"Hey, I'm hoping to buy all of them," Nessa said calmly as she stood before the slave trader.
Chains clinked softly as the slaves shifted in place, thin shoulders trembling under the cold wind. A few lifted their heads at her words, a had their eyes locked on Nessa while others didn't dare look up at all. In total there were 20 of them and the 8 men whom were directing them stopped.
The rough looking middle-aged trader blinked, then laughed uneasily. "I'm sorry, we can't sell that many, you know… rules and do you even have the money or rich lady? Or you plan to pay another way?" he chuckled, licking his lips.
Nessa simply pulled out her golden insignia, holding it up between two fingers. The engraved crest gleamed under the moonlight. The man's smile died instantly. His face drained of color as he recognized which family it belonged to. He almost stumbled backward, legs weakening.
Around them, whispers erupted as they too recognized that symbol.
"The Dietz family"
"Is that really her?"
"That idiot dared to say something like that to a noble. He wants to die early," someone laughed.
One of Nessa's knights stepped forward, armor clinking sharply. His blade slid from its sheath with a cold metallic hiss and stopped just beneath the trader's neck. "You dare to disrespect the ladies of the Dietz family?" he asked staring at the man coldly.
The trader's breath hitched. His knees buckled, and he dropped to the ground, bowing so low his forehead nearly touched the dirt. "F-forgive me! I meant no offense, I was just joking please don't take it to heart I'll even sell these slaves to you at a discount for my rude behavior!"
Behind him, the slaves flinched at the sudden movement of steel. A young boy squeezed his eyes shut, expecting blood. An older woman clenched her chained hands tighter.
"Calm down, sir knight," Nessa said smoothly. "He was speaking foolish words."
Her smile remained gentle.
"All the slaves shall be delivered to my mansion. Or else I shall have the heads of you and your bosses. Simply ask for compensation from my mother or Butler," Nessa stated calmly.
The trader trembled violently now, forehead pressed fully into the dirt. "Of course, ma'am! Yes, yes, they will arrive in two days! Safely! Untouched!" he stammered.
The crowd around them quickly stepped back, lowering their gazes.
Nessa turned without another glance. Olivia followed closely beside her as the knights followed behind. One knight remained behind, issuing sharp orders and ensuring preparations were made immediately.
"Let's go home," Nessa said lightly.
As they walked away, the chained slaves watched her retreating figure, especially the young boy whom was beaten by the traders blood still in his mouth as he struggled to get up and stared at their backs coldly.
"Sister, wasn't that a bit cruel?" Olivia asked softly, looking up at Nessa. Her small hands tightened around her dress.
Nessa didn't slow her steps. "If you're too nice to people like them, they'll take you for granted and take advantage of you. Remember, the world is both a good and bad place. Be good to people who are good to you. Be wicked against people who threaten your life or are rude to you as well."
Her voice was steady, almost instructional.
Olivia lowered her gaze.
'I'm confused about what she is referring to,' she thought quietly. 'Though his comments against my sister was nasty.'
She glanced back at the market one last time, at the trembling trader and let out a soft laugh.
'But I doubt I must give my pity to someone who sells people for a living.'