The Iris Family's Pioneering Slave Market (Seeking Subscriptions)

"Oh, thank you, Count, 'Wall of the Empire,' 'Unbreakable Shield,' 'Black Stone Fortress,' and Your Crowned Majesty Thor, 'Black Charcoal Dragon'—"

Knight Andre cried out in surprise and lavished a round of praise on the count, saying, "Vivian, please inform Orpheus of this good news. Loyal Andre will guard the Elf Room well."

It seemed he had thought of something, and he suddenly said, "Orpheus went to Barley Village early this morning to inspect the farm punished by His Crowned Majesty Thor. Vivian, if Orpheus can hear this good news sooner, he surely won't worry anymore over those serfs planting barley."

"And you will certainly earn Orpheus's appreciation—"

Vivian's steps paused, and her chin lifted even higher. Though she did not know why the usually taciturn Knight Andre was being as glib as a filthy merchant today, her attention was quickly drawn by the latter half of his words.

"Vivian will make Orpheus's worries scatter like clouds in the sky. No matter how many serfs there are, they cannot compare to a beautiful Elf Insect—"

As she spoke, she hurried away down the corridor.

"Before Orpheus arrives, Andre will not let anyone inside—"

Knight Andre's gaze turned toward the depths of the corridor. He raised a hand and patted the half-armor on his chest, making it ring with a clang, then stood unmoving before the door.

Dozens of breaths later.

Andre's ears suddenly twitched as he heard the sound of hoofbeats from outside, and complex emotions surged in his ash-gray eyes.

A few breaths later.

A mosquito-like voice that only he could hear rang out.

"Andre—"

"Andre. Iris. A very nice name, isn't it?—"

Creak—

The door was slowly pulled open, and the powerful knight stepped inside.

Zhu Yu was jolted awake by a bout of bumping. When he opened