Chapter 99: Sabaody Archipelago Auction House
As a slave-hunting team operating under the auction house, the traffickers had some foresight. They could tell at a glance that the sword in Charlotte's hand was extraordinary.
After hearing their demand, Charlotte smiled disdainfully.
He didn't feel like wasting words on these people.
"You will die," Charlotte said coldly, his voice calm and detached.
Before anyone could react, waves of energy surged around him. In the next instant, Charlotte disappeared from sight.
The group of traffickers barely had time to process what was happening before they felt an icy chill run through their bodies. Then came pain.
Fat Dog, the leader, seemed to see his own body separate from his head before losing consciousness entirely.
Charlotte reappeared in his original spot, calm and composed.
For a moment, the more than 40 traffickers stood motionless, as though nothing had happened.
Charlotte exhaled softly.
"Phew!"
The sound of his breath seemed to break the spell. One by one, the bodies of the traffickers toppled over.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The sound of bodies hitting the ground echoed continuously.
Each corpse had been decapitated, the heads neatly severed from the bodies.
"Ah!"
Elena covered her mouth, stifling a scream. She stared at Charlotte in fear, her eyes wide with shock.
The lively group of people who had been arguing just moments ago were now lifeless corpses.
"You... you killed them!" Elena stammered, her voice trembling.
Charlotte rolled his eyes.
"They were human traffickers. What else should I have done? Let them live and harm more people?" he said flatly.
Elena fell silent. She recalled the crude remarks and predatory looks the traffickers had directed at her earlier. Deep down, she understood Charlotte's reasoning, but the sheer brutality of the act left her shaken.
Charlotte noticed her conflicted expression and couldn't help but curse inwardly.
What kind of person have I brought back? A bleeding-heart saint?
"Let's go," Charlotte said, reaching out to grab her wrist. "Didn't you want to see the Sabaody Archipelago? I'll show you what it's really like."
Elena didn't resist, allowing Charlotte to drag her along. She walked in a daze, still processing the scene she had just witnessed.
Charlotte tightened his grip on Elena's small hand as his Observation Haki expanded involuntarily. He cursed silently.
Why am I tied to this woman?
---
After some time, the two of them arrived in front of a tall, ornate building.
Elena looked up at the sign.
Shill Auction House.
Auction house?
She frowned in confusion.
Why has Charlotte brought me here?
Although she didn't understand, she wisely chose to remain silent.
"Come," Charlotte said, a smirk on his face. "Let me show you the real darkness."
He led Elena inside without hesitation.
The guards at the door didn't stop them. Charlotte's confident demeanor and expensive attire made them assume he was a young nobleman bringing his partner to enjoy the auction.
Inside, Elena's curiosity got the better of her. She looked around at the grand interior, her wide-eyed expression betraying her amazement.
Her behavior didn't go unnoticed.
"Where did this country bumpkin come from? Is this her first time at an auction?"
The mocking voice drew both Charlotte and Elena's attention.
Charlotte turned to see the source of the comment—a fat man dressed in luxurious clothing, adorned with jewels and gold.
The man's gaze shifted to Elena, and his eyes immediately lit up with lust.
"Such a beauty!" the fat man exclaimed, practically drooling. "Miss, may I have the honor of knowing your name? I am Duke Clayton of the Suken Kingdom."
Elena opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say a word, Charlotte stepped between them.
"Sorry, you're too late," Charlotte said, his tone icy. "She's mine."
Ignoring Clayton's outstretched hand, Charlotte pulled Elena into his arms.
The move left Elena stunned. She stared up at Charlotte, her cheeks flushed.
Clayton, on the other hand, glared at Charlotte with jealousy and anger.
"Who are you, boy? Which kingdom are you from?" Clayton demanded, trying to size up his opponent.
Charlotte smirked.
"What does it matter where I'm from? She's my woman," he said firmly, holding Elena close.
Clayton's expression darkened, but he held back his anger. After glancing around and noticing the security staff, he decided it wasn't worth causing a scene.
"Humph!" Clayton snorted, turning on his heel and walking away.
Charlotte raised an eyebrow, surprised by the nobleman's restraint.
That's odd. Aren't nobles in this world supposed to be arrogant and reckless? Why is this one different?
Shaking off his thoughts, Charlotte turned his attention back to Elena.
---
A waitress in a revealing outfit approached them. Her attire was so scanty that it momentarily distracted Charlotte.
"Sir, the auction is about to begin. Please, follow me," the waitress said, smiling politely.
Before Charlotte could respond, Elena pinched his waist hard.
"Hiss!" Charlotte winced, glaring at her in disbelief.
When did she learn this trick? Or is it just a natural skill for women?
The waitress led them to seats in the second row of the auction house. The first row, reserved for the Celestial Dragons, was conspicuously empty.
Charlotte sighed, disappointed.
No Celestial Dragons today? What a waste. I was hoping to liven things up by taking one out.
Noticing his sigh, Elena frowned.
"What's wrong with you?" she asked.
"Nothing," Charlotte replied. "This auction is just missing something. It's a little disappointing."
"What's it missing?" Elena pressed, clearly curious.
Charlotte gave her a sidelong glance.
"It's better if you don't know," he said, brushing off her question.
Elena huffed in frustration but chose not to push further.
---
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