The older girl's pupils shrank at the sight, pain flashing across her face.
"These leopards are about ten, pretty, supple, and docile," the dwarf rattled on.
"Triplets, sir—rare. What do you say?"
Draco glanced back. "You know them?"
She stayed silent.
Better they remain caged than be sold off one by one.
Once she escaped, she'd return for her sisters.
But the dwarf was happy to talk.
"They were caught together, sir—of course they know each other."
"How many were taken?"
"Just these four."
"Fine. I'll take them."
Draco paid another two hundred gold.
The cage opened; the three little ones huddled in fright.
"Since you know them, look after them."
The girl rushed forward and hugged them.
"Are you hurt?"
They shook their heads. "We didn't cry, sis."
She stroked their hair. "Good girls. Stay quiet and follow me."
"Okay!" x3
Draco was impressed—such proud little cubs.
With training they'd make fine warriors.
"Any other Beastfolk? Non-humans will do."
The dwarf grinned lewdly, rubbing his palms.
"We do, sir—Long-eared Race slaves."
"Hm?"
"That's basically trafficking elves."
The dwarf chuckled.
"Sir, this is the Black Market—money buys anything."
"Lead on."
They stopped at another cage.
"Behold, sir."
The dwarf pointed inside.
A girl of sixteen or seventeen, snow-skinned and golden-haired, with clear bright eyes—classic beauty.
Her long ears marked her as Long-eared.
"How did you catch her?"
"Trade secret, sir…"
"Fine. I'll take her."
After more browsing, Draco's entourage kept growing.
The dwarf's grin stretched ear to ear.
Never had he met such a free-spending client.
Yet Draco frowned. "Only women—no men?"
"Men?"
"So sir prefers the Sturdy Type—easy."
The dwarf's gaze turned suggestive.
Aicia nearby couldn't stifle a laugh.
"What's funny?"
"Nothing, nothing!" she waved.
Draco couldn't be bothered to explain.
The dwarf led him into a room.
Male slaves were packed in—over a dozen to a cell.
"All Beastfolk, sir—strong and ready."
He thumped his chest in assurance.
Draco swept his gaze: brawny men in hide shorts, horned, dog-eared, tiger-eared—many scarred.
Some bore fresh wounds, others ugly blade-tracks.
"I'll take every last one—however many you've got."
"Eh?"
The dwarf gawked, then beamed. "You're sure?"
"Forget picking. I'll clear you out—except humans."
The dwarf stared, certain he'd misheard.
"Sir…""
"Spare me—take the money and move."
Gulping, the dwarf squeaked, "Y-yes, sir!"
"Deliver them outside the city by dawn. Half now, half on completion."
"No problem—none at all!"
"Good. I'll take this lot with me."
"As you wish, sir—safe travels!"
Draco waved and left the market with seven girls in tow.
The dwarf wiped sweat and scrambled to obey.
Today's haul—thousands of gold—would keep him rich for life… Outside, Draco led the group from the Black Market.
"Master, where to now?"
"Somewhere to sleep."
"Ooooh, we understand!"
The girls behind him turned pale at the implication.
As expected, is there still no escaping his clutches?
The group walked toward the most luxurious hotel in the city.
When a group of people dressed in black robes entered the hotel lobby, the staff was immediately startled.
They thought they were there to cause trouble.
Since their status as slaves could not be exposed, Draco had them temporarily cover their faces with hoods.
A lobby manager walked over somewhat fearfully and said tremulously.
"May... may I ask what you all are here for?"
"What else would one do at a hotel besides stay the night?"
Draco shot him an annoyed look. "Hurry up and arrange rooms for me, then go get some food and hot water."
Under the pressure of gold coins, the man immediately called the staff to serve the group.
Draco booked the largest presidential suite; it had multiple rooms, which was more than enough to accommodate them.
Led by the manager, everyone arrived at the room.
"My Lord, is there anything else you require?"
"Prepare some food and bring it over."
"Certainly, please wait a moment."
Draco waved his hand, signaling the manager to leave.
"Aicia, go buy some suitable clothes for them. After that, you all can do as you please; I'm going out for a while."
"Huh? Why me?"
After tossing Aicia 100 gold coins, she scurried off happily.
Draco also left the room and headed toward the outskirts of the city.
Having equipped the "source of magic power" he obtained from Caroline, Draco's MP had recovered to its maximum value.
Time waited for no one; he prepared to leave the city to perform a summoning.
The young girls in the hotel room looked at each other in bewilderment.
He just left like that? What does this mean?
They couldn't quite understand.
At that moment, one of the Little Leopard Girls spoke up, "Sister, let's take this chance to escape."
The other girls of the Long-eared Race were also tempted.
"No, this is likely a test. That man might be nearby, watching our every move."
"Besides, as long as the curse remains on us, he can track our movements using the ring."
"Running away is useless..."
The atmosphere in the room dropped to the freezing point.
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