Kevin pushed open the cell door with keen interest, then crouched down slowly. She gently pinched the girl’s chin, examining her closely. Soon, she couldn’t help but praise aloud.
"Not bad looking. Quite to my taste. How much?"
"This one is 100 gold coins, my lord," the boss said in a submissive tone. He rubbed his sweaty palms behind Kevin’s back, as if seeking her approval. "If you’re not satisfied, we can negotiate."
"Alright, but—" Kevin stood up leisurely, patting the boss’s broad shoulder. Her voice turned warning. "Don’t try any tricks. Face the consequences yourself. You understand, right?"
"Haha, my lord, you’re joking!" the boss laughed nervously. "How dare I? Even with ten times the courage, I wouldn’t!"
"Good. You’re smart," Kevin said. "But how did this one get here? Be honest."
"Hmm..." The boss hesitated slightly, realizing she knew something. He decided to speak anyway. "Found her on the road. She has amnesia. But she’s clean, I promise." He paused, worried she might doubt him, then added hastily, "We can run checks. She was meant for auction." His tone grew obsequious, dripping with greed. "But now that you’re here, you must choose first. It’d dishonor Guardian Kevin’s mercy to us slave traders. Could you... add a bit more?"
"Fine. Handle everything well, and you won’t be shortchanged. Do a good job."
Kevin’s words left the boss completely submissive. He was an old hand in this trade—greedy types like him were easiest to control.
"Haha, thank you, my lord! I’ll groom your slave perfectly!" The boss’s excitement showed plainly. He hurriedly activated the magic stone at his waist, barking orders. "You upstairs, come down now! Maids only—give this slave a proper wash. Delay the lord, and you lose today’s wages!"
As the magic stone fell silent, the boss turned obsequious again toward Kevin. "Please go upstairs first, my lord. If you’re harmed, I couldn’t bear it."
"Alright. Hurry up. Brew a pot of black tea—good quality. I won’t drink cheap stuff."
Kevin walked out, glancing briefly at the fallen slave. She didn’t look back. It was unknown if the girl could handle the task.
"This tea’s decent," Kevin said arrogantly from the sofa, sipping slowly. She kept making snide remarks. She drank tea often—only with Gali did she drink alcohol—so her standards were high. "It matches my home’s worst batch. I won’t complain."
The maids nearby lowered their heads nervously. This was already the guild’s finest tea; they had nothing better.
Suddenly, the door burst open with the boss’s urgent voice. "My lord! Someone’s trying to take your slave! I can’t handle their status—please step in!"
Kevin knew instantly: the boss just didn’t want trouble. Typical old hand.
"Fine. Let’s see which brat dares touch my property. I’m in a good mood—might as well have fun."
Even before stepping out, she heard a familiar, arrogant male voice. Then three lavishly dressed nobles appeared. They looked vaguely familiar but were covered in bandages, one on crutches. Kevin almost laughed.
"We of the Osta family—"
"We of the Osta family—"
Both spoke in unison, creating awkward silence. The blond young master froze, then blurted, "Have we met? Let her go to avoid trouble." His tone softened, almost pleading.
"We have met," Kevin pretended to ponder, then snapped her fingers. "On the Magic Airship—I threw three pieces of trash overboard. That was you, right? Sorry, dim lighting. Didn’t recognize you."
"Huh?" The blond youth scowled, signaling the old man beside him.
"Understood, young master. Let her know the Osta family isn’t trifled with!" The old man stepped forward, magical energy surging around him like a claim of dominance.
"Is that so?" Kevin replied calmly, slowly pulling out a mysterious badge. Time seemed to freeze.
Everyone knew that insignia—an agent of Guardian Kevin. Clashing with her meant suicide. The old man spun to scold his master. "Young master, how blind! This is an Agent! Ten lives wouldn’t save us!"
"Oh... is that so?" The young master rubbed his stomach, forcing a tone but stepping back obediently. "I’m unwell today. Forget it. Hey—you! Just wait!"
"Me?" Kevin felt a flicker of amusement. She removed her heavy hood. Silver-white hair spilled down her back, her stunning beauty dimming the room. A slight smile curved her lips, pure as a lotus in mud.
"Kevin."
