Chapter 263

263rd Episode: Hassan Goes to the Auction – Part 10

A city has jails in various locations.

For instance, beneath the Mars Guild, there is a prison that holds inmates for various purposes, and there are also small holding cells at the posts where the guards are stationed.

And the prison I am visiting is located underground in the Sodomora City Hall. It is a place that detains high-level criminals and seized items.

Because it holds nobles and quite renowned illustrious individuals, compared to the other prisons I mentioned before, the conditions here are relatively favorable.

I never expected that I would end up here…

With that sentiment, I headed towards the basement of the City Hall.

“Entry is prohibited after seven in the evening.”

The guards stopped me, but once I showed them my Traveler’s Badge, they seemed to relax.

“Samaritan, are you here to meet the criminal in person?”

“Yes. Can I go inside?”

At the same moment, I took out an appropriate silver coin from my pocket and placed it in the guard’s hand. He casually slipped it into his pocket and said:

“You can have about ten minutes.”

I always realize that most problems can be solved with money. And most problems also occur because of lack thereof.

There truly is nothing better than the glittering gold.

The Elf, infamous for arson across the city, is here in this rather quaint-feeling prison solely because of gold.

Because the bounty on her head once soared up to 400 gold coins, it would be disastrous to place such a valuable piece of merchandise in a shabby place.

“Looking good, Elpride.”

Following the guard’s directions, I rounded the corners and approached the iron bars where Elpride was locked up.

Excluding the fact that it is full of cold and hard iron bars, inside there is a carpet laid out, and plush chairs installed, making it not inferior to any luxurious reception room.

Elpride, lounging carelessly in one of those chairs, frowned when she saw me.

“Hassan.”

“Yeah, it’s me.”

There were no more bruises or tomato stains on Elpride’s body. She wore a white dress that matched her white skin, making her look like a May bride.

They must have dressed her up this way to further raise her price for tomorrow’s trial.

“Finally, tomorrow, Elpride.”

“I didn’t expect you would come here. Are you teasing me now?”

“Maybe yes, maybe no.”

With my vague answer, Elpride seemed to give up being angry, sitting back in her chair, crossing her legs and arms.

Her attitude seemed strangely calm, and I thought that during her days of confinement here, the only thing she could do was think and organize her thoughts. Perhaps she had already prepared mentally in her own way.

I, on the other hand, dragged a chair from in front of the bars and sat down. But our conversation ended there.

It felt sufficient to just feel each other’s presence beyond this wall of bars, faintly and uncomfortably.

This distance, having a wall between the two of us, feels just about right.

However, I hadn’t come here today just to see her.

I said:

“I never expected you would set fire to the infirmary.”

“…Do-.”

“What?”

“I didn’t know either.”

“I see.”

“It’s all because of you, isn’t it? While I was here, locked up, mocked by all sorts of people, I thought about it. If it hadn’t been for you, I wouldn’t have committed any wrongs.”

As I began to reply, ‘what do you mean-’, I closed my mouth. Technically, if we examine the fault of this arson carefully, a certain percentage of it lies with me, according to Elpride’s words.

As I remained slightly silent, she continued:

“Actually, that’s a lie, isn’t it? It’s my fault. I was born carrying a curse. The more intense my emotions get, the bigger the flames grow inside me. It’s the same for all elves. Therefore, from a young age, we undergo strict training to thoroughly suppress our egos.”

“To k*ll emotions, you mean?”

It was a story I had heard once from Kalidur and Daltor’s clash. Apparently, even Elpride couldn’t avoid such a fate.

“I was the master of my own life. I had perfect control over myself. Except… whenever I see you, Hassan, I get angry. Unbearably so. Even though I used to be your slave, you are trying to ruin and break me. What are you, anyway?”

Flic, Flic-

Elpride’s hair stood on end and a mist-like flame rose from her back. It seemed that her fiery outburst was restrained by a peculiar necklace with a strange bead hanging from her neck.

Elpride clutched her throat and groaned.

“Whenever I’m with you, my flames grow bigger. Everything burns until, in the end, there’s nothing left.”

“Alright, it seems like you’ve managed to start some fires here and there. After this, once everything is over, go out and apologize to everyone, Elpride.”

“After tomorrow, things will be settled, right? But I don’t know if I will have the liberty to do so.”

“Let’s wait and see once tomorrow comes.”

With my nonchalant answer, Elpride’s red eyes narrowed down.

“I’ve heard that you’ve been scheming something at the East Gate. You’re not thinking of buying me as a slave, are you?”

So, Elpride had heard about my plans?

Who could have told her? Seeing the dried meat and grains on the table where she sat, I figured some visitor must have brought her extra food. Perhaps the White Rose… it couldn’t be anyone else.

As I rose from the chair, I said:

“Anyway, the debt I owe you will be erased after tomorrow. And this cycle of us meeting and grumbling at each other should probably end. Let’s part ways on good terms. Speaking of which, did you consider the question I asked you?”

When we were separated by this wall of flames, I had asked Elpride something. I wasn’t sure if she felt the same way about me as I did about her.

I just wanted to hear that answer.

Elpride, however, furrowed her brows as if she didn’t understand.

“What do you mean?”

“Right, until the end, you’re still you. That’s enough.”

“…”

Elpride seemed to have a lot to say, but she closed her mouth soon after. At that moment, the guard tapped on the wall behind us with a sound: Tak-Tak. It meant our allotted visiting time of ten minutes was over.

As I left the prison, I turned around and faced Elpride’s direction. She stood in front of the iron bars and stared at me until I rounded the corner and disappeared.

*

Thus, the day of the trial arrived again.

In the outdoor citizen’s square, there were more people gathered than the indoor square where the previous trial took place. It felt like outdoor stages or Colosseums where gladiator games took place. In reality, this trial was more like a public event, and the atmosphere was festival-like.

An Albino Elf.

Huge sums of money.

There was no reason for the crowd’s interest to wane.

Come on, place your bets. Who will win the auction this time?

Look over there. The head of the Dorstes Trading Company is here too.

Being one of the parties and witnesses involved in this trial, watching all these enthusiastic people, my chest swells with emotion.

Somewhere among that bustling crowd, Luna must be there. She said she wanted to attend this trial, too. Though I can’t see her anywhere.

“Hmm.”

I kept sighing to calm my increasingly pounding breath.

For the trial reopening today, I prepared a lot of things. If everything goes according to my plan, there should be no problems.

However, as I stand on the stage, exposed to all eyes in this outdoor setting, memories of the Deiros Arena where I once suffered start resurfacing. My fingertips begin to tremble slightly.

To steady my emotions, I clenched and released my fists. The feeling of warmth spreading from my fingertips that were getting cold from tension is quite comforting.

I hope the trial starts soon.

Though the scheduled time has passed by several minutes, the judge’s figure is still nowhere in sight.

When I wonder when it will start, with the guidance of two servants holding the judge’s long cloak, a splendid official, clothed in magnificent judicial robes, finally appears.

Amid cheers and claps, the judge greeted the crowd by waving or nodding to them like the host of a great show.

Sitting in his chair, the judge started to speak:

“Ahh.”

That one short word made the heads of over a hundred people sway. Perhaps some amplification magic device is attached to the peculiar staff the judge is holding.

“The esteemed citizens of Sodomora, thank you for participating in today’s trial. I am Porfir, the judge overseeing this trial. Before we begin, I would like to thank the patron who is sitting among us and sponsoring this event.”

Swoosh.

As Judge Porfir raised his hand, a VIP booth shaded by a canopy amidst the crowd became visible.

The people sitting there each occupied a cool seat, with servants fanning them with large feather fans.

Are they nobles?

I thought they might be a baron or a count that I know, but judging from their unfamiliar appearances, it doesn’t seem so.

“Alright, can we now proceed with the 35th trial, the urban arson case?”

Swoosh.

In response to Judge Porfir’s question, the man sitting in the VIP booth gave a slight wave of his hand. With that, the judge struck the gavel to start the trial.

To be precise, it is less of a trial and more of the start of the auction for Elpride, who has lost her freedom and is now a slave. With the crime already determined, the only remaining task is deciding the auction bid for the slave.

As if to prove that point, both the prosecutor and the defendant Elpride are merely seated in their positions, silently observing the situation. The only one actively engaged is the middle-aged halfling auctioneer with glasses, raising his voice.

“Let’s start the auction from the usual base price of 200 gold.”

I felt the weight of the heavy gold coins in my pocket. 150 gold coins. This is all I own, my last complete fortune. What can I achieve with this?

“400 gold coins.”

“Lot 30, 400 gold coins!”

The price soared high from the very start. 400 gold coins, surpassing the 150 gold coins I have. It must be that Lord Irak from the bowler hat I saw last time.

The doubled price made the crowd cheer instantly, and the judge’s forehead, already bald, started to glisten with sweat.

“Good, this fiery energy will please His Highness.”

The judge wiped his forehead with his handkerchief and muttered to himself. Throughout, his eyes were still fixed on the VIP booth.

Only, after Lord Irak bid 400 gold coins, no one else raised their hand. The judge appeared greatly flustered.

“What? No other bidders?”

His eyes were searching for the Countess of Sodomora, who had been competing with Lord Irak. Did this big event come to such a quick and anticlimactic end? He must be pacing anxiously because of that. Especially since this trial was promoted more than before to build up excitement.

Of course, the countess of Sodomora will no longer be participating in this auction. And only a few, myself included, know the reason.

“400 gold coins! Lot 30, 400 gold coins! Alright, a final call, the rights to Elpride Desmund shall be transferred to Lot 30, Lord Irak.”

“450 gold coins.”

At that moment, someone with a number card announced a much higher amount.

What kind of price is that high?

Exactly who is it?

The faces of those who were confident in Lord Irak’s victory turned in unison towards this newly appeared competitor. He was sitting in the VIP booth, lazily having his fan waved by the servants. He was young.

Prince Friedrich.

It seems His Highness also wishes to participate in the bidding.

Apparently, someone said the last trial was halted because of communication from the royal castle-.

From what people say, this man is likely referred to as “Your Highness.” With such a title, it is clear he is an extremely important person.

An incredible big shot.

Thus, 450 gold coins, much more than the amount of money I own combined. I also know a little about this man. Only good deeds and tales of virtue, but from another perspective, he’s kind of a monster.

“30, 500 gold coins!”

“302, 550 gold coins!”

As time passed, the price war became increasingly intense.

Lord Irak, aren’t you competing with the royal family’s successor and their wealth? What on earth is going on?

This is the guy who bought his noble title with money. As for your highness, why are you pricing this Elf so high?

Who can guess the thoughts of the royal family?

The higher the price goes, the more the crowd’s expectations rise, and conversely, the more pressure I feel mounting.

Can I really do this?

I asked myself.

In truth, confidence and I have always been distant.

Even in the 21st century, living a relatively normal life, after being alone and stranded in this unfamiliar world without any connections, I ended up doing quite a few disgraceful things just to survive.

I didn’t know what to do or how to act, and every action I took led to unfavorable results. All that accumulated in me was nothing but base expedient measures.

Frankly, as long as I somehow survived and returned to the original world, I thought that would be enough. So, I focused on merely getting through each day.

But perhaps, I was just turning a blind eye to the truth.

My life is ruined. All the ways to return to my original, peaceful, and comfortable life are blocked.

All the cards I can play are busts. No matter what I do, someone in this world will surely call me an unlearned barbarian.

And those kinds of people, regardless of my actions, will definitely not look at me kindly. For example, like the elder gentlemen at the infirmary, there’s no doubt that they will never remove the colored glasses they already have.

For them, I am Samaritan Hassan.

Savage Hassan.

Bronze Tier Adventurer Hassan.

Is that all I am?

Even though that’s all I am, deep down, I wasn’t being honest with myself either.

Justifying everything and fleeing from the truth, and trying to fabricate some good-looking lies, all these moments weighed heavily on my shoulders and neck.

It whispers that if I just sit still, if I just quietly sit here, everything will work out fine, and I can survive another day today.

At the same time, all the questions that have been directed at me, the gazes that have been cast upon me, ring in my ears.

“Who are you?”

When Enya’s voice, from just the other day, echoes clearly in my ears, I somehow can’t answer who I am.

The time to answer all those long-silenced questions has come now. The day to pay interest for all those days I lived by just muddling through has arrived.

“600 gold coins! Alright, is there anyone who wants to bid next!”

When people’s voices began to reach my ears again, I raised the number card I was holding.

“Lot 4, Lot 4 bidder! Lot 4, Lot 4!”

Everyone’s gaze falls on me. My chest feels like it’s about to burst, and my vision goes hazy. But I’ve also steeled my resolve.

“Lot 4 bidder! Are you going to bid?”

In response to someone’s question, I glanced around. Many things are about to change from this point onward.

I say:

“Not a bid, but I would like to object to this trial. This trial has been wrong from the very beginning.”

“Objection? Objecting to the trial? Objecting to a trial that’s already over? For what reason? Who are you?”

“I am…,”

Who am I?

Recalling a fact I had forgotten for so long, I calmly say:

“In fact, I have something I need to confess to all of you.”

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