The Slave Auction (4)

"Give me back daughter!" Atlas, Brielle's father, rushed aggressively towards us, releasing a massive amount of mana. Brielle was shaking due to the cold, so I stepped back, making Fenrir angrier. I need to settle things down. Or else an unpleasant storm will arise.

"Calm down. You're releasing too much mana causing Brielle to feel cold."

"I don't like to hear your lame excuse. Give back—" Atlas didn't finish what he was supposed to say because Brielle groaned. She must have been feeling cold again; I must release some mana to warm her up.

"You don't need to use your mana," Atlas explained. The coldness we had felt before vanished in an instant. And the ice that had been covering the ground melted. The temperature had returned to normal.

"Give her back to me." Atlas had calmed down, but I could tell he was holding back. After returning his daughter, I could see the relief on his face. He embraced Brielle like he was yearning for her. The embrace of home; paternal yearning. But why do I long to wrap that young girl in my arms? I'm not his father nor his closest relative, yet I yearn for it.

"Is Brielle leaving us? Isn't it possible for her to live in the palace?" Ethan asked, staring at them.

"You looked sad; how unusual. It was five years ago the last time I saw you like this or perhaps more heartbroken."

"Shut up, Father."

"Sir!" Ethan abruptly exclaimed, "I know it is presumptuous to ask, but could you and Brielle live in our place? We can't tell whether something like this will happen again, so why not take advantage of this offer?"

"No, I can't take your offer," Atlas answered firmly.

"But—"

"Hey, kid. Don't look down on me. I can look for a safe place for both of us. And, how can I trust your words? What if you are just deceiving us?" Ethan was unable to respond to Atlas' questions. It was understandable for someone in a bad situation to be hesitant to trust. In addition, we were strangers to him. On the first meeting, I could tell that his trust would be difficult to gain. But there were some unanswered questions. First and foremost, why is Brielle a mermaid? Second, how could a strong person like Fenrir allow Brielle to be kidnapped? Lastly, what is their origin? They are like a mystery. I know it was selfish of me to keep that child close to me. But, perhaps, if I stay by her side for a short time, these feelings will fade. And all of my unanswered questions will be answered.

"If you come with us, I can ensure your safety. Considering that Brielle has been kidnapped by the Viscount, you are not in the right state." Atlas flinched hearing what I said. Bingo! I hit the right spot. "I'll make sure to provide you with anything you need, and you are free to go according to your will. I'm doing this for Brielle and as the Emperor of this Empire." Anyway, it's not that I could hide my identity forever. It is best to reveal it to Atlas to build trust. Seeing that he was not shocked about my revelation, he must have guessed it in our first meeting.

"Are we going? You're all so slow," Atlas grumbled.

"You should be respectful to His —"

"Cut it off, Helden." Even though I know Atlas has a rude attitude, I didn't expect it to be at this level. An ordinary person will tremble upon learning that I'm in front of them but look at that man. Sigh. Honestly, it would also be weird if he became polite all of the sudden. Hah, it gave me shivers!

"Ready the carriage. We are going back to the palace."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

***

Inside the Carriage

Silence.

The sun was set to rise. The sound of the carriage cut through the silence inside the carriage. It was awkward, only for the emperor and the prince. Contrary to them, Atlas was comfortable with the silence echoing while he caressed Brielle in her sleep. She was covered in a soft blanket to warm her up and put out of sight her tail. The people, who witnessed her mermaid form, were silenced.

"You must be tired from holding her," Ethan said out of nowhere. Atlas and I just looked at him with suspicion. He didn't care about whether Atlas was tired or not. He wanted to carry Brielle himself.

"Ahem, I'm willing to carry her, so please allow me—"

"Annoying," Atlas grumbled as he looked out the window. As he heard Atlas, Ethan became enraged. He wanted to fight back, but it would only disrupt Brielle's sleep. So, he kept it to himself and waited for the clouds to light up as the bright sun showed up.

Neigh!

The carriage arrived at its final destination, the Imperial Palace.