Auction House, Backstage.
"L-Lord Ryan, these are the two items you successfully bid for." Two staff members in gray uniforms stood trembling in the corner. One of them held chains that were fastened to Pacia and the maid's wrists.
Ryan's gaze fell upon the two women. He first glanced at Pacia, who was still wearing the dance dress from the auction. Even in her disheveled state, her devilish figure remained striking, though her alluring eyes were now replaced with numbness—clearly not yet recovered from the terror of being auctioned off as a commodity.
His gaze then shifted to the maid beside her. Dressed in a maid uniform, her figure was slender yet not frail. Her exposed wrists were delicate but strong, evidently accustomed to years of household chores.
"What's your name?"
Ryan knew Pacia's name, but this random maid didn't even have a known name.
Upon hearing the question, the maid stiffened abruptly, as if unable to process that the word "name" could still be relevant to her. She opened her mouth but couldn't make a sound, only biting her lower lip hard, her shoulders trembling slightly.
"His Lordship is asking you a question, are you mute?" The staff member beside her broke into a cold sweat upon seeing this, quickly turning around and scolding her with a dark expression, his tone full of impatience.
If this maid were to displease Ryan, he couldn't bear the consequences.
After scolding her, he immediately turned back to Ryan, forcing an obsequious smile and bowing even lower. "My Lord, please don't be angry. This girl was sent from the slave market earlier and has no manners. Sh-She's called Kelly, a specially trained domestic maid. She's very skilled at washing, cooking, cleaning, and organizing—you can use her with confidence!"
"Kelly!"
Ryan repeated the name, finding it quite agreeable, and nodded. He looked up at their still-numb expressions and took a step forward, his tone straightforward without any beating around the bush: "From now on, you will follow me. During this time, do your duties well. If you satisfy me, I will give you enough money and release you to return home."
At these words, both Pacia and Kelly abruptly looked up, a glimmer of light appearing in their dull eyes, filled with disbelief. They had seen too many slave owners who either treated them as playthings or as free labor—no one had ever promised to "release them home."
Seeing their reactions, Ryan felt no particular emotion. He had bought them simply because he found them "useful," but he had no interest in keeping slaves bound to him for life.
However, that was the extent of it. To Ryan, this was merely an "equivalent exchange"—he would provide them temporary shelter and future freedom, and in return, they would serve him for a period. Compared to buyers who worked their slaves to death, Ryan could already be considered "merciful."
After all, Ryan was no saint. Having spent money, he naturally expected the "commodities" to deliver value, though he had certain limits and wouldn't go too far.
"My Lord... is what you said true?" Kelly's voice trembled, tears welling in her eyes but not daring to fall, afraid that this was just a fleeting dream that would only lead to greater despair upon waking.
Ryan glanced at Kelly, his tone indifferent: "Why would I need to lie to you?"
The two women were visibly stunned for a moment, but upon second thought, they realized Ryan was right. As "merchandise" that had been purchased, their lives and freedom were now in his hands. If he wanted to torment them, there would be no need to deceive them with promises of "sending them home." To make them obey, chains and threats would suffice—no need to offer any commitments.
With this realization, their hesitation gradually faded, replaced by a desperate, all-or-nothing hope.
"It... it was foolish of us," Pacia was the first to react, quickly lowering her head as she said, "From today onward, I will serve you wholeheartedly and will not disappoint you."
"I... I will too. Washing clothes, cooking, cleaning—whatever I can do, I'll do my best. I only ask that you keep your word..." Kelly nodded along, tears finally spilling over. It wasn't from sorrow, but because the hope she had suppressed for so long had finally found an outlet.
Seeing them shed their numbness, Ryan nodded in satisfaction. He turned to the staff nearby and said impatiently, "What are you standing around for? Unlock their chains."
The staff member snapped back to attention, hurriedly pulling out a key and deftly removing the chains from Pacia and Kelly's wrists and the collars from their necks. The metal clasps clinked softly as they hit the ground. The two women instinctively rubbed the red marks on their necks—lingering traces of years of bondage—and their breathing grew lighter.
Without further ado, Ryan paid and promptly left with his arms around Pacia and Kelly. After their departure, the auction house grew even more lively.
Upon arriving at the Wave Rider docked in the harbor, Mikita and the others showed no surprise at the sight of Ryan escorting Pacia and Kelly. They had guessed his intentions the moment he headed to the auction house.
"Prepare to set sail. Destination: Fish-Man Island," Ryan declared briskly as he stepped onto the deck, releasing his hold on Pacia.
News of Saint Charlos's death had likely spread by now. They had to leave before the Marines could react—being cornered would make escape difficult!
The crew responded in unison, turning to their tasks with orderly efficiency: untying ropes, raising sails. Just then, Zala emerged quickly from the cabin, holding a uniquely shaped Den Den Mushi—the dedicated communication device for the Seven Warlords.
"Captain," Zala presented the Den Den Mushi to Ryan, "the Seven Warlords' exclusive line is ringing."
Daz Bones and Rob Lucci exchanged startled glances, looking up at Ryan. They all knew the news of Saint Charlos's death couldn't be concealed. This call was unlikely to be straightforward.
Ryan furrowed his brow, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind. Logically, if the World Government knew a Celestial Dragon had been killed, they would send forces directly to besiege them. Why contact him via the Seven Warlords' line?
Surely they weren't just calling to talk!
Ryan took the Den Den Mushi and pressed the answer button. Before he could speak, the device mimicked a voice—aged yet commanding, concise and devoid of unnecessary pleasantries: "Seven Warlord Ryan, a severe incident has occurred at the Sabaody Archipelago auction house."
"Straw Hat Luffy and his crew, along with Eustass Kid and Trafalgar Law, have caused chaos at the auction house and killed the Celestial Dragon Charlos. The World Government has issued a mandatory summons. You must immediately proceed to the scene and assist the Marines in arresting the aforementioned three individuals and their accomplices."
"Hilarious."
"Huh???" Ryan froze for a moment...
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