Erick's POV:
2 months before the fall of the Witch of Deception
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
- What question is that Vulk? But of course it is necessary. Only then can we infiltrate their slave trading network.
"Even if you say that…"
- Don't worry, I'm strong enough on my own, plus I have you with me.
"… J-just so you know, it doesn't make me happy in the slightest, I'm just worried that your beautiful face might be hurt."
Next act, Vulk hides in my shirt cutting off the conversation. After having spent the last few months on various expeditions and adventures, Vulk and I have put aside formalities and get along better than ever.
- You really are quite cute when you try to hide your embarrassment you know.
"…"
Without an answer, I smile to myself as I look ahead. Suddenly my hearing detects footsteps approaching the place. From the speed and strength, it seems to be one of the caravan guards. I quickly put on my lost and hopeless look before he opens the door.
- Hey you, come here.
I nod weakly in response and start walking. At my slow pace, the guard hits me on the back to speed up my pace. I clumsily stumble and weakly pick up my pace. We walk for a few minutes before the dungeon I was in turns into an elegant building. There, 2 men await me in an elegant room filled with golden trinkets encrusted with gems. One of the men is a merchant friend I met on my adventures and the other is a fat merchant-like man with an exaggerated amount of golden rings and necklaces. The fat man looks at me with distaste and then signals to the guard who brought me, disappearing on the spot.
- So you want to sell me this thing.
- That's right, Mr. Crassus.
My friend tilts his head as he studies Crassus' reactions. Crassus on the other hand looks at me very carefully as if he were determining my worth.
- He doesn't seem to have any wounds, and he's healthy, but… don't you think he's a bit skinny?
- Skinny? Of course not. I would never offer Mr. Crassus a poor quality slave.
- … Well, his appearance certainly wouldn't make him a good work slave, but he would make a good "companion"
- I'm glad you understand sir.
- But, slaves of that type don't sell well nowadays.
My friend looked bitterly at Crassus.
- But Mr. Crassus, I was told that the slave business was well paid.
- And of course it is, for work slaves. Male companion slaves aren't in high demand these days. Perhaps if that were a woman I could give you a good price, but for this one… I couldn't give you more than 50 silver coins.
A clear stupefaction hits my friend as he looks incredulously at Crassus. While he only smiles haughtily.
- Only 50? But sir, the other slaves sell for at least 3 gold coins.
- Of course, if it were a work slave I would give you 2 gold coins, but for a male companion… I can't give you more than that. Maybe because you are new to this you don't understand the market yet, but as a piece of advice I tell you that here, my word is the law.
A slight tone of threat resonates in his words as he looks at my friend, who can only sigh with resignation.
- I thought I would at least get more out of you.
- Don't be so greedy.
We exchange a small exchange in low voices before my friend raises his head with a business smile.
- I understand sir Crassus, then I will sell it to you for the 50 silver coins.
....................................................................
A few hours later, I was locked in a small cage being transported to the large slave market. Although the cage itself wasn't very small, it was packed with other companion-type slaves. We were mostly surrounded by beautiful women who were stained with mud and tears. Most of them were shivering from the cold because of the clothes they were wearing. The clothes they were wearing were so worn and in many cases torn that it was hard for me to know where to look. Thinking about how to fix this problem, a sudden jolt from the carriage sends us all flying into the air and crashing into each other. Before I know it, I'm crushed against the metal bars. A heavy sigh leaves my mouth before I realize something was writhing around my stomach.
- M-move away…
A small creature that I had barely noticed was there. The little girl looks at me defiantly as she struggles with her shackles to keep from being crushed. Taking pity on her, I lift her up with my hands as I turn to sit up and place her on my lap.She raises her head and looks at me suspiciously as she tries to get up from my lap, but her attempt is thwarted by the carriage. I quickly catch her and place her back on my lap.
- Thank you very much.
She shyly looks up at me as she stares at me as if she wants to discover my identity. I soon realize that she is shivering as well. My first impulse was to light a small fire to warm her up, but I soon realize that would be a bad idea. I think for a few moments about what to do when my hand accidentally brushes against the cold metal bars. When I do, I stare at them for a few moments vaguely. To experiment I light a small flame in my hand and place it on the bar, it immediately heats up, giving me some warmth. The girl on my lap jumps in surprise as she stares at my hand in bewilderment.
- Sorry miss, it seems I'm not good at doing this in secret yet.
Even though I had been discovered by the little girl, she doesn't make a fuss about it, she just looks at my hand in surprise. When I look around I notice that the wooden plate we were lying on is slowly starting to heat up. The girls' shivering slows down as I continue to heat the bar of the cage. I look at the results in pleasure as the girl calls my attention with a question.
- You... are you a witch?
A sudden interest comes over me as I listen to the girl talk about them. After that, we talk for a while about witches and their origin when an external blow stops the carriage and our conversation suddenly.
- It seems like it's about time.
I whisper to myself as I begin to summon my rapier with the hand that was heating the bar. As I free myself, I notice the girl's anxiety as she clings to me. With a smile I gently caress her head and try to comfort her.
- Don't worry, I promise everything will be fine.
Despite my attempts, this only causes the girl to burst into tears as she clings to me.
"You really don't know how to treat children, my dear Prince Charming."
- Vulk, I don't need your remarks right now.
With great care, I lift the little girl by her legs until she is at chest level with me. With a quick movement of my rapier, I cut the roof above our heads and send it flying.
- Sorry for the wait, gentlemen! It's time to free all of you.
With this, the operation "the rescue of the princess" begins.