Tell them to be careful

Scene 19

Location: The hallway leading to the auction hall.

After dressing Astraea, Maam Fiona dismissed the others and, along with Jigu, led her toward the auction hall. They walked in silence at first, time ticking away as they neared their destination.

Maam Fiona walked ahead while Astraea and Jigu followed behind, engaged in a quiet conversation.

Astraea: "What are the rules of the auction?"

Jigu (glancing at Astraea): "They'll present you to the nobles, and they'll bid for your... companionship."

Astraea: "And then?"

Jigu: "Whoever offers the highest bid will take you with them."

Astraea nodded, considering the situation. Then she gestured toward the paths branching off from the hallway.

Astraea: "Where does this path lead?"

Jigu (looking to her right): "That one goes to the servants' quarters—the people who work in this house."

Astraea: "I see. And the other two?"

Jigu: "One leads to the main gate, the other to the garden by the pond."

Astraea's eyes flickered with the hint of a smile as she processed this new information.

Overhearing their conversation, Maam Fiona abruptly stopped and turned toward them, her gaze sharp.

Maam Fiona: "If you're thinking of escaping, remember—it's not that simple. You could be caught, and the consequences would be severe."

Astraea met Maam Fiona's warning with a smirk.

Astraea: "Who said anything about running?"

Maam Fiona (suspicious): "Weren't you asking about the paths because—"

Astraea (interrupting): "I'm just curious about the place. Nothing more."

Maam Fiona studied her for a moment before nodding. "Good, then." She resumed walking.

Astraea (calling out): "Lady Fiona!"

Maam Fiona paused and looked back, her expression expectant.

Astraea (her voice calm but sharp): "Whoever wins the bid, you tell them one thing: they'd better be careful. If they think they own me, they may meet with angel of death."

Maam Fiona looked into Astraea's eyes, recognizing the veiled threat. She admired Astraea's defiance but knew all too well the dangers that came with such rebellion.

Maam Fiona (with a sigh): "I'll pass the message along."

Astraea smiled, her expression briefly fierce before she masked it with composed indifference.