Diamond In Rough || NALU

•第4章•

The auction came to a sudden halt as a hushed silence fell over the grand hall. The crowd turned to see the Crown Prince himself, his deep voice echoing through the room as he placed a bid of 100 million gold for Lucy, the Siebran slave.

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the audience. They were witnessing an unprecedented bid for a mere slave, and it left them in awe.

Lucy, her body still recovering from the electric shock, slowly raised her head. Her wild and wary eyes locked onto the Prince, her gaze full of defiance.

The host, taken aback by the Prince's bid, hesitated for a moment but then regained his composure. "100 million gold going once, going twice..."

Before he could finish, no one else dared to place another bid. The Prince's resolve was clear, and no one was willing to challenge him.

"Sold to His Highness the Crown Prince!" The host declared, a hint of unease in his voice.

Lucy was unshackled and led off the stage, her movements still cautious. She knew nothing about this Prince who had just purchased her. She had heard stories about the extravagant lifestyles of the empire's nobility, but she couldn't fathom what awaited her.

The Crown Prince, a tall and imposing figure, stepped forward and waited as Lucy was brought to him. His sharp gaze analyzed her from head to toe, noting her tattered clothing and the whip marks on her back. He couldn't help but be intrigued by the fire in her eyes.

Lucy, in turn, maintained her guarded stance. She had learned to trust no one, especially in a place like this.

As the guards escorted her out of the auction hall, the audience erupted in applause. The host smiled, ready to continue the auction with the next item, but the Prince's actions had cast a shadow over the event.

In the following days, Lucy found herself in the Prince's grand castle. The lavishness of her surroundings was a stark contrast to her grotesque origins. She was no longer in shackles, but her freedom was an illusion. Guards kept a close watch, and an electrified collar around her neck served as a constant reminder of her status.

The Prince had ordered her to be bathed and dressed in finer clothes, which was met with resistance. The maids tasked with washing her trembled at her unpredictability. Her fierce determination had made her a survivor in her homeland, and she was not about to submit easily.

As Natsu was filling out some documents in his office, a guard rushed into the office and relayed a message. Natsu sighed. "She's what...?"

The royal guard led Natsu down the halls to where Lucy's screaming became increasingly louder with each step.

The Butler, startled, looked at Natsu with a defeated face, before bowing.

The Crown Prince came to the door and slammed it open. The room was filled with silence; only the sound of Lucy's voice was heard across the halls.

"What is going on here?" Natsu asked, before looking over to Lucy. She was naked. He looked at her, bewildered. "And why hasn't she got clothes on? I believe I ordered you maids to clean her up, not have her run around stark naked."

The maids trembled before him.

"You..." A voice growled. Lucy stormed over to Natsu. "You won't tame me with your fancy clothes and golden chains."

Natsu glared down at her face, before peering into her eyes. "I ordered my maids to help clean you up, and you decide to create havoc within my own castle walls. I won't allow it."

Lucy spat on his face which caused the guards to draw their swords at Lucy. "Stand down," Natsu commanded.

Amidst the struggle, the Crown Prince watched with keen interest. He had expected her fiery spirit, and he was drawn to it. He believed there was more to Lucy than met the eye, something that set her apart from the other slaves he had seen.