The Monster Monarch System-Chapter 250: Slave Trader

Rem took a bite, and a cool, rich sweetness spread across his tongue.

It was unlike anything he had ever tasted before. He had expected something overly sweet, but it was surprisingly light, with just the right amount of creaminess.

He nodded in approval before continuing his walk, the cup in hand.

Unbeknownst to him, a pair of sharp eyes had been watching his every move.

Selene smirked from a distance, leaning casually against a wooden post with her arms crossed.

She was still tailing him, intrigued by how easily he brushed off something that had sent most people running.

Making the local seer nearly faint in fear was no small feat. It made her wonder — just what kind of future could the elf have peered into?

And why did she... feel drawn to him?

She tilted her head slightly, watching as Rem navigated the crowd effortlessly, his presence commanding attention despite the fact that he wasn’t actively trying to stand out.

He was an enigma, and she found herself wanting to unravel him.

After a while, she decided to stop lurking in the shadows. She wasn’t exactly the sneaky type, and besides, following him around was starting to feel boring.

Pushing off from the post, she strode forward and called out, "You know, for someone as sharp as you, I’m surprised it took you this long to notice me."

Rem barely reacted. He simply took another bite of his snow cream before glancing sideways at her.

"I noticed," he said, voice calm.

Selene blinked. "Huh?"

"You’ve been following me since," he continued. "I just didn’t care."

Selene narrowed her eyes at him. "So you let me waste my time sneaking around for no reason?"

Rem shrugged. "You seemed entertained."

She stared at him for a moment before huffing in amusement. "Unbelievable."

She fell into step beside him, her silver hair catching the sunlight. "So, what exactly are you doing wandering around alone? Shouldn’t you be with those kids you’re taking care of?"

"They’re fine," Rem replied. "I needed some time to explore."

Selene arched a brow. "You’re not exactly a tourist type."

Rem remained silent.

She smirked. "Let me guess. You’re scoping the city out. Looking for threats, escape routes... anything that could give you an advantage if things go south."

Rem didn’t confirm or deny it, but the lack of response was enough of an answer.

Selene whistled. "Paranoid much?"

"Prepared," he corrected.

She shook her head, though she couldn’t say she disapproved.

He was smart. He moved through the city like someone who had spent his entire life fighting to survive. It intrigued her.

"Well," she said, stretching her arms behind her head, "if you’re gonna keep exploring, mind if I tag along? Could be fun."

Rem glanced at her. "Why?"

Selene grinned. "Let’s just say I’m curious about you. And I get the feeling you’re a lot more interesting than you let on."

He studied her for a moment before looking ahead again. "Do what you want."

Selene chuckled. "I usually do."

And just like that, the two continued walking together through the bustling streets of Sorin.

Rem wasn’t sure why he didn’t just brush her off, why he let her tag along despite knowing she was likely up to something.

Maybe it was because she had already stolen from him once and he wanted to keep an eye on her.

Or maybe, deep down, a small part of him didn’t mind the company.

######

The streets of Sorin City bustled with life as Rem and Selene walked side by side, weaving through the thick crowds of merchants, travelers, and locals.

The city had a rhythm to it — a constant hum of voices bartering, metal tools clanking, the occasional laughter of children playing by the stone roads.

Despite the liveliness, Rem remained silent, his gaze moving over the buildings and people with a calculating sharpness.

Selene, on the other hand, was far more at ease, effortlessly slipping into the role of an informal guide.

"And that," she pointed to a wide, lavish building with banners hanging from its windows, "is the Golden Mirage. Best gambling house in Sorin. They say the owner used to be some noble who lost his title in a bet. Fitting, isn’t it?"

Rem barely spared it a glance.

She huffed, crossing her arms. "Alright, tough crowd. Moving on — "

"Not interested," he interrupted.

Selene rolled her eyes but smirked. "Figures."

She continued leading him through the city, pointing out taverns, armorers, blacksmiths, and even a magic shop or two.

But before she could take him to another supposedly famous landmark, he abruptly spoke.

"I want to see the slave market."

Selene stopped mid-step, blinking. "You what?"

"The slave stalls," he repeated, his tone steady. "Where are they?"

She studied him, waiting for a hint of sarcasm or some kind of explanation. But Rem’s expression was unreadable, as always.

"You serious?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Yes."

Selene frowned. The air between them suddenly felt heavier.

"Why?"

He didn’t answer. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

She clicked her tongue, her amusement from earlier fading fast. "Tch. Of course, you won’t say."

For the first time that day, she found herself disappointed in him.

She wasn’t naïve — Sorin City had its fair share of corruption, and slavery was a business like any other.

But she hadn’t expected him to be the type to partake in it.

The thought of what he was looking for made her stomach twist.

She sighed, shaking her head. "Fine. Follow me."

The walk was quiet. The usual playfulness in her tone was gone, replaced with a distant, almost cold detachment.

She had thought he was different.

Maybe she had been wrong.

It didn’t take long before they reached the lower district, where the city’s wealth and glamor faded into something much grittier.

The streets were narrower, the buildings more worn-down.

And then, just ahead, the sight of the stalls came into view.

A row of large cages lined the market square, each filled with figures of various races — humans, elves, beastkin — all sitting or standing in silence, their eyes either dull with acceptance or burning with resentment.

A few traders stood nearby, calling out prices to potential buyers.

Selene stole a glance at Rem, trying to gauge his expression.

If he was disgusted, he didn’t show it. If he was interested, he didn’t show that either.

His steps were steady as he approached one of the traders — a thickly built man with a grizzled beard and shrewd eyes.

"What’re you looking for, sir?" the trader asked, already eyeing Rem as someone with money. "Strong workers? Exotic pleasure servants? Perhaps a — "

"A male beastkin," Rem cut in. "One fit for combat training."

Selene blinked.