Ryuto nodded calmly.

"Well, even if they knew, they pretended not to know. In other words, they didn't inform us of their plans from the beginning. But this is understandable; after all, we are just outsiders, and regardless of the reasons, it was not necessary for them to do so."

"But come to think of it, darling decided not to say anything before we went. Did he foresee that they would conceal this matter? Was the trip just for confirmation?"

"Well, although it was for confirmation, we could almost be certain even before we went."

"Sure? Based on what?"

"Simply put, it's the location of the auction house."

"The location?"

"Ah, you know, right? The auction house is underground, and ordinary people cannot enter. What purpose could they have had to do this?"

"Isn't this because they wanted to keep it a secret? The existence of that auction house?"

"Although that's a good point, it contradicts the premise."

"Contradicts?"

Miyuki asked in confusion.

"Well, Miyuki, you should remember the person we encountered before."

"Is it one of Kuu's former subordinates?"

"Exactly. That person once said that even if we reported it to the court, it would be of no use."

"Then... could it be?"

Miyuki seemed to understand something.

"Well, the authorities above knew from the beginning about the existence of slaves and even tacitly approved it. So, even knowing about the auction house isn't surprising. In fact, it would be abnormal not to know."

"That explains it. Knowing about the auction house's existence but taking no action, it was indeed tacit approval, including from the Holy Heir."

"After all, she had a reaction at that time and as a ruler of this country, she couldn't possibly be unaware of such tacitly approved matters."

"So, darling said it was contradictory because...? Even though it was allowed by the country, they still decided to build it in such a secretive location."

"Well, actually, that's not contradictory."

"How so?"

To this, Ryuto responded calmly.

"If you carefully think about the Holy Heir's reaction, you'll understand the reason for her pretending not to know."

"Could it be... to prevent us from knowing about the existence of slaves?"

"Exactly, that's it. The auction house being so secretive was indeed meant to conceal something, but they were not trying to hide it from the upper-class people like the Holy Heir; rather, from outsiders like us who are clueless. After all... this country definitely attracts many tourists due to its prediction system."

"Because it contradicts the peace and equality advocated in the world right now? It's truly..."

Miyuki, with a look of anger, pursed her lips, but then seemed to realize something.

"Even if it goes against the world's current ideals, they had no intention of changing it, but chose to conceal it. This signifies..."

"This must have been the result of their careful consideration. For all the people in this country, from the top to the bottom, no one has raised any objections for such a long time. Although we don't know the reason, one thing is for sure."

"What?"

Ryuto squinted his eyes involuntarily as he spoke.

That is to say, the reason behind this matter is likely much darker than we could ever imagine, perhaps even a secret of this country; and if we wish to find out, it undoubtedly means going against the country.