"Crrriiiiiie? (Did you find the slave merchant?)"
"Yes, Queen Pallas."
Florine told me everything she knows. The slave trader is a man named Lucian Valdor, a noble's son from the kingdom. Though it's just a rumor, people say his family has been in this business for a long time, but thanks to their status, they manage to keep their illegal activities hidden under the rug.
Well, illegal... Even if it's just a rumor, I'm certain it's true. The royal family doesn't do much to stop them, preferring instead to let them operate—selling their enemies or "buying" people from other kingdoms, including members of defeated royal families.
And you know what? It's true. But who's behind all this? Hey, the queen. Yes, the queen. It seems the king is nothing more than a fool, blindly following his wife's words like a docile dog, serving only as a figurehead for the kingdom. And don't think she only takes men... She also buys women, whether for more violent pleasures or purely sexual ones, with both men and women alike.
The men—I plan to devour them. As for the women... I am a queen. Why would I take women sullied by the slaves of one of my sub-queens? Yes, Rosia won't kill her mother but will turn her into a slave. I don't concern myself with matters so low. The Zergs are very strict about hierarchy: the higher you are, the more you are respected; the lower you are, the more you are nothing. And a slave, even lower than a mere Zerg soldier—such a toy doesn't even catch my eye.
"I order that we go tonight. The sooner we make him a slave, the sooner we can buy human food."
"As for the most beautiful ones, I'll keep them for myself when I become more human."
"Yes, my queen."
As night fell, I left with Florine, Sayuri, and Éliane, accompanied, of course, by several of Rosia's Love Parasites. Rosia stayed behind so that if anyone came to check, they would find her peacefully asleep. The four of us, cloaked in black, carried several sacks of gold. I used hallucinogens on anyone who might have seen us leave.
We arrived at a small house hidden in a dark alley. Numerous heavily armed guards stood at the entrance. But that wasn't a problem. Fully enslaved beings are far stronger than normal humans; in short, the maids could hold out while I took care of the guards. Thanks to my small size, I could easily dodge and attack with my poison—either weakening them over time or killing them quickly if I was lucky.
Other people were already present, but no one seemed to know each other. Everyone was dressed in black, their masks concealing any identifying features. Then, an elegant man stepped forward. His mask, which only hid the area around his eyes, was shaped like golden wings.
This man was Lucian Valdor. A noble-looking and refined man, dressed in luxurious fabrics, with a delicate face and radiant blond hair. His azure gaze exuded exceptional gentleness—but that quickly faded into a sadistic glint whenever he was engaged in his slave trade.
What an ugly person... I don't understand why all the noblewomen are so drawn to him. At least he smells pleasant. I can't wait to devour him... but only once he's no longer of use to us.
I sat with Florine at the banquet, and discreetly, I poured hallucinogens and Love Parasites into several glasses. My plan was simple: infect these nobles. Having their support will be a crucial asset in my conquest of the kingdom. And as expected, they drank the rare and expensive noble-exclusive drink. I'm sure my dear sub-queen will be thrilled with these new female toys. After all, so many of them turned their backs on her for the prince's sake…
And I love how these nobles think they're superior… when they're nothing more than food and playthings for our amusement.
Of course, Lucian didn't drink. He's cautious. But that's fine. I plan to feed him generously in his sleep... along with his entire family.
We passed through a hidden door at the back of the room. At the end of the passage, an enormous theater adorned with golden curtains appeared. The guests took their seats, and after a brief introduction from that idiot, the presentation of the first lots began.
***
"Hemlock Blossom, have you found anything?"
"Not much, my prince. The princess is doing everything she can to avoid getting caught."
"And at night?"
"She sleeps."
I must admit, she looks rather cute when she's asleep...
"...That's all? Really?"
"Yes. Though, Marianne does enter the room at regular intervals, like clockwork, to check on the princess."
"The maids don't like her, if I recall correctly?"
"Yes, that's true. They do the bare minimum."
"Good… Good! That could work in our favor. Get them on our side, but discreetly."
"Your orders are my desire, prince."
The prince chuckled. He knew that, one day, everyone around his sister would betray her… and there would be nothing she could do to stop it.
"Prince, I don't know if this is important, but the princess spends a lot of time in the royal library."
"Go on…"
"She reads about the kingdom's history, current noble families, and the past actions of their ancestors. She also studies information about our enemies, both past and present."
"And?"
"She also reads about animals, plants, and insects. Though I don't quite understand why."
"Probably because she's bored… But keep an eye on it anyway."
"And as for the kingdom… That bitch probably thinks she can become queen."
"You may leave. Keep up your good work—and don't forget the maids…"
The figure silently disappeared into the darkness of the night.