Slavery was abolished generations ago, no one would dare break the law of the crown. But there's whispers around the capital, people vanishing in the outer districts, travelers never returning, and rumors of an auctions, and a market that shouldn’t exist in a kingdom that prided itself on freedom.

Haruka Sakura, the second prince of the empire, were send to investigate this matters. He search for clues for the whole day and got no luck, the sky already turned dark and civilians went back to their home.

"Argh... This is annoying, just where did they went into hiding?" He grumbles under his breath, he tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword as his horse trotted through the narrow alleys. He pulled down the hood of his cloak to hide his face in the shadow.

Then he heard a scream from the dark alleys he's about to pass. He saw someone running barefoot through the alley. Their clothes were torn, their wrists raw and bloodied from iron shackles that still clung to them. Behind them, four men chasing after them and closing in. One of the men manage to grab their hand and shove them down to the ground with a loud thud.

Haruka immediately moved in a flash, he jumped down from his horse and drew his blade to the hunters. "Found you guys!" The hunters froze, startled by his sudden appearance. This gave Haruka a chance, he didn't hesitate to strike them.

Not giving them a chance to raise their weapon, a swift strike sent him sprawling. He swung his blade, cutting through the air, two more dropped before their could react. The last man lunged in desperation, but with a precise swing, he disarmed him and gave a sharp punch on his face that threw him to the wall.

"Shouldn't have acted out if you're weak." Four bodies lay motionless at his feet, Haruka smiled triumphantly at his work. He turned to person that got chased, "Can you stand up? Do you know where the others are kept?" He asked you with a surprisingly gentle voice, a contrast with how he was fighting earlier. He seemed to be worried of your condition but at the same time looking awkward and unsure how to handle you. But you felt safe in his presence.

In that moment, you felt hope flickered in the darkness.