The announcer didn't need to say much—everyone here seemed to know me better than I knew myself. But unlike what happened with Valerion, not a single one of them dared to raise their hand and bid on me.
Slowly, someone from the audience stood up and asked in a low voice, "Are you sure? What if we get exposed?"
The announcer replied with full confidence, his face shifting from stern to playful in mere seconds. "Just use a shapeshifting spell."
Through it all, I could only stare at everyone in confusion. Now I was completely certain—I had reincarnated. But damn it, where were this body's memories? All I knew was that my name was Jake Begley. My mother was American and my father Korean, which made my name unusual. I was twenty-six years old, a once well-known lawyer before I got fired. That night, I drank myself unconscious out of grief, and the next thing I knew, I woke up in this world. The only thing I understood now was that I was being sold in a human auction, and my new name was Aaron.
I sighed lightly. Damn it, I really should've seen Truck-chan coming.
I glanced at the crowd that began bidding on me, then returned to my thoughts. In my past life, I was obsessed with video games. Logically, I should have reincarnated into the last game I played, but I couldn't recall any game like this. Maybe I'm just some side character?
A slight headache struck me, so I stopped thinking and looked back around. Deep inside, I accepted my fate with ease. I don't have the energy to argue with destiny.
The crowd continued raising the price, even surpassing the number given for Valerion. I tilted my chin up proudly. What a remarkable character I am. Yes, yes, raise it higher.
After several minutes, Count Herobrine—the one who had bought Valerion earlier—raised his hand and declared, "One million gold coins."
The announcer's ears perked up, and he seemed ready to soar with joy. He jumped up immediately. "Such generosity, my lord Count! Thank you! Does anyone wish to bid higher than one million?"
No one did—clearly unwilling to bankrupt themselves. The announcer's ears drooped in disappointment. Greedy bastard. He bent slightly, then straightened again to announce, "Three… two… one… sold to—"
"Two million gold coins."
A deep, cold voice cut through the room, making everyone hold their breath. A million was already insane, but two million? Really?
I turned toward the voice. The bidder sat in a red booth at the top of the hall. Because of the dim light, I couldn't see clearly. Damn it, it's like one of those VIP sections in a cinema.
Not being the type to dwell on details, I didn't overthink it. I looked back at the announcer, whose face was dripping with sweat, jaw dropped in stunned silence. Is this what excessive happiness looks like?
Suddenly, the main doors burst open, and guards marched in, lining both sides of the hall and surrounding the nobles in the middle. The announcer collapsed to his knees, his ears stiff. Another door opened slowly, and three people entered.
The first walked forward with absolute authority, his red cloak billowing behind him. His black hair was slicked neatly back, and his golden eyes—unlike Valerion's—shone like a blazing sun, but without warmth. His sculpted body, sharp jawline, and towering height radiated dominance.
On either side of him walked two others, no less striking. The second had white hair and silver-gray eyes. The third had long blond hair tied in a braid over one shoulder and vivid green eyes, like a living forest.
They advanced toward the announcer. The cat-eared man dropped to the ground at once, begging,
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty, I'm only a servant following orders!"
He was clearly speaking to the black-haired man. Either a duke—or an emperor.
Damn it, my stomach is twisting just looking at this guy.
The blond man smiled sweetly and spoke in a cheerful tone. "Oh, don't worry, dear. We won't harm you."
The announcer gasped, then quickly stood, bowing at a perfect ninety degrees. "Greetings, Duke Alerion Luxehart!"
Duke Alerion's smile widened—but it no longer seemed kind. The white-haired man cut in, "Who owns this auction house?"
The announcer's nerves spiked under the golden gaze fixed on him, as if the matter didn't concern the black-haired man at all.
Alerion's eyes narrowed slightly. "Speak, and your life might be spared."
Hope flared across the announcer's face. "I don't know his name, but he is the leader of the Black Moon Gang!"
The air shifted instantly from tense to deadly. The temperature dropped sharply. Damn it, announcer, say something useful for once.
Alerion's smile vanished. The white-haired man's shoulders stiffened. Slowly, the black-haired man turned and headed for the door, the other two following. Guards moved in, detaining the announcer and all the nobles, driving them out. Only I and the other children remained.
Valerion snapped his fingers, conjuring crimson flames that melted the shackles around him. He did the same for the other children and adults.
What should I do? Should I ask for his help?
My gaze shifted between Valerion and my bound hands. With an annoyed sigh, I climbed down from the stage and walked toward him.
"Excuse me… could you help me too?"
My face paled. My tone had come out cold and commanding.
Damn this body, is it trying to get me killed?
Valerion's eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer. He stared into my eyes directly, then turned away, leaving me standing there.
I blinked slowly, processing what had just happened.
Damn this world. Damn this body.
With another sigh, I looked toward the stage. There, hanging next to a glass case containing a fire extinguisher, was a hammer. As an adult in my past life, I reached for it.
Good thing it's not hanging too high.
I approached the seats, placing my chain against one of them and raising the hammer. With all my strength, I slammed it down.
After several strikes, the chain finally snapped. Relief burst out of me.
"Finaaallllyyyy…!!!"
When I turned, all the children were staring at me in shock. Valerion, on the other hand, gave me a sharp look before turning away.
Idiot.
I exhaled and headed for the door. Throwing it open wide, I froze. Standing before me were the same three figures from earlier, flanked by guards. All of them turned their eyes toward me at once.
I simply raised my hand in a casual wave.
"Hello 👋."
Silence filled the hall, but I didn't care. Ignoring them, I kept walking, searching for an exit. Behind me, Valerion and the other children stared at my back as if I were insane. I could feel their gazes drilling into me.
Damn all of you.
Just before I turned the corner, a guard blocked my way. Tilting my head in confusion, I asked, "What do you want?"
"Your Highness Aaron, where are you going?"
"Huh? What business is that of yours? And who are you calling 'Your Highness'?"
The guard faltered, at a loss for words. Suddenly, I found myself lifted off the ground. Looking down, I saw Alerion holding me. He smiled kindly. "Aaron, you must return to the palace with us."
I grimaced in disgust—I hated kindness, especially from humans. Struggling in his grip, I snapped, "Let go of me, you! Why would I go back with you to the palace? Who even are you?"
A muscle twitched in his jaw, but he kept his forced smile. "Are you joking with me, Prince?"
I stared blankly at him, as if I had no idea what he meant, then scowled and tried to break free again. But damn it, his grip was like iron.
"Let me go! I don't even know you well enough to joke with you!"
Shock crossed his features before he finally released me. I fell to the ground with a hiss of pain.
Damn it, lunatics everywhere.
Alerion stepped back, turning to the black-haired man. "Edward, your son doesn't recognize me? Impossible. The entire kingdom knows me, young and old alike."
I stared at him in disbelief. Is that all you care about—that I don't know you? What a narcissistic idiot.
But… wait. Did he just say I'm this man's son?
I didn't remember a single thing from this body's past, but apparently this man—Edward—was the father, and he held significant power here. With an irritated sigh, I stood, dusted myself off, and glared at Alerion.
"Hey, stop with your narcissism. I don't know you, so back off. Goodbye."
I actually pitied him—he looked like he was falling apart inside. As I tried to leave again, another guard blocked me. This time, Edward, the golden-eyed man, spoke.
"Take him to the carriage. We're leaving."
Before I could refuse or even speak, the guards dragged me away.