It's a curse to sell you .

Scene 20

Location: The Auction Hall, Villa

The grand hall is split into two distinct sections: a premium area reserved for the elite and a normal section for the rest. The second floor is shaped like a half-circle balcony, giving those seated upstairs a clear view of the stage below, as well as the guests seated on the first floor. Every corner of the stage can be seen from both levels.

Kael and Karlus sit on the second floor, their eyes scanning the sea of nobles gathered below, waiting for the auction to begin.

Karlus: Half of the empire's nobles are here. Isn't it amusing?

Kael (grimly): No, it's not. This place is a disgrace.

Karlus: You'll find her here, so maybe don't call it a disgrace just yet.

Kael (clenching his jaw): I feel like destroying this place for daring to bring her here.

Karlus (with a chuckle): Cool down, buddy. Cool down.

As Karlus tries to ease Kael's frustration, he notices movement on the stage. Someone steps forward to make an announcement.

Karlus: Look, the show's about to start.

Kael (coldly): It'll be their last show.

Both men focus intently on the stage, the atmosphere growing heavier as the welcome speeches begin and the event officially kicks off.

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Scene 21

Location: Backyard of the Stage

Maam Fiona led Astraea to a small room at the back of the stage, where the other girls stood outside in the cold. Astraea's sharp eyes noticed men and women standing handcuffed, looking like their lives were about to end.

Astraea: Why am I getting special treatment while they suffer?

Maam Fiona, engrossed in a conversation with Jigu, stopped when she heard Astraea's question and turned toward her.

Maam Fiona: Only you would think like that. Do you know what they're thinking? (she steps closer)

Astraea: What?

Maam Fiona (leaning in close to Astraea's ear): They're thinking, why is this girl getting the best treatment while we suffer?

Astraea (meeting Maam Fiona's gaze): Isn't that what I just asked you?

Maam Fiona: There's a difference between what you asked and what I told you.

Astraea: I understand the difference, but why aren't you at least giving them the bare minimum?

Maam Fiona: Not everyone is as fortunate as you. As for them, they'll be sold as soon as the auction begins.

Astraea glanced down for a moment, her expression thoughtful, before looking back at Maam Fiona and stepping closer.

Astraea: Lady Fiona, at least give them something to eat and drink. They look hungry.

Jigu (interrupting): Those slaves are under Sir Nior's control. That's why they're suffering.

Maam Fiona shot Jigu a sharp glare but remained silent.

Astraea: They aren't under your care?

Maam Fiona smiled, shook her head, and looked at Astraea.

Astraea could sense that Sir Nior was a man who took pleasure in others' misery, a cruel man who enjoyed adding to his sins. She sat beside Maam Fiona.

Astraea: Can't you give them something to eat? (giving Maam Fiona a soft, pleading look)

Maam Fiona was taken aback. The strong-willed Astraea, now using puppy eyes to make such a request, amused her. She chuckled lightly.

Maam Fiona: You're a strange one, girl. It's a curse to have to sell you, but it's the rule. (pausing) I'll send someone to bring them food.

Astraea (jumping to her feet): Can I take the food to them? I promise I'll be quiet and quick.

Maam Fiona couldn't resist Astraea's earnest request and gave her permission. After all, in a short time, Astraea would be sold, and only the Almighty knew where she would end up.

Maam fiona nodded ,giving Astraea the permission.

Astraea dashed out with Jigu, full of energy, after receiving Maam Fiona's blessing. They grabbed bread and milk from the kitchen and hurried toward the starving slaves who stood or sat helplessly outside.