We spent the next hour preparing for the sale. Aurora, despite her initial reluctance, was cooperative enough as we discussed our plan. I needed her to play the part of a valuable but desperate commodity. She had to show just enough reluctance to seem genuine but not so much that she scared off potential buyers. I began, "Leave the selling to me. If they want a sample or something, is there anything you could make?"
Aurora thought for a moment, then nodded. "I can make a basic strength potion or a healing salve. Both are relatively simple and won't take much time."
I smiled, relieved. "Perfect. That should be enough to convince any skeptics. Make sure you play up the deviant act. I know some people like a challenge."
Aurora frowned, "I get it. This isn't my first time being sold, you know."
"I know," I replied softly. "But this time, it will be different. We're working to free you, remember that."
Aurora didn't respond, but her silence spoke volumes. I could see the flicker of hope still present behind her guarded expression. I nodded approvingly, "Alright, let's go then. Vice and Alice are already ready. I've got Rune on standby."
Aurora followed me to the slave area of the market. I decided to make her hold up a sign. It was similar to the one Sandra made, but I removed the information about her being defective. We walked around almost like I had some place to go with the slave, but really I was waiting.
I spotted Alice and Vice approaching. Vice called out loudly, "Hey! You there, stop."
I pretended to act surprised, "What is it? I am in a hurry."
Vice looked at Aurora, "Yesterday I went to your stall, and you said she wasn't for sale. What gives?"
I looked at her mockingly, "Yeah, because she's out of your price range. She's S-rank for a reason. Not just anyone can buy her."
Vice shot back, "Bullshit! I will give you 70 gold right now! What can she even do that's worth more than that?" She made a point of yelling, catching a few eyes.
I shrugged, "Aurora, healing potion, please." Aurora handed me a green medicine vial out of her pocket. I mocked, "Since you don't seem to take a hint, I will show you."
I took out my pocket knife and cut a small piece off my arm it stung badly, but then I poured the liquid over it. I felt a small warm sensation and then the wound instantly stopped bleeding. Better yet, the wound began closing up. I showed real conviction as I followed with, "You could never afford a slave this good. Someone capable of creating products like this."
Vice yelled with fake anger, "How dare you!"
Alice said in a small but loud voice, "I have 10 extra gold!" Her small hands carried 10 extra gold.
Vice held it out to me, "There we go, 80! I have 80 gold. Surely you'll sell her for 80 gold."
I laughed mockingly, "80? Are you stupid? A slave this good is worth at least 100. You know how much money I can make with her?"
Vice pretended to take her gun out, "You little shit, don't make a fool of me!"
Aurora, as scripted, pulled out a small vial of regular water. Aurora threw the water at Vice; she got a little wet.
Vice screamed, "Ahhh shit, it burns! You bastards! You'll regret that!" She ran away like a cartoon villain, and Alice cutely shook her fists at us as Vice ran with her. I laughed, "Good riddance, commoner." I felt eyes all over me after that display; it seems I had a lot more interest now.
As the crowd grew thicker, I could feel the tension in the air, a mix of curiosity and excitement. The act had worked; eyes were on us, and whispers spread quickly through the marketplace. Aurora stood beside me, holding up the sign with a defiant look in her eyes, perfectly playing the part of a valuable yet rebellious commodity.
I spotted a well-dressed noble approaching, flanked by two guards. The man had a blonde mustache and thinning blonde hair with blue eyes, and a fat belly. He wore brown tapered pants and a noble red dress shirt. He looked intrigued, clearly having witnessed the spectacle. "Excuse me," he said, his voice smooth and authoritative. "I couldn't help but notice your display. Is this slave really as talented as you claim?"
I gave him a confident smile. "Absolutely, sir. Aurora here is an S-rank scientist capable of creating potent potions and healing salves. Her skills are unparalleled, and she could be an invaluable asset to anyone fortunate enough to purchase her. She has an S-rank granted to her by the association." I showed him her documents, the same ones that I was provided with when I bought her from Sandra. The man's eyes lit up with dollar signs.
The noble raised an eyebrow, clearly interested but cautious. "I have seen many slaves sold in this market, but none with such claims. Would you mind providing another demonstration? Perhaps something more... potent?"
I nodded, expecting this. "Of course. Aurora, could you prepare a basic strength potion for our esteemed guest here?"
Aurora nodded, her movements deliberate and precise. She took out her small kit and began mixing ingredients. The crowd watched in silence, their attention fixed on her. Within minutes, she held up a small vial filled with a shimmering blue liquid.
"This," she said, "is a basic strength potion. A single drop can enhance physical strength for a short period. Please, test it for yourself."
The noble gestured to one of his guards, who stepped forward and took the vial. He drank a small amount, and within moments, his muscles seemed to swell, and his posture straightened. He lifted a heavy crate nearby with ease, showing off his newfound strength. The crowd gasped in awe, clearly impressed.
The noble's eyes widened, a mixture of greed and amazement. "I must admit, this is quite extraordinary. How much are you asking for her?"
I knew I had him hooked. "As I mentioned earlier, she is worth at least 100 gold pieces. Normally, I would want at least 120. I was thinking of auctioning her off. However, for you? 100 flat should do. After all, that would save me the trouble of listing her in the upcoming auction. Given her skills and the potential profit she could bring, it's a fair price."
When doing business, an experienced buyer pretended to consider his options, but I knew by the man's eyes that he was in. The man stuck out his hand, "Leroy Hamilton. I think we have a deal. 100 gold flat right here."
I smiled back, "Key Creed. Pleasure doing business with you." I handed him the documents and offered Aurora to him. Leroy gestured to one of the guards, "Well, what are you waiting for? Pay the man."
The guard reached into a satchel and pulled out a heavy pouch, handing it to me. I felt the weight, satisfied that it was indeed the full amount. Leroy smiled, a glint of triumph in his eyes as he had one of the guards put a rope around her neck and pull her away. Aurora looked at me one more time, a small hope playing in her eyes. I smiled at her reassuringly as she disappeared from sight.
Rune had been tailing me the entire time. Once he saw the exchange, he set off for his target. The matter was now out of my hands. This would be Rune's first heist of this magnitude. I set him ahead to scout out the place. I knew he was good at what he did, and I trusted him, but he was still a kid. I needed to be there should anything go wrong. Vice, Alice, and I would all be meeting back at the inn for Rune to return. I made my way to the inn they had chosen. It was called the Sleepy Horse Inn. The place was big, two stories; the outside was a light pink color, but the building was narrow. It had a cozy, homey feel to it as I made my way inside. A young woman greeted me, and I made my way to my room.
I knocked on the door, and Vice opened up after a moment. Once I was inside, Vice smiled approvingly, "Hell of a performance, kid."
I smiled back, "I could say the same of you two." I ruffled Alice's hair, "We got an actress in the making."
Alice chuckled, "Actress!"
Vice asked, "So what of the boy?"
I sat down on one of the beds, "Now we wait. Could be fast, or it could take a few hours. Right now, he just needs to find a way in. He needs to scout it out, and then we can make a move at night. So, who wants to play some cards in the meantime?"
Alice frowned, "Cards?"
I smiled, "Right, cards could be a useful skill for you to pick up on."
Vice frowned, "How is she even gonna play, Key?"
I pulled out a deck of cards from my satchel, "Well duh, I am going to be her eyes."
Vice frowned, "You two are gonna team up against me? Good luck, I happen to be quite the card shark a long time ago."
I put the deck on the table, ready to deal for two, "I am going to turn Alice into a shark hunter." With that, we began our game as Rune scouted out the estate. The cards in our hands symbolized the unpredictable future, but together, we felt ready to play our best hand.