Chapter 11 — The Price of Mercy

Ada sat beside Diana, the two engaged in polite conversation as they discussed a few details.

“So, I hear you’re looking for maids for your new estate. Is your squire not enough to manage it all?” Diana asked casually, her tone light.

“Yes, it’s quite a large property,” Ada replied with practiced elegance. “The renovations are finally complete, but now I need housekeeping and kitchen staff…”

“I want Ren to resume his duties at the guild,” she added smoothly, maintaining the air of noble dignity that came so naturally to her now.

“I see,” Diana said, pulling out a small pocket watch. “If you’re interested, I made arrangements for us to meet a reliable merchant in a little while. The appointment is in about thirty minutes.”

“He has some fresh stock that might pique your interest.”

Ada nodded, fully aware that the role she played had to be upheld at all times. Every word, every gesture, every deal… all carefully choreographed.

“Very well. Let me fetch my assistant to help me choose.”

“I wouldn’t bother looking too far,” Diana said, flicking open her fan and gesturing subtly.

Ada turned her head.

And there he was.

Ren. Dancing with Yura Aseina.

Her heart skipped a beat, just for a second. But she couldn't afford to let her emotions take control.

Meanwhile, Yura moved with restrained awkwardness, but Ren led her gently, step by step, as if the dance were an extension of his own body.

“You dance surprisingly well… for a mere commoner,” Yura commented, sounding genuinely impressed.

“Well, my mother taught me,” Ren replied with a wistful smile.

“How to eat properly, how to act in public, how to dance… All those formal manners and social protocols.”

“She sounds like a wonderful woman,” Yura said, a faint hint of melancholy in her voice.

All eyes were on the young pair as they moved gracefully across the floor.

A few nobles were already eyeing Yura, the way one eyes a collectible item.

Because that’s how nobles are. They see people as possessions.

“She is,” Ren said softly.

“My mother always dreamed of joining the nobility.”

“At night, she’d tell us stories—how her grandfather had once been an esteemed duke before falling from grace, long before she was born.”

“Even though we grew up in poverty, she always taught us that if you could carry yourself like a noble, eventually, people would treat you like one.”

“Becoming an adventurer… it was partly my way of helping raise the Sinclair name.”

“I send them a portion of my earnings every week.”

“What a devoted son… I’d love to meet her someday,” Yura said, smiling gently.

“I’d love to introduce you,” Ren answered warmly.

She leaned in slightly and whispered something in his ear.

For a split second, Ren’s eyes widened in surprise.

Then, smiling faintly, he gave her a formal bow.

“Thank you for this lovely experience, Ren Sinclair.”

“I hope we can do it again sometime…”

“I’ll take my leave before your master comes after me,” she added calmly—just as she spotted Ada approaching from across the hall.

Ada arrived just in time to catch a glimpse of Yura slipping away into the crowd.

“Nice to see you spending time with people your own age for once,” Diana teased, her smile sly.

Ada cleared her throat softly.

“Ahem…”

“Ren, dear, we have business to atten.”

“Let’s not get distracted by charming ‘adventurers,’ shall we?”

“Of course. My apologies. I was simply having a conversation with Miss Aseina,” Ren replied, unruffled.

“You’re not thinking of switching clans, are you?”

“Now that’s a funny thought, Master.”

“I’d never dream of abandoning our clan,” he said with a soft smile.

“Well then… you two can settle that later.”

“Follow me,” Diana said, breaking the tension with effortless poise as she turned her back to them.

The two nodded and followed her down a staircase that led to a more discreet exit from the party.

After walking through the empty streets of Urus, they arrived at a hidden alley nestled between crumbling buildings.

Diana knocked on a metal door, following a precise rhythm.

A small peephole slid open with a sharp clack.

“What’s the password?”

“The petals fall when their cycle is complete,” she replied, her voice laced with sultry charm.

The door creaked open, and a burly man stepped out, scanning the surroundings to ensure they hadn’t been followed.

“Welcome, Miss Fourchette… and company. Go on in,” he said, motioning them through.

“Thank you, David,” Diana answered, striding inside with confidence. Ada and Ren followed close behind.

As they passed through the threshold, they walked by a round table where five men were playing cards.

Ren’s eyes flicked over them.

Assassins. No question. C-rank, maybe a few B. He took mental notes—what weapons they carried, how they sat, the silence between their words.

They descended a stone staircase into the lower levels. The air grew colder, damper.
Cells. Mold. Echoes and dripping water. Barely any ventilation. This was the bottom.

Waiting in the center stood a well-built man with a fur-lined coat and an eyepatch. His presence radiated that of a hunter. Possibly S-rank.

“Welcome, Diana. I see you’ve brought fresh meat,” he said, flashing a half-smile.

“Thanks, Roman. You know I love earning my cut. And today, I’ve brought you a new buyer.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard of her,” Roman said, his gaze narrowing. “Word is, she bought the Smart family estate. And now she’s looking for… ‘staff.’”

Ada offered a polite bow.

“Good evening, sir. That’s correct. My assistant here told me you come highly recommended.”

Roman’s eye landed on Ren.

“Looks like he understands how this business works.”

“Well, he is the son of a baron, after all,” Ada added smoothly.

“Mind if I take a look?” Ren asked, his tone calm and composed.

“Straight to the goods. I like that.”

Ren began walking among the cells.

Sickly children. Malnourished demi-humans. A few tamed beasts. Most in critical condition.

“Most of ‘em are cheap,” Roman said. “Another client came by yesterday and took the best fighters.”

“But for what you’re looking for… these should do.”

“A new shipment’s coming in a few days, but I always save the top picks for loyal clients.”

Ren stopped in front of a cell with two demi-human girls. Pointed ears. Silvery tails. Silver wolfkin.

“Hey, you two,” he said gently. “Do you know how to clean?”

The girls clung to each other, trembling, and backed into the darkest corner of the cell.

No reply.

“I can get you out of here. I need housekeepers. Just answer my question.”

A loud crack echoed as a whip slammed against the bars.

“Hey! You little brats—answer the man!” Roman barked.

“Y-yes… we can… And if not… we’ll learn fast… cough… cough…” one of the girls managed, her voice shaking.

Ren returned to Ada’s side, his expression unchanged.

“What do you think?” she asked.

“Those two are the most suitable,” Ren answered coolly. “There’s also a warrior, three beasts, and five other demi-humans—plenty of value among them.”

“But only those two are fit for domestic tasks.”

“The others are likely worth more. Healthier, younger… assuming they’re all still in their prime, their price will reflect that,” he added, as cold as marble.

“I can see you know your stuff,” Roman said, clearly impressed.

“Told you they’d be interesting clients,” Diana added sweetly.

“And if you give them a good deal on this first purchase, they just might become regulars.”

“After all, their estate is enormous.”

“How about this—I'll let you have the two for a thousand gold coins?”

“Ren?” Ada asked, glancing his way.

“Sounds fair to me,” he replied calmly. “They’re sick, and one of them has a broken leg, but nothing a bit of medicine and a warm bath can’t fix. Besides… silver wolfkin are known for their loyalty.”

Ada shook the slaver’s hand and handed over the thousand gold coins without a hint of hesitation.

Diana stepped forward.

“You two can head back to the party,” she said casually.

“I’ll handle my commission with Roman, and tomorrow morning I’ll deliver your new acquisition—with the obedience seal properly formalized.”

“It’s been a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Valieri,” Ada said, flashing a flawlessly diplomatic smile.

“We’ll be in touch if anything similar becomes available.”

“The pleasure’s all mine,” Roman replied with a broad grin.

Ada and Ren made their way back up, escorted by the doorman, once again crossing through the damp corridor.

They didn’t speak a single word.

Because they both knew…

They’d be coming back.
But not to buy.