I stared at the man with a bulging belly and tried to recall where I have seen him. I frowned and turned to Sebastiene.
"He looks familiar." I said which made Sebastiene raise his brow.
"He was one of the knights who passed our test but left before the knighting ceremony, my lady." Sebastiene answered.
"Why? Did he not like our offer?" I asked. I know that Athy's offer for the knight salary and benefits differ for each person, depending on the experience, abilities and the person's needs. She adjusts her offers to something that would benefit the person most. I never thought someone would actually pack up and leave after getting into the Knights of Noktis.
"Well, he was defeated by lady Alvera during the commander's examination." Sebastiene explained with amusement in his eyes. "By a single punch to his face."
"Ahh.. So it was him." I replied and nodded. I took a look at the man on the floor and couldn't help giggling. I could still remember how arrogant he was when he asked for his opponent that day.
"I guess he was so ashamed and embarrassed about how he was defeated that he left." Sebastiene chuckled. "But I would have never expected him to work here."
"HmMm." I nodded and turned to look at Klent. "Is everything done here?"
"Yes, my lady." Klent smiled. "All items for auction has been taken out and the guests are all still inside."
"Okay." I nodded and looked at him. Klent looked like he wanted to say something but was hesitating, so I asked him instead. "What is it?"
Klent still looked hesitant but decided to speak.
"There is someone I promised to pay when we came in." He said while fumbling his fingers. "I hope you won't mind if I do."
"I won't mind." I replied. "If you made a promise, as long as it does not harm House Castellan or the people you swore to protect above yourself, you may do as you please."
Klent smiled brightly. "Thank you, my lady!"
"For the other people here, you know what to do, right?" I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Yes, my lady." He nodded. "Karciel has been taken by the Knights of Noktis for illegal auction, illegal slave trading, human trafficking, murder, theft and others. The people inside are considered accomplices and will be taken to receive judgement by Archduke Castellan. If anyone dared to run or not follow our instructions, we have orders to use force by the eldest daughter of House Castellan."
"Very good." I smiled at him. "You have a way with words, so you should be the one to speak to the people. Haktor would only scare the shit out of them and I don't want to see a tear fest at the castle."
Klent looked delighted at my praise.
"Yes, my lady." He replied with a bright smile and went up the stairs.
I looked at Sebastiene. "Who did he promise to pay?"
"The auction required every participant to hire an escort before they could come in. Commander Klent chose one and promised to pay her and buy her something." Sebastiene replied with a teasing smile. "She was quite useful to us as there were many information we acquired from her. So I guess paying her is only right."
"Okay." I looked around and called on another knight who immediately bowed to me.
"Yes, my lady?" A knight in full armor slightly bigger for him bowed.
"Tell the others to separate the guards, employees and guests when they wake up. Do not take anything from the guests but the guards and employees are not allowed to bring any weapon with them. Take anything dangerous and tell them that we will return it when their judgements are finalized." I instructed.
"Uhh.. What if the guest have a weapon, my lady?" The knight asked.
"Guests with weapons are to be separated with the guests who have none. Sebastiene and Klent will ride with those who have weapons. They will be able to take care of themselves." I answered.
"Understood, Lady Mel." The knight put his right hand above his heart in a salute.
Sebastiene and I went back outside, the carriage with the guards and prisoners who need immediate attention have already left with some of our knights led by Haktor. I saw Miss Bloom on the side with the boxes on the ground beside her. She was talking to the elf, Milia or Emelia, with the prisoners behind them sitting on the ground clinging unto each other.
The two women turned my way when they notice me approaching.
"My lady." Miss Bloom bowed while Milia looked at me.
"Miss Bloom, what are these boxes you have brought out?" I asked curiously. I don't think these are jewelries or anything of the sort, but I think that the things inside are important.
"These are documents, my lady." She answered. "I brought out all documents in the bedroom and office, including his vault. There should be important things about the businesses and people Karciel had connections to."
"Okay. Bring those back to the castle, Klaus should be helpful with it." I told her and pushed the job of checking the documents to my advisor, Klaus. "Athy might also need to check on those as she will take care of the rehabilitation of this place."
Milia looked confusedly at me.
"Lady Athanasia is Lady Melody's youngest sister." Miss Bloom kindly explained to Milia who looked even more confused.
"I'm sorry, but how old is this Lady Athanasia if she is younger than her?" Milia asked making Miss Bloom look at me awkwardly.
"Athy is five years old." I replied, unbothered.
Gasp!
Milia gasped at the information.
"A five year old girl is in charge of rehabilitating this place?!" She asked wide-eyed. "Tha-that's.."
"Don't treat us the same way you treat other humans, and don't think of our capabilities as the same too." I said a bit coldly. "Never underestimate a Castellan."