.-.-.-.-.

Clack, Clack, Clack!

Soon however, I could see concrete stones forming on the ground, it seems we were onto city territory and a thriving one at that. "We've arrived at Montilum city, milady." (Elise) tells me as I lean further into the glass window of our carriage.

"It seems to be a lovely place." I muttered, and couldn't help but admire the city streets filled with many merchants selling their things. I don't recall coming here... there's no memories of the original Scarlett in this place.

I was busy gawking at the sights of many trinkets available.

"???" Until something caught my eye and saw several people with chains on their neck. They were carrying heavy things such as wood and heavy concrete. I raised my eyebrow and pointed at several people walking around almost naked and walking on their bare feet.

"Elise there are slaves..." I told her and she seemed to be surprised at my words. Its as if I've never seen a slave before in my life- I... I actually never did but I know the original Scarlett might have.

"Yes, milady. This city is famous for having slavery at its main trading business. Perhaps why... Lady Clarisse has invited you to such a place. I have told you she purchases slaves often." (Elise) explains and I look down at the invitation in my hand.

Shopping for mentors.

Did she meant buying a slave that would be obeyed on teaching me?

I eyed the slaves once more and realized there was a lot of half-human half-animal characters. They went on carrying heavy things and were whipped on the back with their ears looping down. "Ah right... demi-humans. The ones with the most slave count in the world."

I felt guilty but there's not much I could do.

I decided to close the curtains of my carriage and just looked forward feeling uncomfortable with the things I've seen outside. "Are you alright, milady?"

"Quite frankly, I am not. Did they really have to whip them- and hurt them-" I bite my lip feeling the whole generic- you get transferred to another world- you see the world's problems- you feel like doing something to change it.

But with the power and influence I hold right now. It's not enough.

I am not the heroine, born kind and to serve others.

I am the Villainess. I should not feel this sort of guilt towards others.

"Such as the job of some slave traders, milady. They are cruel and I am fortunate enough to have avoided the same fate as they have." (Elise) explains and I nod, trying not to look back at the scene.

Truly I felt horrible, maybe- perhaps one day when I'm well off I will save as many as I can. I could feel Elise's gaze on me as she patted my head. "You have truly changed milady, you did not think like this before. Your eyes began to look at things tenderly as well." (Elise)

My body relaxes at her touch but I quickly move her hand away gently before looking away. "Don't get ahead of yourself- I... I just got some dust in my eyes. I don't care for them so stop teasing me, Elise."

I could hear her giggle a little, taking back her hand that she used to pat my head with it. "Understood, milady." she sits properly onto her seat and I couldn't help but cross my arms feeling my lips form into a small pout.

I really don't get Elise but I don't really mind it.

Soon we hear the carriage stop and reveal a more dark and secluded area of the city. The carriage came to a halt and the two guards opened the carriage door holding out their hand to accompany me outside. 

"Is this... the right place?" I turned to the driver and asked.

So... By the invitation on my hand.

It seems that the address is here but there seems to be something wrong.

"Yes, milady. No doubt about it, the right one from here. Even asked around and they just point there." the driver replied and the dark alleyways gave me the creeps. There were no people around just- no one.

"My~ glad to see you not skipping my invitation to a marvelous date you won't forget." with the moment someone said this. I immediately felt someone's arms snaking in mine.

"You scare the heck out of me." I told Lady Clarisse with her dark red dress that seemed to accompany the color of her hair and eyes. I couldn't help but stare at her abundant chest that she seems to have a thing showing off for.

"You... need to cover up your front." I tell her and she pouts in my direction.

"Not even a compliment? I certainly took a long time picking a dress you might like to see me in." (Lady Clarisse) twirls around showing off her dress and even the young male guards that were accompanying me couldn't help but stare at her in admiration.

I scowled at them, I could see their faces leaning in a little bit closer and I warned them both. 

"You two look away or I'll poke both of your eyes out." my voice came out angry and they immediately straightened their back.

Brother has given me two guards of disappointment.

The red haired woman in front of me seemed to be happy that she was fawned over but not for me. "I love your new accessory. I hope your neck is alright now, darling." She turns to look at my new favorite thing to wear and I smile faintly remembering the gift my maid got for me.

Her next expression seemed to be surprised and even squinted her eyes a little leaning in, "You can smile like that? Do you like trinkets like these?" (Lady Clarisse) pushes on and I wipe the smile out of my face feeling Elise's happy stare behind my back even if she wasn't even saying anything.

"Lady Clarisse, you've invited me into the middle of a dark alleyway- I'm regretting my choice on even coming here." I tell her feeling uneasy in this barren looking alleyway.

Lady Clarisse gave me a sad frown before taking something out of thin air before presenting it to me. She hands me a gold mask with my exact size. "It's not my fault that such private events needed to be disclosed like these, darling. You'll find more comfort once we're inside though then our little shopping can begin."

"You mean... slave picking." I corrected her and she shrugged.

"Shopping and slave picking. Same thing in the noble circle. Now, I intend to keep my promise. I'll buy you something you'll certainly love." (Lady Clarisse) holds my arm and drags me into another place.

Something... I'll love.

Another person who views a person as an object like the original Scarlett. I shouldn't be surprised.

The two guards and Elise followed behind. My maid looked so uneasy but still she did her best to look unafraid. I bite my lip cursing to myself.

Maybe... it was a bad idea to bring Elise into this trip.

I looked down at the ground mask in hand, I felt Lady Clarisse's hand hold mine and made me wear the mask completely hiding half of my face. "Don't frown now, darling. I promise you'll have a fun time with me. I practically... own the place." she giggles looking so proud and my eyes widened for a moment being taken by fear.

"I see." I answered shortly and we walked down into a basement with a few other people with silver colored masks.

When they noticed Lady Clarisse and I, they immediately parted their way and let us in first. Even the guards looked nervous and were on the verge of constipation.

Am I really the true Villainess here?!

Lady Clarisse basically would fit all the boxes- except she's not boy crazy about the crown prince!

"M-Mistress! Welcome! I hope you'll be enjoying your stay!" one of the guards greeted Lady Clarisse and the woman who was still clinging on my arms just waved at him. "Thank you, darling~ Keep up the good work for business."

And they call her Mistress?!

She seems to be kind to her staff and Lady Clarisse doesn't act like a brat at least. Original Scarlett on the other hand- no hope for her.

"Come now, darling. It might be a little far but we're close." (Lady Clarisse) assured me and that snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Where exactly are you taking me?" I asked her and she gave me the same grinning smile like always before turning in to shush me. "My, it's a secret. It won't be that exciting if you knew."

What I hate most of all is secrets.

Anything that I have no knowledge of gives me anxiety and a slight irritation of my skin.

"I'll have you know, if you still don't have it on my background check profile. I hate secrets the most."

"Oh~ don't worry I noted that down as well as the incapability to be patient." (Lady Clarisse) leans her head closer to my shoulders and I push her away with my hand carefully so as not to hurt her.

"I also hate people being too close to me." I glared at her but she didn't even see me as much of a threat.

"That's not a surprise, darling. However, you should make me something of an exception." (Lady Clarisse) persuaded me and I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

Before I could even answer back.

The moment we turned to the corner I saw a huge fighting ring with a chained exterior with holes. The bright lights that were highlighting the fighting ring was utterly blinding my eyes. When I recovered however I turned to see Lady Clarisse waiting for my reaction.

"That's-"

"A place where we showcase our many talents~ impressed?" (Lady Clarisse) tells me with an awfully excited grin but I ignored her. I inspected the place and noticed the many high private boxes on top.

Many people with silver masks were down below a level holding a stick with a number on them. "This is a slave auction ring." I faced Lady Clarisse who laughed waving her hand off at my words.

"Quite obvious isn't it? Now before you judge or report us to the kingdom officials~ this is actually legal business. May I escort the fine lady into a private box with me?" (Lady Clarisse) offers and I felt like the only choice I have here is to accept so I did.

However I kept looking behind me making sure Elise is safe while on our journey here.

Lady Clarisse leads us to the highest private box with a lot of luxury items inside that seemed to be expensive and some of them were even made of plated gold. 

"Welcome~ To [Montilum Slave Auction] event! Don't be shy~ come sit with me, darling." she flops onto a soft looking red leather chair and I swallow the lump on my throat looking onto the glass.

The reflection of my eyes started to glow into a shade of light purple and felt a headache incoming. Not again... what's wrong this time?

All of this I'm seeing- only the game mentioned of such horrible conditions but to actually see it at hand.

[Magical Love Romance] was some pretty dark shit if you explore the world on your own. 

Thank you to my patreon!
Platymage