"But you're a Marine."
"And there are so many nobles here, with government officials involved too."
Freya said.
"Even a woman like you has the courage to face them."
"Why wouldn't I?"
River smiled.
"How are you going to save them?"
Freya's eyes widened.
"Simple. Buy them all!"
River laughed, then raised his right hand and shouted.
"One million!"
His voice rang throughout the venue. In an instant, many people turned to look at him, their eyes filled with surprise and disbelief.
"O-one million?!"
The host onstage gaped and shouted.
But he recovered quickly, glancing at the woman beside him in a maid's outfit, his smile growing even wider.
After all, this servant was only worth four or five hundred thousand Beli. The auction price had practically doubled.
This was wonderful news.
"One million! Any higher bids? If not, this maid belongs to this gentleman Pirate!"
The host asked with a hearty laugh.
The entire venue fell silent. No one offered a higher bid.
A mere human maid wasn't worth a million Beli.
"Then she belongs to this guest!"
"With her beautiful face and perfect figure, this gentleman can take her home to clean, warm his bed, or indulge some of his more unusual tastes."
"What an exquisite pleasure!"
The host brought down his gavel and laughed.
"I thought you were going to take them by force!"
Freya blinked in astonishment.
"Do I look that brainless?"
River smiled.
"But do you have the money?"
Freya asked, puzzled again.
"I don't."
"But someone does!"
River said with a faint smile.
Freya looked bewildered.
His actions just now had also caught the attention of some people hiding here.
"It's him."
"I never expected him to be on this island now, let alone at an auction like this."
Two figures wrapped entirely in