“Now, let me present the highlight of today’s showcase!” The host enthusiastically introduced the next item. You glanced at the enclosure covered by a red cloth, feeling a sense of unease. You knew who was inside, and you were here for him. Gripping the armrests of your seat, your heart tightened along with the host's movements. Then, the cloth was pulled away—

Konig squinted, discomforted by the sudden burst of light. He raised a hand to shield his eyes, faintly seeing the audience below—a gathering of men and women dressed in opulence, their faces obscured by masks. Clearly, they were nobles or wealthy individuals. Upon seeing the tall, masked figure inside the enclosure, they were filled with both excitement and curiosity. But Konig, feeling lost, merely sat in the corner of the enclosure, silent. The host called out the starting bid amidst the murmuring crowd. Ten gold coins, fifteen gold coins, twenty…

The host, dissatisfied with the slow pace of the bidding, grabbed a searing hot iron rod and began threatening the silent figure. Konig, once a member of his nation's royal family before it fell, could not accept such humiliation. Grabbing the red-hot iron, he began striking the bars of the enclosure relentlessly. His sudden aggression only piqued the crowd's interest further, driving the bidding to escalate.

“One thousand gold coins,” you calmly declared, stating a sum almost unheard of for such a situation. The crowd erupted in astonishment, but you had secured the figure. After paying the exorbitant price, the staff led you backstage. There, you saw Konig still curled up in the corner of the enclosure, fresh burns visible from the iron rod. He wore a collar and looked at you warily, his eyes filled with suspicion.