emperor chapter 7

Chapter 4 – Bottom Male Lead

“Damn it all! How dare they try to swindle me? I’ll make them pay several times the market price!”

Startled, I pulled away from Lowell just as the slave trader’s enraged voice reached us. Lowell was the one holding my wrist, yet the trader glared at me.

“This is the one you intend to purchase?”

“This one…” It wasn’t the most appropriate way to refer to my destined partner, but arguing would only be a hassle, so I simply nodded.

Confirming Helion as the target, the merchant pushed his way between Lowell and me, launching into a tirade. “Look here, are you ignoring me?! This one is expensive. Young, top-tier looks… I absolutely won’t let him go for a measly sum!”

“….” 

Lowell stared at the merchant, silent.

Could anyone be so obtuse? The merchant remained oblivious to the chillingly emotionless gaze fixed upon him.

“Are you even listening? This one is different from the others…!”

“Don’t worry. I’ll pay the full price.” Lowell casually dropped a pouch of gold coins onto the ground. It landed with a heavy thud, a few coins spilling out. The pouch looked to hold at least a hundred gold coins.

“Huh…Hic…!” The merchant gasped, stunned.

Gold coins were the most valuable currency in this world. Faced with a pile of them, the merchant’s face lit up with avarice as he scrambled to collect them.

“Oh, oh. I apologize. I must have lost my mind, failing to recognize such an esteemed individual.” His attitude shifted abruptly, perhaps sensing wealth beyond Lowell’s simple attire.

“This is the one you wish to buy?” The merchant looked to Lowell for confirmation, and Lowell glanced at me. Seeing the merchant’s hand gripping Helion’s shoulder, I nodded without hesitation.

“He says yes.”

“As expected of esteemed individuals, you have discerning taste. As you can see, this one is quite handsome. Excellent for viewing pleasure, or… well, whatever else suits your preferences. He’s not rebellious, so he won’t cause any trouble. Rather than just taking my word for it, why don’t you take a closer look?” The merchant forced Helion’s mouth open with his fingers. I’d heard somewhere that teeth were important for slaves. I never imagined I’d be on the buying end, witnessing it firsthand.

“You won’t find a more handsome specimen with perfectly intact limbs anywhere. You’re in luck!”

“We need to draw up the contract. Why don’t you go ahead?” Lowell, anticipating a lengthy process, suggested I leave first.

“Hmm…”

“Don’t worry. Only my name will be on the documents.” His relaxed demeanor suggested he’d already anticipated my concerns.

“Alright then. I’ll be sure to repay you for this later.” There was no reason to refuse his offer to handle the tedious paperwork. As Lowell suggested, I left the slave market with Helion.

He’d not only helped me without hesitation but also shown such thoughtful consideration. Was he more normal than the books had portrayed?

“…No way!” I couldn’t let my guard down. I’d successfully retrieved Helion, but uniting the two protagonists was the real challenge.

“Oh, right! How could I forget?” Lost in thought, I’d momentarily forgotten my companion. “You must be uncomfortable. I’ll untie you now.” Bringing the small knife had been a wise decision. Otherwise, I would have had to keep Helion bound even after leaving the slave market.

I pulled out the knife and cut through Helion’s ropes and gag. The moment he was free, he knelt and bowed his head.

“Mistress. I am at your service. Whether it be as a plaything or attending to your… your nighttime needs, just command me.”

I hurriedly stopped Helion from kissing my foot. Attending to my nighttime needs? I would never ask such a thing, especially from someone whose favor I needed. And kissing my foot in the middle of the street?

I have no such inclinations!

“That won’t be necessary, Helion. I’m here to rescue you, not to engage in such… indecent behavior.”

Helion blinked his crimson eyes, looking up at me. His pale skin made them look like cherries atop whipped cream, though I wasn’t sure if that was an appropriate comparison.

“Is Helion the name you have given me, Mistress?”

“…Ah.” I’d forgotten that as a slave, Helion wouldn’t have a name. Lowell had bestowed the name Helion upon him. I’d grown so accustomed to it that I’d unconsciously called him by name before even addressing Lowell.