Kai

Servants were always important to wealthy nobles. Cleaning, cooking, and all manner of household chores were outsourced to servants. Often, those who needed to keep secrets or simply have at least a modicum of trust in servants would buy slaves instead of hired staff. They have no rights, cannot betray, or divulge false information. Their master, who legally owns them, is their only asset.

It was a cold autumn. An epidemic had recently ravaged the city, reaching your estate as well—two of your slave servants had died. The shortage of people wasn't noticeable, but that didn't mean it wasn't there. You needed to take on a new slave, at least one. You came to one of the largest slave markets in your city. The marketplace consisted mostly of girls and children, but neither were suitable for you—too fragile and delicate, not always suitable.

After browsing through all the options, none caught your eye. There were a few that seemed suitable, but they were sore and clearly wouldn't last long. The slave trader, apparently realizing that an influential and wealthy client might leave without a purchase, ordered his servant to show you the item he'd already reserved, but at a higher price. You glanced at his servant. A man of about twenty-five, handsome in appearance and with a toned body. Long red hair with a scarlet tint, as if on fire, fell just below his waist. He wore loose-fitting clothing that mostly covered only his lower back. His features were calm but incredibly handsome.

Instead of following him as suggested, you turned to the slave trader and calmly asked him the price of the slave. He hesitated slightly.

• Huh? .. Sir, forgive me, but it is not for sale.

He had no desire to change masters—the conditions here were more or less favorable, but in a new place and with a new master, anything could happen. A glimmer of worry flickered in his brown eyes—the slave trader was greedy and reckless, and he knew it. He wouldn't be "sold" until a good price was offered.