Tell them to be careful

Scene 17

Location: Prison Room of the Spring House

Astraea lay on the cold stone floor, drowsy from fatigue, her mind drifting.

She thought about her life before arriving here—how it had been filled with love and protection. She had lived a life shielded by those around her, always accepting the responsibilities placed upon her shoulders. Her prayers had always been for peace in the empire, but now, that peace seemed forever lost.

Suddenly, the sharp sound of the door swinging open interrupted her thoughts.

(Dashhh!) The door slammed against the wall.

Several girls entered, carrying large plates laden with luxurious garments, jewelry, and fine accessories.

The sight of such wealth would normally dazzle anyone, but Astraea merely watched in silence, observing Maam Fiona, who appeared more weary than usual despite the smile on her face.

Maam Fiona (commanding the girls): Put those here, and those over there.

Astraea slowly sat up, her eyes scanning the lavish items placed before her. She caught a glimpse of Maam Fiona, whose jaw bore the unmistakable imprint of a hand. It was clear someone had roughly grabbed her, though she now wore a façade of calm and cheerfulness.

Astraea (in her mind): A handprint on her jaw... someone has punished her. And yet, here she is, pretending nothing's wrong.

Maam Fiona, sensing Astraea’s gaze, turned toward her, her smile broadening.

Maam Fiona: Don't stare at me, girl. Look at the jewelry, the fabrics. These fine things will adorn you today. You’ll be the most eye-catching of them all.

Astraea didn’t respond immediately. Her sharp gaze remained on Maam Fiona.

Astraea (coolly): Am I not already eye-catching? How else did I manage to catch the attention of Sir Nior?

For a moment, Maam Fiona faltered, discomfort flashing across her face at the mention of Sir Nior, but she quickly masked it, her tone firm.

Maam Fiona: These treasures are for you. Not everyone is as fortunate as you to see such luxury in a single lifetime.

Astraea glanced at the jewelry, recognizing many pieces she had seen before in her life. Wealth did not impress her—it never had. But that fact was lost on Maam Fiona.

Astraea (standing up gracefully): They are beautiful. You selected them yourself?

Maam Fiona nodded, visibly relieved and pleased that Astraea seemed less defiant than before.

Astraea’s eyes then fell on a red diamond—a rare gem in Theomov but common in the East Turkan Empire. She smiled subtly, her mind working.

Astraea (with a knowing smile): You have an excellent eye for jewels, Lady Fiona.

Maam Fiona’s eyes widened in shock at the sound of the title. She hurriedly approached Astraea, grabbing her by the shoulders, her voice trembling.

Maam Fiona: What...what did you just call me?

Astraea: Lady Fiona.

Maam Fiona (her grip tightening): Say it again.

Astraea understood immediately—this title, this word, had not been used in years. With a small, knowing smile, she indulged Maam Fiona’s fragile pride.

Astraea: Lady Fiona. Lady Fiona. Lady Fiona.

Maam Fiona closed her eyes, savoring the sound, her face softening as if reliving a distant memory. For a brief moment, happiness touched her worn features. But it didn’t last.

A knock at the door shattered the moment, jerking both women from their reverie.

Maam Fiona (clearing her throat, regaining composure): Come in.

A male servant entered, bowing respectfully.

Servant: Sir Nior has requested that Astraea be brought to the Auction Villa in twenty minutes.

Maam Fiona (irritated): Fine, you can go.

As the door closed, Maam Fiona’s frustration became evident. She clenched her fists, muttering under her breath.

Maam Fiona: That man doesn’t understand a thing about beauty. (approaching Astraea, gently caressing her face) How can I possibly prepare this stunning creature in just twenty minutes? Augh!

Astraea (in her mind): Has she finally gone mad? She looks more like a giddy child than a middle-aged woman. Heh.

Maam Fiona turned back to the girls, venting her frustration before directing them again.

Maam Fiona (snapping back into action): Girls, hurry! We need to dress her now. She must look like the sunshine of the day and the moonlight of the night!

The girls quickly set to work. Astraea was bathed and scrubbed with fine oils and creams, the scents lingering in the air as perfumes were applied to her skin.

They dressed her in a lavish silk gown of purple roses, its long sleeves lined with golden thread to match her rare blue-purple eyes.

A headpiece crafted from diamonds in the shape of jasmine flowers was placed delicately upon her head. A blue-purple necklace, round and shimmering, adorned her neck, and a bracelet with a single red diamond gleamed on her wrist.

As the preparations continued, the room seemed to glow with the radiance of the finest jewels and fabrics.

In just a few moments, Astraea had been transformed into a figure of overwhelming beauty—dazzling as the midday sun, yet mysterious as the soft glow of moonlight.

Maam Fiona (stepping back, admiring her work): Perfect. No one will be able to take their eyes off you.

But Astraea’s thoughts were elsewhere. Beneath the layers of silks and jewels, her mind remained sharp, calculating her next move.

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

Scene 18

Location: The Room of Merchant Nior in Auction Villa

The word had spread swiftly—Prince Noah was coming. For a man like Merchant Nior, who thrived on the power and prestige of his connections, it was a moment of triumph.

Never before had a royal visited his auction villa, especially one with the famous reputation of being a charmer. However, despite the prince’s renown, Merchant Nior didn’t know him personally, and wasn’t entirely sure what Prince Noah actually looked like.

Merchant Nior (inwardly, with pride): A royal prince at my auction. How famous I’ve become.

The call echoed down the hall: “Beware! The royal prince is coming!”

Merchant Nior stood tall, his chest puffed with pride, ready to greet his esteemed guest. As the door swung open, his pride was visible on his face as he bowed deeply, ready to offer his finest services.

But instead of Prince Noah, Kael and Karlus entered, both disguised. Their steps were deliberate, the air around them cold and sharp. They walked directly to the luxurious sofa, where Merchant Nior eagerly offered them seats.

Merchant Nior (smiling with fake humility): Please, tell me how I may serve you, my prince.

Kael and Karlus exchanged a knowing glance. The glimmer of greed in Merchant Nior’s eyes was unmistakable, and it disgusted them both. But they played along, aware that the success of their mission required cooperation.

Karlus, taking on the role of Prince Noah’s subordinate, began to speak.

Karlus (disguised as Orion): Do you have anything special here, Merchant?

Merchant Nior’s eyes shifted briefly to Karlus, but his attention remained fixed on Kael, who he believed to be Prince Noah.

Merchant Nior (narrowing his eyes slightly): And your identity, sir?

Karlus (smiling confidently): I am Orion, Prince Noah’s loyal subordinate.

Merchant Nior (visibly relaxing): Oh, I see. Forgive me, sir. We have many special offerings here. If the prince would tell me his preferences, I’m sure I could provide exactly what he desires. (his smile, professional yet wicked, grew wider)

Kael felt revulsion bubbling inside him. The way Merchant Nior spoke of human lives with such casual disregard made his blood boil, but he forced a smile, knowing this wasn’t the time to reveal his disgust.

Kael (with a strained smile): What exactly do you have to offer me?

Merchant Nior (with enthusiasm): We have all sorts of products—anything you want, we can provide.

Kael’s face darkened at the word "products." His jaw clenched tightly, his fists curling as he fought to keep his composure.

Kael (inwardly seething , thinking ): Products? He calls these human lives “products,” as if they have no value. This man deserves to meet his end soon.

Merchant Nior (oblivious, trying to gain his attention): Prince Noah? Prince Noah?

Sensing Kael’s growing rage, Karlus reached over and patted his friend’s fist, signaling him to hold back. He then quickly changed the subject.

Karlus: What’s new here?

Merchant Nior’s face lit up as he spoke with pride.

Merchant Nior: Since the war ended, we’ve received a fresh supply of slaves—both men and women, all of great beauty. Among them are those with rare eye colors, which are particularly valuable.

Kael (interested): Rare eye colors? Like what?

Merchant Nior (grinning, sensing his interest): We have slaves with ocean blue, magenta pink, sea green, deep olive, and even light yellow eyes.

Kael felt a flicker of disappointment. None of these matched the eyes of the girl he had seen.

Merchant Nior (leaning in): Ah, and we also have one with bluish-purple eyes.

Kael’s heart skipped a beat. That was it. The girl he was searching for. His mind raced with the possibility that she was somewhere in this villa. He had come to the right place.

Karlus (smirking, pressing further): Can you show us these people—the ones with the rare eye colors?

Merchant Nior’s smile faltered slightly, his professionalism coming back into play.

Merchant Nior: Unfortunately, these are exclusive items and can only be revealed during the auction, Prince Noah.

Karlus (raising an eyebrow): Are you saying we’re not important enough to see them now?

Merchant Nior (quickly backtracking): Oh no, sir, of course not! I simply must follow the rules of the organization and the empire. I cannot break them, even for royalty. I ask for your understanding.

Karlus looked as though he might argue further, but Kael gave him a subtle nod, signaling him to stop.

Kael (rising from his seat, calm but firm): We’ll wait for the auction then.

Without another word, Kael turned and walked out of the room, his mind focused on the next steps. Karlus followed closely behind, playing his part as a loyal comrade.

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

Scene 19

Location: The hallway leading to the auction hall.

After dressing Astraea, Maam Fiona dismissed the others and, along with Jigu, led her toward the auction hall. They walked in silence at first, time ticking away as they neared their destination.

Maam Fiona walked ahead while Astraea and Jigu followed behind, engaged in a quiet conversation.

Astraea: "What are the rules of the auction?"

Jigu (glancing at Astraea): "They'll present you to the nobles, and they'll bid for your... companionship."

Astraea: "And then?"

Jigu: "Whoever offers the highest bid will take you with them."

Astraea nodded, considering the situation. Then she gestured toward the paths branching off from the hallway.

Astraea: "Where does this path lead?"

Jigu (looking to her right): "That one goes to the servants' quarters—the people who work in this house."

Astraea: "I see. And the other two?"

Jigu: "One leads to the main gate, the other to the garden by the pond."

Astraea’s eyes flickered with the hint of a smile as she processed this new information.

Overhearing their conversation, Maam Fiona abruptly stopped and turned toward them, her gaze sharp.

Maam Fiona: "If you're thinking of escaping, remember—it's not that simple. You could be caught, and the consequences would be severe."

Astraea met Maam Fiona’s warning with a smirk.

Astraea: "Who said anything about running?"

Maam Fiona (suspicious): "Weren't you asking about the paths because—"

Astraea (interrupting): "I'm just curious about the place. Nothing more."

Maam Fiona studied her for a moment before nodding. "Good, then." She resumed walking.

Astraea (calling out): "Lady Fiona!"

Maam Fiona paused and looked back, her expression expectant.

Astraea (her voice calm but sharp): "Whoever wins the bid, you tell them one thing: they'd better sleep with one eye open . If they think they own me, they may find their sleep disturbed."

Maam Fiona looked into Astraea’s eyes, recognizing the veiled threat. She admired Astraea’s defiance but knew all too well the dangers that came with such rebellion.

Maam Fiona (with a sigh): "I'll pass the message along."

Astraea smiled, her expression briefly fierce before she masked it with composed indifference.

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