183 The Auction, Part I

The first time I ever butt heads with Allen was during a history lecture on slavery.

That guy is stupidly earnest—he absolutely can’t stand anything crooked.

On the other hand, I know better than to think this world is all sunshine and rainbows. Because I know the Original Story—and because I tend to view the world through a cynical lens—I understand that Light and Darkness are two sides of the same coin.

But I doubt it’s that easy for Belk. For a guy who’s lived his entire life as a paragon of virtue, this sight has to be a total nightmare. To think such atrocities were happening right beneath the surface of the glittering Royal Capital...

The way he froze up a second ago... he probably spotted someone he recognized hiding behind one of those masks.

You never really know what’s lurking behind a smile. I know that all too well. Or rather, it’s because the original Weiss knew it. A deep-seated sense of deception rooted in the heart emits a constant, high-pitched signal never to trust anyone.

That’s exactly why people I can trust from the bottom of my heart, like Cynthia and Lilith, are so precious to me. Because for someone like him, having irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind companions—like Meryl is to Belk—feels like a damn miracle.

“Now then, everyone, please, take a long look! You’re even welcome to have a feel, provided you’re gentle!”

The masked auctioneer sounded absolutely delighted, like a chef presenting a signature dish to a crowd of hungry diners.

The children shoved into the cramped iron cages reacted in different ways. Some were paralyzed with fear, some were shaking uncontrollably, and some looked like they had simply given up on life altogether.

They all had one thing in common: tails, patches of scales, or animal ears atop their heads.

Yeah. They’re demi-humans.

“Oho, Number Seven looks promising. We serve some pretty gourmet meals at my place.”

“I’m a fan of Number Six’s ears myself.”

“Number Five for me. Those eyes... they give me the shivers.”

Having sharp hearing is a total curse at times like this.

But Belk had those eyes of his. He was likely seeing every single twitch and tremor from those kids. He was quietly clenching his fists.

“We’re going closer,” I whispered, giving Belk’s shoulder a light tap.

I had no idea what was going through his head as he followed me with stiff, awkward steps until we reached the front. Even so, he was sticking firmly to my instructions.

“Alright, let’s start the bidding with Number One!”

And just like that, the auction began.