A wave of emotions.

Scene 29

Location: Merchant Nior’s Office

Maam Fiona and Jigu sprinted through the streets, their only thought to prevent Astraea from being sold into slavery.

Their worry wasn’t for Astraea herself, but for their own safety. If what Astraea had confided to Jigu was true, then Merchant Nior had sealed his own fate this time.

Breathless, Maam Fiona and Jigu arrived at Merchant Nior’s office, located beside the auction hall.

Maam Fiona paused at the door, taking a moment to collect herself. Her appearance was disheveled from the rush, but she hastily smoothed her hair and adjusted her clothes before knocking.

“Come in,” a voice called from inside.

She opened the door, stepping into a room filled with large crates overflowing with emerald stones. Shocked, she stared at the glistening green beautiful emerald stones.

In Theomov, only the royal family had the right to possess such a fortune. For a brief moment, she was speechless, watching Merchant Nior, who was engrossed in counting the stones.

Maam Fiona: "Did a royal make a purchase from the auction, sir?"

Merchant Nior (without looking up): "Hmm…"

Maam Fiona (hesitant but pressing on): "Who did they buy?"

Merchant Nior (glancing at her with a sly smile): "The most valuable slave."

Maam Fiona (uneasy): "Who exactly?"

Merchant Nior (resuming his count): "Astraea."

A surge of relief washed over Maam Fiona, though tension still gnawed at her. She needed more details.

Maam Fiona: "Who bought her?"

Merchant Nior (with a triumphant smirk): "The second prince of Theomov, Prince Noah."

Maam Fiona exhaled slowly, finally relaxing. She knew Prince Noah’s reputation for kindness and grace. Astraea would be safe, even fortunate, in his care.

Jigu, standing quietly behind Maam Fiona, glanced at the emerald stones.

Unlike her usual fascination with wealth, a bitter feeling churned in her stomach. She felt disgusted by the sight, knowing the price Astraea had paid for it.

Her throat tightened with the urge to cry, but she swallowed it back, unwilling to provoke Merchant Nior’s ire.

Maam Fiona: "I’ll be taking my leave then."

As she turned to go, her hand just brushing the door handle, Merchant Nior’s voice stopped her.

Merchant Nior: "Wait. Take these two crates with you. Give each of the girls a stone, and whatever remains is yours to keep."

Maam Fiona eyed the heavy crates and nodded, offering a curt smile.

Maam Fiona: "Thank you, sir, for your generosity. Jigu, fetch the helpers to carry these boxes."

Jigu hurried out, and soon six helpers arrived to haul the heavy crates, three men per box due to the sheer weight of the emerald stones. With that, Maam Fiona and Jigu departed, heading toward her chamber in the villa.

Location: Outside Spring House

Kael, Karlus, and Astraea emerged from the Spring House, stepping into the cool night air. Astraea lingered for a moment at the door, looking back, her thoughts swirling.

Astraea (to herself): This morning, I was dragged here as a slave, terrified of what was to come. And now, tonight, I leave, still a slave… but now to a prince. My fate has been sealed.

Kael and Karlus, walking ahead, noticed Astraea had fallen behind. Kael turned, seeing her lost in thought, staring at the villa.

Kael: "Did you enjoy your time here?" (approaching her)

Astraea snapped out of her reverie and look back , lowered her gaze as Kael came closer.

Kael: "I asked you a question."

Astraea: "No. I did not enjoy it."

Kael: "Then why are you looking back?"

Astraea: "I was thinking… about something."

Kael (moving closer, intrigued): "What is it you’re thinking about?"

Astraea hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. She glanced up, not meeting his eyes but staring at his chest instead.

Kael: "What’s making you so hesitant?" (taking another step toward her)

Astraea: "A slave."

Kael (raising a brow): "A slave?"

Astraea: "Yes."

Kael: "A friend? Tell me, I’ll buy her too."

Astraea: "It’s not a 'her.' It’s a 'him.'"

At her words, Kael’s mind raced—a boy? His eyes darkened slightly, a slow, almost maniacal smile forming. A boy?!! The idea of another male occupying her thoughts set his blood boiling.

Karlus, standing nearby, noticed Kael’s expression darkening.

Karlus (whispering): "You should fix your face before she looks up. You look like a maniac."

Kael straightened, coughing lightly to mask his irritation, but the tension in his jaw remained.

Kael: "Who is he? Your lover?"

Both Kael and Karlus were now staring intently at Astraea. Even with her head lowered, she could feel the weight of their gazes.

Astraea: "He’s a Northern slave. I met him while we were waiting. He was sold before me."

Kael: "Why are you thinking about him?"

Astraea: "He reminded me of my younger brother. I… I promised him that if I got sold first, I’d ask my buyer to help him… if my buyer was a good person."

Karlus: "So… what do you think? Are we good people?"

Astraea glanced briefly at Karlus but quickly dropped her gaze again.

Astraea: "You both seem good. Otherwise, I doubt I’d be standing here without being tied up."

Kael and Karlus exchanged looks, a silent conversation passing between them.

Kael: "Do buyers usually tie up their slaves?"

Astraea: "That’s what I heard."

Kael leaned in closer to Karlus, whispering.

Kael: "I told you we should have killed everyone from the auction."

Karlus (hushed): "And what would that solve? You want the entire capital talking about the 'Bloodthirsty Prince' killed an entire brothel to satisfy his hunger as soon as he returns ? For this , you have returned? You think Astraea needs to hear those rumors?"

Kael fell silent, but his emerald eyes glinted with restrained fury.

Kael (changing the subject): "When will the carriage arrive?"

Karlus (teasing): "I thought you’d take her back on horseback!"

Kael: "Did you look at her? She’s too frail for that. She’d faint before we reached the palace. You didn’t send for a carriage, did you?"( eyeing him)

Karlus gulped, knowing full well he hadn’t.

Karlus: "I’ll send word immediately."

Kael: "Make it quick."( glaring at him )

Location: Maam Fiona’s Chamber

Back at the villa, Maam Fiona and Jigu entered the chamber. As the door closed behind them, Jigu finally broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.

Jigu (wiping her eyes): "Why didn’t you stop him? Astraea’s gone, and now we’re supposed to celebrate with her blood money?"

Maam Fiona sat down on the bed, her expression weary.

Maam Fiona: "This isn’t the first time we’ve profited from a sale. But it’s the first time we’ve felt guilty about it. We need to move on. Call the girls here. I’ll hand out the stones, and then we’ll talk."

Jigu wiped her tears and stepped out to summon the other girls. One by one, they came into Maam Fiona’s chamber, receiving their emerald stones.

Each girl marveled at the precious currency, smiling at the rare reward. After all, emerald stones were typically reserved for royalty.

Only Maam Fiona and Jigu felt the weight of guilt, unable to share in the joy. They couldn’t let their emotions show, knowing it would only bring trouble.

Scene 30

Location: Outside the Spring House.

Astraea stood under a large tree, leaning her back against its rough bark while waiting for the delayed carriage.

Karlus stood by her side, ever vigilant, ready to protect her from any danger.

Noticing Astraea looking up, Karlus followed her gaze. All he saw were thick leaves overhead, not even a glimpse of the sky. Confused, he asked,

Karlus: "What are you looking at?"

Astraea ( looking at him , shaking her head ): "Nothing."

Karlus couldn’t help but notice the captivating beauty of her bluish-purple eyes—so innocent, yet hiding something mysterious. Curiosity got the better of him, and he pressed further.

Karlus: "Where are you from, girl?"

Astraea: "East Turkan Empire."

Karlus (startled): "The East Turkan Empire? That’s the largest and wealthiest empire in the world! Not only is it ten times bigger than Theomov's capital Hulayen , but even the entire Theomov couldn’t compare to even a fraction of it."

Astraea nodded, but as she looked down, a shadow of sadness crossed her face. Karlus noticed the shift in her mood and couldn’t resist asking more.

Karlus: "How did someone from East Turkan end up here? Even if you were lost or decided to travel here, it’s not an easy journey—it takes three to four months to reach Theomov."

Astraea: "I wasn’t lost, nor did I decide to come here. I never planned to travel to Theomov."( looking at him )

Karlus: "Then how?"

Astraea: "I was kidnapped on my way to... somewhere." (she looked back up at the tree branches)

Karlus: "Kidnapped? Where were you going?"

Astraea: "To an orphanage."

Karlus (skeptical): "Kidnapped on your way to an orphanage? That doesn’t make sense. Nobody would dare kidnap someone in broad daylight."

Astraea: "It makes perfect sense. I was traveling at night, and they took me under the cover of darkness."

Karlus: "Why travel at night? What was so urgent?"

Astraea: "A child at the orphanage was on the brink of death. They needed money, and though I had already sent it, I couldn’t rest easy. I decided to go there myself."( feeling sad ).

Karlus studied her face closely. There was no hint of deception; she was telling the truth, simply and earnestly.

Karlus: "I see. A vulnerable girl, traveling alone at night... you must have seemed like an easy target to those kidnappers."

Astraea: "They didn’t just capture me—they made sure I was unconscious. They handed me over to a Theomov slave dealer while I was senseless."

Karlus: "Who would do such a thing to you?"

Astraea (quietly): "I don’t know. But it wasn’t just one person. Someone from both Theomov and East Turkan worked together. Or maybe... it was just fate."

Karlus: "Your family must be quite wealthy, then?"

Astraea (smiling faintly): "Yes, my family is rich, but..."

Karlus: "But?"

Astraea (smiling wider): "I am the wealthy one ."

Karlus couldn’t help but admire her smile. It lit up her face, and he found himself saying,

Karlus: "You’re beautiful when you smile, girl."

Astraea was about to respond, but they were interrupted by Kael’s voice booming from a distance.

Kael (yelling): "Karlus! Where’s the carriage?"

Astraea and karlus looked at him . Straightening up, Karlus walked toward Kael. As he approached, he spoke in a quieter tone,

Karlus (hinting toward Astraea): "Can’t you be a little more polite? You’ll scare her if you keep roaring like that."

Kael glanced at Astraea, who was standing silently, watching them. He then turned back to Karlus, his expression stern.

Kael: "If she hates me because of that, it’ll be you who pays the price. I’ll make sure you forget everything... including your own gender."

Karlus (smirking): "If you don’t treat her right, someone else will. Remember that. The carriage will be here any moment, just wait."

Kael: "I don’t need your advice, Karlus. Keep it to yourself."( gritting teeth )

Just then, both men heard a bird sound and looked up to see Karlus' eagle soaring above them, circling as it prepared to land. Karlus raised his arm, allowing the bird to settle on it.

Karlus: "The carriage will be here in a few minutes. Get ready."

After informing Kael, Karlus began walking back toward Astraea, but Kael stopped him with a firm hand to his chest.

Kael: "You fetch the carriage. I’ll speak with her."

Karlus (bowing slightly): "As you wish, my prince."

Kael strode over to Astraea, who straightened up as he approached. He stood before her, his gaze softening slightly.

Kael: "Do you need anything? We’ll be passing through the market, and you can buy whatever you like."

Astraea (bowing slightly): "I’m fine, Prince Noah. I appreciate your offer, but I don’t need anything."

Kael’s mind slipped for a moment, having forgotten he was disguised as Prince Noah. He opened his mouth to correct her and reveal the truth, but the sound of the carriage pulling up cut him off.

Karlus (calling): "The carriage is here! Come quickly."

Kael turned back to Astraea, who was looking at him expectantly. He extended his hand to her.

Kael: "Let’s go, the carriage has arrived."

Astraea (taking his hand): "Thank you, Prince Noah."

They walked toward the carriage, Astraea sit inside while Kael and Karlus mounted their horses to follow behind.

Location: Maam Fiona’s Chamber

Maam Fiona was getting ready for bed, her mind still buzzing from the chaos of the day and the endless noise of the girls she had to manage.

Her head throbbed as she rose from her seat at the dressing table and moved toward her bed. As she lay down, she extended her hand to Jigu for a massage.

Jigu (applying lotion to Maam Fiona’s hand): You seem very tired, Lady.

Maam Fiona’s eyes were closed, but she opened them slightly at Jigu’s words.

Maam Fiona (looking at Jigu): Did Astraea tell you to call me that?

Jigu (nodding): Yes. When we were in the prison room, we were talking about how strict you are. She said she’d call you Lady Fiona every time she sees you and asked me to do the same.

Maam Fiona (chuckling): Hah. That woman… even tries to show respect to the one who captured her for personal gain.

Jigu: When she said it, I didn’t think much of it. But now that she’s gone, I miss her. So I thought calling you that would be a way to remember her. She’s the first person I befriended so quickly.

Maam Fiona (softly): She’s a spirited child. Fierce and strong. (in a lower voice) Don’t tell anyone, Jigu, but she managed to beat four or five of our strongest men with just her bare hands. She injured them internally.

Jigu (incredulous): Are you serious, Lady?

Maam Fiona: Why would I lie? I saw the bruises and cuts myself. The physician confirmed they were injured from the inside.

Jigu ( admires ) : She’s incredible. I wish I could be like her.

Maam Fiona: There’s no one like her, Jigu. A woman like Astraea only comes once in a century. She’s beautiful yet stern, soft yet strong, naïve yet intelligent, angry yet calm. She’s the kind of woman men would die to have by their side.

Jigu: No wonder we were paid such a high price for her. (glancing at the emeralds)

Maam Fiona followed her gaze to the gleaming emeralds, the price paid for Astraea.

Maam Fiona: She was worth far more than those gems. She didn’t deserve what happened to her. I only hope she’s happy now.

Jigu: I can’t even bring myself to touch the payment. But those girls were greedy. Even after getting one gem each, they wanted more.

Maam Fiona: It was Sir Nior’s order that they each receive one emerald. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have given them a single stone. These gems represent the price of Astraea, and I won’t spend them carelessly.

Jigu: Speaking of the price, I’ve been meaning to ask you something, my lady.

Maam Fiona: Go ahead.

Jigu: You went to Sir Nior’s chambers to stop the sale of Astraea, but you didn’t say anything when you heard Prince Noah had bought her. Why?

Maam Fiona: If we had told him what Astraea confided in you, Sir Nior would’ve found a way to bring her back here. But Prince Noah is a good man. He’ll take care of her.

Jigu: Is Prince Noah really such a good man that you’re so happy for Astraea?

Maam Fiona: I don’t know Prince Noah personally, but I’ve seen enough of the other princes to know he’s far better. His behavior, demeanor, the way he speaks and shows respect—it’s all remarkable.

Jigu: Aren’t all princes like that?

Maam Fiona: Prince Noah and the Crown Prince come from the same parents, and they’re in the direct line of succession. But the other princes? They’re nothing but brats. They come here, spend the night, beat the girls, and compensate with money. We can’t do anything about it. But Prince Noah !!! He’s never even raised his voice at one of the girls.

Jigu: He just enjoys himself quietly and leaves. That’s who he is . isn't it ?

Maam Fiona: He only comes here to watch the girls dance and listen to them sing. He’s never taken one to a room. Some even tried to seduce him, but he didn’t flinch. Though I don’t blame them.

Jigu: Why?

Maam Fiona: I asked him about it once. He told me that if he were to spend the night with someone, he’d prefer it be with a woman he was emotionally attached to, rather than just a physical connection.

Jigu: He sounds like a good man. Astraea is in good hands, then.

Maam Fiona: I can’t tell you how relieved I was when I heard Prince Noah’s name. For a moment, I feared the Crown Prince or one of the others had bought her.

Jigu: I can understand worrying about the other princes, but the Crown Prince? Isn’t he Prince Noah’s older brother? Shouldn’t he be just as good?

Maam Fiona (shaking her head): My dear Jigu, the Crown Prince Kael is dangerous. He is the danger. He spent his teenage years on the battlefield, fighting the North. He was sent there when he was only thirteen. Rumor has it, he begged the king to send him to war.

Jigu: So young… The Crown Prince must be incredibly strong.

Maam Fiona: He is. Do you know what they call him on the battlefield and in Theomov?

Jigu shook her head.

Maam Fiona: On the battlefield, his enemies call him ‘The Slaughterer.’ And in Theomov, we call him ‘The White Ice Sword.’ He earned every bit of his reputation and proved he’s worthy of his position.

Jigu: But if such a man is Astraea’s master, no one would dare bully her. She’d be the strongest woman in the empire.

Maam Fiona: Only if she uses her brain wisely. That girl listens to her heart more than anything. And being with the Crown Prince means danger will follow her like a shadow. I pray Astraea never crosses paths with Prince Kael.

Jigu: Astraea belongs to Prince Noah, and he’s the Crown Prince’s brother. They won’t ever mention to each other, let alone meet. Don’t worry, my lady. (placing her hand on Maam Fiona’s hand)

Maam Fiona: I hope you’re right. Now, I’d like to sleep. You should rest too. Today’s been exhausting.

Jigu nodded, pulling the curtains around the bed. She turned off the lights and quietly slipped out of the room.

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