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Chapter 77
The next day finally arrived.
After finishing my daytime duties, I changed into a simple, dark outfit by evening.
All I could do was hope that tonight’s operation would end successfully.
I wore a thick cloak made of dark fabric and black pants underneath.
To avoid any movement getting in the way, I tied my hair up high.
Amid the tense atmosphere, I prepared calmly.
“Are you ready?”
A low voice came from outside the door, followed by a knock.
“Yes, I’m all set.”
As I answered, I quickly moved to open the door.
Vincent was standing there.
He was dressed similarly in a dark, neat shirt and pants, covered by a black cloak.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
He motioned ahead with his eyes, and I quietly followed him.
We went down to the first floor and stepped outside.
I glanced up at him.
Tonight, his slicked-back blond hair and sharp jawline gave off a strikingly masculine air.
“Aren’t you cold?”
“No, I’m fine.”
He took off his black gloves, tucked them into his pocket, and adjusted the edge of my cloak.
His touch was so gentle that it felt strange, considering his sharp features.
We walked quietly through the garden until we reached the exit that led out of the Crown Prince’s palace.
Guards saluted quietly as we passed.
Once we were completely outside, Derek was already waiting with two horses.
One was for him, and the other was for Vincent and me.
Vincent grabbed the reins and asked in a calm, low voice.
“Do you ride?”
“I can keep my balance.”
I said that, thinking of Amelia.
I hadn’t been diligent, but I’d taken riding lessons.
I placed my hand in his.
The strength of his grip made my heartbeat quicken slightly.
Warmth spread from his fingers as he helped me onto the saddle, his steady strength unmistakable.
I tried to keep a composed face despite being fully aware of every touch.
“Stay still.”
After helping me up, Vincent mounted behind me.
The horse began to move, and his arm wrapped firmly around my waist to steady me.
At his quiet command, the horse moved forward at a slow pace.
I held tightly to the grip near the mane.
Perhaps because of my tension, my senses felt unusually sharp.
I could feel Vincent’s firm chest against my back and hear his calm breathing brushing near my ear.
His body warmth seeped through, oddly comforting.
My heart wouldn’t stay calm—it kept pounding faster.
I lowered my head slightly, fidgeting with my hands on the grip.
Feeling his arm around my waist made my shoulders and back stiffen.
“Amelia, we’ll need to pick up speed from here.”
Vincent’s quiet voice reached me.
Instead of answering, I gave a small nod.
His closeness and the way his voice brushed my ear made every sense more sensitive.
As the horse picked up speed, our bodies moved together with each stride.
Each time his breath touched the back of my neck, I pressed my lips tightly together.
We rode for quite a while without saying much.
I was so nervous that I worried he might hear my heartbeat.
As we passed the edge of the village, the road grew darker, and small trees began to block our path.
We had to weave through them carefully.
To stay steady, I leaned closer to him.
His hand gently tightened around my waist, holding me firmly.
The warmth and security calmed me, yet also made me more tense.
“Tonight might be messier than expected.
Slave auctions are dirtier and uglier places than you might imagine.”
Vincent’s tone was careful, as if he was trying to prepare me.
“I’ve somewhat prepared myself.”
I replied as calmly as I could.
“Remember the order I gave you yesterday.”
I could tell he paused, likely trying to see my expression.
His gaze touched the side of my face, feeling almost too close.
If I turned my head just a little, we might touch.
“Don’t disobey that order.
You’ll be safest if you stay with me.”
“Understood.”
His arm still circled my waist as we moved in sync with the horse.
Then, his lips brushed lightly against the side of my neck.
Startled by the contact, I closed my eyes briefly and steadied my breathing.
Was he feeling the same way I did, or was I the only one shaken?
When we reached the foot of the mountain, Vincent pulled on the reins, stopping the horse.
“We can’t go any farther on horseback.
We’ll have to walk from here.”
“Yes, understood.”
He dismounted first and held out his hand to help me down.
“Ah—”
When my feet touched the ground, I nearly lost my balance, but he quickly caught me.
“Careful.”
His grip on my arm was firm, steady.
At that moment, he felt so dependable that I had to suppress my emotions.
“Thank you.”
We began climbing the narrow path up the mountain.
Vincent walked ahead, and I followed right behind him.
Derek quietly took up the rear.
To an onlooker, it might seem like only the three of us, but I knew that the royal knights were hidden nearby, protecting us.
Their steps were silent, invisible—but when the signal was given, they’d rush in to destroy the auction.
Vincent still seemed focused on keeping me safe.
He brushed aside hanging branches and kicked small stones out of the way.
I watched his back, matching my steps carefully with his.
After climbing for quite a while, we finally reached our destination.
The surroundings were still quiet, but soon a large tent appeared between the trees on the mountainside.
As soon as I saw it, the noise grew louder.
The massive tent looked like one for a festival, yet the sounds coming from inside told a different story.
The mingled voices of people talking, shouting deals, and muffled cries and screams made the reality sink in.
This was the slave auction.
I took a slow breath, steadying my mind.
“Oscar should already be here,” Vincent said quietly.
“He mentioned he found a secret passage, so we’ll head that way.”
I nodded.
As he said, we needed to meet Oscar first.
We carefully walked along the edge of the tent when a quick shadow suddenly appeared from between the trees.
I bit my lip to keep from screaming and looked closer—it was a familiar figure.
It was Oscar.
“O–Os…”
“Shh, my lady.”
Seeing my wide eyes, Oscar smiled faintly and pressed a finger to his lips.
