Let's find her

Scene 14

Location: Spring House

Astraea (slowly regaining consciousness): Where am I?

Astraea thinks to herself, holding the back of her head where she was hit. Her vision blurs as she surveys her surroundings.

Astraea (thinking): I was struck... I lost consciousness... (her hand lowers to her lap) They’ve taken me back. (a bitter laugh escapes her lips)

Unknown Voice (gently): You’re awake?

Astraea turns her head toward the voice, spotting a young girl, around 13-14 years old, sitting beside her.

Astraea: Who are you?

Girl (smiling softly): I’m Jigu, Maam Fiona’s apprentice.

Astraea (eyeing her carefully): Jigu? How old are you, little one?

Jigu (with a smile): Fourteen. And you?

Astraea (smiling faintly): Seventeen.

Jigu: Not much older than me.

Astraea: Same goes for you.

Astraea attempts to sit up, wincing from the pain in her neck. Jigu instinctively helps her up, noticing her struggle.

Jigu (kindly): You can ask for my help. Maam Fiona assigned me to assist you.

Astraea (coldly): She’s the one who had me captured. Why would she care?

Jigu (shaking her head): No, it wasn’t her. It was Sir Nior who gave the order. Maam Fiona took an interest in you because... you remind her of herself.

Astraea’s curiosity piques as she hears this. She pats the space beside her, signaling for Jigu to sit.

Astraea: Was Maam Fiona brought here the same way I was?

Jigu (nodding): Yes. She fought for days without food, refusing to give in. But eventually, she surrendered.

Astraea: She didn’t surrender just because she was hungry, did she?

Jigu (lowering her head, voice sad): No... It wasn’t hunger. She... she was physically abused by Sir Nior for seven days. After that, she couldn’t endure it anymore. She... began to believe she was just as worthless as the others here.

Astraea’s heart clenches at this revelation. The image of the strong, composed woman she’d seen begins to crack, revealing the horrific truth beneath.

Astraea (quietly): How did she go from a slave to the Maam of this place?

Jigu: She used Sir Nior’s favor to climb her way up. But it wasn’t easy. She’s not like other house leaders who abuse their girls. She looks after us, listens to us... She’s a good person. Just... a victim of the circumstances.

Astraea (firmly): She doesn’t see herself as a victim. She’s a survivor.

Jigu (puzzled): Why do you say that?

Astraea: If you think you’re a victim, you’ve already lost. But if you believe you’re a survivor, you’ve already won.

Jigu (sighing): She likes you because you remind her of her younger self. But she thinks you’ll accept this life, just as she did.

Astraea: I’ll do what’s necessary. I’ve never fought against fate, only prayed to The Almighty for peace. If this is my fate, I’ll make this place deserving of me.

Jigu (admiringly): Strong-willed.

Astraea (curious): But How do you know all this?

Jigu : What 'all this '?

Astraea : The past incidents you just told me .

Jigu: oh ... There are two Spring Houses. The one you’re in now is for the younger ones. The older girls, when they age, are sent to the Old House. That’s where I heard the stories.

Astraea: And how does that tie into what you’ve told me?

Jigu: The women in the Old House fought alongside Maam Fiona when they were young. They tell stories about those times.

Astraea (leaning back with a soft smile): What a strange world this is... We’re all just pawns in someone else’s game.

Jigu looks at Astraea as she rests back on the bed, the weight of her words sinking in. Both girls exchange a quiet smile, bonded by the shared understanding of their harsh reality.

...****************...

Scene 15

Location: Maam Fiona's Room, Spring House

The room is elegantly decorated with wooden furnishings, a testament to wealth and taste. Soft golden hues blend with blue accents, creating a tranquil yet regal atmosphere. Shelves hold various trinkets, perfumes, and grooming essentials, while the bed, draped in silken sheets, takes center stage. Despite the luxury, an air of unease lingers.

Maam Fiona lies on her side, lost in thought. The scent of brewing tea fills the room, but she remains distant, her mind elsewhere.

Her moment of reflection is abruptly interrupted by the sound of heavy footsteps outside her door. Merchant Nior has arrived.

He came inside and sit in front of her in bed .

Merchant Nior (touching her cheek): Have you found the girl yet?

Maam Fiona (expressionless): The guards captured her, but…

Merchant Nior’s face lights up for a moment, but Maam Fiona’s hesitation tempers his excitement.

Merchant Nior: But? But what?

Maam Fiona: She was struck on the back by one of the guards. She lost consciousness during the capture.

His excitement fades, replaced by frustration.

Merchant Nior: And how is she now?

Maam Fiona: I’ve sent Jigu to watch over her. If she wakes, Jigu will inform me, and I’ll let you know.

Merchant Nior’s hand tightens around Maam Fiona’s jaw, his voice a low growl.

He made Maam fiona stands on her feet as he stands while abusing her .

Merchant Nior (angry): Do you have any idea how many noblemen are expecting to see her at the auction?! It starts in an hour, and you’re telling me you’ll ‘inform me’ if she wakes up?

Maam Fiona winces in pain as his grip tightens.

Maam Fiona (pleading): Leave... let me go.

She struggles, but his grip remains firm until finally, he releases her, and she falls to the floor, clutching her aching jaw. She tries to compose herself, but the sharp pain radiates through her body.

Merchant Nior (coldly): Make sure she wakes and gets dressed. Be at the auction villa in 40 minutes. (grabs her hair, pulling her closer) Or I’ll make sure you suffer for it.

Suddenly, a knock echoes through the room. Both Maam Fiona and Merchant Nior glance toward the door.

Merchant Nior: Enter.

The door creaks open, and Jigu steps inside, her face instantly filled with concern upon seeing Maam Fiona on the floor. However, she remains silent, intimidated by Merchant Nior’s presence.

Merchant Nior: Well? Has she woken up?

Jigu looks between Maam Fiona and Merchant Nior, her nervousness palpable.

Merchant Nior (stepping closer): Why are you not answering?

Maam Fiona, still on the floor, tugs at his robe gently, her voice soft but firm.

Maam Fiona: Don’t frighten the child. Jigu, come forward. Speak.

Jigu steps closer, her head lowered, and begins to speak, her voice trembling slightly.

Jigu: Astraea has regained consciousness. She’s well and hasn’t lost her memory. She’s resting in the prison room after taking the medicine the doctor prescribed.

She lowers her head completely, trying to avoid his piercing gaze. Merchant Nior’s mood shifts instantly, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.

Merchant Nior (laughing): Hahaha! Excellent! So excellent! (turning to Maam Fiona) Get her dressed in the finest fabric and bring her to the auction villa. I’ll be waiting. Hahaha!

Merchant Nior exits, clearly pleased with the news. As soon as the door closes behind him, Jigu rushes to Maam Fiona’s side, hugging her tightly. Maam Fiona, still shaken, wraps her arms around Jigu in return, holding her close.

Maam Fiona (her voice breaking): Let’s go… we have to dress a lamb for sacrifice.

Her eyes glisten with unshed tears, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.

Jigu (crying, nodding): Yes...

The two share a sorrowful moment, both fully aware of the grim fate awaiting Astraea.

...****************...

Scene 16

Location: Auction Villa

The grand villa buzzes with activity as nobles, dressed in their finest attire, stream through the gates. Each guest is required to present a personal pass, meticulously checked by the guards to ensure only nobles gain entry. This is an exclusive auction, open to the elite, and no outsiders are welcome.

Prince Kael and his bodyguard, Karlus, stand among the crowd of waiting nobles. The air is filled with the low hum of conversation, but Kael’s focus is entirely elsewhere.

Kael (impatiently): When will it be our turn?

Karlus (chuckling): Patience, my prince. If there’s one thing about you that drives me mad, it’s your complete lack of patience.

Kael (frowning): What if we don’t find her here?

Karlus: We will. The guards who ran after her were wearing the same uniforms as those who work for this villa. Trust me.

Kael: Are you sure?

Karlus (teasingly): While you were busy chasing that beauty, I was the one paying attention. I was the last one running behind, remember?

Kael (sighing in relief): Still… I won’t feel any peace until I see her with my own eyes.

Karlus (grinning): Oh, really? And here you said you were only helping her.

Kael: What? That’s exactly what I said.

Karlus: Come on, my friend. When will you admit you’ve lost your heart to her?

Kael (avoiding the topic): This isn’t the time for that. We need to focus on finding her. Let’s move. (He strides forward)

Karlus (thinking, amused): Avoid it all you want, Kael, but let’s see how long you last when that girl stands in front of you. (He smirks silently)

Their turn at the gate finally arrives. Kael hands over the pass to the guard, who examines it far longer than necessary. Both Kael and Karlus exchange a quick, uneasy glance.

Kael (whispering): Are we doomed?

Karlus (whispering): Shut up.

(Flashback begins)

Noah: I’ve got an idea. Hear me out.

Kael: Go on.

Karlus: I’m listening.

Noah: I have a pass that grants me entry to all kinds of establishments—brothels included—but I’ve never used it. We could use it to sneak into the Spring House. It’s got my name on it, so there shouldn’t be any issues at the inspection point.

Karlus (nodding approvingly): That’s brilliant. But what if we get caught?

Noah (mocking): Tch, do you really think I’d let you get caught? I’d be with you, of course, you brainless oaf.

Kael: With Noah around, there’ll be less trouble for sure.

Orion (suddenly appearing out of nowhere): Sorry to interrupt, guys.

The three of them jump in shock as Orion pops up from the shadows.

Noah (clutching his chest): What in the—?! Orion, you scared me half to death!

Orion: Prince, you’re needed back at the palace. Princess Kiera is causing problems with the maids again.

Noah (groaning): Now? Of all times?

Orion: Yes, now.

Kael: It’s alright, Noah. We’ll manage without you.

Karlus (agreeing): You’d better go. If Princess Kiera throws a tantrum, we’ll all be in hot water.

Kael: Karlus is right. She’s spoiled beyond belief. If you don’t go, she’ll burn the palace down.

Noah (defeated): Ugh, fine. I guess I don’t have much choice. (Takes out a golden pass adorned with diamonds) Here, take this. It’ll get you past the inspection.

Kael accepts the pass, nodding. Noah reluctantly bids them farewell and heads back to the palace, while Kael and Karlus disguise themselves and begin their journey to the Auction Villa.

(Flashback ends)

The guard, after a moment of staring at the pass, suddenly stands and bows deeply, surprising them both.

Guard (respectfully): Prince Noah, what an honor! Master will be thrilled to hear you’ve graced us with your presence. Please, come inside at once!

Kael and Karlus exchange relieved glances as the guard gestures for them to enter. They breathe a collective sigh of relief, nodding to each other before following the guard inside.

Karlus (whispering): That was close.

Kael (smiling): Let’s find her.

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