New Owners [2]

As the auction near its end, the host finally announced the final slave to be auctioned.

"Now for the finale that you've all been waiting for!"

The assistant once again entered the stage pulling on a chain that's attached to a metal collar.

Luka was pulled onto the stage. His golden eyes immediately caught the interest of everyone in the auction.

Malber entered the auditorium but stayed hidden. He inspected the bidders, as though looking for someone. He continued until he finally inspected every single bidder including the ones in the VIP booths.

"Tsk, even after leaking some rumors those stuck-up temple pricks still won't open their pockets for slaves. No matter, I'll still make a profit."

The host started to introduce Luka.

"As you all can see from his golden eyes, this child here is a Blessed One! His name is Luka, around 10 years old. Now all of us should know that Blessed Ones are incredibly rare. He was found wandering in the forests north of Illias Town. While we don't know which god blessed this child, I believe everyone knows about the special talents of Blessed Ones, regardless of their gods."

Just hearing the host confirming that the boy really is indeed a genuine Blessed One stimulated the greed of the bidders.

"Starting price is 30,000 lumens!"

The bidders rushed to bid and the price quickly started to increase. The allure of a Blessed One slave is too much.

In one of the VIP booths of the auction, Duke Callisto von Montampes stroked his chin while sizing up the young Luka on the stage.

'Hmm, a Blessed One. 10 years old, quite young; the same age as Rosaline. While he may be a slave, he could become Rosaline's servant and protect her from those with ill intentions.'

Duke Montampes narrowed his eyes. The highest bid was now at 103,550 lumens. He made his final decision and raised his hand.

"400,000 lumens."

The entire auditorium went quiet. Every single one in the auditorium looked towards Duke Montampes. The ones in the normal seats decided to stop bidding. All of them know that they can't compete with one of the wealthiest noble of Hedal Kingdom; their wealth second only to the Hedal Royal family.

Speaking of the royal family, they didn't attend the auction even though they were invited.

In one of the VIP booths, a noble sneered at Duke Montampes.

"450,000 lumens."

Duke Montampes glared at the noble who raised the bid.

"Franklin..."

"Callisto old friend, why the hateful face? I'm just participating in a friendly competition." Duke Franklin von Clarilon smiled.

"Hmph. 500,000 lumens."

"599,999 lumens."

"1,000,000 lumens."

.

.

.

"10 million lumens." Duke Montampes bid.

Seeing that Duke Franklin stopped bidding, Duke Montampes relaxed. Duke Clarilon only wanted Duke Callisto to pay more money than needed. The two have been political rivals ever since they were born, this dispute between them could be considered mild.

"10 million lumens going once; going twice; Congratulations Duke Montampes! You have won the bid!"

The host started clapping and the rest soon followed. Even though the other bidders were clapping, they were actually cursing Duke Montampes in their hearts. The loss of the opportunity to get a Blessed One servant made them sour.

...

Luka was brought to a room. His shackles and the metal collar were removed from him. Luka rubbed his wrists and neck, trying to alleviate the discomfort from wearing the shackles.

There were several guards with him to prevent chances of escape.

Soon, Duke Montampes entered the room. He looked at Luka, and then at the Coventry employee.

The employee stepped forward.

"Once again, congratulations Duke Montampes for winning the Blessed One."

Duke Montampes nodded. He snapped his fingers and a servant following him brought a small box decorated with bits and pieces of gold.

"Mhm. Here, 10 platinum coins; exactly 10 million lumens."

The servant opened the box, showing the neatly arranged platinum coins inside. The employee inspected the coins then nodded, confirming that the coins are authentic. He took the box and set it aside.

The employee took out a black leather choker. He put on Luka, who tried to resist but the guards easily restrained him. The choker magically adjusted its size to fit around Luka's neck. Luka tried to remove it, but it was as though it had fused into his skin and wouldn't budge.

'What the hell is this?' Luka thought.

The employee took out a silver bracelet with a small red gem embedded on it and showed it to Duke Montampes.

"This is the controller for the slave collar. I'm sure you already know but I will still say it as it is company protocol. While wearing the controller, whenever the slave defies orders, just think of punishing the disobedient slave and the slave collar will do its work. For example..."

The employee wore the bracelet on his wrist, the red gem emitted a dim glow. Almost instantly, the choker around Luka's neck started tightening; effectively choking him.

Luka fell to the ground, holding his neck while desperately trying to breathe.

A couple of seconds later, the choker loosened, and the red gem on the bracelet stopped glowing. Luka gasped for air, drops of sweat trickled down his face. There was only one thing in his mind—fear.

The employee handed over the controller bracelet to Duke Montampes.

"Thank you for attending the Coventry Slave Auction. We hope to service you again next time." The employee did a slight bow towards Duke Montampes, as did the guards.

Duke Montampes turned around and left. His servant carried the still fearful Luka and followed the Duke.

...

Inside a luxurious carriage, there sat Luka and Duke Montampes. The latter scrutinizing while the former glared while occasionally glancing at the shiny silver bracelet on the latter's wrist.

"Let's introduce ourselves. I am Duke Callisto von Montampes from the honorable ducal house of Montampes; one of the pillars of the great Hedal Kingdom." Duke Montampes broke the silence.

Luka remained silent.

"I recall your name is Luka, am I correct?"

Luka still remained silent.

Duke Montampes frowned. 'If this boy won't answer then fine, I won't humor him any longer.'

"What are you gonna do to me?"

The Duke was surprised. The boy finally spoke for the first time since they met.

"What you mean by that?"

"Are you gonna torture me? Make me work until I die? Or are you going to display me like a trophy just because of this 'Blessed One' bullshit you all keep pushing on me?"

The Duke was thoroughly shocked this time.

'He's just a 10-year-old boy. Why does it feel like he's an adult from the way he's speaking?'

Duke Montampes dispelled such thoughts and answered Luka's questions with a question.

"'Blessed One bullshit' you say? You don't think you're blessed by a god?"

"I just have a rare eye color, what's so special about that?"

"Hehe, you are interesting." Duke Montampes was amused.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing. You don't have to worry about anything. I am not going to torture you nor will I display you like a trophy. I simply want you to become my daughter's loyal servant."