emperor chapter 6

His strange behavior was unsettling, but finding Helion was my priority. As if on cue, Lowell asked about my purpose. “What is it you wish to buy?”

He’d glanced at the dress shops and jewelry stores lining the square as if they were weeds, clearly curious about my objective.

“Actually, I’m looking for a gift for you, Lowell.”

“A gift?”

Lowell’s words were drowned out by another voice.

“Come one, come all! Have a look around! Cleaning, cooking, childcare, farm work – we have workers for every household chore! And for those who seek to brighten their nights, we have… enticing companions! Whatever your preference, our slave market has it all! Simply pay the price, sign a few documents, and you can take a slave home today! Special services are available for multiple purchases, so don’t miss this opportunity! Come on in! Have a look around!”

It was a merchant.

In a booming voice, he blatantly announced the nature of the market we’d entered. A gloomy atmosphere, starkly contrasting with the vibrant square. Customers, like Lowell and me, concealed their faces under robes.

“A slave market…”

It seemed we’d arrived at our destination without a hitch. The robe made me feel uncomfortably warm. The slave market was as crowded as the square. I grasped Lowell’s hand and led him inside. He followed obediently, without a word.

Deeper inside, the full extent of the slave market came into view. It was excessively crowded, and I realized more than half the people were slaves. They varied in age and appearance, but they were all bound, their hands meekly tied with rope.

“Miniel, as you know, I already have plenty of servants.”

“That’s not it.”

“Then what is it? I have no intention of taking a concubine. I have no interest, and it would be a bother.”

“Don’t regret those words.”

“Ridiculous. Why would I regret anything?”

“You might think so now, but things are about to get… interesting.”

“A prophecy?”

“Not exactly… but there’s someone here who exists for you, Lowell, and I’m here to find him.”

“….”

As Lowell stared intently at me…

“Huh? Is that…?”

Over his shoulder, I saw a man. Light silver hair, blood-red eyes, pale skin, and long, elegant limbs. The man, with his delicate and sorrowful aura, was bound with ropes like the other slaves.

It was undoubtedly Helion.

Overjoyed at finding him so quickly, I let go of Lowell’s hand and ran.

“Helion!”

“…?”

Gagged, Helion couldn’t answer. He knelt, looking up at me with curious eyes.

“I’ve come to rescue you. You’re free now.”

Helion tilted his head again. I gently caressed his cheek. The compliments about his appearance were no exaggeration. The elongated corners of his eyes gave him a feline look, and his forlorn air evoked a protective instinct.

Helion flinched, showing wariness, but he didn’t turn away or avoid me.

“Hey, you! Don’t touch the merchandise before paying!”

It was the slave trader. Perhaps my robed figure appeared rather shabby, as he immediately raised his hand. I had no time to react and instinctively squeezed my eyes shut.

“Is this the one you were looking for?”

“Who are you?! Let go of me!”

When I opened my eyes, I saw Lowell holding the merchant’s hand.

“Indeed, he does exist for me. Because I intend to obliterate him right here and now.”

“U-Ugh! Let go… Let go of me!”

Lowell tightened his grip, his voice laced with a chilling tone as the merchant’s screams intensified.

If this continued, something terrible would happen. I quickly intervened.

“You’ll break his hand!”

“Of course. That’s the intention.”

If this was their first meeting, Helion would never develop any favorable feelings, you lunatic!

Helion blinked his red eyes, watching Lowell. Without hesitation, I pushed Lowell back.

“I said stop!”

Of course, my shove wouldn’t budge him. To others, it probably looked like I’d thrown myself into his arms.

Lowell released the merchant’s hand and caught me as I stumbled.

“….”

“….”

This was the second time today I’d been in his embrace. I couldn’t deny it any longer: his seemingly cold embrace was surprisingly broad and secure.