Chapter 929: Chapter 142 - Slave Market (1)
The slave market was the most crowded place in the city, a suffocating pit where human suffering was concentrated into one area. All around us, cages lined the streets, packed with slaves who stared with hollow eyes or looked down in shame, their very existence reduced to property. The air itself felt heavy, thick with the stink of sweat, fear, and desperation.
"I’ve heard that there are many elven slaves here," Artemis said, her voice sharp, almost trembling with restrained fury. "But that’s only what I heard. It’s possible there aren’t any right now. Elven slaves are always in demand. I mean, they’re beautiful, graceful, and everyone wants them. They’re almost always sold out. And because they’re so costly, it isn’t easy to get them."
The tone she carried made it clear just how much anger she was holding back. Her words sounded clipped, almost bitten out, as if speaking of it physically hurt her. Honestly, how could it not? These were her people, the same race that once walked with pride in forests untouched by humans, now reduced to merchandise. Treated like pets. Traded like livestock. The very thought of it was sickening. For Artemis, it wasn’t just anger—it was personal.
"These people are truly evil... to put our people in such a situation," she said, teeth grinding together so hard it almost looked painful. Her hands curled into fists, trembling slightly.
"That’s exactly why we’re doing this," I told her quietly. I wanted her to know I meant every word. "To save your people."
That was our mission now. Our goal wasn’t small. We were here to free as many slaves as we possibly could within the Empire. And, for now, we were lucky. Leonora hadn’t betrayed me. She hadn’t gone running to the emperor to sell us out, which meant the plan was still alive.
The next step was to see things with our own eyes as well as to step into the heart of this market and take in the reality of what was happening here.
To do that, we had to act. Right now, we were pretending to be a wealthy couple searching for a slave to purchase. Disgusting as it was, there was no other way to blend in. If we came here with our true intentions, we’d be exposed in seconds.
"By the way, Leon... are you sure you want me to wear something this expensive?" Artemis asked, tugging lightly at the fine silk of her gown.
She wasn’t exaggerating. The dress she had on wasn’t just expensive—it was the kind of piece that screamed wealth and influence at a glance. One of the most exquisite designs Leonamon had ever produced with delicate patterns stitched with flawless precision, the fabric flowing like water with each of her steps. Most people here had probably never even seen something like it before. To them, it was proof that we were no ordinary couple—we were people with status, the kind who could drop bags of gold without a second thought.
And it worked. The guards at the entrance didn’t even question us. One glance at Artemis in that gown and at me beside her was enough to let us through without hesitation. People in the slavery business didn’t care about morality, only money. And when they saw a pair who looked like they had plenty of it, their eyes lit up like predators spotting prey.
Even so, the bile rose in my throat. The fact that we had to even play along with this made my skin crawl. The truth was plain that this world thrived on such systems, and slavery wasn’t just tolerated, it had become part of their culture. Part of my culture, actually. Something ingrained so deeply that most people didn’t even question it anymore.
In the past, Jeanne had tried to change that. She’d fought tooth and nail to abolish slavery and to rip it out from the roots. But it backfired. She had been fighting against something that existed long before her time, an institution so old it was practically fossilized into society. Myrcella, too, was struggling with the same thing now with her trying to break apart a system that had lasted for centuries in the academy. Even Jeanne, the goddess of wisdom and war, a woman who had turned the tides during the hundred-year war, had been heavily criticized for it.
And maybe back then, it had been different. Not all slaves were dragged here in chains. Some sold themselves because they couldn’t survive otherwise. They had no choice, so they offered their bodies and their freedom in exchange for a roof over their heads. In a way, not unlike prostitution.
But now? Things had changed. What once may have been desperation had become outright cruelty. Bandits and slavers prowled the lands, they were snatching people from their homes left and right, breaking families apart like they have a right to do it, and selling them like cattle.
"Good morning, customers," a man greeted us as we stepped further in. His smile was wide but slimy, his hands rubbing together with greed.
The sight reminded me instantly of Lord Cross, who, thankfully, was now rotting in his own dungeon. This man had that same look and that same disgusting, self-serving aura that oozed off him like sweat.
"Are you two looking for something?" he asked, his tone oily. "Perhaps someone good for hard labor? Strong backs, sturdy hands? Or maybe someone more... entertaining. Something to spice things up at night?" His eyes flicked to Artemis, his grin widening. "Although, with a wife like yours, I’d imagine you wouldn’t need that. But... if you are curious, I can recommend a few. Some of the best sex slaves here are former prostitutes. Skilled, experienced... very good."
The way he said it made my blood boil. So casual. It was so shameless. Right in front of Artemis. But this was their world. They were filthy and vile, without a shred of decency.