Under the personal guidance of the two princes, Pax and Zanoba,
Cui Ciyou and his companions rode in a lavish carriage reserved for royalty.
They passed through the outer city gate and headed toward the palace at the city's center.
The wheels rumbled over the smooth stone paving.
When they lifted the curtain, a bustling scene greeted their eyes.
The streets were broad and lined with shops.
Though the passing pedestrians lacked the solemn expressions of those in the holy city of Millis, they were neatly dressed.
Their spirits were a far cry from those of the refugees struggling to survive in the Conflict Zone.
Yet when the carriage reached a central square that could rightly be called prime real estate,
a hoarse sales pitch suddenly rang out.
"Come on, come on! Everyone, take a look!"
"This fellow is next!"
A fat man in a gaudy vest stood on a raised platform.
He waved a small wooden mallet, spittle flying as he pointed beside him.
"This fellow was once a knight of the Vasha Kingdom in the Northern Territory, captured on the battlefield!"
"A rare, well-trained combat slave!"
"Granted, he's a little arrogant and refuses to obey."
"But train him properly, and he'll make an outstanding guard or enforcer!"
"Bidding starts at three gold coins!"
Cui Ciyou looked over.
There, in the middle of the busy square facing the main street,
stood an enormous Slave Market shaped like a semicircular theater.
Several naked "products" stood in a row atop a high, arched stone platform.
There were men and women, Humanfolk and Beastfolk with furry ears.
A layer of oil had been rubbed over their bodies.
It reflected a strange sheen in the sunlight.
Every contour of their muscles stood out clearly.
Like bodybuilders from a later age, they were displayed