Late at night, several black vans were driving along a remote, narrow road. Using the moonlight as cover, they moved without attracting attention, unhindered.
Inside the vans were women who had been trafficked — or lured — away. Tonight, they were the "items" to be sold at the underground auction.
"How much longer until we arrive?" Suzuya looked out the window at the moonlit scenery, excitement flickering in those beautiful eyes.
"Soon. Very soon." Nutcracker answered casually after giving him a glance.
But internally, she found it strange. This wasn't her first time delivering merchandise, but Suzuya was… definitely special.
True, every woman here had followed her because they were desperate for money and wanted an easy job—But none of them were this excited.Suzuya seemed eager—almost too eager.
Even someone desperate for cash shouldn't be in such a rush…
At first, Nutcracker suspected Suzuya might be a CCG spy. But she quickly dismissed the idea. Compared to a spy, she more suspected the girl was just… an idiot.
Thinking so, Nutcracker shook her head slightly, a faint smile curling on her lips.
Spy or idiot, at least she looked valuable.At the very least, worth five million yen—No, ten million!
Her gaze drifted to the other women.
This batch's quality was unexpectedly high.
That blonde woman with the icy queen aura — she'd fetch at least five million. Even more if someone liked "special" play.
And the twin sisters? Easily ten million. Rich customers loved the "older sister tired, younger sister takes over" type of fantasy. Plus, they were cute and sweet-looking.The Lolita style had been selling extremely well lately.
Nutcracker licked her lips lightly, unable to hide the excitement glimmering in her eyes.
This shipment would make her rich — enough to live carefree for years. Today was truly her lucky day!
…
Lost in her fantasies, she didn't notice that the vans had already arrived at a luxurious estate.
One by one, the vehicles parked, and the women were escorted out. A group of muscular security guards in black suits stood at the entrance. Under their watch, Nutcracker led the women inside the villa.
The grand hall was filled with ghoul aristocrats from Tokyo and even other cities. Wearing elaborate masks, they drank and socialized with their companions, the atmosphere lively and indulgent.
Just then, a beam of light lit up the stage. A group of performers wearing clown masks stepped out.
"Esteemed guests, the auction will begin shortly. Please proceed to the auction hall."
The speaker was a man wearing a crow mask with four eyeholes and a fringe covering his forehead. If Hayashi were here, he would've recognized him instantly: A member of the Clowns. The owner of the mask shop — Uta.
Under his guidance, the ghoul aristocrats left the hall and entered the auction room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to be your host for the evening. Tonight, we bring you a fresh batch of items. We hope you find something to your liking."
Uta bowed to the crowd, then gestured upward.
In the next moment, two oddly dressed clown performers descended from the ceiling, earning laughter from the audience.
"Now then, let us welcome our first item of the night…"
Uta stepped aside as the stage lights focused on a small figure rising upward.
A little girl appeared on the platform. Terrified by the masked crowd before her, she instinctively stepped back.
"Starting bid: 1,000,000 yen!"
"1,100,000!"
"1,200,000!"
"…!"
The bidding erupted instantly, the ghoul nobles competing fiercely.
Outside, however, the mood couldn't be more different.
On the villa's rooftop stood dozens of Aogiri Tree members, cloaked and hooded. Several officers stood at the front.
"Humans are nothing but food and toys. The people inside really are pathetic."Ayato scoffed disdainfully as he watched the lively auction hall below.
"Watch your words. Our job is defense. The Doves could arrive any moment—we need to secure their escape route." Tatara, clad in a white robe, shot him a cold glance. "Focus. Or have you already forgotten how badly you lost last time?"
"Tch." Ayato clicked his tongue and kicked a loose stone off the roof.
"The Doves, huh…?" On the edge of the roof sat Eto, wrapped in bandages from head to toe, legs dangling freely.
"If the Doves show up… do you think he will be there too?"
Recalling the white-haired boy she'd met before, Eto's lips curved into a small smile.
"I can't wait, little one…"