Bluish purple eyes

Scene 18

Location: The Room of Merchant Nior in Auction Villa

The word had spread swiftly—Prince Noah was coming. For a man like Merchant Nior, who thrived on the power and prestige of his connections, it was a moment of triumph. Never before had a royal visited his auction villa, especially one with the famous reputation of being a charmer. However, despite the prince's renown, Merchant Nior didn't know him personally, and wasn't entirely sure what Prince Noah actually looked like.

Merchant Nior (inwardly, with pride): A royal prince at my auction. How famous I've become.

The call echoed down the hall: "Beware! The royal prince is coming!"

Merchant Nior stood tall, his chest puffed with pride, ready to greet his esteemed guest. As the door swung open, his pride was visible on his face as he bowed deeply, ready to offer his finest services.

But instead of Prince Noah, Kael and Karlus entered, both disguised. Their steps were deliberate, the air around them cold and sharp. They walked directly to the luxurious sofa, where Merchant Nior eagerly offered them seats.

Merchant Nior (smiling with fake humility): Please, tell me how I may serve you, my prince.

Kael and Karlus exchanged a knowing glance. The glimmer of greed in Merchant Nior's eyes was unmistakable, and it disgusted them both. But they played along, aware that the success of their mission required cooperation.

Karlus, taking on the role of Prince Noah's subordinate, began to speak.

Karlus (disguised as Orion): Do you have anything special here, Merchant?

Merchant Nior's eyes shifted briefly to Karlus, but his attention remained fixed on Kael, who he believed to be Prince Noah.

Merchant Nior (narrowing his eyes slightly): And your identity, sir?

Karlus (smiling confidently): I am Orion, Prince Noah's loyal subordinate.

Merchant Nior (visibly relaxing): Oh, I see. Forgive me, sir. We have many special offerings here. If the prince would tell me his preferences, I'm sure I could provide exactly what he desires. (his smile, professional yet wicked, grew wider)

Kael felt revulsion bubbling inside him. The way Merchant Nior spoke of human lives with such casual disregard made his blood boil, but he forced a smile, knowing this wasn't the time to reveal his disgust.

Kael (with a strained smile): What exactly do you have to offer me?

Merchant Nior (with enthusiasm): We have all sorts of products—anything you want, we can provide.

Kael's face darkened at the word "products." His jaw clenched tightly, his fists curling as he fought to keep his composure.

Kael (inwardly seething): Products? He calls these human lives "products," as if they have no value. This man deserves to meet his end soon.

Merchant Nior (oblivious, trying to gain his attention): Prince Noah? Prince Noah?

Sensing Kael's growing rage, Karlus reached over and patted his friend's fist, signaling him to hold back. He then quickly changed the subject.

Karlus: What's new here?

Merchant Nior's face lit up as he spoke with pride.

Merchant Nior: Since the war ended, we've received a fresh supply of slaves—both men and women, all of great beauty. Among them are those with rare eye colors, which are particularly valuable.

Kael (interested): Rare eye colors? Like what?

Merchant Nior (grinning, sensing his interest): We have slaves with ocean blue, magenta pink, sea green, deep olive, and even light yellow eyes.

Kael felt a flicker of disappointment. None of these matched the eyes of the girl he had seen.

Merchant Nior (leaning in): Ah, and we also have one with bluish-purple eyes.

Kael's heart skipped a beat. That was it. The girl he was searching for. His mind raced with the possibility that she was somewhere in this villa. He had come to the right place.

Karlus (smirking, pressing further): Can you show us these people—the ones with the rare eye colors?

Merchant Nior's smile faltered slightly, his professionalism coming back into play.

Merchant Nior: Unfortunately, these are exclusive items and can only be revealed during the auction, Prince Noah.

Karlus (raising an eyebrow): Are you saying we're not important enough to see them now?

Merchant Nior (quickly backtracking): Oh no, sir, of course not! I simply must follow the rules of the organization and the empire. I cannot break them, even for royalty. I ask for your understanding.

Karlus looked as though he might argue further, but Kael gave him a subtle nod, signaling him to stop.

Kael (rising from his seat, calm but firm): We'll wait for the auction then.

Without another word, Kael turned and walked out of the room, his mind focused on the next steps. Karlus followed closely behind, playing his part as a loyal comrade.