Chapter 131 - The Heavily Guarded Top Floor of Flex Auction House
"Is that... really a demon?"
"Oh my god. Horns, those red eyes, and even a black tail... It really is a demon!"
"My word, now they're even auctioning off demons as slaves. What a shocking development."
A particularly large crowd had gathered around one prison cell, unlike anywhere else.
"Of course they are genuine demons! Thoroughly verified, possessing true purple demonic energy!"
Amid the throng, a guide with a glistening mustache was introducing the merchandise in an extravagantly dramatic voice.
"For the past few centuries, demons have hidden themselves not only in the Empire but across the Western Continent and even the Eastern Continent. And today, they reveal themselves right here!"
The guide's eyes, along with those of the crowd, fixed on a boy and girl who had clearly taken on the form of demons. They huddled together, their faces etched with terror.
"How can I buy one?"
"Do you have a certificate? How was the verification done, and who was involved?"
"I've heard demons are powerful and wicked. Are they properly tamed?"
They looked utterly pitiable at a glance, but the onlookers' eyes gleamed madly as they bombarded the guide with questions. To nobles who staked their lives on rarity and luxury, the fact that they were demons was merely a matter of value.
"The verification is ironclad! Due to security concerns, we couldn't entrust it to the Magic Tower, but... a grand mage from the Western Continent and a grand shaman from the Eastern Continent cross-verified them and gave their seal of approval!"
"And the certificate...?"
"Of course we have certificates! We'll show you the magically processed ones before purchase."
Thus, the slave market and the guide were thrilled. The market had drawn unprecedented attention by procuring demons, reaping record profits, and the guide stood to earn unimaginable commissions and perks from a successful demon sale.
"And yes, demons are strong and wicked! But fear not! The participating mages cast obedience spells themselves!"
"What if they don't listen? I prefer obedient ones."
"I think a defiant one would suit me better. That kind gives more of a thrill of depravity."
Thanks to this, a feverish heat permeated the top floor. It was one of the rare transactions satisfying both the slave market and the participants, proceeding splendidly.
"For those preferences, we've split them into two types! Obedient demons and defiant ones—you can choose! Though with limited stock, it depends on whether you can snag one!"
In that place, the unfortunate ones were solely the demons, oblivious to their fate of being sold and defiled—and simultaneously, the royals who were the hope of leading the Cloud Kingdom.
"I'll buy one! How much?"
"Wait, I got here first!"
"Nonsense, I was first!"
The top floor's atmosphere briefly turned jovial as nobles vied to purchase them.
"Hah, bragging about arriving a few minutes early. You all know the rules here, don't you?"
Someone's remark quelled the mood.
"Yes, exactly! The highest bidder takes ownership of the slave. That's the absolute rule of our slave market!"
Flashing a grin at him, the guide spread his arms wide.
"All these demons have already been purchased!"
"...What?"
"What do you mean?"
Newly arrived nobles scowled, but...
"Eh, the VIPs must've monopolized them again."
"Makes sense—they wouldn't pass this up."
Veteran visitors, familiar with the market's rules, sighed and chatted.
"VIPs like them must've paid top dollar. Let's pool our money like last time."
"Agreed. Buy first, decide later."
"Sigh, stuck sharing slaves again."
Watching them with a greedy smile, the guide soon read from the paper in his hand.
"Now, I'll reveal the amount right here."
"Pardon? No itemized list?"
"No need. They all have the same price."
With that, the guide smiled and announced the price.
"""..........!!!"
The top floor fell into stunned shock.
"What the hell, so expensive?"
"Did you misread? Even for demons..."
"Who the hell would..."
No matter that they were demons, the price was absurd.
"...A VIP paying that much? Only one person fits."
"Frey again? That bastard?"
"Damn, he swept them all last time too."
Amid the shock, nobles versed in the market spat Frey's name and grumbled.
"What can we do? It's his money."
"Sigh... fine, let's pool funds."
"Might snag one or two if we're lucky."
But that lasted only a moment. The allure of demon slaves was too tempting to abandon.
"Can't let this go. Let's gather our money."
"...No choice. I wanted one somehow, but this might bankrupt me."
Even nobles tempted to leave rallied with newfound resolve.
"Damn bastards... Those kids aren't..."
Watching silently, grinding her teeth, was one girl.
"They're not mere merchandise..."
She was none other than Aishi, the youngest royal of the Cloud Kingdom—now a slave.
"Frey, you deserve to die."
Thanks to Frey buying her entire family before her eyes, Cloud Kingdom's princess Aishi steeled her resolve.
She would grant his every wish, obey his every command. No matter the humiliation, she would endure to save her family on the brink of enslavement and abuse.
And if he refused negotiation even then... she would threaten him with the curse she'd placed on him.
Of course, given the curse's nature on her, she planned to save it for an absolute last resort.
But.
"At the very least... at the very least..."
She hadn't even negotiated with Frey—hadn't spoken to him once.
"You should've given me a chance to negotiate..."
The reason was simple. Frey had ignored all her contacts.
Growing anxious, she even inquired at Sunrise Academy, only to hear he'd suddenly collapsed.
She panicked, fearing her curse, but recalling it slowly froze the heart, she realized: Frey was deliberately avoiding her.
"Don't worry, kids. I'll save you soon."
In the end, Aishi abandoned negotiation with Frey and made her choice.
Finally decided to use my power again?
The power from the inner voice that had tormented her since childhood. The power she'd vowed never to use again.
Just this once, to protect her family.
"...It's not because of you. This is my will, my choice."
Oh? Really?
"Just this once, to protect my family... so abandon any vain hopes."
Sure, whatever you say.
Ignoring the mocking voice, Aishi began deep breaths.
Huuuu...
Purple demonic energy poured from her body. She drew forth the long-sealed demon power.
"If... if I survive this..."
She murmured softly.
"...I'll definitely kill Frey."
Cursing the one who'd brought things to this pass.
"Well, even if I die here, the curse will kill him."
She had taken her first step down the path of corruption her inner voice so desired.
Until a clear voice rang out across the top floor.
"I'll buy them."
"...Huh?"
"Customer? What did you say?"
"Didn't hear? I said I'll buy the slaves."
A robed man pushed through the crowd onto the platform. Murmurs rippled everywhere.
"...What?"
Aishi, transforming into demon form to save them all, stared blankly.
"Understood. Which slave would you like?"
The guide, equally stunned, quickly recovered and smiled, asking.
Though Frey had bought at absurd prices, for Empire nobles with excess wealth, one might be affordable with massive hemorrhage.
High risk of anemia, but still possible.
Sneering inwardly at the blurry figure before him, the guide began.
"That slave over there has a defiant streak but cute eyes as a highlight, and the one on that side..."
"I'll buy them all."
"...Pardon?"
The guide halted, staring blankly.
"Not one—all of them."
Glancing at the stunned guide, nobles, and Aishi watching with trembling eyes from afar.
"...At double the original price."
He dropped a bombshell that upended not just the top floor but the entire slave market.
"Uh, uh..."
"Sign here, right?"
"...Huh?"
In the shocked atmosphere, he calmly signed the enchanted manifest.
"Well then, goodbye."
He bowed quickly and slipped away.
"What? He really bought them all?"
"Impossible, no one has that much money..."
"But that manifest won't let you sign without the funds in the account?"
The unprecedented event sparked chaos among the crowd.
"W-Wait... just a moment...!"
Aishi chased after the robed man desperately.
"Headquarters, do you copy? Emergency. An unidentified human just bought all the demons."
The guide quietly radioed headquarters.
"This throws off the plan..."
EMERGENCY ALERT!
"...Huh?"
But connecting via wireless magic device, the guide's face paled in confusion.
Unidentified intruder in waiting room corridor attempting descent to lower floors! Security chief down!
All staff, assemble in corridors...
Alert to all staff. Guard radios cutting out simultaneously across the market.
Swiftly identify the situation...
I saw it... I saw it... An indescribably terrifying entity, and a girl who shattered everything with a finger snap...
Everyone, evacuate the market immediately...!
"What the hell...?"
The slave market had already descended into chaos.
"...As expected, the coffee here is delicious."
The unidentified man, having bought all the demons and earned new VIP status, lounged in the VIP lounge.
"Um, excuse me!"
"Hm?"
Someone burst desperately into his room.
"You can't do this!"
"Damn, short-staffed security causing this mess..."
With chaos erupting everywhere thinning security, Aishi slipped into the room of the man who'd bulk-bought the demons.
"...I'm fine, everyone leave."
"Th-Thank you!"
The guards, bracing for blame, sighed in relief at his calm words and exited.
"Um, I have something to say...!"
"Sit first."
Dismissing all guards, the man cut off Aishi's frantic words, pointing to the opposite sofa.
"......!"
As she sat, he rested his chin on his hand and whispered softly.
"I know who you are, Princess of the Cloud Kingdom."
"Wh-What do you..."
"I know you and your kingdom's royals are half-demons. So let's skip the nonsense and get to the point."
Whispering lowly to Aishi, who tried denying, he gazed steadily at her.
"Wh-What do you want...?"
Mentally cornered, seeing him as possible last hope, she asked in a trembling voice.
"Simple."
The robed unidentified man—Frey—replied with a refreshing smile.
"Lend me the cabinet."
"...Pardon?"
"...So I can play hero."
Chilly voices echoed relentlessly in his mind.