Chapter 427: Pleasure below
Leona's eyes, sharp as etched obsidian, swept across the auction floor. Each movement suggested an underlying current of magical potential, like static electricity waiting to discharge.
The auctioneer's voice carried through the chamber, a practised instrument of commerce and control. "First lot! Prime Blaeruak male, approximately thirty harvest-cycles. Tested strength ratings place him in the top percentile for mining and construction labour."
The slave in question was a mountain of graphite muscle. Scars told stories of previous owners, of mines carved into impossible terrains, of construction projects that would have broken lesser beings. His eyes—surprisingly intelligent—held a detached resignation. He was merchandise, nothing more.
The auctioneer extolled his virtues with practised enthusiasm, emphasising his strength and stamina, his voice dripping with suggestive undertones that made Jaegar's smirk widen. The bidding began the murmur of voices rising as paddles lifted in quick succession.
"Opening bid at hundred gold coins," the auctioneer proclaimed.
Hands rose. Noble women, plantation owners, and industrial magnates—all competing for this embodiment of physical potential.
"A fine specimen," Lady Bordaulf murmured, her voice carrying just enough for Jaegar to hear. She lifted her paddle, her movements deliberate and unhurried.
"Two hundred gold pieces," the auctioneer called out, his eyes scanning the crowd.
Another paddle shot up, raising the bid to two hundred and fifty.
Lady Bordualf watched how other noblewomen were eager about the man on stage. She leaned towards Leona and whispered, "Are you here for anyone today or just the usual?"
Leona smiled as she turned towards Carolina, "We should keep our business aside today and let her buy one."
Lady Bordualf smiled and put her hand on Carolina's. "You don't need to feel shy, Carolina. It's not uncommon in our households. See those women?" she said, pointing towards the women below who were eagerly bidding for that man.
"They are all here for one thing, and you know what it is."
Carolina remained silent, and after a quick glance at Leona, they decided to leave it to her.
The competition intensified, but Lady Bordaulf remained composed. Each time another bid was called, she raised her paddle again, her expression never faltering. Carolina glanced at her nervously, her hands gripping the edge of her seat.
The bidding war continued, climbing steadily until Lady Ardaulf's paddle marked a bid of five hundred gold pieces.
A murmur rippled through the crowd, and the other bidders hesitated. Few could match the resources of House Ardaulf, and fewer still dared to challenge her openly. The auctioneer, sensing victory, called out, "Five hundred gold pieces! Going once, going twice… sold to the esteemed Lady Ardaulf!"
The hall erupted in polite applause as the Blaeruak was led off the stage, his expression unreadable. Lady Ardaulf leaned back in her seat, a satisfied smile gracing her lips. Carolina glanced at her briefly, her blush deepening before she quickly looked away.
Jaegar's eyes flicked to Leona, who seemed equally intrigued by the proceedings. When the next Blaeruak was brought forth, her interest became more evident. This one was slightly shorter than the first but no less striking. His graphite skin was flawless, his green eyes sharp and calculating. The engravings on his back were more intricate, swirling patterns that seemed almost alive under the light.
Leona's paddle shot up as soon as the bidding began, her movements quick and confident. Unlike Lady Ardaulf, she engaged in the bidding war with an almost playful enthusiasm, her laughter ringing out softly as she outmanoeuvred her competitors. The auctioneer's voice climbed higher, calling out bids as the price soared.
"Three hundred gold pieces! Four hundred! Four hundred and fifty!"
Leona's smile widened as she raised her paddle again. "Five hundred gold pieces!" she called out, her voice carrying an edge of triumph.
The crowd murmured, and the auctioneer's gavel came down decisively. "Sold to Lady Leona! Five hundred gold pieces!"
Leona clapped her hands together softly, her expression one of delight. As the Blaeruak was escorted off the stage, she leaned back in her seat, clearly pleased with her acquisition.
Meanwhile, Carolina remained silent, her gaze fixed firmly on her lap. Her cheeks were a vivid shade of red, her discomfort evident.
Jaegar watched her closely, noting the way she fidgeted in her seat. She had yet to raise her paddle or make any bids, but her presence alone was telling. Why was she here, surrounded by women like Lady Ardaulf and Leona?
The next few lots passed without incident, the bidding continuing as more Blaeruaks were brought forth. Each one was unique, their engravings and physiques drawing murmurs of admiration from the crowd.
Lilianna, who was bored out of her wits, moved in her seat and dropped to her knees. Jaegar frowned as he dropped his eyes to her. She was grinning back at him, her eyes glinting with mischief.
"What are you doing?" Jaegar asked as he leaned back.
"You just watch those women; I will just get my fill for now." She unbuckled his pants and freed his soft member. Even when it wasn't hard, it was already impressive in length, and her lustful eyes savoured the meat before her, and she licked her lips.
Jaegar moved in his seat, trying to remain calm. The balcony wall made sure that no one could see what was going on below, and the dark lighting also helped him a bit.
Lilianna kissed the base of his shaft and ran her tongue while holding his soft member. With a single flick, it was hard already, which made her hum. She took him in her mouth, feeling him grow even more as she pleasured him. Jaegar's hands gripped the armrest as he struggled to keep his composure, the thrill of being so exposed adding to the intensity of the moment.
She sucked him deeply, taking him into her throat as he moaned in pleasure, the risk of being caught only heightening their desire for each other. The darkness and secrecy of their hidden location made their forbidden encounter even more thrilling.
The auction was going on, and while Jaegar and Lilianna were involved in their own activity.