The Auction (Part Two)

The middle-aged man in charge of the auction sat in a secluded corner, stroking his beard and nodding to himself. Director Pedomei truly is the finest leader our family has had in a thousand years. To think he came up with the idea of selling all kinds of talented people! No wonder he received the goddess's Divine Favor!

He was very pleased with the results. Not only had the prices risen far above the usual rates, but he had also managed to place several of his trading company's spies among powerful noble houses.

For that, he had the sudden news of victory to thank. If the Butland Baron Fief had not been reclaimed, the nobles here would never have been moved to such generosity.

A few gold coins were nothing compared to recovering vast tracts of land. And fighting strength was often the key to victory.

The Giant Eagle Druid lives up to his name, the middle-aged man thought. After this, the druid would surely become the most welcome guest among the nobles present.

But...

Romon? I feel as though I've heard that name somewhere. Thinking back over the confidential reports he had received, he seemed to remember something. Perhaps I should report what I know about him to the director.

A few days later, in the Butland Baron Fief.

"Miss, someone else has come asking to see the Giant Eagle Druid." Sasha, who now managed the affairs of the Butlang Lineage, was reviewing the accounts in a newly built house. Beside her, her maid Loni grumbled unhappily, "The moment they saw that the Butland Baron Fief had reclaimed its land, they started trying to recruit Lord Romon. How annoying!"

"Loni." Sasha gently set the account book on the table and rubbed her brow. There was a note of mild