184: The Auction, Part 2

Slavery itself wasn't illegal in this world.

There were even those who offered themselves up for sale, figuring that being owned was a step up from starving to death in a gutter as a war orphan.

But the crowd here was different.

These were children who had been illegally kidnapped—snared like animals. It sounds cold to put it this way, but demi-humans were rare. And in this world, that rarity often led to the absolute worst possible outcomes.

"Now then, are there any other bidders?! Does anyone else want to try for more?!"

The auctioneer’s voice practically sang with glee as the prices continued to skyrocket.

In the Original Story, Allen found out about this place and smashed everything to pieces.

But the people sitting in this room weren't some bottom-of-the-barrel bandit group. They were famous nobles and influential power brokers. What followed for the hero was a total disaster. Despite acting in the name of justice, he ended up a wanted man, permanently banned from entering the Royal Capital.

That particular episode had actually been a fan favorite back in the game. I guess the more the protagonist’s life turned into a total dumpster fire, the more entertaining the game became for the players.

I didn't come here to play the hero of justice, though. I was here to take a sickening story beat and tear it to shreds.

Of course, my plan was to make my entrance as Weiss Fancent, then immediately hide my face and work from the shadows... but things weren't going quite as smoothly as I’d hoped.

"…What the hell is this?" Belk muttered.

"Exactly what it looks like," I replied. "I assume you didn't know."

"…I can’t forgive this. This is unacceptable."

"Yeah. So, what do you want to do about it?"

Being the smart guy he was, he had to realize just how dangerous it would be to go on a rampage here. That was exactly why he couldn’t move. His heart and body were likely locked in a clash of pure revulsion, leaving him paralyzed. He wasn't a total idiot like Allen, after all.

"…What should I do?" he whispered.

"Think for yourself."

The auction proceeded without a hitch. The "merchandise" wasn't handed over on the spot; instead, everything was to be delivered after the event ended. All for the sake of "security," naturally.

Belk just stood there, staring. I couldn't tell if he'd been swallowed by despair or if his sense of reason was the only thing holding him back.

…Well, I guess it can't be helped.

I stood up quietly. I’d entered the venue as Weiss Fancent, but I’d already cooked up a separate alibi for my "real" self. It wouldn't be a problem for me to cut loose and cause a scene here.

But right then—Belk stepped forward.

Show me, Belk. Can you find your resolve? Can you change your future... and the Original Story?