CHAPTER 9

While the king is busy telling his children about the other details about the upcoming illegal auction in their kingdom, Ramira suddenly remembered the young man she saved in the plaza. Based on his appearance, there is a possibility that he is also one of the slaves brought into their kingdom to sell for a high price. Her suspicion is also getting stronger by just remembering the details she saw at that time. That young man was dressed in torn and shabby clothes, the chains that bound his wrists, and the merchant who was desperately chasing after him.

If that was really the case, then helping him was probably for the best. Ramira has no idea when and how did he become a slave. She already heard a few stories before about how a person can become a slave.

There were cases that a noble that came from a fallen family can become a slave. There were cases where the commoners were being sold to another kingdom as a slave. There are also a few instances where a person will be kidnapped because of their pretty appearance. Either way, all of these things disgust Ramira a lot.

Although she is a princess who grew up in a palace, Ramira is not raised as an ignorant and clueless person. King Teriza does not want her and Geradine to grow up not knowing how the real world works. He does not want them to be a pair of pampered prince and princess who only knows how to live comfortably and spend their money. What King Teriza wants from his children is to be responsible and have a compassionate heart to their people who can understand the problems and struggles they face in this cruel world.

Ramira also knows that humans are not perfect. They are always bound to make a few mistakes in their lives. But to take advantage and abuse other people will always be a wrong thing in Ramira's perspective. She cannot stomach the cruelty this world is doing to the people who are weak and helpless.

The Serpine Family, the royal family that leads the Verdandi Kingdom, is fortunately having a peaceful and rightful way of living. She cannot say they are the perfect kingdom compared to others. She will also never dare to announce that the Serpine Family is the best royal family among the other royalty who also have the same responsibility as them. But she can proudly say that the way their family manages and leads the Verdandi Kingdom is always prioritizing the safety and well-being of their people.

Ramira suddenly let out a sigh. Fortunately, that young man is already safe. If he will follow her advice to use the money she gave and leave their kingdom, then he will definitely free himself away from those people who made him a slave. Based on the skill he showed to her, that young man is obviously not an ordinary person.

Thinking about it, the person has a pretty face for a man. The color of his hair and eyes are also unusual to see from someone who comes from a commoner family. He must be from a fallen noble family or he was abducted because of his pretty face. It was a pity that Ramira will never meet him again.

"Ramira, are you still listening to us?"

"Yes, dad!" Ramira replied after blinking her eyes. "I'm just thinking about what to eat later at dinner."

Both King Teriza and Geradine give her a look that says they do not believe her. Still, none of them say anything. The king just let out a soft sigh while her twin brother snickered beside him.

"For tomorrow, I will send a few people to infiltrate the black market. We are going to arrest the nobles involved in it and save the slaves that they are going to sell tomorrow night." The king said as he gives a brief glance at his daughter before staring at his son. "Geradine, do you think you can handle this case?"

"Of course, father. It is also my duty as the Crown Prince to keep the peacefulness in our kingdom." Geradine said in a serious voice.

The king nod in satisfaction seeing that he is taking this seriously. He is also pleased that his son is growing as a responsible and determined prince who will someday become a brilliant king in the future. King Teriza will not ask any more in this life as long as he can see his children growing like this.

"That's good. Then I will also send Vice General Perval to come with you. He will act as your guard while doing this operation. I will also send a few talented and skilled knights that will disguise as guests for the auction with you."

"I understand, father. I will do my best to give you the best result after finishing this mission." Geradine said as he bow his head in front of the king.

"But always remember to keep yourself safe, Geradine. You are still a Crown Prince and your safety should become your top priority. If you think the situation is getting worst, then you and the others will have to retreat and analyze the situation."

"I understand, father. I will listen to your words."

Ramira is just watching their exchange quietly. She is also trusting Geradine to do what is best for the situation he will face tomorrow. He is also a skilled swordsman and good at controlling his magic. Ramira does not need to be anxious and worried for him at all.

"Dad—"

"Ramira, you will stay in your palace tomorrow to study the basic concept of magic. It would be better if you can have s deep understanding of magic and mana so once we remove the magic seal, you can easily handle the amount of mana in your body."

"But dad—"

"I will also send Theo to be your study companion tomorrow."

Ramira suddenly frown when she heard that. She looks in her father's direction but he turns around and focuses more on her twin brother. The excuse he gave to her is such a lame reason. Ramira had already finished and memorized that lesson a long time ago. If the king will allow it, she can easily recite all the words written in the books related to the basic and advanced concept of mana and magic.

It may sound like King Teriza is deeply concerned about her overflowing mana. But Ramira is not a naive little girl anymore. He is obviously doing that to prevent her from leaving the royal palace. The king is also sending their cousin to guard and stop her from whatever she is planning for tomorrow.

"Dad." Ramira called him again.

Hearing the seriousness in her voice, King Teriza just let out a sigh and urge her to come closer. The princess follows her father and she sits closer to him. Then King Teriza put his hand on her head and give her a pat.

"Ramira, I am telling you to stay not because I don't trust you. But as a princess, that kind of place is not suited for you. A lot of dangerous things can be found there. Your body is quite sensitive because of your sealed mana. We don't know if there's an artifact that can possibly harm you in any possible way."

"...I know that, dad."

"Please understand why am I telling you to stay. Alright?"

Ramira can only obediently nod her head in front of her father. King Teriza gives her a doting smile before ruffling her head a little. There are still a few rare days where Ramira will not try to be stubborn in front of her father.

As for Geradine, he silently watches how his twin sister easily nods her head after acknowledging their father's words. It seems like Ramira will not try to become stubborn this time. But somehow, the older twin can feel a faint worry on his chest. He might be overthinking too much, but Geradine can feel that Ramira is still planning something again.