Author's Note: I admire professional authors that actually write three volumes of a fantasy novel. Or those that wrote over five hundred chapters for a book. Like jesus christ, hats off to you my dude/gal.

"The current owner of the auction house is a mysterious figure," Yun explained, removing his glasses and observing them closely. There were specks of dust on them, and he cleaned his glasses diligently. "Once Ephert gained control over this region by forcing the other lords to obey him, he changed the auction house owner with one of his own. That was almost three years ago."

"Yeah, and they have a strange tradition, I'm sure Yun mentioned how they have a masquerade theme as their dress code," Kiyae added on, sighing as she shook her head. "The masks are provided by them. Once anyone enters the auction house, their identity and their background, none of it matters anymore."

Yun nodded.

"The only thing that matters is what you bid for and how much you are planning to bid," Yun continued on. "The mercenary market is monopolised by Ephert, and hence, the guards surrounding the auction house, all of it belongs under Ephert, and they are capable people."

Rugi and Cecil were sitting at the corner of the room. The two ladies who were brought in, were applying make-up on their faces. The clothing they were provided with were chosen by Tsuki, to fit the image of an illegal slave trader and a hapless woman being sold as a slave.

"For this year, I doubt the owner will be able to free those captured," Masaru stated. "Each year, it gets riskier and harder, and right now, the owner is--"

"Masaru." Rugi spoke in a warning tone.

Masaru halted in his words. "Yes, owner."

A few people were confused at their exchange, but did not question any further.

Compared to Cecil, Rugi would be in a less dangerous position. However, the black magic was still eating away at him, and he could feel himself growing weaker and weaker.

K'xug looked over to Rugi, remembering his words of not wanting to be cured. K'xug still wasn't able to fully comprehend his actions, however, it was his decision.

Thus, K'xug pushed no further.

"...owner..." Masaru muttered out sadly, standing beside Rugi.

His sadness was only caught on by Rugi, and the man only remained silent.

He already knew that his soul would be absorbed someday, and he had always been prepared for such a situation. However, leaving behind his comrades...

Even Rugi, who had been prepared, couldn't help but feel suffocated at that thought.

"After all of this is over, we'll need to have a long chat, Masaru." Rugi smiled.

The woman putting on make-up for Rugi halted. His words gave off an apprehensive feeling, which made the woman taken aback.

"I apologise, I won't speak anymore, you can continue." Rugi spoke out, still smiling.

The woman blushed at his charming smile, nodding shyly and continuing administering the make-up.

Hana was brought back into the room by K'xug. She glanced between the quiet Cecil and the gloomy Xue, looking back down to the floor with a sigh.

In the end, Cecil still wants to go!

In the end, Cecil and Xue still haven't made up!

Hana gnawed at her lips in frustration, narrowing her eyes at K'xug standing beside her.

"K'xug, you are the one who saved Cecil!" Hana whispered out. "This is the last time we can convince her not to go!"

K'xug ruffled her hair, shaking his head.

She made an annoyed noise, smacking his hand away. "Bu-but she suffered so much! You saw it! She doesn't have to do this again and again!"

K'xug shook his head again.

It's her decision.

Do you not want to respect your friend's decision?

Seeing the adamant look in his different-coloured eyes, Hana huffed and she crossed her arms. She turned to look at Cecil, and Cecil looked at her at the same time. Hana opened her mouth, the words of denial at Cecil's decision on the tip of her tongue.

Cecil was smiling softly at her.

The smile conveyed the words very clearly to Hana.

"I'll be fine."

Hana could not find the will to spout out those words anymore.

Though, it wasn't only Hana that shared the same unwillingness to allow Cecil to be the slave in disguise.

Haru and Kiyae felt the same way.

After all, this woman recklessly tossed aside her own well-being for them. It was partially their fault that Cecil had ended up being injured.

"You crazy woman, are you planning to do something so reckless again--"

Kiyae wrapped her arm around Haru's neck, making him choke on his words.

"Call her nicely!" Kiyae clicked her tongue, releasing Haru who elbowed her as she grunted in pain. "Cecil, I don't really agree with what you are doing but..."

The woman putting on make-up for Cecil paused, just as Cecil opened her mouth to respond.

"It would be easier to have one of us disguised, rather than recruiting someone new into the team, isn't it?"

Kiyae and Haru looked at each other.

Cecil wasn't wrong.

One shrugged while the other sighed in resignation.

They had to accept her decision.

"...we are running out of time, even if we want to find someone else to replace Cecil," Yun interrupted their conversation. "We still have to discuss the rest of our plans together, one final time."

Everyone reluctantly accepted Cecil's decision.

They huddled together, finalising their plans while leaving Cecil and Rugi to their own thoughts.

Cecil had her eyes closed, feeling the soft brush caressing her face. She remembered the forlorn smile that Xue showed her earlier.

Xue...

He must be angry and disappointed in me, but he doesn't want to show it.

...but this is the easiest and most efficient way.

Cecil clenched her fists.

He can't afford to stay here and be dragged into these matters anymore.

The reason behind the existence of weapons imbued with light magic and dark magic, they don't take priority.

Regaining his strength.

That needs to be Xue's current priority.

In the novel, Xue's soul wasn't forcibly put to sleep by Veau. He was strong enough to resist Veau by then.

It was twice now.

Twice that Xue had been in danger due to her.

"How do you do this?"

Cecil stiffened at that voice.

It was Xue questioning the woman helping her apply make-up.

Somehow, she did not have the courage to open her eyes and look at the man standing before her.

"Wh-what?"

"How do you apply it? Tell me."

On the other hand, upon seeing the handsome ash blonde-haired man stretching his hand out towards her, the woman found it hard to say no to his request.

He seemed conflicted...and gloomy.

The woman felt if she had said no, the atmosphere around him would become suffocating.

"Al-alright, okay, over here...I am almost done with the young lady, all you need to do is just take this and brush it gently over here, like that..."

She started to instruct Xue.

All she needed to do was apply some finishing touches.

She was surprised when Xue listened intently, nodding in understanding.

Cecil still did not dare open her eyes.

She felt the person before her shifting, and the person was replaced by someone else. She did not have to see to know who it was.

"Xue, what are you..."

"Applying make-up for you. What else?"

Cecil shifted in her seat, wanting to open her eyes. "You know that's not what I'm asking about--"

She could sense Xue leaning closer, and his breath fanned her face.

"Don't move, and don't open your eyes," Xue muttered out, his voice low. "I'll mess it up."

Cecil felt something soft tickling her face, and she started to recall their last conversation. It was the argument from that day and they haven't spoken since then, the atmosphere around them was still rather tense.

Despite that, his actions were gentle and hesitant as he applied the finishing touches of her make-up.

Cecil finally gathered the courage to open her eyes.

She did not want to enter the auction house, with their last conversation being an argument over this matter.

His familiar handsome face greeted her, and his expression was inscrutable.

"I told you not to open your eyes."

"..."

Cecil remained quiet for a moment.

"...Xue, that day, I--"

Xue tickled her nose with the brush, cutting her sentence off.

Cecil blinked rapidly, the ticklish feeling making her wrinkle her nose. She was completely caught off guard.

Seeing such an expression on Cecil's face, Xue found himself smiling involuntarily.

"A part of me might have meant those words," he spoke up, his voice tender and soft. "But in the end, I won't be able to act upon those words I said."

"...why?"

"More than anything else, I want you to be free, happy and safe."

Cecil was touched by his words.

"At the same time, I want to be selfish and keep you by my side, where I can see you."

"Xue..."

Cecil was stunned by his sudden confession. She wanted to say something in return, however, there were too many thoughts in her mind and too little time to express what she was truly thinking.

Xue continued smiling.

"Whatever you want to say, whatever you are angry at..."

"I'm not that angry, I just--"

"I'll listen to it all after we are back."

Xue placed the brush down at the table by the side, leaning in as he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"All I ask is that you remain safe and unharmed."

A warm feeling spread across her chest.

There was a wide smile on Cecil's face as Xue finished his words, she closed her eyes and reached her hand out, stroking his cheek.

"Yes, I'll do that, Xue."

Meanwhile, some of them who witnessed this sweet moment between the couple could only shake their heads. The others shrugged in resignation and Haru was the only one pretended to gag at their sweetness.

Rugi peeked at them, feeling an itch in his chest.

"So this is what it means to be truly jealous." he muttered to himself, smiling enigmatically.

Hana beamed to herself, clinging onto K'xug.

"...!"

K'xug flinched, glancing down at Hana. Seeing the red-haired woman hugging his arm and smiling happily, K'xug couldn't help as his heart skipped a beat.

Hana Katae.

You...you are just so...

The red-haired woman was ignorant of what her actions were doing to K'xug. There was a conflicted expression in his eyes and he sighed, placing his palm over his eyes.

***

All of them were finally prepared to put their plans into actions.

Rugi was dressed up like a mercenary, even if their outfits were kimono, they were either of poor quality and messy. He wore a black wig with a fake scar across his cheek.

Tsuki and a few women were bemoaning at how the scar did not fit his seductive image. However, when Rugi smiled once again with his prominent mole and spoke in a husky voice, the women hastily changed their minds.

Whereas, Cecil was dressed up in a tattered and baggy kimono and the make-up made her appear more pale and haggard. Since she was already slim, the only thing they needed to change was her complexion to play a more convincing role of a slave.

"From now onwards, we'll be going separate ways according to the plan," Haru grinned. "You peasants, I'm sure you all remember the plan clearly, don't ya?"

"Yes!"

"Yes."

"Aye, captain."

"Yep...sleepy..."

Xue grunted in agreement, gazing at Cecil as there was a reluctant look in his eyes.

K'xug smirked at his friend, nudging him by the shoulder.

"I just have to act like a weak slave, right?" Cecil said in a lukewarm manner, nodding. "Not a problem."

Xue was still hesitant, hardening his gaze as he looked towards the other "slave trader" accompanying Rugi and Cecil.

The spy recoiled back in horror, raising his arms up in the air. "I-I won't do anything to her, I swear upon my life!"

"Jeez, calm down," Kiyae sighed out, smacking Xue on the back. "At this rate, he'll faint from fear before completing the infiltration mission. There's a reason why we didn't allow you to accompany him."

"Don't worry, I'll be there," Rugi curved his lips, his voice composed. "I'll ensure no harm befalls upon Cecil the entire way, since it is what I truly want as well."

"Shut up, I don't trust you either."

Rugi smiled, wrapping his arm around Cecil's shoulder.

Cecil widened her eyes, looking back and forth between Rugi and Xue. She sighed, not knowing why every single soul fragment that she met liked to provoke Xue in one way or another.

"You know better than anyone, that I am the only one you can trust, Xue."

Those words weren't hard to understand, for those who knew Rugi's true identity.

A murderous aura surrounded Xue in an instant, and he started to march towards Rugi. The other "slave trader" let out a frightened yelp, hiding behind Cecil and Rugi.

K'xug held Xue back by the collar and he motioned for Cecil and Rugi to move out quickly. The "slave trader" didn't hesitate to rush out the door, and since he was the only one who truly knew the ways in entering the auction house, the other two couldn't be left behind.

They hurried after their insider.

Cecil paused before she left, reaching her hand out.

"Xue, wait for me."

She squeezed his hand, a smile on her face.

The murderous aura dissipated in an instant, and Xue smiled back happily.

"Okay."

K'xug released Xue's collar with a helpless expression.

"..."

"..."

"..."

The rest were speechless at the instantaneous change of their ash blonde-haired friend.

Hana rubbed her nose proudly, giving them a thumbs-up.

This is the power of our Cecil Lan!

She's amazing!

***

The spy began to lead them towards the warehouse, which was located at the back of the auction house. It was also the place where they kept their "products" or if one were to be direct, the slaves to be put up for sale.

In order to keep up their act, they entered through a hidden path in the town that was used by slave traders. A path that Rugi knew all too well, but always failed to intercept due to Ephert's control over the powerful mercenaries.

They were preparing to climb onto the wagon, tying the rope around Cecil. Rugi sat beside Cecil on the wagon, acting as if he was preventing her from escaping.

"I apologise in advance, to put up a convincing act," the spy hesitated, his voice holding a hint of nervousness. "I might have to treat you...a little rough."

Cecil nodded, her expression nonchalant. "That's fine, you are pretending to be a slave trader after all. You can tie it a little tighter."

The spy was taken aback. "N-no, that is fine."

Rugi was smiling dangerously at the spy.

"Ye-yeah, definitely--fine." the spy nodded eagerly.

Right now, the spy didn't know if taking Rugi along was the right decision.

After all, he seems to resemble Xue too much.

"Don't worry, for this is the last time such an act will be allowed," Rugi spoke in a light-hearted manner, before he lowered his voice and he narrowed his eyes. "The last time those rats in the auction house will be able to act freely."

Rugi had waited for this day.

He had waited for far too long.

"They are scums," Cecil agreed with Rugi, a hint of anger in her voice. "Slave trading and human trafficking, they are disgusting."

Rugi remained silent, but there was a menacing aura around him. The usual smile he wore on his face was no longer there either.

All of a sudden, he surged forward and coughed harshly. Blood splattered across the wagon and Cecil gasped, casting a cautious glance to the spy.

He did not have time to turn around, since he needed to look at the road.

"Rugi!" Cecil whispered out urgently, her eyes wide in concern. "Why are you still..."

Rugi looked up at her, wiping the blood away from his lips and pressing a finger onto them. "Shh, pretend you didn't see a thing."

"..."

Cecil blinked rapidly, frowning in confusion.

Did K'xug not cure him completely?

He seems more pale compared to before.

Rugi leaned in suddenly, making Cecil withdraw in shock.

"As much as I appreciate your concern," Rugi tilted his head. "You seem to be preoccupied by something else since earlier."

Cecil was surprised.

"Ho-how did you know?"

Rugi smiled mysteriously. "I can't help but look at you."

"...!"

"So, Cecil Lan, care to tell me what's on your mind?"

"..."

Cecil hesitated, biting on her lower lip and she shook her head. "No, I'm just...a little nervous about the whole plan."

She ducked her head, glancing away.

That was a lie.

...and that was a lie that the observant Rugi picked up.

However, he knew better than to force the truth out of Cecil.

"We'll be fine, all of us." Rugi spoke softly, reaching out to Cecil's face before he paused and retracted his hand.

"Mhmm."

Cecil nodded, sighing.

Sorry Rugi.

Even if I tell you, you wouldn't understand it.

It was because her mind was preoccupied by the system in her mind.

AI500 always gave her mission prompts, and she had expected a mission for the auction house this time.

She waited and waited.

There was no mission prompt from AI500.

She called out to AI500 inside her mind, and the system that always gave her an immediate response...

...did not respond.

Not even once.

The system was a mysterious presence, even until now.

Since the response wasn't immediate, and along with its strange behaviour and actions recently, Cecil came to a conclusion.

The system in her mind...might not be a system after all.

It might be an actual living being.

***

Pt. 1

《 start 》

How did I know?

I like observing people.

...and right now, all I can see is you.

Only you.

《 stop 》

***

Pt. 2

《 start 》

You are the only one I can trust?

...

...tch.

He's right.

Because, you are me.

It still annoys me to accept that they are all a part of me.

《 stop 》

***

Pt. 3

《 start 》

Hana.

Don't cling onto me.

Not someone like me.

...but I...

I don't want you to cling onto anyone else either.

《 stop 》