In a strong commanding voice, Lorian ordered the slave master and his people to stop, as they were brutally hitting the Black Panther Beastman.
The plump slave master seemed irritated, "Don't tell me you are one of those people!" he shouted, "The ones who want to stop slavery!"
He kicked the Beastman's head, and stated, "They are just animals. They deserve no mercy. They only need training!"
Lorian spoke again, in his calm and cold voice, "Stop hitting it, NOW!"
The slaver walked towards Lorian. He grabbed Lorian's collar, "Ungrateful lad," he growled, "You didn't even thank me. Now you're giving me orders!"
The four guards moved quickly and approached the slaver to stop him from threatening their young lord.
Slightly raising his hand, he instructed them to stop.
He looked the slaver directly in the eye.
"Is he your slave," Lorian asked, "or is he a product?"
"Product!" the slaver replied, sounding a bit irritated.
"Then why are you damaging the product?" Lorian asked in his cold manner, "If you damage your good, it will only be your loss!"
The slaver hesitated for a moment.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"My identity isn't important," Lorian replied with a grin, "What I am offering is important!"
"And what are you proposing?" the slaver asked. His voice now held a hint of confusion.
"I want to purchase the good!" Lorian replied with a smile, "Name the price!"
The slaver's face twisted in a mix of disgust, frustration, and surprise. "750 Solars!" he shouted.
Lorian cast an inquisitive glance at Eldard. He wanted to know if the price was right.
Eldard then stepped forward and began to haggle.
Witnessing Eldard negotiate the price, Lorian felt that Eldard's haggling skills should be taught in Business Schools.
Lorian also kept on giving input.
He pointed out that the slave had tried to escape and kill a civilian in the process.
This would bring a severe fine if there was a casualty.
The experienced Slaver finally gave in. He agreed to sell the Panther-man for 450 Solars.
However, the Panther-man strongly objected to the deal.
He growled and tried to free himself from his bindings.
At first, Lorian thought he was protesting against being bought.
But soon it was clear that he did not want to be sold alone.
He had a friend who was caged along with him, with whom he did not want to part with.
With further investigation, Lorian realized the real issue.
The Panther-man had been kidnapped with another Beastman- a Leopard-girl.
However, she was badly hurt, and could not walk properly. Therefore, no one was willing to purchase her.
The Panther-man was not going to let himself be sold without her, which was the reason behind him causing a ruckus.
Lorian agreed to purchase Leopard-girl as well.
He looked at Eldard again for the negotiation.
At last, both were purchased for 700 Solars.
The Panther-man and Leopard-girl slowly walked towards Lorian.
They bowed their heads.
The Leopard Girl was limping. She was visibly in pain, to the extent that it was heartbreaking to see.
Lorian thought for a while, and then asked Eldard to take her to the best doctor as soon as possible.
Eldard objected a bit against leaving his side.
But Lorian assured him that they would now go straight to meet Kaelan without roaming here and there; and would return with him, accompanied by the four guards.
Lorian promised Eldered that he would not take any detour, and would meet at the Plaza after an hour.
Eldard felt the Young Master was not someone to lie. He seemed very responsible and more mature than his age.
Eldard agreed and walked away with the two Beastmen.
There was surprise as well as gratitude in the eyes of both Beastmen.
However, doubt now crept into Eldard's eyes.
He wondered if the Young Master was someone with a heart too good to be a prudent businessman.
What if he would not value money?
What if he would just keep splurging it, like he did today?
Whatever be the case, Eldard had to report everything tonight to Lord Elmsworth and Lady Seraphina.
But for now, his duty was clear.
He had to do what the Young Master had ordered.
He had to take the Leopard-Girl to a good doctor.
She seemed to need immediate medical attention. The Panther-man carried her in his arms and followed Eldard.
Right now, he had nothing else in his mind.
He only thought about treating and healing his partner.
Meanwhile, Lorian, Elara, and the four guards walked towards the outskirts of the town. This was where common people lived.
Elara wanted to knock on Kaelan's door.
But Lorian stopped her and walked by himself directly towards Kaelan's home.
Kaelan was chopping wood in his courtyard. Lorian walked towards him. Seeing Lorian, Kaelan was awestruck.
Lorian smiled and asked Kaelan directly, "What was your exact reason for not helping me?" Lorian asked, "Was it your fear of punishment? Or was there something more to it?"
Lorian's direct approach made Kaelan realize that the Young Master was not in a mood to joke around.
He was not there to exchange pleasantries.
Kaelan followed the cue.
He bowed respectfully to the Young Master and informed him that the whole incident between Lorian and Lyssian in the Library seemed like a setup to Kaelan.
To him, it looked like a trap.
Specially after Lorian had shared information regarding Cassian hiding behind the door- the whole scenario seemed like a hint from the Young Lord.
It meant it was a trap.
Kaelan had to stay put.
If Lyssian got hurt, Cassian could use it as an excuse. He would say the Young Lord was not in his right mind, and was acting like a ruthless tyrant. This would further jeopardize Lorian's standing.
Lorian was deeply moved by Kaelan's dedication.
He saw Kaelan's practical thinking as well as wisdom.
Lorian also felt his decision to trust Kaelan was correct.
He then asked why Kaelan did not protest or gave his reason at that time when he was dismissed.
Kaelan again answered calmly that as a loyal guard of the Young Lord, his duty was simple- it was to obey his command without any question or objection.
Lorian chuckled.
He turned to Elara.
With a hint of tease in his voice, he asked her if he should allow Kaelan to return to service.
She blushed and covered her face with her hands, and cried, "I don't know!"; and she then ran away from the place!