In this place so crowded, everyone's gaze is fixed on the woman in the black dress standing on the stage.
Not because they are mesmerized or attracted by her mature or elegant appearance, but because they know who that woman is.
Until a few minutes ago, I didn't know anything about her at all.
But thanks to the man beside me, he told me who that woman is and why everyone here looks resigned when she is already on the stage.
According to this man, that woman is the Queen of Nakuso, the wife of the current King, Barbara Matera.
I should have felt more surprised upon hearing that, but after thinking about it over and over while connecting it to many things—
It turns out I still can't consider that woman to truly be a Queen.
Maybe because everyone here is wearing masks, I feel less certain that what the man said is entirely true.
I also whispered to Luke about what that man said, but his reaction made me feel confused as well when I saw it.
"Hah? Seriously?... I was just wondering about her skin that looks like water." , Luke replied earlier while looking confused.
Luke doesn't even know who that woman is, now I really have to consider it as just a rumor.
I don't know how long I can keep thinking of it that way, but I have to find out soon.
——
The host who had been standing near the girl stepped back a few steps, allowing the woman to stand in her place.
He looked as if he was offering a seat to the woman, even though there was no chair there. His gestures seemed to be showing respect toward the woman.
Is that possible for someone involved in this kind of trade, when his behavior toward that little girl was different?
The woman smiled, forming a curve on her lips, before using her fingers to touch her chest.
With her other hand, she held the small hand of the girl. I have no idea what she intends to do.
Because I received that kind of information, the first impression that appeared was suspicion and, of course, vigilance—
"Ladies and Gentlemen who have come here today, have you all seen the girl beside me? Haven't you noticed something?" , she said with a loud voice that filled the entire place.
Everyone immediately whispered to the person next to them, they began to talk about what was happening right now.
"Look at the color of this girl's hair, then try to compare it with mine... Is there any difference there?"
Oh right, because I was too focused on that matter, I didn't pay attention to her hair color, could this be a coincidence?
"This girl comes from the same race as I do, she shares the same bloodline as me, that is why I chose to save her."
Those words made the little girl raise her head, after hearing the woman's statement, perhaps her heart felt warmer.
Her eyes did not look lifeless, but instead showed a light filled with sincere hope from within her, who had lived as a slave all this time.
"Our people are often exploited for the satisfaction of a few, I cannot accept this if she is bought at such a cheap price—"
She released her grip, but this time she touched the girl's shoulder and pulled her closer so that she leaned against her body.
That action made the girl feel even happier, her mouth slightly open with both cheeks slightly flushed, she looked happy.
"I will be the one to take care of this girl, I will not let her pure soul go to waste in the hands of irresponsible people!"
Clap, clap.
Some people sitting in the upper rows began to clap, slowly spreading to the others.
They began to clap to appreciate the woman's decision, which sounded very touching and full of sorrow.
Luke and I were also forced to clap even though we didn't want to, it would look strange if we didn't do it.
The woman immediately bowed her head several times to thank them for the praise given to her.
"Thank you, thank you very much!"
After all the applause stopped and the room became quiet again, the woman slowly lowered her body, supporting her weight on both knees.
"What is your name?" , she said while maintaining the smile on her face.
... This is an illegal slave trade, right? Why is there someone as kind as that woman in a place full of sin like this?
There was a glimmer visible in the little girl's eyes, could it be that the woman is actually a good person who has been misunderstood by many people here?
The girl said her name to the person who had just saved her while smiling and looking very enthusiastic.
"I see, is that so? Then, do you want to leave now?" , the woman asked before being answered with a nod.
—
The woman did not head toward the exit, instead she returned to her seat located among the others.
Of course, the girl also sat beside her, I really don't know whether to consider her good or evil.
But... For now, should I hope that she really is a good person?
The host returned to his original position, he looked calmer than before.
He once again presented several other slaves to be sold to the people interested here.
There were many slaves appearing, including young boys and adult women.
They all appeared at different ages, they must be sold according to their respective uses.
During that time, there was nothing that made me need to do anything, they were also treated well when meeting their new masters.
Even though I know they will definitely receive different treatment once they are alone with their masters.
Luke and I should have been able to leave from here since earlier, because this place does not sell the slave collar that Vol-san needs at all.
They only display various kinds of slaves, there are no items being sold such as collars or other valuable goods.
Ah right... The simple reason why we are both still here, I hate to admit it, but this is because of that woman.
The same woman who bought the golden-haired little girl also bought several other slaves after getting that girl.
Up until now, she has already bought and gathered four slaves, but most of them are women with one of them already an adult.
I don't know whether she is doing that with good intentions or bad ones, but doesn't that look like a good thing?
Those slaves are now talking a few times with the ones beside them.
As people who share the same fate, perhaps they feel happy because they can be together with those who truly understand them.