Chapter 3: His true identity is revealed too soon

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Translator: Soafp

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After the twin princesses left, my sister suddenly caught me and slammed me against the wall.

I panicked, thinking she was about to punch me. Also, the wall has a crack now.
Did my sister undergo some kind of body enhancement like me?

“The ‘No-Face' apparently described Her Highness's illness as ‘a disease where all the flesh rots away.'”

“So what about it?”

“That name—I'm the only one who ever called it that. The only people who would use that phrasing are those who heard about the princesses' illness from me. And there aren't many of them. Moreover, I've only said it once in the Medics territory—to you.”

Now how do I talk my way out of this one?

“It must be a coincidence that the ‘No-Face' and you happen to have the same naming sense.”

“Yes, that's possible. But don't you think it's more likely that you and ‘No-Face' are the same person?”

“Nope.”

“Yes, you are.”

“Nope.”

“You've got some nerve lying to your Onee-chan.”

The wall cracked again with a sharp creak.

I wonder how much the repair will cost. Well, she's the one who broke it, so whatever.

“I'm not lying! I'd never lie to my beautiful and kind sister Fran, whom I respect more than anyone else in the world.”

“Yeah, now's not the time for that.”

“Ah, okay.”

So even my usual flattery doesn't work, huh.

Time to change tactics. Fine, might as well come clean.

“Uh, yeah. It's me. I'm ‘No-Face.'”

“Hah, I knew it. What about ‘Mysterious Heal Man?”

“That's me too.”

“You've been hiding your true strength all this time?”

“Yup.”

“Why?”

Why did I hide my abilities?

No real reason.

I just thought it looked cooler to keep my identity secret.

But if I say that honestly, she'll definitely get mad. Better put on the sad puppy eyes—

“If you found out I had healing magic talent that could rival yours, you might feel pressured into a succession battle, right? I don't want to fight with you, Nee-san. I just want to support you in the future…”

“Ask… Oh, you—!! Just how much do you love your Onee-chan!?”

My sister's cheeks turned red. She is way too easy.

“Fine. If you want to keep your identity hidden, I'll keep quiet about it to the princesses.”

“Eh, really?”

“Yes, really. …Not that I'd ever hand my Ask over to those sow princesses anyway.”

“Yay, as expected, you have an incredible figure, is kind, and easy to get along with —- ahem. You are a perfect beauty who cares about your younger brother.”

“Fufufu, keep the compliments coming.”

My sister is so easy to read it's almost worrying.

While I was worrying she might get fooled by some shady guy someday, she plopped down on the sofa.

“So we'll need to divert the princesses' attention.”

“The princesses?”

“Yes. While you were fetching the tea, I spoke with them a little. They seemed to suspect that you might be ‘No-Face.'”

“For real?”

“Don't worry. I denied it firmly, so it should take them some time to uncover the truth. In the meantime, we'll prepare a little trick.”

A trick?

“What kind of trick?”

“To mislead them, we'll increase the number of ‘No-Faces.'”

“Multiply me?”

“Not you. We'll increase the number of ‘No-Faces.'”

I tilted my head, not quite getting her point, but my sister said confidently—

“We're going to buy slaves!!”

“Slaves?”

“Yes, slaves.”

What the heck is she planning?

---

And so, we arrived at the capital city of the Medicus Viscounty! Being the most developed place in the territory, the main street is always bustling with people.

“Wait, weren't slaves outlawed a few years ago?”

“The previous king banned it, yes. But that flimsy, loophole-ridden law is basically meaningless. Slave traders still operate discreetly, and nobles continue buying them as they please.”

As expected of a world less civilized than medieval Europe. Terrifying how the law barely works.

We went down a narrow alley in the capital, twisting through several turns until we reached a shabby hut that looked ready to collapse.

My sister barged right in.

Inside, there was a bald middle-aged man in a black suit and silk hat—surprisingly stylish for a shady guy.

“Well, well. If it isn't the daughter of Viscount Medicus.”

“Baldy, sell me some slaves.”

“As blunt as ever, I see. What kind of product are you looking for?”

“Let's see. Preferably ones who are in utter despair and filled with hatred for the world.”

“Understood. Please wait a moment.”

The shopkeeper disappeared into the back.

“Nee-san, this isn't your first time here, is it?”

“Slaves are treated horribly. Missing limbs are common, and many are left to die from illness. They're perfect for practicing healing magic. And when you heal them and give them work, they swear loyalty like you wouldn't believe.
Most of our current servants were once my slaves.”

“I… didn't know that.”

So she's been buying crippled and sick slaves, healing them, and giving them a livelihood?

…Is this really my sister? Not some imposter?

“Thinking something rude?”

“I was just thinking how beautiful you are, Nee-san.”

“Fufu, of course.”

“Yup, definitely the real one.”

After a while, the shopkeeper returned with a few slaves in tow. Some were missing eyes, others limbs—pretty gruesome sight.

“How about these? Their village was burned by bandits, their families slaughtered before their eyes, and they were sold into slavery.”

“Bandits? Strange. Slave traders don't usually damage their goods—they'd sell for less.”

“As expected of you, Medicus-sama. Sharp as ever. I actually bought these cheaply from another trader.
Seems they were previously owned by some cruel noble who had their limbs cut off and eyes gouged out for fun.”

“What a despicable noble. Well, fine. Ask, pick whichever ones you want.”

“Hmm…”

“Nee-san, can we buy them all?”

“Only three.”

“Aww.”

“…Why do you want all of them?”

“I can't just leave them like this.”

I'm not arrogant enough to think I can save everyone.

But once I know, once I see someone suffering, I can't ignore it.

Especially seeing these half-dead slaves—it reminds me of my previous life, and my chest tightens.

But my sister said coldly—

“There are those who have and those who don't. You and I are among the ones who have. They are the ones who don't. Get used to it.”

“No.”

“No? That's not an option. And these aren't the only unfortunate ones. In the back, there are slaves in such horrific condition that you couldn't even bear to look at them.”

“Then buy them too.”

“No.”

“Stingy.”

“What was that?”

“Nothing.”

No choice, then.

Time to use the last resort.

“If you buy them, I'll give you a ‘Do-Anything Ticket,' Nee-san.”

“Shopkeeper, bring me every injured or sick slave you have. I'll buy them all, cash upfront.”

“Always a pleasure doing business~”

A long time ago, I forgot to get her a birthday present, so I just wrote ‘Do-Anything Ticket' on a candy wrapper and gave it to her. She loved it.

I still don't know what she'll use it for this time, which is honestly terrifying.

While my sister was grinning at the ticket, I approached the newly purchased slaves and used my healing magic.

The slaves stared in disbelief.

“M-my arm… it grew back!?”

“My eyes—I can see!? How!?”

“My… body feels… light…”

“M-my legs! They're moving again!!”

“This is… a miracle…?”

Alright, that's satisfying.

…Wait. What did we come here to buy slaves for again?