Chapter 82: The Slave Hiding Their Power (2)
While Shiron and Siriel were spending a seemingly cozy time together in the mansions training yard, a child was being ostracized.
Squeak-
Lucia Prient.
From dawn until dusk. The red-haired girl was dripping with sweat, wielding a sword that had even been affectionately nicknamed Black Iron.
What? Do you think Im being ostracized?
I didnt say it quite like that?
Shirons loyal servant, Encia, shrugged her shoulders as she looked at Lucia.
It just seems a bit like that. Or perhaps, are you taking the chance to swing your sword while Lord Shiron and Lady Siriel are away When others play, I become stronger? Is that it?
What are you on about
Lucia stopped swinging her sword and glared daggers at Encia.
Encia. Although her exact species was still unknown, Lucia knew she was a demon and an incredibly strong one at that.
However, Lucias attitude towards Encia was somewhat lax. Due to the deep-seated distrust ingrained in her towards demons, she never completely let her guard down in front of her, but she was at least able to interact without fear.
Why do I need a reason to swing a sword? I just do it without thinking.
Really?
Why? What is it?
Dont lie. Your face is clearly showing your regret.
Do you have some sort of grudge against me?
Lucia slung her Black Iron Sword over her shoulder, approached Encia, and swiftly grabbed and drank the lemonade she was holding.
Hmm
Encia narrowed her eyes as she looked at the red-haired girl.
It was hard to say whether it was boldness or just impudent behavior, but from this action, Encia did not feel fear. One thing was clear: Lucia was not afraid in the face of Encia, who could kill her with just a flick of her wrist.
Swoosh-
Whatever.
Encia shook out her skirt and stretched luxuriously. It seemed as though she was loosening up from some strenuous activity, but all she had done all day was watch a ten-year-old girl swing a sword.
Lucia exhaled heavily and sheathed her sword.
Thin eyes, a beaming smile. Upon seeing her reaction, Lucia felt like she had become a target of Encias mockery.
She wanted to give that mischievous demon a good thump on the head. But right now, she was too weak to do so.
The reasons to become stronger seem to be growing by the day
After Encia entered the annex, Lucia took a deep breath and circulated the mana throughout her body.
It seems Is it because of the combat experience Ive accumulated? I might reach my goal sooner than I expected.
The mana, which originated from her dantian and spread through her meridians, had doubled in quantity compared to a few weeks ago and had become easier to control.
This pace of progress could never be achieved by just swinging a sword on the training ground. Indeed, a single real fight approached with the readiness to die proved more effective than swinging a sword ten thousand times.
It seems following Shiron wasnt in vain after all.
Lucia shook her sweat-drenched hair and smiled proudly.
In the VVIP seats of the auction, where all sorts of treasures were handled, Shiron received the utmost service from the auction house staff.
Embroidered with black velvet and gold threads, the chair had a massage function whose mechanics were a mystery. A woman in a low-cut dress that revealed her dcolletage massaged Shirons feet with fragrant oil, her delicate fingers working skillfully. The sight was pleasing, and the body was at ease.
Im losing my mind
However, despite indulging in luxuries he couldnt have even dreamt of in his past life, Shirons expression remained grim.
Is there anything uncomfortable? We will correct it immediately.
Uncomfortable? It was the presence of the terrorist he had glimpsed earlier.
A slender man dressed in Eastern-style clothing was surrounded by others in similar attire, standing guard.
But it wasnt just the Eastern-style clothing that made Shiron label them as terrorists. The mark of the Big Dipper engraved on their necks made their identity easy to guess.
[The Liberators of Silleya]
This was the organization that [Yoru, the Warrior of Silleya] would eventually join. For 500 years, they had been a troublesome group demanding liberation for the persecuted ethnic minorities and claiming their promised land, committing terror throughout the empire.
Uncomfortable? Youre talking as if its obvious. Its the VVIP seat, isnt it? But is it okay for the security to be this lax?
Shiron looked at the woman at his feet with an expression as if he had chewed something bitter.
May I ask you something?
Of course, please feel free.
Dont you check identities or anything like that at this auction house?
Surprisingly, the auction house had imposed no restrictions even though Shiron had entered with an armed group in armor.
Shiron was naturally concerned about the possibility of a fight breaking out during the bidding war, not knowing the circumstances of those not featured in the game, and it was only natural for him to feel uneasy about being under the same roof as terrorists.
What if, hypothetically, I harbored ill intentions and turned this place upside down? How would you respond?
Brother, what are you talking about? Are you planning to turn this place upside down? Father said to come back unharmed and safely
No, its just a saying. Im just checking in case youre in danger Thats where Im coming from.
Shiron smiled awkwardly at Siriel. At that moment, the woman who had been massaging Shirons feet began to chuckle.
Hehe, its okay. Weve already ensured that the strength of the individuals present here is within the Auctions capability to manage.
Are you saying youre confident in dealing with everyone here?
Shiron widened his eyes slightly as he looked at the woman.
She phrased it nicely, but I feel insulted to be taken lightly like this.
Yes, thats correct.
The woman smiled faintly, bowing her head.
The details are confidential, but our auction house probably has security personnel that would be hard for you to imagine Your Highness.
Thats intriguing.
So please relax and enjoy the auction.
Soon, the lights around them dimmed.
Click-
Click-click-click-
Only the stage lights brightened in the distance.
The panels distributed at the entrance twinkled like fireflies among the dark seats. The auction had begun.
Good evening. I am overwhelmed by the presence of so many esteemed guests participating in todays auction.
The masked auctioneer bowed slightly on stage with a somewhat jesting tone.
And with a heavy rolling sound, a cage appeared on the stage.
Inside the cage, there was a girl dressed in rough burlap.
One year ago, after a large-scale disaster struck their territory, the Count Detals family was plunged into huge debt and ruin. This young lady hails from that noble family. Rumor has it she has quite the vicious temperament, so taming her will provide a good challenge. The bidding will start at 100,000 shillings.
Despite their confidence in security, the auction house kicked off with a bang, starting with such a sensational item.
The appearance of a noble daughter from a bankrupt noble family.
It was a pattern often seen in the game.
By rescuing the girl, one could effortlessly raise their prestige without the hassle of extra effort; just money was enough to gain some reward and the chance to face the heretic.
Ive accumulated enough penalty points as it is, I cant afford to die here.
Shiron shook his head, giving up on the idea of saving the pitiful young lady. He might have felt a twinge of sympathy, but, unfortunately, the decision wasnt up to him.
Shiron glanced at Siriel seated next to him out of a what if curiosity.
Siriel, what do you think about that girl? Dont you feel sorry for her? She looks about four or five years older than you
However, Shiron couldnt finish his sentence. Siriel shot him a sharp look.
Brother, are you eyeing another girl? Even when a proper lady is sitting right beside you?
Yeah, sorry. Lets just drop it.
Shiron closed his eyes and looked at the touch panel. On it, he could see the real-time bidding price ticker.
Watching the graph climb in a step-wise fashion reminded him of a stock ticker with no upper limit.
3.6 million shillings! Thats the final bid!
The auctioneer shouted loudly, and the touch panel erupted with elaborate effects.
3.6 million shillings. Even Shiron thought that was a hefty sum.
A person capable of handling such an amount must undoubtedly be in this VVIP section.
Shiron was curious about who would have won the girl. While looking around, he saw an Oriental-styled man flashing a distasteful grin.
It was the leader of the Liberators.
It doesnt fit his looks his tastes are interesting.
Shiron grimaced slightly and shook his head. He thought that it was possible. It was foolish to determine someones preferences by their looks. Perhaps even a docile-looking person might want to tame a vicious noble lady.
And so, one by one, items passed by on the stage.
A famous alchemists elixir.
In the desert, a gemstone was found in a dungeon.
A rare, fantastical species of a summoned beast
Although he had come to the auction house to pick a gift for Siriel and couldnt return empty-handed, Siriel showed no interest in any of the items.
But I doubt Mother would allow a pet, and Ive already had my share of the Elixir of Youth, plus theres Lucias gift. And just so you know, Im tired of jewels.
I see.
If you really cant decide you can buy something you want.
Saying this, Siriel teasingly stroked the back of Shirons hand, smiling mischievously.
Shiron wondered where she had learned such gestures, but soon Eldrinas face came to mind.
What on earth have they taught this child?
However, contrary to his inner thoughts, Shiron did not show his panic. He just smiled faintly and nodded.
Thanks. Ill take a look and decide.
This next item will surely meet your expectations. Estimated to be crafted 700 years ago! It is a staff with a transcendent stone at its end!
The auctioneer, with much excitement, unveiled the item.
And there, Shiron saw a staff with a form that was very familiar to him.
As if entranced, Shiron pressed the bidding button.
A staff wrapped with a purple gemstone
It was a legendary-grade item. It was Seiras staff.
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