If I came back .

Scene 20

Location: The Auction Hall, Auction Villa

The grand hall is split into two distinct sections: a premium area reserved for the elite and a normal section for the rest.

The second floor is shaped like a half-circle balcony, giving those seated upstairs a clear view of the stage below, as well as the guests seated on the first floor. Every corner of the stage can be seen from both levels.

Kael and Karlus sit on the second floor, their eyes scanning the sea of nobles gathered below, waiting for the auction to begin.

Karlus: Half of the empire’s nobles are here. Isn’t it amusing?

Kael (grimly): No, it’s not. This place is a disgrace.

Karlus: You’ll find her here, so maybe don’t call it a disgrace just yet.

Kael (clenching his jaw): I feel like destroying this place for daring to bring her here.

Karlus (with a chuckle): Cool down, buddy. Cool down.

As Karlus tries to ease Kael’s frustration, he notices movement on the stage. Someone steps forward to make an announcement.

Karlus: Look, the show’s about to start.

Kael (coldly): It’ll be their last show.

Both men focus intently on the stage, the atmosphere growing heavier as the welcome speeches begin and the event officially kicks off.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

Scene 21

Location: Backyard of the Stage

Maam Fiona led Astraea to a small room at the back of the stage, where the other girls stood outside in the cold. Astraea’s sharp eyes noticed men and women standing handcuffed, looking like their lives were about to end.

Astraea: Why am I getting special treatment while they suffer?

Maam Fiona, engrossed in a conversation with Jigu, stopped when she heard Astraea’s question and turned toward her.

Maam Fiona: Only you would think like that. Do you know what they’re thinking? (she steps closer)

Astraea: What?

Maam Fiona (leaning in close to Astraea’s ear): They’re thinking, why is this girl getting the best treatment while we suffer?

Astraea (meeting Maam Fiona’s gaze): Isn’t that what I just asked you?

Maam Fiona: There’s a difference between what you asked and what I told you.

Astraea: I understand the difference, but why aren’t you at least giving them the bare minimum?

Maam Fiona: Not everyone is as fortunate as you. As for them, they’ll be sold as soon as the auction begins.

Astraea glanced down for a moment, her expression thoughtful, before looking back at Maam Fiona and stepping closer.

Astraea: Lady Fiona, at least give them something to eat and drink. They look hungry.

Jigu (interrupting): Those slaves are under Sir Nior's control. That’s why they’re suffering.

Maam Fiona shot Jigu a sharp glare but remained silent.

Astraea: They aren’t under your care?

Maam Fiona smiled, shook her head, and looked at Astraea.

Astraea could sense that Sir Nior was a man who took pleasure in others' misery, a cruel man who enjoyed adding to his sins. She sat beside Maam Fiona.

Astraea: Can’t you give them something to eat? (giving Maam Fiona a soft, pleading look)

Maam Fiona was taken aback. The strong-willed Astraea, now using puppy eyes to make such a request, amused her. She chuckled lightly.

Maam Fiona: You’re a strange one, girl. It’s a curse to have to sell you, but it’s the rule. (pausing) I’ll send someone to bring them food.

Astraea (jumping to her feet): Can I take the food to them? I promise I’ll be quiet and quick.

Maam Fiona couldn’t resist Astraea’s earnest request and gave her permission. After all, in a short time, Astraea would be sold, and only the Almighty knew where she would end up.

Astraea dashed out with Jigu, full of energy, after receiving Maam Fiona’s blessing. They grabbed bread and milk from the kitchen and hurried toward the starving slaves who stood or sat helplessly outside.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

Scene 22

Location: Stage

Merchant Nior (standing proudly on the stage): I thank you all for attending this year's auction. As you know, we only hold this event once a year, and I am grateful to everyone who has come to witness the fruits of my hard work. I hope what you see today pleases you. Enjoy, and bid on whatever suits your eye.

With a deep bow, Merchant Nior stepped off the stage, signaling that the auction was about to begin.

On the second floor, Karlus chuckled uncontrollably at Nior's words.

Kael (frowning): Why are you laughing like a maniac?

Karlus (struggling to catch his breath): I'm laughing at him calling this “hard work”! Hahaha! If kidnapping and selling people is hard work, then what do we call what we do on the battlefield? Hahaha!

Kael (scowling): That fool doesn’t even know how to speak properly. He’s as good as gone once I take my girl.

Karlus raised an eyebrow, giving Kael a playful nudge on the shoulder.

Karlus: “Your girl”?

Kael’s eyes widened as he realized what he’d just said.

Kael: What?!

Karlus (grinning): So, you’re finally admitting that—

Kael (cutting him off): I’m not admitting anything. There’s nothing to admit. Now, focus on the stage.

Karlus (mocking): Mm-hmm, sure. Whatever you say...

Kael avoided his gaze, trying to refocus on the auction, while Karlus stifled his laughter, clearly enjoying Kael's slip-up.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

Scene 23

Location: Back of the Stage

Astraea and Jigu made their way to the slaves with bread and milk in hand. As they approached, Astraea’s beauty captured the attention of every slave. Their jaws dropped, mesmerized by her soft-spoken nature and graceful presence.

For a moment, the jealousy they had felt over her special treatment disappeared. They knew now—she wasn’t just any slave. She was the main offering today.

Astraea smiled gently at them and spoke in a calm, soothing voice.

Astraea: I’ve brought some food for you. I’ll give it to each of you, one by one. And if you’re still hungry after finishing, just ask for more.

No one responded—they were too entranced by her. She moved methodically, handing out bread while Jigu followed with milk. The hungry boys and girls devoured the bread as soon as it was handed to them. Astraea offered them a second piece, and they accepted eagerly.

As Astraea distributed the food, her thoughts wandered.

Astraea (thinking): If they want to profit from these people, the least they could do is treat them better. After all, these slaves owe them nothing.

She continued moving among them until her eyes landed on a young boy sitting off to the side, counting on his fingers. Astraea approached him, holding out a piece of bread.

Astraea: Hey, take this. You should fill your stomach.

The boy glanced up at Astraea, his eyes widening as a vision unfolded before him.

In his vision , he saw Astraea helping people, being honored and respected by many. For a brief moment, the image was clear—this girl would be someone important, someone the world would admire.

The boy caught her hand gently and whispered as softly as he could.

Boy Slave: You will be someone whom people respect the most.

Astraea smiled, slightly amused by the statement. It was reminiscent of who she had once been, and still was, deep down.

She knelt down beside him, resting on her knees.

Astraea: And how do you know that?

Boy Slave: I had a vision just now.

Astraea: A vision where I was appreciated by people?

The boy nodded, and Astraea’s smile deepened.

Astraea: What’s your name?

The boy lowered his head, shaking it slightly.

Boy Slave: I don’t have one.

Astraea gently lifted his chin with her thumb, making him meet her eyes.

Astraea: If I give you a name, will you take it as your own?

Boy Slave: Only if you let me stay with you.

Astraea chuckled softly.

Astraea: If the buyer is a good person, I’ll ask them to take you. If not, I won’t speak of you. My life will be enough to ruin on its own.

The boy smiled faintly.

Boy Slave: You can give me the name, and I’ll think about it.

Astraea leaned in closer, their faces just inches apart. She whispered softly into his ear.

Astraea: Faris.

She stood back up after giving him the name, but the faint scent of her lingered in the boy’s mind.

Suddenly, Jigu approached.

Jigu: We need to go now. The auction’s about to start, and if we’re caught here, we’re doomed.

Astraea glanced at Jigu and nodded. She turned to leave but stopped when she felt the boy’s finger touch hers. She looked down at their intertwined fingers, then at him.

Faris: What’s your name?

Astraea bent down again, this time leaning closer to his ear. In a quiet voice, she replied,

Astraea: Artha. Remember my name is Artha .( Meeting his gaze ) But people here call me Astraea. I don’t know what name I’ll be given once I’m sold.

She stepped back, smiled softly at the boy, and bid farewell to everyone before heading to the resting room where Maam Fiona was waiting.

Maam Fiona, standing beside the window, had watched Astraea distribute food to the slaves. Her heart felt heavy, knowing that such a pure-hearted girl would soon be sold. Whoever bought her would surely win.

When Astraea and Jigu entered the room, they saw Maam Fiona standing where Astraea had been before.

Astraea: Were you watching us?

Maam Fiona: I need to keep an eye on you, so you don’t do anything rash.

Astraea (smiling): Well, I won’t.

Maam Fiona stepped closer, her gaze piercing into Astraea’s eyes.

Maam Fiona: I wonder what happened in this world to make you this level of... submissive?

Astraea: I am not submissive. I am calm. I don’t give up. And since I’m a little unwell, I decided not to fight you.

Maam Fiona: My pleasure, princess.

Astraea: So good to hear it.

Maam Fiona smiled—something no one else could make her do. Jigu was quietly pleased, seeing her master smile, even if just a little.

As they stood together, a thought crossed Astraea’s mind.

Astraea: Lady Fiona, come and sit with me.

She took Maam Fiona’s hand and led her to a couch, seating herself beside her.

Astraea: If I ever come back here with power and say, “Come with me,” would you come with me ?

Maam Fiona, slightly taken aback, hid her surprise.

Maam Fiona: No one ever comes back, darling.

Astraea: I will come back. And if I do, will you agree to come with me?

Maam Fiona paused, a serious look crossing her face.

Maam Fiona: If you ever return, I will give you my answer then. But for now, don’t ask.

Astraea understood that Maam Fiona didn’t want to continue the conversation. She didn’t press the matter further, but her determination to return, no matter how thorny the path, only grew stronger.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

Scene 24:

Location: Hall Room of Auction

The auction hall buzzes with activity, divided into a spectacle of opulence and degradation. Nobles sit in the front rows, their refined appearances masking their true nature.

One by one, slaves are paraded on stage, their fates determined by the lecherous eyes of the bidders. The young and beautiful are bought for pleasure, while the ordinary are purchased as laborers for the nobles’ estates and offices.

The nobles, who present themselves as the empire’s elite, reveal their true, sordid selves in this place.

Their gazes, filled with unrestrained hunger, strip the slaves of their dignity despite their modest attire. Each glance, each leer, is a testament to their moral decay.

On the second floor, Kael and Karlus watch in silent repulsion.

Karlus: "What do you think of Sir Morano?"

Kael: "That man has bought over ten slaves—six boys and four girls. He’s more depraved than I imagined." ( feeling nauseous)

Karlus: "He’s not just interested in girls but boys too. His bedroom must be a personal harem. It’s sickening."( gritted teeth)

Kael's expression hardens, his jaw clenched in anger.

Kael: "Once I find my girl, these scoundrels will meet their end tomorrow. They deserve nothing less."

Karlus smirks, noting the intensity in his friend's demeanor.

Karlus: "When we find " your girl", we’ll make them taste their own medicine."

Kael's face flushes slightly, his composure faltering at Karlus’ teasing words.

Kael: "What do you mean 'my girl'? Nothing is decided yet!"

Karlus chuckles, his tone light.

Karlus: "It will be decided, Kael. One look from her has brought you here, to a place you’d never have ventured before. She’s the kind of woman who can make a man like you kneel."

Kael, though embarrassed, turns his gaze back to the stage.

Kael: "I just want to save her from these vile people. Their so-called 'desires' are nothing but base cravings. They’ll use her and discard her when they’re done."

His anger is palpable as he imagines her exposed to their depravity.

Karlus (patting Kael's shoulder): "We’ll find her. Have faith. The Almighty is with us."

Kael nods, his focus unwavering as he scans the stage and the room for any sign of her. Despite his determined search, she remains elusive.

The regular slaves are sold off, one after another, until the rare-eyed men and women are brought to the stage.

Still, none of them is the girl Kael seeks. His gaze remains fixed, desperate to catch a glimpse of her.

To hell with the auction. If he finds her in any corner of the room, he’ll take her away from this hellhole before she’s further exploited.

But for now, she remains hidden, and Kael’s frustration grows with each passing moment.

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