Chapter 20

Chapter 20

I’d heard before that festivals were best enjoyed at night, and I could now see why. The streets were filled with people, even though we hadn’t traveled too far from the manor. The main road, which was usually close to deserted, was now populated with beautiful floating lanterns and a wide variety of stalls. I’d been to many festivals like this in the real world though, so I passed by the stalls without so much as a glance.

“Hey. I thought you wanted to see the festival?” Reynold finally asked, noting my lack of interest.

I glanced at him, replying carelessly, “But I am.”

“You’re not even asking us to buy you anything. I thought you were crazy for accessories,” he said, gesturing to a group of stalls selling general goods for women.

Do you really think I’m here to enjoy the festival with you?

I shot him a cold look, before turning away silently. Frankly, I couldn’t focus on the festival right now. I wasn’t sure where to start looking for Eckles, which left me feeling very distressed.

“Hey, come over here for a second.” Reynold took my hand, pulling me towards one of the stalls.

“H-huh?” I asked.

Derrick followed us quietly.

“Here we are. I think this place has some nice things.” Reynold had drawn me over to a shop that was selling jewels and other accessories.

“Welcome, welcome! Take your pick! We have many new products directly from the east,” said the merchant.

I stared up at Reynold, curious as to what he wanted at this random stall.

“Didn’t you hear the man? Go on, choose something!” he said, frustrated.

I finally cast my eyes at the wide array of sparkling accessories. The items on display were unique, the kind you’d only be able to see at a festival. I didn’t really want to buy any of them, though. Penelope’s jewelry box was already fit to burst with pretty things. I lost interest quickly, but an arm appeared in my line of vision.

“This one’s not bad,” Derrick said, picking something up. It was a bracelet with plum-colored gems strung on a platinum chain.

“Oh, my goodness! You have such fabulous taste, my lord! This bracelet was made from rare gems only found in the mines in the east! The artisans worked on it for three entire months without rest, and…” the merchant began to explain enthusiastically, sensing a potential purchase.

An odd feeling washed over me as I stared at the bracelet in his hand. The purple gems vaguely resembled the color of my hair.

No way. He can’t mean to buy it for me, surely?

I could clearly see “[Affection Score 10%]” bobbing above his head. This whole situation was preposterous.

“I’ll take this, then,” I interrupted, picking out something I liked before Reynold could purchase the bracelet.

The merchant, who’d been eagerly extolling the wonders of the bracelet, fell silent.

“Are you serious?” Reynold asked incredulously, frowning at the item in my hand. Derrick was also looking at me skeptically.

“Yes. This mask.”

I’d selected a white mask that had been poking out from underneath a pile of other knickknacks. It was a smiling mask with holes for the eyes, nose, and mouth. After some thought, it occurred to me that even if I was wearing a robe the slave market wouldn’t just allow a young girl entry. The mask was a must-have.

“I want this one.”

“Hey. Listen, I’ve been meaning to ask you this for a while...” Reynold started, a strangely grave expression falling over his face. “You don’t feel ill or anything, do you? Do you get dizzy spells, or wake up to find yourself standing in strange locations, stuff like that?”

“If you don’t want to buy it for me, then just say so,” I replied.

“No, it’s not that I don’t want to! You really want a mask?” Reynold asked.

“Yes, I do!” I finally snapped, annoyed with his repeated questioning.

He surveyed me with dubious eyes, before finally just purchasing the bracelet Derrick had picked, in addition to my mask.

Suddenly, I heard a stuttering, crackling sound coming from some distance away. I turned, finding a procession of people large enough to fill the entire road. Firecrackers exploded all around and the night air was flooded with sound. The parade had begun.

People rushed out to the main road to watch. I was flustered as people kept pushing past me, knocking me around.

“Hold on.” An arm clothed in expensive fabric appeared in my line of sight. Derrick gazed down at me with his usual composed expression.

“Thank you...”

I hurriedly took hold of him, fearing that I’d be carried away by the crowd. I felt something catch under my palm awkwardly. The loud crackling of firecrackers came again. The procession was passing by the stall we were gathered in front of, and I tightened my grip on Derrick’s sleeve so I wouldn’t be carried along.

That was when I felt something rip under my hand. Derrick made a cautioning sound.

“Penelope!” Reynold cried.

The jacket gave way under my hand, and I was swept into the mass of people and dragged away.

“Oh, oh no...”

Caught in the throng and unable to escape, it was no short amount of time later that I finally shimmied myself free. I took stock of my surroundings, finding myself standing in an unfamiliar, dark alleyway. Clutched in my hand was the golden button I’d accidentally torn from Derrick’s sleeve and the mask Reynold had bought me.

“Where in the world am I?”

I made a face as I peered around and found only pitch blackness. At that moment another white window appeared in my vision.

<SYSTEM>

A new episode has begun: [Eckles, the Unlucky Slave from a Defeated Nation].

Go to the slave auction?

[Yes. / No.]

My jaw hung open.

“Just like that?”

I thought I’d lost any chance with the Eckles storyline because of my stepbrothers, but apparently, I was wrong.

* * *

I pressed “Yes” and reappeared instantly in front of the slave auction. The exterior was shabby, something no one would glance at twice. I could see a few people forming a line outside, faces hidden.

I was right about the mask.

Mine was rather cheap looking, compared to what some of the nobles were wearing, but what did it matter as long as I could hide my identity? I slipped the smiling mask over my face and stood in line, making sure to tighten the hood around my head so that my distinct hair was hidden.

The line moved quickly, and soon it was my turn.

“Your invitation, please,” a large, mean-looking man held out his hand expectantly.

I need an invitation?

I was caught off guard. It hadn’t even occurred to me that I might need an invitation.

You never said anything about this, you stupid game!

The man frowned at my visible confusion

“No invitation? It’s members only. No entry without one. Next—”

“W-wait!”

The words “members only” caused an idea to form in my head. I rummaged through my pockets.

“Here,” I said, holding out the button I’d torn off Derrick’s sleeve. The Eckhart symbol gleamed clear as day on the surface of the round, gold button. The man’s eyes widened.

“I left my invitation behind, but this will do, I trust?”

“I-I beg your pardon, my lady. I’ve committed a grave error! P-please, go inside.”

He hurriedly stepped aside, and I swept past him without hesitation, though I was internally quite surprised.

Is our family name really this powerful?

Or perhaps my tactic had only worked because the duke was already a frequent VIP customer at the black markets, occasionally bringing home useful slaves. Thinking about it left a bitter taste in my mouth, even if this was only a game.

“Allow me to guide you to the auction,” said an attendant, approaching me as soon as I entered. I followed him down a set of narrow stairs. The stairs ended just as a faint glimmer of light from within the room became visible.

The space inside was incongruously luxurious and broad.

Wait, I didn’t know this place was so huge on the inside!

The broad hall seemed to be modeled after a Roman amphitheater, with tiered seating for an audience that overlooked a central stage.

“Please have a seat here, my lady. And take this.”

The attendant had brought me to a seat at the very front with a magnificent view of the stage. He handed me a paddle for making bids before leaving. I stared at it blankly.

“Ladies and gentlemen! We are ready to begin!” the auctioneer shouted.

Without delay, the auction began. Slaves began filing onto the stage, wearing chains made heavy with weights.

“Ten gold! Ten gold, any higher? Going once, going twice… Sold!”

The slaves all looked despondent, but regardless, they were bid on and sold in quick succession. As more and more slaves were sold, slaves of exceptional beauty or unique talents began to appear on stage, causing the prices to skyrocket.

“A hundred gold! A hundred gold! Anyone else? Ah, a hundred and two gold!” the auctioneer cried.

The atmosphere in the room was heated, and the participants in the hall were intent on winning. Then came the person I was looking for.

“Distinguished guests. Thank you for waiting so patiently. Here is the much-anticipated final slave in today’s auction!”

I’d been watching the proceedings with a bored expression but straightened immediately when I saw who it was.

“This slave hails from the land of barbarians conquered by our great nation! Introducing, Eckles!”

His gray-brown hair was almost ash-colored, and though he was muzzled with a hideous gag, his eyes gleamed fiercely at the gathered crowd. It was him.

“I’m sure everyone here is acquainted with the rumors about this slave,” the auctioneer said with a broad grin.

I’d never heard any such rumors, but everyone around me was nodding and murmuring.

“But a thousand rumors can’t compare with seeing him in the flesh! That’s why today we have prepared a special event for you all! Feast your eyes!” The man gestured dramatically, and a worker tossed something to Eckles. It was a small wooden sword, the kind used by children taking their first lessons in fighting.

What is that for? I wondered, confused.

I heard the clang of a metal gate sliding open. Then, a low snarling sound could be heard as five hyenas prowled onto the stage.