𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒' 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐃𝐎𝐆 | 𝘷𝘢𝘥𝘵𝘥 𝘹 𝘔.𝘺/𝘯 |

(22) A Delicate Flower.

"........," 

Just as I absorbed the unsettling news about Eckles, a chubby, short man waddled over, oozing arrogance like a cheap perfume.

His flamboyant suit clashed horribly with the somber mood of the hall.

'No mask, huh? Interesting...'

Bun-Bun bristled on my shoulder, his whiskers twitching in annoyance as the man plopped into the seat beside us.

I instinctively recoiled, hoping to avoid unwanted attention.

But the man's gaze lingered, a calculating glint in his eyes that sent shivers down my spine.

"Ah, a fellow aristocrat, I presume,"

He sneered, dismissing me as an insect beneath his notice.

This pompous peacock.

What did he want?

Curiosity gnawed at me.

"Baron Von Kri, at your service,"

He declared with a flourish, arrogance dripping from his voice like honey off a bad batch of scones.

My eyebrows furrowed in response.

This fool assumed my social status based on nothing?

Assumed I was of a lower rank?

Irritation bubbled within me, but maintaining composure was key.

"Grand Duke Cha,"

I replied stiffly, masking my simmering contempt.

A Grand Duke!

Did this buffoon even know who he was talking to?

"If you have no pressing matters, Baron," I added, my voice polite but firm, "I'd appreciate some peace and quiet."

His eyes narrowed, but he backed down – for now.

Tension hung heavy in the air as we waited.

Finally, a distant thumping behind the stage signaled the arrival of... something.

The crowd rustled, adjusting their seats for a better view.

Whispers died down, replaced by an eerie silence.

"Ladies and gentlemen!"

The auctioneer boomed, his voice shattering the stillness like a thunderbolt.

"The event you've all been waiting for begins now! We have a bounty of… merchandise… for your discerning tastes. Let the bidding commence!"

He sauntered onto the stage, a wide grin plastered on his face.

His teeth gleamed unnaturally white against his tanned skin, highlighting his enthusiasm for the night's business.

Bun-Bun flinched at the booming voice, burrowing deeper into my pocket.

"So loud,"

He muttered, trying to keep his cool.

The auctioneer droned on about the various "items" for sale, including slaves.

My nerves thrummed with a mix of dread and determination.

This wasn't a place I ever wanted to be, but finding Penelope was priority.

The first "products" walked across the stage – servants, laborers, all the usual sight in this wretched place.

Then, a hush fell over the crowd, replaced by a ripple of anticipation.