As I strolled through the dungeon, I couldn't ignore the sight of men and women chained up like animals, their faces etched with despair and hopelessness. It felt like browsing through a store, except instead of clothes, these were lives for sale. The realization struck me that I was far from being a good person.
In a room filled with men, one caught my attention. I inquired about them to the greedy salesman, who proudly informed me that they were former gladiators from an underground arena. Unable to fight anymore, they were now being sold off. Intrigued, I entered the room despite the foul stench that permeated the air.
There, in the corner, a young man with raven black hair sat with his head bowed. I made my way through the men, drawn to him. Gently, I lifted his chin to meet his eyes, which sparkled like gold despite the grime on his face. There was a fire in those eyes, a determination that hadn't been extinguished.
Dropping his chin, I left the room and informed the salesman, "I want him." With a bow, the man instructed some guards that I hadn't even noticed were present.
As I continued to walk, my attention was suddenly drawn to a commotion nearby. A man in a mask was dragging a young boy with vibrant violet hair. The boy was skinny, fighting back with a desperation that was palpable even from a distance. Intrigued, I watched the scene unfold.
In a moment of unexpected boldness, the boy made eye contact with me. With a final surge of strength, he broke free from his captor and rushed towards me, throwing himself at my feet.
"Please, please take me instead," his voice was broken, filled with desperation.
After a moment of hesitation, I made a decisive move.
"I'll pay you double," I said firmly to the boy's captor.
"I want the boy, no deal," the man sneered in response.
"Triple," I insisted, my tone leaving no room for negotiation. The man paused, his greed warring with his sense of caution. Eventually, the lure of the money won out, and he agreed to the deal.
The greedy salesman eagerly signaled to the guards once more, sealing the transaction.
The salesman, emboldened by my willingness to spend a considerable amount of gold coins, decided to make a bold move.
With a determined look in his eyes, he brought up a certain item, one so pricey that it hadn't been sold in over two years. He was glad to have found a wealthy customer today, someone who wouldn't flinch at the exorbitant price.
Intrigued, I followed the salesman with eager steps as he led me to a secluded room. Inside, I found a human-sized cage, isolated from the rest of the market. My curiosity piqued, I approached the cage slowly, my eyes widening at the sight before me.
Inside the chains of the cage stood the most stunning person I had ever laid eyes on. Long, flowing golden hair cascaded down their back, framing a face with cold, piercing green eyes. Every feature seemed sculpted by the gods, and I couldn't tear my gaze away.
"This here is a half-elf," the salesman explained, his voice filled with a mix of pride and greed. "As you can see, he inherited beauty from his elven side. His ears are slightly pointed too. What do you think?"
I didn't hesitate for a moment. "I'll take him," I said firmly, my decision made. The salesman's eyes lit up with excitement, as if afraid I would change my mind. With swift movements, his guards quickly released the half-elf from his chains.
The salesman informed me of the prices: the half-elf was priced at a staggering 1.2 million gold, the runaway slave at 60,000 gold, and the raven-haired man at 15,000 gold. He mentioned that he had deducted 5,000 gold from the raven-haired man's price due to his "condition," but I still paid the full amount. I needed his discreet transport services after all.
I paid the man in light luminescent crystals, each crystal equivalent to 50,000 gold. They were rare and hard to obtain, monopolized by the church. The salesman practically frothed at the mouth with excitement as I handed them over He eagerly bowed, clearly thrilled with the exchange.
We left the inconspicuous tent, the salesman informing me that my goods would be waiting at one of their affiliated hotels, the 'Fairy's Arms'. Known for its luxurious accommodations, the Fairy's Arms was a fitting place for such transactions. As a final gesture, the salesman handed me a golden ring, declaring me a VIP. He assured me that anyone associated with the Whispering Bazaar would treat me as such.
Maverick proves to be quite the useful man as he takes us to the hotel without delay. Once we arrive outside the 'Fairy's Arms', I give him another assignment and he swiftly departs to carry out my orders. With a nod of thanks, I make my way into the opulent hotel.
As I step inside, it seems they were indeed expecting me. I'm instantly greeted by a hotel attendant, who leads me to what looks like an elevator contraption. Curious and a bit apprehensive, I step inside, wondering what awaits me.
In a sumptuous and opulent room, I find myself surrounded by lavish decorations and exquisite architecture that truly lives up to the hotel's reputation as a top luxury establishment. The walls are adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of mythical creatures and grand battles, while the furniture is adorned with golden accents and plush fabrics. The room exudes an air of elegance and sophistication that is unmatched.
I walk around the room, taking in every detail with awe. The grand chandelier hanging from the ceiling casts a warm and inviting glow, illuminating the room with a soft, golden light. The large windows offer a breathtaking view of the city below, with its bustling streets and towering buildings.
The bed is like a cloud, adorned with silk sheets and fluffy pillows that beckon me to rest. A small table in the corner holds a selection of fruits and pastries, along with a decanter of what I assume is fine wine.
I can't help but feel a sense of luxury and comfort wash over me as I settle into the plush armchair by the window, taking in the view and enjoying the tranquility of the moment. This is truly a place fit for royalty.
As I sit and enjoy the array of fruits and pastries, the soft knock on the door signals the arrival of the attendant with my three purchases in tow. The men are now clean and dressed in luxurious clothing that looks almost out of place on their gaunt, skinny frames. Their collarbones and cheekbones protrude prominently, a stark contrast to the opulence of their attire.
I continue to eat the fruit, watching the scene unfold before me. The attendant leaves quietly, and with a soft click, the door shuts behind her. The room is filled with a palpable tension as the three men stand before me, their heads bowed in nervousness and trepidation. The raven-haired one seems to be injured, favoring his left foot instead of his right.
I observe them closely, noting the fear and uncertainty in their eyes. It's clear they are not used to such luxurious surroundings, and the weight of their situation hangs heavy in the air. Despite their discomfort, they remain silent, waiting for my next move.
The stalemate lasts for what feels like an eternity, about 20 minutes of silence hanging heavily in the air. I simply sit and wait, observing their reactions.
Finally, it's the purple-haired one who breaks the silence, dropping to his knees before me. "I greet, my master," he says, bowing his head low. The other two follow suit quickly, echoing his words.
"I greet my master," they both murmur, their heads bowed in deference.
Deciding I've toyed with them enough, I speak up. "That's enough," I say firmly, prompting them to lift their eyes to meet mine.
Their expressions are a mixture of fear, hesitation, hope, and despair. It's a complicated array of emotions playing across their faces, and I can't help but feel a twinge of pity for them.
I sigh, feeling a wave of warmth under my cloak. Taking another piece of pastry, I ponder what to do with these three men kneeling before me.