The only times Chūya cleared his schedule for auctions were for expensive, rare wines. He knew other people with his wealth had more... unique interests: jewellery, poisons, organs, and people.

It was distasteful but Chūya never commented on it. That was just the world he lived in. The Port Mafia even hosted these events on occasion, meaning his attendance as an executive was mandatory.

"Evening," He greeted calmly as he took a seat beside Kōyō in the private booth. Before she could return his words, the lights dimmed and silence fell upon the venue.

The only reason Chūya hadn't tipped his hat over his head and fallen asleep was the woman beside him. Kōyō would never overlook such behaviour. Even after he'd come into his own, he still saw her as a mentor.

So Chūya forced his attention onto the lit stage where masked figures read out the prices of dirty goods. That's when a person in rags was dragged into the scene by a chain. The starting price was half a million, but it quickly climbed to a billion. I can afford that. Chūya clicked his tongue, looking away. It was none of his business.

"Quite filthy, isn't it?" Kōyō asked quietly, but her gaze never wavered. "You could only imagine what life that person would lead in the hands of those buyers." She was doing this on purpose. She sensed his uncertainty and decided to remind him that he had a say in the matter.

Chūya listened as the auctioneer counted down. "Going once, going twice—"

Since when did he hesitate?! "Five billion!" He called out, standing from his seat to make sure everybody heard him. The room fell into hushed whispers as everyone waited for an objection they knew wouldn't come.

The auctioneer was stunned but quickly slammed the hammer down, "Sold!"