashimi blade out slightly, letting the steel ring.

[Thirty billion…]

So Choi Seol-ah turned out to be filthy rich. What kind of stuff had she been up to in the past? But anyway, with this, I had more than enough ammo.

With one call, I secured both a “membership card” and “bidding money.” A smile slipped out.

Unless the third fragment turned out to be a one-of-a-kind diamond, thirty billion, plus a little over five hundred million extra, was more than enough.

Talk about luck.

[…Hey, I have a question.]

“What is it?”

Choi Seol-ah asked cautiously. I answered cheerfully, still smiling.

After all, if she was handing over thirty billion, the least I could do was answer a question.

[Sir… are you living a second life? I just can’t see you as a normal teenager.]

Click.

I hung up immediately. Then I looked up at the night sky with a faint discomfort.

“That’s why I hate people who are too intuitive.”

***

Friday, one day before heading to the Pertinax Auction House. It had been a while since our travel club last met.

The place was Starboks, and as always, we ordered the cheapest espresso on the menu.

Speedweapon, excited, rambled on about his exploits.

“When the president was in trouble at the supermarket, I showed up just in time, you know? And I said, ‘Excuse me, what do you think you’re doing? You handle all matters through me directly.’ Sounds cool, right?”

Ryozo sipped her yokan latte sweetly and replied as if swallowing her words.

“Hey, Saki. Are you listening to me?”

“No. Not at all. And you, Speedweapon—are you really that happy Kang Geom-Ma thrashed All Mute? Weren’t you her fan?”

“……”

At Ryozo’s jab, Speedweapon fell silent.

He slumped like a soaked rag and looked at senior Ha-na for help. She gave him a blank smile in return.

“Wow! Amazing, Speedweapon! Wow! You really turned that supermarket upside down! Best partner ever!”

“If you’re gonna say that, don’t bother cheering me up…”

“Sorry. Was it that obvious?”

Senior Ha-na stuck out her tongue cutely. Speedweapon, on the verge of tears, moistened his lips with coffee. It tasted especially bitter.

Ryozo took another sip, then glanced at me from the corner of her eye.

She dragged her chair closer and whispered softly.

“To return the kimchi stew you bought me, I was thinking of treating you to Korean sushi tomorrow. Got time?”

“Sorry. I already have plans.”

I scratched my eyebrow awkwardly. Ryozo’s cheeks puffed up like balloons.

“Ever since the Joaquin incident, you’ve been so busy we have to schedule an appointment just to see you.”

She grumbled with puffed cheeks but then let out a deep sigh. Her cheeks deflated too.

“Come to think of it, you went to the Association with the director recently, right? With so many assignments, I bet you’re busy with something tomorrow too.”

“Ah… something like that. Anyway, thanks. You’re the only one who worries about me.”

Ryozo’s dimples tinted with a soft pink.

“Ahem. I don’t know what it is, but be careful. If something happens, let me know. Maybe there’s something I can help you with from here.”

***

A day passed. I was in a car driven by Choi Seol-ah, heading to the city where the auction was held.

The destination was ‘Geodam,’ a city that didn’t exist on Earth. Clearly inspired by that place from the Batman comics.

…After several hours of following the GPS down gloomy roads, lanterns began to appear like fireflies flickering in the dark.

Soon, we arrived at a pleasure district that made everyone stop in their tracks. Streets full of lust and entertainment, bathed in multicolored neon lights. My impression was simple.

‘Disgusting.’

It was obvious corrupt nobles roamed these avenues. Everyone hid their faces with masks or hoods. But the stench of rot couldn’t be masked.

The decadent air seeped through my pores. My senses were so sharp that just taking it in made my stomach churn.

Choi Seol-ah parked in a suitable spot. Just before we got out, she handed me a hooded mask. It had a raven’s beak.

“From here on out, you have to wear a mask. It’s not mandatory, but you’re well-known, and your face stands out too much.”

I nodded and put on the beaked mask with the hood. Seeing myself in the mirror, I looked like a raven.

Choi Seol-ah chuckled softly and put on hers—it was a squirrel mask with a bow.

Prepared like that, we headed toward the auction house. We arrived at a nondescript building. I had imagined something lavish, encrusted with jewels, but its exterior was so plain it actually felt imposing.

At first, I thought we had the wrong place. But seeing the line of masked people confirmed we were in the right spot. We joined the line.

I asked Choi Seol-ah:

“All the other buildings are flashy. Why does the auction house, the important one, look so old?”

“Because this building used to be the birthplace of Pertinax, the underworld emperor from 200 years ago. They say he requested it be turned into an auction house after his death.”

What a weirdo. More than an underworld emperor, he sounds like a teenager possessed by a black dragon.

While we waited, Choi Seol-ah explained things about the underworld. None of it was useful, so I just nodded absentmindedly.

The line in front of us shrank, and it was finally our turn.

At the entrance, a man in a rabbit mask greeted us. He placed a hand on his chest, bowed his head, and said:

“Welcome to Pertinax Auction House. May I see your membership card, please?”

Choi Seol-ah handed over her card with an unnecessarily elegant gesture. The rabbit examined it carefully and bowed again.

“All is in order, Miss Princess Squirrel.”

Princess Squirrel? I instinctively turned my head toward her. In response, Choi Seol-ah quickly looked away, whistling as if nothing happened.

The rabbit tilted his head at the awkward atmosphere.

“And the gentleman accompanying you… may I ask what your relationship is with Miss Princess Squirrel…?”

“We don’t ask about a companion’s privacy. Doesn’t this auction house train its staff anymore?”

Choi Seol-ah’s voice was sharp. The rabbit flailed his hands nervously.

“No, no, it’s just that recently there have been rumors about Shadow agents infiltrating the premises. That’s why the venue’s policies were updated.”

“What kind of policy?”

“We don’t require the companion’s identity, but they must have a close relationship with the member. In case of any incidents, the primary member’s record will be reviewed.”

In short, the companion wasn’t just a potential new client anymore—they now acted as a guarantor.

The rabbit scratched at his mask and added:

“But according to our records, there are no family members listed under Miss Princess Squirrel. Not even siblings.”

Just as things started to get awkward, Choi Seol-ah let out a seductive giggle. Then she clung to my right arm.

The contact with her skin sent chills down my spine. My instincts rejected it.

She pressed closer and spoke casually:

“He’s my husband. We just registered our marriage today and decided to come here for a little getaway. Princess Squirrel and Young Raven. Don’t we make a lovely couple?”

“……?”

I stared at her wide-eyed. Her arms trembled slightly. Having crossed the line, she kept up the act.

“Or would you prefer we take off our masks and put on a little show right here? Actually, go get the auction manager—he should see it too. Sharing is caring, right?”

The effect was instant. The rabbit quickly adjusted his mask and tried to calm the situation.

“I sincerely apologize. I’ve acted improperly. Please proceed, Miss Princess Squirrel, Mr. Young Raven.”

We entered the venue arm in arm, looking like a happy couple.

With names straight out of a children’s fairy tale… Princess Squirrel and Young Raven.

…Goddamn it.