The Interrupted Auction

“Among them, the Anhel family, represented by the elves, has advocated for the abolition of slavery since the nation’s founding.

Long ago, the natural forests where the elven race lived were repeatedly encroached upon.
During the chaotic wars centuries past, many elven kin were abducted and sold into slavery, scattered across the world.

Consequently, the elves harbored a profound hatred for slavery and consistently championed its abolition.

However, slavery was a system that had endured for thousands of years.
The intricate web of interests involved could not be untangled with a few mere words, especially since even other Theocracies had not abolished it.

Therefore, the proposal to abolish slavery was perpetually met with opposition, primarily from the human race represented by the Uno family, while the angels, represented by Aifeo, maintained neutrality and mediated.

Discussions concerning the abolition of slavery have persisted from the nation’s inception to the present day.

Politics, in its essence, is far more complex than one might imagine, with numerous factions vying for influence.
Not all elves advocated for abolition, nor were all humans against it.

Just recently, however, the current patriarch of the Uno family, the Cardinal representing humanity, had his most beloved granddaughter abducted and even sold to a s*ave city abroad.

Though she was eventually rescued, the girl had already been branded with the mark of a s*ave, leaving an indelible psychological trauma.
Even after the physical mark was removed, the wounds to her spirit remained difficult to heal.

Enraged by this incident, Cardinal Uno finally accepted the proposal to abolish slavery.”

“Hah, that’s what they call… only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.”

Ren Daozhen remarked, his tone half-joking.

“The calls for abolishing slavery are growing louder.
If all goes as anticipated, the discussion will formally commence at the Tripartite Conference in the latter half of the year.

Once decided, all slaves within the Theia Theocracy will attain their freedom.

Imagine, those who spent vast sums on slaves, yet hadn’t even had the chance to enjoy them, would see them break free from their control, gaining their liberty without any compensation.
Do you think they would accept that willingly?”

Ren Daozhen shook his head.

“The aristocrats mingling in high society had already caught wind of this news, which is why they were no longer willing to spend money on slaves.

But the biggest losers, naturally, would be the s*ave traders.
Once slavery is abolished, their s*ave contracts would become worthless.

At that point, they would have no choice but to find ways to resell their slaves or relocate from the Theia Theocracy to conduct business in other theocracies.

Smaller merchant guilds might be able to leave, but large guilds like the Pine Scent Rat Merchant Guild, with their roots firmly planted in the Theia Theocracy, cannot possibly depart.
At worst, they would simply abandon the s*ave trade entirely.”

“Oh, so… they’ll be auctioning off other slaves next? Why does it feel like a clearance sale?”

“You could certainly interpret it that way.”

“Then… Head Maid, are you still planning to buy slaves?”

“Yes, there’s still some time before slavery is abolished. What I need isn’t slaves, but several excellent maids. Once they are properly trained and come to understand the beauty of the maid profession, they will naturally accept my employment and continue to work in the establishment.”

“Then it means… I should hurry too, shouldn’t I?”

Ren Daozhen suddenly realized his predicament.
He had originally intended to emulate his transmigration predecessors and find himself a wife.
According to Ciel’s words, he would need to find one quickly, preferably a delicate and adorable type, and secure her affections as soon as possible.

That way, even if the s*ave contract were dissolved, she wouldn’t leave him.

“Esteemed guests, are there any further bids?”

At that moment, the bidding price for the s*ave girl had already reached fifty-five million, hitting a definite ceiling, making further increases difficult.

The host’s expression was slightly troubled.
According to their initial estimates, the auction price for this mixed-race individual should have gone higher.

They had originally planned that if she went unsold, they would transport her to a neighboring theocracy or even sell her directly to a s*ave city, where the price could potentially reach hundreds of millions!

Fifty-five million was simply not enough.

“Bang—!”

However, just as the host was calculating how to proceed, a muffled thud suddenly echoed, like a door being violently forced open.

“Rumble—!”

The next instant, the ceiling of the venue was blasted open.
Several angelic maidens, with wings sprouting from their backs, halos above their heads, and clad in silver armor, descended from the sky.

“Holy Adjudicator Knights! Everyone, raise your hands!”

The moment they entered, the angelic maidens drew their weapons, pointing their swords at all the guests in the venue.

“We have received a report that the Pine Scent Rat Merchant Guild is suspected of auctioning illegal goods. This area will now be taken over by the Knight Order. Everyone is to remain in place and submit to inspection, including those in the private boxes. Anyone who dares to resist will be considered an obstruction of official duties and will be killed without mercy!”

A terrifying pressure enveloped the scene.
Dozens of angelic maidens, some with two wings, others with four, stared intently at the crowd.
No one dared to resist.

Ren Daozhen was dumbfounded, clearly not expecting the plot to unfold this way.
What was this, ‘FBI open the door?’

“Your Excellencies, you must be mistaken! All the items we auction here are legal goods that have undergone inspection, including this s*ave girl.”

Seeing the formidable angelic maidens storm in, the host quickly tried to explain.

“Slavery hasn’t been abolished yet, you can’t just…”

“This isn’t about slavery!”

Just then, a clear, cold voice resonated from a private box on the upper floor.
The next moment, a flash of golden light appeared, and an angelic maiden with six wings slowly materialized before everyone.

Ren Daozhen and Ciel instantly recognized her—it was the six-winged angel they had encountered during their campaign against the Undead Knight!

Ciel’s expression tightened even further.
Her cherry lips parted slightly as she slowly uttered the angel’s name—Belinda!

Belinda cast a cold glance at the mixed-race s*ave girl confined in the cage, then turned her gaze to the host.

“We suspect the origin of the goods your guild is auctioning. We require a thorough inspection of this place, whether it’s this s*ave girl or… that terminal!”

As her words fell, Belinda abruptly turned her head, looking directly at the private box where Ciel and Ren Daozhen were seated.

“Bang—!”

Almost simultaneously, the door to their private box was kicked open with a heavy thud.
Silver-armored knights surged in, and their leader pulled out a piece of paper, shouting sternly.

“We have received a report suspecting you of infiltrating the Magic Device Institute and stealing important artifacts. Please cooperate with our investigation. If there is a misunderstanding, your innocence will be cleared!”

“Wha… what is this?”

Suddenly surrounded by a host of knights, Ren Daozhen looked utterly bewildered.

Ciel impassively raised her hands.