--- At this time---

Chlori: Master, I think maybe you should get some clothes?

Faceless: It's a good idea, but the Calm Madman said he would look into this issue.

Chlori: Then let's go outside.

Faceless: Good.

Faceless>Chlory: Neidcliffe, can you please tell me where the market is?

Neidcliffe: Oh! Have you finished yet? How did it go?

Faceless>Chlori: Everything went well, but we are waiting for the prince to arrive so that he can sign the contract.

Neidcliffe: I see... Then I'll tell you that the market is not that far away. Go outside the palace grounds and turn right. Then you go straight and there you will find a market.

Faceless>CHLORI: Thank you.

Neidcliffe: You're welcome.

--- At this time---

The calm madman: * Probably, it was worth taking the old man with you, so that it would be easier to get to the black market. Well, okay, I'll find it anyway... It seems, judging from the behavior of people, the black market will be far away, but it would be worth asking. Oh! I see a man in a black robe in the distance, I'll ask him.*

"The calm madman took a step and ended up at that man in the black robe and put his hand on that man's head. Speaking of this technique, it can be said that the Calm Madman has almost reached the perfect instant step. The only flaw he made was the step he took in the beginning."

Calm madman: Man, can I ask you something?

???: M? Did you want something? Threats won't help you.

Calm madman: Don't worry, and I also advise you not to turn around. Where in your city can you find a store where you can find good workers or good goods for any price?

???: I don't know what you're talking about.

"The calm madman came close to the man and raised his right hand to the man's throat."

Calm madman: Maybe I didn't put it right. Where in your city can you find rare goods and important people?

"The man swallowed his saliva."

???: Citizen, I really don't understand what you're talking about. I'm just a student at a magic school, I don't have access to this information.

Calm madman: Really, then you can ask what such a suspicious student is doing alone and at the same time trying to hide his identity with a black robe?

???: I just don't have any friends and I go alone, and since I'm ashamed to show myself, I wear a black robe. Can I be embarrassed to walk around the city alone?

Calm madman: Yes, indeed you can. Then, the last question on which your fate depends for today?

???: Well, all right.

The calm madman: I don't think they sell such an artifact in the market that you have in your pocket. Where did you get it from?

???: Well, you've discovered me. And what's next? Will you kill me? Will you take my artifact?

Calm madman: I didn't guess. You will come with me and show me the way to the black market.

???: Is that all you needed? And what is the fee for showing the way?

The Calm Madman: Freedom of Life.

???: Okay, I get it.

Calm madman: I think that now we can get acquainted. My nickname is the Calm Madman. And your name?

???: I don't think it's appropriate.

"The calm madman brought his hand and nails, which looked like claws, to his throat and blood began to flow from his neck."

The calm madman: Do you really think so?

???: I understand you. My name is Knocklane. Is that enough?

Calm madman: Quite, show the way, but don't even try to escape.

"The calm madman released Knocklane."

Knocklane: Do you think I'm going to try to escape after all this?

Calm madman: Anything can happen. You remember that you can't turn around, right?

Knocklane: Of course. Come on, we'll go straight for now.

"The calm madman followed Knocklane, who was going to the black market."

--- At this time---

Faceless: As I understand it, we are in the market?

Chlori: That's right. Would you like something?

Faceless: No, but where did you want to go?

Chlori: Okay, I'm revealing my plans. I want to create a good kitchen in our fortress. After all, even though you don't eat, but I do eat and I would like to eat as I want. Therefore, I want to go to restaurants and, if possible, find out the recipes.

Faceless: Got it, good decision. Then, lead the way.

"Chlori took the Faceless One to a restaurant, which caught her eye 'Meat is not hunting'."

--- At this time---

"After Vanderfein escaped from the witch, he wandered along the tracks left by the army that died from the witch. Without food or water, he wandered. At some point along the way, he was attacked by an orc. The prince fought with him, but he was injured and bleeding a lot, not to mention his fatigue. After walking a couple of meters after the battle, he fell down and passed out. The prince did not know that he fell not so far from the royal city."

???: Attention, everyone! Stop! We have found the prince! Doctor, it's urgent!

???: What's wrong with him? What happened?

???: The prince is in a deplorable state and there is no one else near him!

???: I'm a healer! Disperse!

"The healer ran up to the prince's body, took his pulse."

Healer: He's alive! I'll give you first aid! Then put him on a stretcher and carry him to the sunlight, without complaint.!

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

???: Did everyone hear that?! It takes two hardy and strong warriors!

"Two soldiers came out of a small squad."

???: We will do it.

???: Ok, then wait for the doctor's command.

Healer: * Very terrible condition. Internal bleeding is bad, but it's also open bleeding. Broken ribs and left arm. Apparently, the shield broke and he fought back with his hand. First, he needs to treat the wounds and rewind the open wounds. So, there is only enough healing ointment for these two large wounds - along the entire right arm and across the entire torso.*

"The healer, after treating two large wounds, took out a thin cloth from his pocket and bandaged the prince's entire torso and entire arm."

Healer: On his stretcher!

???: We are listening!

Healer: Corti's messenger, I'll tell you by guesswork. Apparently, he was fighting the orc alone.

Corti: Yes, it looks like that. Although it is a weak enemy, its regeneration is very tiring, not to mention the prince's inexperience. I'm more curious, why was he alone?

Doctor: We'll find out tomorrow, but for now, let's move on. We already have a time limit.

"A small party led by a messenger turned back and set off, back into the Sunlight."

--- At this time---

Chlori: Well, this is the place that I liked. I suggest you sit inside while I eat and go to other restaurants and try to find recipes. Is this the way you like it?

Faceless: Quite, but I don't have the money to pay.

Chlori: Don't worry, it's my responsibility.

"Chlori and Faceless entered the restaurant. Chloria immediately went to the counter and started ordering. The faceless one sat down on an empty chair, where he was not sitting next to him."

--- At this time---

Knocklane: We're almost there. We go to the left lane and all the way.

Calm madman: So, lead on.

Knocklane: Yes, yes, I'm leading you. I'm just telling you the way forward.

Calm madman: I figured that out anyway.

"Knocklane turned into the left lane and after walking a couple of steps, he found himself against the wall."

Noklein: The market is not a market.

???: The password is correct.

"Suddenly, the wall opened like it was a door."

???: Please, this one... Mister, are you human?

Calm madman: No, I'm not from your world. Not a man, not an animal, and not a creature at all, address me by my nickname Calm Madman.

???: Okay, Calm madman, come on in.

"Noklein and the Calm Madman entered the black market, passing through the main entrance and walking a couple of meters opened the iron door."

The calm madman: Noklein, and the security system is not bad enough.

Knocklane: Is this sarcasm?

Calm madman: Of course. Password, is this security?

Knocklane: Well, these are not questions for me. Moreover, you would have been kicked out if it wasn't for the password.

Calm madman: What if there are strong people like me?

Knocklane: Are you strong? Ha.

The calm madman: I get you. Apparently, you're too weak and don't know much, since you don't know about me.

Knocklane: So you're saying that the best student is dumb and weak?

Calm madman: Do you know who the progenitor is?

Noklein: No, but I've heard that these are all legends.

Calm madman: Well, the progenitor's son is behind you. Therefore, I will say that legends come from real events.

Knocklane: I doubt it, but I get you. So, what do you need?

Calm madman: I need the manager of this store.

Knocklane: Go to the guards and you'll be kicked out. Therefore, try to approach any person who looks rich.

Calm madman: Okay, thanks. After your business, wait for me at the exit.

Knocklane: Okay, I just didn't understand why, but okay.

Calm madman: You'll find out. Then good luck with the sale, and I'm off.

Noklein: Thank you, good luck to you too.

"A calm madman entered the main hall, where there were many people playing card games, drinking alcohol."

Calm madman: * So, the alignment is such that it is better to go to the bar. Unfortunately, there is no one there, but it's stupid to stand at the entrance. I'll sit at the bar and take a look around.*

"A calm madman walked up to the bar and sat down at the table. The bartender came up to him, who was polishing glasses."

Bartender: Sir, I greet you. What can I pour for you?

Calm madman: Don't do anything. I would like to know if I can meet with the manager?

Bartender: It depends on what it's for.

A calm madman: A financial matter and a matter of purchase.

Bartender: What's the financial situation?

The Calm Madman: Cooperation.

Bartender: Understood, then, Verma!

Verma: Yes?

Bartender: Take a walk with him to the main park.

Verma: All right, sir, let's go through.

Calm madman: Good.

"Verma led the Calm Madman behind the bar, where there was a black and inconspicuous passage."

Verma: Where are you from?

Calm madman: I appeared very far from here.

Verma: Okay, what are your plans in our city?

Calm madman: My brother has already arranged everything, we are waiting for the prince's signature.

Verma: What?! Are you here to shut down our organization?

Calm madman: You'll find out.

Verma: It's kind of suspicious...

Calm madman: Don't be afraid, you will work.

"Verma, in total darkness, pulled back the curtain where people in formal suits and masks with a scar across the mask were sitting."

???: Verma, who is this?

Verma: Manager, this is a guest who wanted to meet with you. The bartender checked it out.

Manager: All right, come in and have a seat.

Calm madman: Thank you. How should I address you?

Manager: Then how about you?

Calm Madman: Calm madman.

Manager: All right, Calm madman, address me as Ropr.

Calm madman: Rohr, I would like to discuss 2 issues with you.

Ropr: Yeah, tell me.

Calm madman: Well, for starters. I would like to warn you that my brother has concluded a peace treaty with our empire and now, all illegal organizations will have to be legalized or they will go to us for torture. Therefore, I propose to conclude a contract. You will give us certain slaves that I will choose, and we will agree on your safety and not legalization. Will it suit you?

Ropr: I already wanted to kill you, but apparently you are the right person, you have already come in peace. I agree.

Calm madman: Then we'll do it later. Now, let's discuss your safety. I don't like your entrance. It is not guarded. For example, I came with malicious intentions, if I say the wrong password, then they just won't let me in. But I, as a strong man, say that I'm not going to not enter and knock down the door or get in any other way. What then, what will you do against a person that will easily kill your guards?

Ropr: That's reasonable, but what do you suggest?

The calm madman: I will give you my workers, but in exchange for a couple of people from the dungeon workers. Of course, until your security work is finished. Will it suit you?

Ropr: Quite.

Calm madman: Then I'll arrange it. As an advance payment, I want to choose the people I will take, and now we will sign the contract and I will give it to the king. You, in turn, will give me the slaves I choose.

Ropr: It's a deal.

"Ropr offered his hand to the Calm Madman, and they shook hands."

Calm madman: Then, please bring me two papers and nothing more.

Ropr: Scar 1-n, bring what he asks for.

Scar 1-n: Good.

"Scar 1-n left the room by pulling back the curtain."

Ropr: Now, we are waiting.

--- At this time, the Royal Hospital---

???: The Healer! What is the prince's condition?

The healer: He's dying. Magic treatment is needed.

???: Did you hear everything? Who will not be busy - run after the Holy Virgin!

???: What should I do?

???: Don't you see? Urgently, get him to the ward! Give full first aid there!

???: Chief physician, what is needed?

The chief doctor: No, well, you really are idiots! Of course, to seal the wounds and put a frame for proper magic treatment. He broke bones!

???: Accepted!

Doctor: Will he be able to sign tomorrow?

Chief Physician: If they bring the Holy Virgin soon, then I think so.

Doctor: Well, then, tomorrow the king and guests will come to him.

Chief Medical Officer: Okay.

--- At this time---

Faceless: * And how long should I wait?*

???: Young man, can we sit down with you?

Faceless: Men, have a seat.

"The men sat down with the Faceless One."

???: And what are you doing here alone? Are you still not answering?

Faceless: * That's right, they can't hear me. Then I don't think they'll mind.*

"The faceless one put his right hand on the leg of the man on the right."

???: Hey! What are you doing?

Faceless: Now, do you hear?

???: What? How is that?

Faceless: I can't speak any other way.

???: Clearly.

???: What did he do?

???: He can only communicate through physical telepathy.

???: How is it?

???: Eh. He is a telepath, but he can only voice his thoughts through physical contact.

???: I think I got it. So, what are you doing here alone?

Faceless>???: I am, so far, alone. I'm expecting a translator. And what did you want from me?

???: By the look of it, you seem pretty secretive. But maybe you have a job for us?

Faceless>???: First of all, introduce yourself.

???: We wouldn't really want that until you hire us, if you have one.

Faceless>???: Hmm... In general, there is work, but are you ready to build a huge fortress?

???: You offend, for a decent fee, you are ready to do whatever you want.

Faceless>???: Okay, I'm hiring you. Will the payment be after work, is it okay?

???: Quite. And so, our group of 12 people is called "Faithful Labor". We are looking for any job and we are lucky today. As the head of the group, I represent her and my name is 'Cet'.

Faceless>???: Okay, I get it. My nickname is Faceless. I can't see, speak, and so on. And also, I would like to correct you. I'm not a young man. Although, yes, I am young, but not a human being.

Cet: Then who is it?

Faceless>???: I am not even a creature, because I was created by the progenitor - I am an artificial being.

Cet: Understood.

Chlori: While I was walking, have you found new translators yet?

"During the time that they communicated, they did not notice how someone entered the restaurant. The only one who understood this was Faceless, as he feels the mana around him."

Faceless>???: No, these are my new employees. Since you've come, can we go? Guys, come to the Sunny Borders tomorrow afternoon.

Cet: Well, all right. Then, see you soon, employer.

"The faceless One got up and went to Chlori, put his hand on her shoulder."

Faceless>Chlori: Yes, see you soon.

"Chlori led the Faceless One further along the market."

--- The next day---

Faceless: Chlori, get up, it's time for the couple to get ready. We have a meeting soon.