Chapter 31: Just The Two of Us
The auction was held at the Sol-marma underground ruins. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
Slave auctions were a very old and historic pastime among Marma’s nobles, with records indicating they began a hundred years ago. Scholars even speculate that the practice might have existed much longer. As a pastime for nobles, the trends in slave auctions changed frequently. At times, free warriors sent to the arena were traded at the highest prices. At other times, young girls, considered especially valuable by northern barbarians, were traded. Recently, desert gypsies have been sold at the highest prices due to a rumor that their astrology divination, once regarded as mere superstition, could predict the future.
A slave who could prophesy became highly sought after. The nobles were particularly enthusiastic about astrologer women who acted as guides. These women were treated as rare entities because, in addition to their prophetic abilities and status as slaves, they never married throughout their lives.
“Welcome!”
When they arrived at the entrance of the auction house, a clown in a strange suit that clung tightly to his entire body appeared. His face was covered in makeup, and anyone who looked closely would realize that he was dressed as a golden falcon, symbolizing Marma. He had a long beak in place of his mouth and wore a costume with flapping wings.
“Precious guests have arrived! Where do you want me to guide you?” the clown greeted Adeline and the Lion King with an exaggerated gesture.
The Lion King said nothing. Unfamiliar with Marma’s culture, he chose to remain silent rather than risk acting awkwardly.
Adeline looked at the clown with a condescending smile. “What a cheeky guy. Such a crappy clown.”
“I never thought I would receive praise from a princess in my lifetime!” the clown laughed loudly. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
The nobles of Marma, who were addicted to empty formalities and vanity, ironically enjoyed unconventional and deviant behavior. This was exactly what was shown here. Unidentified clowns dressed in bizarre costumes mocked the nobles and served as guides.
Adeline gave the clown a sharp retort. “Shut up and lead the way. Today, I plan to give the Lion King the most valuable item from this auction house as a gift.”
“The most precious thing… Then follow me!”
The clown walked ahead.
Adeline wrapped her hand around the Lion King’s arm. Despite the cold weather, she wore a dress that exposed her shoulders, chest, and back, and walked with her breasts deliberately pressed against his body.
People’s eyes turned to them.
“Adeline.”
“Hm?”
“You have rashes on your arms.” The Lion King whispered softly in Adeline’s ear. To others, it looked like they were whispering lewd words to each other.
She held off his arm and tiptoed, then placed her lips on his earlobe, “Because I’m cold.”
“Hmmm.” His shoulders shook, laughing. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“You two are extremely friendly,” the clown remarked, glancing back after hearing the Lion King’s laughter.
Adeline responded by telling him to stop talking nonsense and just be good at guiding.
The auction was said to start late at night, which was probably the most active time for the nobles of Marma, who were accustomed to enjoying themselves from late afternoon until early morning.
“This way.”
The underground ruins were well maintained. The old pillars were wrapped in vines decorated with artificial flowers. The whole place was adorned in a dreamlike manner, as if it were a fantasy world. Hot water gushed from the fountain, and beyond the steam, a small waterfall poured red liquor.
The Lion King remarked that he had never seen such a luxurious playground. Adeline told him this was nothing.
As they walked around the small plaza and through the long hallway, they continued to whisper. The Lion King, who looked awkward at first, realized that what she was whispering was no different from usual, so he responded with a more relaxed expression.
The place the clown guided them to was a theater, remodeled from a large stone room. There was a stage in the middle, and wide, long sofas were arranged in a circle around it. People sat side by side on those red sofas.
“It’s already started! I hope you get what you want!”
The auction had begun.
All the people involved in running the auction, including the host and those who brought out the slaves, were dressed as clowns. With full makeup and costumes, it would be difficult to recognize their faces outside the auction. The Lion King, dissatisfied with this fact, narrowed his eyes, trying to memorize their faces. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“Even if we catch and kill them one by one, this dirty event won’t disappear. So, stop it,” Adeline whispered.
“We can’t leave it like this,” he responded.
“The opportunity will come. Then, we can deal with it all at once.”
The Lion King stopped glaring at the stage and turned his attention to Adeline. “Are you planning to wipe them out?”
“I can’t just leave it alone.”
“I don’t think I would be helpful with what you’re trying to accomplish.”
“You’re welcome.”
He was helpful. She smiled, “Your existence itself is more than enough.”
“is that so.”
There were many other reasons, but it was not the time to tell him yet. Adeline sat with her head resting on the Lion King’s shoulder, her own shoulder covered by the coat he handed her. Read the translation on itsladygrey.com.
“Let’s start the auction!”
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