The auctioneer removed the cloth with a grin, and everyone's hearts began to race. Beneath the cloth was not a box but a cage. Inside, a white peacock lay curled up, its body trembling.
Its legs were shackled with glowing mana chains, and its radiant feathers shimmered faintly under the dim light. The creature was stunning—its plumage pure white with intricate black spots adorning each feather. Despite its beauty, its fragile form told a tale of suffering.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the auctioneer began, his voice echoing across the room, "this is a rare white peacock, discovered deep in the Spirit Forest of South Verdalis. A licensed hunter found this magnificent creature injured and brought it here for your acquisition."
The room buzzed with murmurs of admiration.
"This creature is one of the rarest beings in existence, believed to bring luck and prosperity. Even more intriguing, this particular peacock is a female but possesses the long, regal feathers typically seen only in males, enhancing its rarity and value beyond comparison."
Ashan gazed at the bird, his heart sinking.
She isn't just a peacock. She's a demi-human, blessed by the wind spirits.
His mind raced.
How did she get caught? Every white peacock can transform into human form to escape danger. Does she not know how? Or has she forgotten?
He clenched his fists, guilt washing over him.
When I was an Archmage, I thought I saved them by hiding their kind deep in the Spirit Forest. But I was careless. I didn't create barriers, didn't ensure their safety. Now, because of my negligence, she's here… chained and suffering.
The auctioneer's voice broke his thoughts. "Given this creature's rarity, the bidding starts at 1,000 gold."
"Hiccup…" gasped one participant.
The crowd erupted in murmurs, stunned by the high starting price.
"1,100 gold," a noble finally called out.
"1,115 gold," another added.
"1,130 gold," Leone joined in, his voice calm but determined.
Ashan glanced at his father, noticing the sadness in his expression. Leone's aura carried a mix of empathy and helplessness.
Father… Even he knows the cruelty of this situation. But will he be able to win against these vultures?
"1,200 gold!"
All eyes turned to a fat man in luxurious attire. His cheeks flushed red as he grinned, his eyes fixed on the peacock.
"It's Lloyd!" someone whispered. "The merchant tycoon."
Ashan's jaw tightened as he observed Lloyd's aura, a sickening mix of lust and greed.
He knows that she's a demi-human. That's why he's here. That vile man… Ashan thought, disgusted.
"1,300 gold," Leone continued, his voice growing firmer.
The bidding escalated as participants vied for the peacock.
"Kee-ow…(Save me)"
The white peacock's weak cry and helpless plea for rescue echoed in Ashan's ears. His jaw tightened, and his guilt deepened. Her desperate voice brought back haunting memories of his past lives—times when he perished as a helpless animal, crying for aid that never came. He remembered starving to death in one life, torn apart by predators while injured in another.
Ashan glanced at Leone, whose face showed the signs of weariness and surrender, and then at Lloyd, whose aura radiated lust and greed.
Sigh. So that's how it's going to be. I have no choice.
He turned his attention back to the white peacock.
(Child, can you hear me?)
The white peacock stirred. She heard a warm, gentle voice calling her through telepathy.
(I'm here. Look up. I'm looking at you.)
The peacock raised her gaze, her tired eyes meeting Ashan's. He was staring back at her with a comforting expression.
(Is… that… you?) she replied hesitantly.
Ashan nodded. (Do you want to be free?)
Tears welled up in the peacock's eyes. (Please, save me.)
Ashan gave her a reassuring nod. (I'll act quickly. If you're freed from the cage and chains, can you fly?)
(Yes, I can.)
Ashan scanned the room for an escape route. He noticed a closed window.
(Listen carefully. I'm going to release you. First, I'll unlock the mana chains. When you feel your legs are free, get them ready. Next, I'll unlock the cage door. When I give the signal, you must push the door as hard as you can and fly toward that window with all your strength. Don't hesitate. Trust me—I'll handle the rest. Do you understand?)
(Yes,) she replied resolutely.
Ashan extended his index finger toward the peacock and closed his eyes.
(Patavi: Metal Manipulation.)
Click!
In an instant, the locks on the chains and cage unlatched quietly, going unnoticed by anyone else.
(My… legs… they're free?)
The peacock looked at her unshackled legs in disbelief, then at Ashan, who smiled warmly at her.
(Stay calm. Don't draw attention. Wait for my signal,) he instructed.
Meanwhile, the bidding intensified. Only Leone and Lloyd remained in the race, and the price had soared to 1,900 gold.
"1,950 gold," Leone said, raising his number plate while glaring at Lloyd with disgust. Even he seemed to sense Lloyd's twisted intentions.
Lloyd's face contorted with rage. Overcome by lust and greed, he shouted, "3,000 gold!"
The room fell silent.
"What?" Leone gasped, his shock mirrored by the other participants, who stared at Lloyd as though he were mad.
"Has he lost his mind?"
"No amount of wealth would justify such recklessness, not even for the 3rd lord."
"Three thousand gold? That's easily a tenth of his fortune."
"I feel sorry for the peacock. Who knows what horrors that pervert has in store for her."
Even the auctioneer was taken aback. This unexpected twist surpassed his wildest expectations.
"Is there anyone willing to bid higher?" the auctioneer asked hesitantly.
The room remained silent.
Leone leaned back, holding his head in his hands. "That lunatic… What is he even thinking?"
Ashan's gaze locked onto Lloyd, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Don't celebrate just yet. I won't let you do as you please.
The auctioneer, recovering from his surprise, returned to his place.
"Going once!"
It's time.
"Going twice!"
(Child, get ready!)
"Sold!"
(Now…)
To be continued...