The auction block was polished to a sickening sheen, reflecting the chandeliers above in warped, golden smears.

  Arthur stood barefoot on its surface, the rough grain of the wood pressing into his soles like the teeth of some indifferent beast.

  The crier’s voice boomed through the hall, listing attributes like they were cuts of meat, prime condition, excellent physique, no visible defects.

  Arthur’s eyes were empty, but the noble, it seemed, didn’t care at all, especially after seeing his beauty…

  Their breath caught as the torchlight flickered across the sve’s face.

  His dark hair was tousled, as if even captivity couldn’t tame it, and his blue eyes burned with something that wasn’t quite defiance, more like a quiet, simmering awareness.

  His jawline was sharp enough to cut through the stifling air of the auction house, his skin untouched by bor or sun.

  Although many wanted to get this boy, there was one especially interesting nobel who found her interested in him.

  A mask, composed of white and pure gold, tried to hide her beauty, but all it could was just add to her mysterious presence.

  'This one,' she thought, pulse quickening, 'is dangerous.'

  The bidding war was brief but vicious.

  Men and women alike raised their paddles, voices climbing over one another like starving dogs craving for a piece of well cooked meat.

  But her coin purse was deeper.

  When the gavel fell, the sound echoed like a sentence.

  Arthur’s Perspective:

  The carriage ride began in silence, the rhythmic clop of hooves echoing in the stillness between us.

  I sat with my hands folded, tension coiled tight in my shoulders.

  It was the first time I opened my eyes since losing consciousness at the auction.

  “You’re safe now,” a woman said, her voice softer than she likely intended.

  My gaze shifted to her face, assessing her beauty. “I suppose you’re my new owner, my dy?”

  She almost smiled. “Indeed, you are mine now. Do you have something against that?” There was a faint trace of teasing in her tone whether intentional or not, I couldn’t tell.

  “I don’t think my opinion makes a difference, my dy,” I replied dryly. “How should I address you?”

  “Lady Elizabeth will do,” she said with a smile. “And you don’t need to be so cold, boy. I’ll take care of you from now on.”

  “Thank you,” I replied, though I found it hard to believe her words.

  She seemed to sense my indifference, but chose to ignore it.

  By the time our brief exchange ended, the carriage had already arrived at her mansion.

  As much as I hated being someone’s sve, loathed the very idea, I knew I had to make a good first impression if I wanted to survive.

  Or at least... exist.

  With that thought, I stepped out of the carriage first and offered my hand to Lady Elizabeth, like a proper man or rather, a proper sve.

  “Thank you, my dear,” she said, smiling as her eyes lingered on mine.

  I nodded in response.

  The moment we stepped into the mansion, we were greeted by a small crowd of beautiful maids.

  One was more stunning than the next, and the mansion itself was a marvel of elegance:

  Golden chandeliers sparkled overhead, their crystals casting dancing light across marble floors.

  Rich, burgundy carpets stretched down the hallways, and tall, ornate mirrors reflected the glow of candlelight.

  The walls were lined with tapestries that looked older than most kingdoms.

  “Prepare yourself for dinner,” Lady Elizabeth said, smiling. “Luna, take care of our new guest. You know what to do.”

  A young woman with short dark hair and piercing green eyes stepped forward after giving a respectful nod.

  “Wait, we’ll have dinner together, my dy?” I asked, stunned. It was nothing like the treatment I had received while serving other noble houses.

  “Didn’t I tell you I would take care of you?” she replied without turning, her voice warm as she walked toward another room.

  “Indeed, my dy. I apologize,” I said quickly, hoping I hadn’t offended her.

  “My name is Luna,” the maid said formally. “I will prepare you for dinner with Lady Elizabeth.”

  Her voice was cold, sharply different from the warmth I’d just heard.

  “I’m Arthur. I’m in your care, sister Luna.”

  She led me to a vish bathroom and handed me fresh clothes after I washed up.

  To be honest, it had been a long time since anyone made me feel this... cared for.

  Once I had finished preparing, I stepped out of the bathroom and found Luna waiting for me.

  As our eyes met, I could’ve sworn I saw a faint blush bloom across her delicate cheeks.

  “Is everything alright, sister Luna?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Y-yes, of course,” she stammered, quickly regaining her composure. Her voice returned to its usual cool tone. “Follow me, Arthur,” she said curtly, turning toward the corridor. It was clear we were heading to the dining room.

  As we walked, I gnced at her. “Luna… why is Lady Elizabeth so kind?” I asked, genuinely curious. “Why would someone of her status allow a mere sve to dine with her?”

  She hesitated for a moment before answering.

  “Our dy is one of the kindest nobles you’ll ever meet,” she said softly. “I don’t know much about her past, but… her husband died many years ago. She was left all alone, before this house became what it is now, before she built this wealth and reputation.”

  There was a faint sorrow in her voice, as if the story pained her too.

  “She had to depend only on herself and the few people who stayed loyal to her. It wasn’t easy, but she rose through the hierarchy on her own terms. She’s a truly remarkable woman.” The sadness faded from her face, repced by a small, proud smile.

  “You respect her a lot, don’t you?” I asked.

  “Of course I do!” she said quickly, almost defensively. “Though we are merely her servants, she’s always treated us with dignity and fairness. I’m truly grateful to serve her.”

  She looked down shyly after speaking, her fingers nervously brushing the edge of her apron.

  “I see…”

  Luna paused. Her tone shifted again, firmer now. “So do your best, Arthur. Serve her well.”

  “I will try my best,” I said. Our eyes met again, and once more, there was that soft flush on her cheeks.

  Moments ter, we arrived at the dining room.

  She stopped at the entrance and gave me a nod.

  “We’re here. I’ll leave you with our dy now,” she said, her voice more composed as she stepped aside.

  I turned to face the grand dining room, and there she was.

  Lady Elizabeth sat alone at the center of a long, ornate table.

  The room was vast, illuminated by the golden glow of hanging crystal chandeliers.

  Candlelight flickered from antique silver holders, casting a soft warmth on the dark wooden walls adorned with velvet drapes and oil paintings.

  She was a vision of grace and authority.

  Her long, silver hair shimmered like moonlight, cascading over her exposed shoulders and flowing down her back, reaching below her slender waist.

  The strands glistened with a natural luster that made it hard to look away.

  Her skin was pale and fwless, smooth like porcein, glowing gently under the warm lights. Her deep red eyes, striking and mysterious, locked onto mine with a calm intensity that sent a chill down my spine.

  She wore a dark, elegant gown that clung to her form, its fabric catching light in subtle waves.

  The dress bared her shoulders and hugged her curves with a quiet sensuality, banced by an air of noble restraint.

  Lace detailing ran along the neckline and cuffs, and a silver pendant rested just above her heart, drawing the eye without trying.

  She looked like she had stepped out of a dream, dangerous, and impossible to ignore.

  And in that moment, I realized… this dinner wasn’t a formality.

  It was an invitation into her world.