Chapter 25: The Golden Trap
Moments before the curtain fell on the auction, in those final breaths preceding the climax, Tula turned toward Edward and spoke in a low voice, sharp as a blade: "Edward, begin buying the slaves now. Purchase that woman first, and acquire every child whose appearance stirs pity in the hearts of the beholders."
Edward did not hesitate and began bidding immediately. He bought the woman and followed by purchasing all the children whose broken features were enough to shake any conscience. After securing these vulnerable souls, and before it was time to display their own "special soldiers"—the powerful slaves intended to bring them massive profits—the auction organizers intervened cautiously.
The officials asked Tula and Edward to provide proof of their financial standing, insisting on receiving initial payments to ensure their sincerity. They had to pay for the woman Edward had just purchased, and the price was thirty gold coins.
At that moment, a mocking smile played across Tula's face, hidden behind his serious mask, as if fate itself had volunteered to carry out his will without effort. Tula sent the pouch containing the required coins, including the one tattooed with his magical blood. Once the money was received, the guards rushed it to the fortified "Vault Room" attached to the hall.
As the auction was officially declared over, and the official announced the rule requiring full payment before the "goods" could be handed over, Tula stood up from his seat and protested in a booming voice that echoed through the hall: "Wait! What guarantees that you won't deceive me? How can I trust you with my gold before I see my goods in my hands?"
The official replied in a tone meant to calm the situation: "We do not deceive anyone here, sir; this has been the auction's system for years."
But Tula narrowed his eyes and said defiantly: "And how can I be sure of your words? I will only accept this on one condition: that everyone hands over their money now, just as I did moments ago. If there is a risk, let it be upon all of us."
Silence reigned for a few moments, during which the official sighed and looked at the audience of nobles and merchants. He then said: "It is up to you, gentlemen... do you agree?"
Because the desire to finalize the deals was overwhelming, everyone agreed one by one to hand over their bags and chests of gold immediately. Within minutes, all the wealth of the auction attendees was flowing into one single room—the room where Tula's golden "spy" now resided