Chapter 04. Xiao Ara

But that wasn't what surprised her. But ten large cages filled with wolves that seemed ready to prey on them at any moment.

"Hurry up and line up!" Shouted one of the soldiers as he swung his whip at the ground, sending dust flying and hitting some of them.

Only a few minutes later, all the women were standing, neatly lined up with their heads bowed. Some were seen shedding tears, crying silently with clenched fists in fear.

Some of them occasionally stole glances at the large cage containing wolves whose body size was almost the same as the height of a human's body.

Everyone standing on the field knew very well what was going to happen next, and they all firmly believed that this would be the last time they would be able to enjoy the midday air.

Once a month, a hunting party is held.

The nobles from the 10 major families in the Qin kingdom gathered and carried out hunting in that place.

Using female slaves as pawns with an excuse to make the event more lively.

In the history of the Qin Empire, there had never been a slave who survived this event. Even though she was there, she didn't last long and her life was lost.

Ara who had heard the chatter from a soldier to several female slaves could only take a deep breath. Occasionally the corner of her eyes steals glances at the hill that has been designed in such a way as to place the sons of the big families.

She could see the smiles and laughter on their faces. For some reason, Ara became very angry, as a woman she felt very disapproved of the scene in front of her.

"Cough, cough."

Suddenly a very weak coughing sound was heard and managed to distract each person.

There, right behind Ara, a very old slave was now kneeling on the ground.

"Hey, who told you to sit down?" A soldier immediately approached.

"Quickly stand up!" he ordered again while swinging the whip, and with a reflex, instantly Ara held the whip tightly and held it in the air.

"Are you blind? She's sick, at least treat her a little better," shouted Ara furiously.

But the next second, her body froze, stiffening. The feeling of burning and heat immediately fill her palm, even a few drops of blood flowing from it. And it worked to bring her back to her senses about what is going on right now.

'What exactly am I doing?' panic in her heart. Right, a few seconds ago she forgot about where she is now.

"Tch. What do you say, dirty woman?" snapped another soldier, pushing several slaves to the left and right to give him space to approach.

Ara is silent, she wants to voice her heart and feelings but remembers

where she is now, in the end, she just chose silence.

"S-sorry, sir. I'm sorry for my big sister, she didn't mean to do this," suddenly a little girl sat on her knees and hugged the soldier's legs.

"Rania, what are you doing?" A muffled scream came from beside Ara.

Yes, the girl on her knees is the same girl who gave food and drinks to Ara a moment ago in the carriage. And it managed to make Ara gape in disbelief.

How could that little girl defend her, when they had only met earlier.

"Tch." the soldier just squeaked then stomped his foot hard and managed to make Rania fall to the side.

"Don't meddle dirty brat!" he said as he kicked Rania away and then walked closer Ara, snatching the whip from her friend's hand, pulled it in a very rough motion making a girl wince in pain.

"Aww....shhh," groaned Ara holding her hand, it was clear that the red whip marks were on the palms of her hand.

CTARR...!

The sound of the lashing echoed along with Ara's body collapsing to the ground, instantly all eyes stared in horror at the sight. Everyone stood up, unmoved from their place, no one dared move let alone make a sound.

"You're already on the verge of death, but you're still acting, Huh?!" snapped the soldier.

"Did you think we would pity you, you are bitch!"

"Stop acting and causing us more trouble," he added with the sound of a whip that hit Ara's back.

Ara is in pain, her body is shaking violently from the pain, anyone can see the lacerations on the skin.

Even some parts of the clothes she was wearing were torn.

She wanted to get up and teach that bastard a lesson, but the situation and

very unfavorable condition.

Acting without regard to her surroundings, this time she admitted that she was indeed guilty.

Maybe because half of her soul is still not used to all the new things she encounters in this life.

After all, whose heart can't stand the sight of an old woman being treated arbitrarily?

Let's say that at this time the girl still has a very high sense of humanity in her.

It's just that she forgot, that humanity doesn't apply in this new life, especially if that is about women.

"Hhhh," Ara breathed. Choose silence and restraint.

"Now stand up and return to your place before the Crown Prince arrives," said the soldier and left the chaos that had just occurred.

"You're an old bastard too. Hold on a little longer, then you can rest in peace," he added and chuckled as he kicked the old woman's arm.

Until the soldiers returned to their original positions, no one dared to move from where they were. Choose to put aside feelings of pity rather than having to receive the same treatment.

Only a few minutes later, a green flare seemed to soar into the sky, followed by the sound of trumpets echoing in all directions, signaling that the long-awaited moment had finally come.

Instantly everyone turned to look at the source of the sound, and sure enough, the Crown Prince's entourage had finally arrived.

The nobles who previously relaxed on the platform that stood firmly on the hill now stood up simultaneously, welcoming his arrival.

Ara who saw the sight just squinted in disapproval.

After helping the old woman behind her to stand back up, including Rania, Ara is now back in her original position. Trying to catch her breath and trying to stay calm.

It's not that she's oblivious to the changing atmosphere around her, it's just that there's nothing useful she can do right now other than trying to stay calm