54. Why sell when you have hands and feet!?
After covering up Ke Fei’er’s displeasure with somewhat clumsy lies, our group finally managed to avoid the suspicions of the extras and arrived at the true activity area of the “talent market” behind layers of disguise.
[The group of Ou Ji Li De arrives at the “talent market.”]
This was a large room that, to me, resembled a “cinema.” The dim lighting between the rows of seats ensured that buyers who joined midway wouldn’t expose their identities or appearances. After all, everyone here was basically wearing disguises.
And at the very front, the “stage” was clear even without much thought: the host, an extra, would soon call the “contract workers” onto the brightly lit stage, which was almost blinding. Just as the script and that extra’s earlier reminder indicated, this was, in a sense, a “talent market.” After I quietly found a corner to sit with the two girls, I immediately witnessed a scene that was quite different from my preconceived notion of “slave trading.”
“Next up is a little girl named Ai Li, who has come from a rural orphanage to sign up!”
A lovely girl appeared, but… she wasn’t being led up with a collar and chain as I had imagined in a “slave trade.” Although her clothing was simple and somewhat worn, her movements and spirit seemed entirely voluntary!
So this is what they call a “talent market”! No wonder that extra looked disdainful and alert when he mentioned “slaves.” It seems that the place they operated was indeed different from so-called slave trading, which explains why it hadn’t been cleared out by the local security forces!
Now, the next step should be the “trading” phase!
“This little girl claims to master various forms of magic, and her price is for the buyer to purchase her and fund her orphanage! Now, let’s see a demonstration!”
The little girl nodded, and the next moment… sparks of various magical attributes ignited in her hands. Although they looked unstable due to her nervousness, …
[The girl Ai Li possesses multiple magical talents.]
The appearance of the script had already revealed to me why she was here! Could this be what they call “talent”!?
As expected, the girl’s brief demonstration immediately caused a stir. I glanced at the script; although there were some perverts who were just staring at the girl’s “body” and preparing to speak, … everything was disrupted by a voice from the other end of the guest seating, belonging to a figure I could only vaguely see was male.
“I’ll take her! Bring all your companions, and come find me later!”
The little girl bowed deeply, the transaction was complete, and throughout the entire process… no one else dared to haggle, and the script immediately informed me of the reason for this situation!
[Louis the Ninety-Ninth has purchased Ai Li!]
So this is the “Louis the Ninety-Ninth” that the earlier extra warned us about!? The dimly lit lights finally allowed me to see his standard golden-haired noble appearance from the Great Empire, along with his somewhat arrogant demeanor.
As expected, this guy had backing, someone who made him “act on command,” and it had been for quite some time, because as soon as Louis the Ninety-Ninth spoke, the other buyers present all chose to fall silent!
It was too early to think too much, after all, the gaze of the queen beside me remained as calm as ever. However, my fiancée seemed to have a slight misunderstanding.
“Hmph…”
Ke Fei’er, still holding my hand, gently clicked her tongue, “Disgusting…”
—
[Kefier thinks that Louis 99 bought the girl’s body!]
No, no, no, big shot, this matter isn’t as simple as it looks! If Louis 99 really just wanted the girl’s body, he could have spoken up as soon as she appeared, instead of waiting until she showed her talent before offering her a generous deal.
Don’t believe me? Keep watching.
Right after the girl Aria appeared, a more…ahem, sensual girl came on stage, with a simple request: “Please take care of me.” But this time, Louis 99 didn’t say a word, just watched as the girl was taken away by a lecherous man.
See, Kefier? I told you Louis 99 has a way of choosing.
However…my fiancée seems to be really unhappy about this, her brain not catching up, pouting and complaining.
“midgetcon.”
Don’t beat around the bush and find excuses to scold others, okay? Keep watching.
Next, a muscular man appeared, showcasing his impressive martial skills and expressing his desire to be employed. This time, Louis 99 made an offer.
“Hmm…is that so?”
This time, Kefier looked a bit disgusted.
My good wife, don’t think too much, although Kefier’s rare misunderstanding makes her look even more adorable, but some facts need to be explained immediately.
I turned to the queen beside me.
“Ruis, about Louis 99…”
“Don’t rush, and take care of your little cat, Lide.”
The queen’s gaze was sharp, without any hint of joking or teasing. By this point, I could roughly guess: Louis 99 was probably searching for “talent” for someone above him, since he was selectively choosing “contract workers” and not just buying whoever was pretty or charming.
[Louis 99, a local ordinary noble, with a special identity, currently residing in…]
The script has given me enough information, and now that I understand this point, it’s best to leave with the queen and Kefier first, and then deal with Louis 99 after reporting back.
After all, the queen seems to want to keep a low profile, and Kefier still has a strange misunderstanding, so it’s best to avoid trouble.
However, just as I was about to quietly suggest this to the queen, the next “contract worker” caught my attention!
“Next up! A fairy from the kingdom of Prussia!”
A standard golden-haired, pointy-eared fairy walked onto the stage, accompanied by a commotion of men revealing their true nature, and scornful gazes from the audience.
“Are humans really so boring? Hey, boss, add one more condition: I’m not here for that! I’m just here to offer protection services.”
“Ah, cough cough! Everyone, quiet! This fairy miss doesn’t offer ‘that kind’ of contract! She just wants to be paid for protection services!”
That’s not important! What’s important is, I’ve seen…no, I remember this fairy’s black uniform style! Back when I was in the kingdom of Prussia, the fairies serving King Adel’s side wore similar outfits!
This fairy is one of Adel’s people! Wait, how could Adel’s servant possibly “escape” here!? It’s impossible, both logically and reasonably! Unless…
It’s intentional!?
The next moment, the script appears!
[Fairy spy arrives to search for…Euklid!]
But along with this content that I couldn’t ignore, Louis 99 raised his hand!
Finished! This guy has a good eye for people! He wants to buy the elf on stage who looks quite capable!