Chapter 17

The Grand Entrance to the Slave Market

As we approached the entrance to the next district, I found myself momentarily awestruck. The sheer grandeur and imposing nature of the gateway took my breath away. Massive onyx pillars, adorned with intricate golden engravings, flanked the towering archway, depicting scenes of conquest and submission—an unambiguous declaration of what lay ahead. The air itself felt heavy, carrying the scent of incense, sweat, and desperation.

This was the Slave Market—a place where the fates of men, women, and even exotic beasts were decided with the flick of a bidder’s hand. It was an industry built on power and wealth, and despite the grim reality of what took place here, there was no denying the sheer scale of its influence.

Beside me, Bao wore a satisfied smirk, his expression one of eager anticipation. It was clear that he had been looking forward to this moment, and in truth, so had I. The timing couldn’t have been better—there was to be a grand auction tonight, an event that promised to feature some of the rarest and most valuable slaves on the market. Luck was truly on my side.

Without wasting a moment, I sent a runner back to the castle with two urgent tasks. First, to seek permission for me to stay out late and attend the auction—after all, I intended to spend lavishly. Second, if the king approved, I instructed the runner to notify the builder that our meeting at 18 bells was to be rescheduled for tomorrow at 10 bells instead.

While waiting for a response, I took the time to observe my surroundings. The market was already buzzing with activity, merchants displaying their “wares” in gilded cages, potential buyers appraising each offering with sharp, calculating eyes. The air was filled with a cacophony of voices—some bargaining, others pleading, a few sobbing.

After twenty minutes, the runner returned, his breath slightly labored from the haste of his journey. His words brought great news—the king had granted permission, and along with the message, he had sent 500 royal marks for my use.

I allowed myself a satisfied grin. Tonight would be interesting.

For now, I made a quick mental note of my current expenses. In the Beast District, I had already spent 24 royal marks and 70 platinum coins, a hefty sum—but nothing compared to what I was about to throw into this auction.

I cracked my knuckles, feeling the excitement build within me.

It was time to see just what this market had to offer.

A Visit to the Eunuch Collector

I turned to Bao and gestured for him to lead the way, trusting his expertise in navigating the district. With an air of undeniable confidence, he strode forward, his chest puffed out as if he owned the entire market. It was clear that Bao held considerable influence in this part of the city.

After weaving through the bustling crowds and the towering rows of slave pens, we finally neared the heart of the market, where the wealthiest traders and most esteemed merchants conducted their business. Bao took a sudden sharp left turn, leading us down a narrower but well-guarded street.

At the entrance of a grand establishment, two massive eunuchs stood like stone sentinels, their bulging muscles stretching the fabric of their tunics. The moment they spotted Bao, they immediately bowed their heads in deference and stepped aside, silently granting us passage.

Bao marched in without hesitation and, in his usual booming voice, bellowed, “Where the hell are you, Gauriash the Collector? Come out at once!”

A sharp voice rang out from within. “Why the hell are you shouting, Bao? Do you need to be disciplined?”

Bao’s lips curled into a mischievous grin, ready to fire back a response, but before he could, I raised a hand to silence him. A wicked idea took root in my mind, and I couldn’t resist playing along.

With a mock scowl and a tone laced with exaggerated fury, I declared, “Who is this insolent man who dares to speak of disciplining Bao? How dare he utter such absurdity? I swear, I will have his head for this insult! I will tear down this establishment and reduce everyone within it to ashes!”

The effect was immediate.

A man came sprinting out from the back of the shop, pale as death, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His eyes were wild with panic, and he looked as if he were moments away from collapsing. I could tell he was desperately searching for words to plead for his life.

I might have continued the ruse for a little longer, but at that moment, Bao suddenly erupted into laughter—a deep, booming laugh that echoed through the chamber.

Seeing Bao laughing so freely, I couldn’t hold back any longer. Within moments, both Aldric and my guards joined in, our collective laughter filling the space.

The sheer absurdity of the situation dawned on Gauriash, who, realizing he’d been played, let out a weary sigh, though the fear had yet to completely leave his face.

Bao, still wiping away tears of laughter, turned to me and said, “Asher, meet Gauriash. He is my mentor, my father—the one who took me in when my real parents threw me out.”

Then turned to his mentor with a proud smile and said, “Gauriash, this is Asher, the Seventh Prince. But more importantly, he is my closest friend in the castle.”

For a moment, I simply stared at Gauriash, my amusement fading as a new sense of respect settled in.

Bao continued, his tone uncharacteristically soft, “Becoming a eunuch was my choice. He was against it, but in the end, he relented to my wishes.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, shifting the atmosphere in the room.

Before Gauriash could bow to me, I quickly dipped my head slightly—a gesture of respect that was rare for someone of my status.

“Please forgive my foolish prank,” I said sincerely. “Had I known you were Bao’s mentor and father, I would never have dared.”

Gauriash blinked, momentarily taken aback by my unexpected humility. He sputtered for a moment before glancing at Bao, then at Aldric and my guards, all of whom still wore amused expressions. Finally, his tense posture relaxed.

“My lord, please, there is no need to bow before me. It is I who should bow to you,” he insisted.

I shook my head with a small smile. “Sir Gauriash the Collector, please—call me by my name. All my friends do. And you, you are the father of my friend. You have every right to address me as such.”

A brief silence passed before Gauriash let out a chuckle, the last remnants of his unease finally fading.

“Alright then, Mr. Asher,” he said with a nod. “Follow me.”

Then, turning to Bao, he narrowed his eyes playfully and added, “And you, Bao—you have a lot of explaining to do.”

In response, Bao simply smirked knowingly.

Gauriash led me through his establishment, giving me a full tour of the grand facility. The sheer scale and luxury of the place took me by surprise—it was clear that only the finest resources had been used to maintain it. The floors were polished marble, the walls adorned with intricate carvings, and the entire place carried an air of strict discipline and refinement. Every corridor we passed was lined with attendants who bowed respectfully, a testament to the efficiency and prestige of his operation.

After completing the tour, Gauriash guided me to his private viewing chambers, a secluded and well-appointed room designed for discreet discussions and exclusive selections. The space was lavish yet practical, with plush seating, soft lighting, and a large viewing window covered by heavy velvet drapes. A sense of exclusivity hung in the air, making it clear that only the most important clients were allowed here. As we settled in, Gauriash turned to me with a knowing smile, ready to present his finest selections.

After some tea, snacks, and light conversation, Bao suddenly requested to be excused. He wanted to visit an old friend of his—a fellow eunuch.