In the Nest of the Fallen Serpent - Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Her body was yanked upwards.
“Since you seem so curious about where this is…”
He effortlessly lifted her, forcing her to meet his eyes, a cruel smile playing on his lips.
“It’s best you see for yourself.”
***
A month later, the slave auction house buzzed with excitement.
It was rare for such a large number of high-quality slaves to be on the market.
The attendees, despite their masks covering half their faces, couldn’t hide their anticipation.
“I hear the quality of the slaves is exceptional.”
Born into the privilege of the Empire’s nobility or royalty, they’d never considered the possibility of finding themselves in the same position as these “goods.”
What a laughable delusion.
Benedict looked down at the spectacle with cold amusement.
But at least for now, their complacency and foolishness served his purpose.
“Attention! We will now begin the slave auction!”
The woman beside him flinched, trembling visibly. He’d noticed her nervously biting her lip while staring at the curtained stage. The scent of sweet apples, from where she’d drawn blood, tantalized his senses.
“First up, we have a slave with military experience. As you can see, he is robust and in good condition…”
“Let go of me!”
The slave, dragged out in chains, resisted violently. The rattling of chains mixed with his shouts.
Despite the potentially dangerous situation, none of the nobles in the semi-circular seating area showed any sign of alarm. They simply watched, entertained, as if observing an intriguing performance.
In this auction house, she was the only one who pitied the slaves.
“Oh…”
Benedict glanced sideways at the woman, wringing her hands in distress. A sneer escaped his lips.
How utterly foolish.
Was she unaware of her own predicament, or was she simply pretending?
Crack!
The sharp sound of tearing leather echoed through the room, followed by the slave’s agonized scream.
“…!”
The woman beside him flinched as if she’d been struck herself.
A thick whip began to lash mercilessly against the slave’s body.
“He-help me… agh!”
While everyone was captivated by the brutal scene unfolding on stage, Benedict kept his gaze fixed on the woman beside him.
Her face, pale with shock, was frozen. Precisely the reaction he’d expected.
Benedict glanced at the stage. It was time.
Just then, the inner curtain rose, revealing more slaves chained together, waiting their turn.
They recoiled at the sight of the man being whipped. Terror washed over them. Some collapsed to the floor, unable to bear the sight.
“How can they, how can they do this…” The woman murmured, her face ashen.
“This is how disobedient slaves are handled in the Empire.”
It was customary to select the most rebellious slave and display them at the start of the auction.
To remind the slaves of their place, to crush any thought of resistance, and to force them into submission.
“How does it feel to see this firsthand?”
The woman turned her head away, unable to watch any longer. But Benedict wouldn’t tolerate even this small act of defiance.
“Look.”
“Hngh…”
He grabbed her hair, forcing her to face the stage.
“I-I don’t want to look… uh!”
“You were meant to be standing there. Whipped like cattle, priced, and sold.”
He tightened his grip, his voice laced with menace.
“And yet, instead of being grateful for the mercy I showed by sparing you, you dare to think of escaping? Twice?”
It was a deliberate act of intimidation. He was also genuinely displeased by her behavior, so he made no effort to restrain his anger.
“Please stop…”
Unable to bear it any longer, she squeezed her eyes shut, pleading softly. He could see her long, silver lashes glistening with unshed tears.
He wondered if he should commend her for trying to hold them back, or if it was merely predictable defiance.
“Open your eyes.”
“….”
“If you’re curious a
