Cora's System hummed to life at my mental command, acknowledging my readiness.
With 10 System Points converted to 1000 gold coins in hand – courtesy of the system– I stepped out of Briarcliff Villa into the crisp evening air. My tailored suit, also provided by the System, felt sleek against my skin, much better than the simple clothes that I had worn earlier.
The mana beast carriage awaited, its two tier-2 Red-striped black horses pacing impatiently. Headmaid Mrs. White curtsied slightly, handing me a pouch.
"Refreshments for the road, sir – biscuits and dried fruit."
I nodded in appreciation, climbed aboard, and instructed the steward: "Take me to Wynton Manor."
The steward echoed my command to the driver; mana beasts surged forward. Calanthor's twinkling lights blurred together as we sped towards Wynton Manor .
Wynton Manor's imposing iron gates, adorned with crossed swords beneath a falcon crest, loomed ahead. Mana beasts slowed; I descended, passing a chest to the steward.
"Follow me."
Guards bowed upon seeing me, clearly mistaking me for a wealthy noble.
I grasped falcon-shaped knockers, pushing open towering double doors. The steward trailed behind.
Inside, marble floors gleamed beneath crystal chandeliers; a golden staircase curved upward. A butler emerged.
"May I help...?"
"I'm here to see Lord Wynton."
The butler's gaze flicked to the steward before responding, "Lord Wynton is currently unavailable, however, Lord Wynton's associate Lady Victoria receives guests in the east wing study."
I nodded curtly. "Lead the way."
Winding halls adorned with Wynton family portraits gave way to a polished wood door. The butler knocked softly.
"Enter."
Lady Victoria reclined on velvet, sipping wine – raven hair cascading like nightfall. Her gaze locked onto mine.
"Our mysterious guest is...?"
I bowed slightly. "A potential buyer, Lady Victoria. Seeking Lord Wynton's exclusive merchandise."
Her lips curled slyly:
So, he came here to buy slaves'- She thought to herself
"Bold of you to mention them... openly. Though our business is not illegal, it is frowned upon by high society, so most buyers negotiate through servants" - she said
Though our business is not illegal, it is frowned upon by high society
"Godric's treasures are indeed exclusive. Do you want to select the goods that interest you?" - She asked
I nodded.
I sensed curiosity sparking within her – and perhaps something more. "Time is short, Lady Victoria. Might we discuss details?"
Lady Victoria rose, gesturing towards a hidden door behind her bookshelf. "Follow me."
We walked through winding secret passages, the air growing thicker as we walked. Lady Victoria pushed open a door, revealing a dungeon room reeking of decay and desperation.
Guards scrambled to line up several figures – men and women with hollow eyes, their skin bearing scars of mistreatment. My gut twisted in disgust.
Lady Victoria's voice cut through my revulsion. "Select your... merchandise.
I selected the seven, as instructed by cora, my heart racing. Lady Victoria raised an eyebrow due to the number of slaves.
She then spoke to a few guards, who then left. Soon, the butler came to the dungeon and whispered something in Victoria's ear.
Victoria then said: "Godric will want to meet you. Personally."
The butler escorted me to Lord Wynton's study – opulent decor contrasting starkly with the dungeon's cruelty. Godric leaned back in his chair, piercing green eyes fixed on me.
"So, you're the bold buyer Lady Victoria mentioned. Curiosity got the better of me."
I bowed slightly. "Respectfully, Lord Wynton, time is short. Your merchandise – my money. Shall we conclude this transaction?"
Godric chuckled, leaning forward. "Almost... eager. I like that. But first, a question: What plans do you have for... my special acquisitions?"
I chose my words carefully – hinting at my true intentions without arousing suspicion.
"I recently acquired a manor. Naturally, I'll need loyal staff."
Godric's eyes narrowed slightly before he nodded. "990 gold coins for all seven. Collect them tomorrow."
I countered, "I'd prefer tonight ."
Godric laughed. "Bold indeed. Very well, It will have to be – 1000 gold coins tonight, or 990 tomorrow."
"Very well" - I replied
He leaned back, steepling fingers together – intrigued by my boldness. "1000 gold coins tonight... Lady Victoria, prepare the slaves for transport and prepare payment verification."
Lady Victoria curtsied slightly. "At once, Lord Wynton. I'll bring the payment verifier."
Lady Victoria returned with a scale and nodded discreetly to me. The steward stepped forward with the chest containing gold coins. I opened it, and Lady Victoria began counting.
"(Whispering to herself) 900... 950... 1000. Verified."
She looked up at Godric. "Payment confirmed, Lord Wynton. The amount is correct."
Godric leaned forward, hands clasped together. "Then it's settled. Lady Victoria, escort our buyer to collect his... goods."
Lady Victoria handed me documents – ownership transfers signed by Lord Wynton. "Follow me, sir. The slaves are ready for transport."
We walked back through secret passages to the dungeon. Guards stood aside as Lady Victoria pushed open the door. Seven pairs of eyes met mine – Some empty, others filled wit h anger.
"This way," Lady Victoria said curtly, leading them out.
We emerged into Wynton Manor's night air – mana beast carriages awaiting near the entrance gates. Lady Victoria stopped abruptly.
I turned to the slaves – Ava, Lila, Lilly, Alia, Felix, Lucas, and Alexander – and smiled slightly. "Follow me."
They obeyed
Once they were seated, I joined them and instructed the steward:
"Back to Briarcliff Villa."
The mana beasts surged forward, carrying us away from Wynton Manor.
After a smooth ride, we arrived at Briarcliff Villa's carriage house. The steward opened the carriage door:
"Welcome to your new home. Please step out – I'd like you to see your new surroundings."
They exited the carriage, looking around cautiously at the villa's exterior.
"Follow me to the lawn area," I said, leading them towards the beautifully landscaped garden behind the villa.
As we walked onto the lush green lawn, I turned to face them:
"You're safe now." - I said taking out the ownership papers and tearing them
"Those of you who want to leave and are sure of your survival can leave, and those who don't want to can stay here and become a part of my family." - I said while carefully picking up Alea
Their eyes widened in surprise.
"However, for today, let's go to the manor, clean ourselves and get something to eat."