Chapter Sixteen: I Am the True Villain

“Such a disgusting gaze!”

Sensing that burning, nauseating stare, Anlia’s delicate face flickered with a trace of disdain.

Yet Mills continued to fix his scorching eyes on her—not out of love at first sight, but simply because he believed he had found a treasure trove!

Blonde hair + blue eyes + exquisite features + snowy white skin + pure virginity = ?

A girl so divinely blessed in beauty, if he lightly adorned her and took her to the Slave Capital to sell, she could fetch at least one... no, three gold sols!

If he fabricated a noble lineage for her, and with a bit of luck, he might even sell her for ten gold sols in one go!

The thought sent a thrill coursing through Mills’s veins.

He had a premonition that if this deal made him rich overnight, his professional rank might be elevated once more.

Even as a humble merchant, reaching the third tier of the Morning Star rank would force those arrogant nobles to maintain a facade of harmony and treat him as an honored guest.

“Sir Knight, consider the money I lost as a donation to the great Lord Hughes. In his mercy, may I be permitted to take one person from this village that robbed me as my slave?” Mills said confidently.

Hearing this, the departing Sir Solin’s eyes flashed with surprise as he seriously weighed the pros and cons.

If he refused, the merchant might cause trouble and tarnish his lord’s reputation after leaving the territory.

If he agreed... it wouldn’t cause much harm anyway. The farmers couldn’t pay taxes and deserved to be sold as slaves. Losing one person wouldn’t affect the village’s income next year.

As for what the farmers thought... who cared?

Solin, as a noble knight, felt he had already been merciful enough to these peasants.

“Very well, Clye. We’ll do it as you say. But if you dare spread lies after leaving this land, beware my sword,” Solin said, patting the hilt at his waist, agreeing while issuing a warning.

“All right, all right, all right! By the gods above, the great Lord Hughes must be as merciful and generous as the rumors say. Otherwise, his knight would not be so noble,” Mills exclaimed joyfully, repeating his affirmation three times.

“I want her as my slave!”

Mills quickly pointed his finger, accurately identifying the petite Anlia in the crowd.

---

The girl’s face instantly turned as pale as paper.

For a teenage girl, nothing was more terrifying than being sold in the Slave Capital.

According to the bards’ tales, that place had long since become a hell for female slaves—sexual violence, horrific torture, even being eaten... countless dreadful rumors spread from there.

Almost instinctively, frightened Anlia looked toward a certain direction in the crowd—a place where her true loyalty lay, and most likely where she would one day offer her body and soul.

Seeing her panicked, pleading gaze, Xia Mingyu nodded slightly and returned a comforting look.

Gradually, Anlia’s color returned. She stood still, calm and fearless.

She had someone to rely on—and a strong one at that.

“What a beautiful girl,” Sir Solin murmured, eyes briefly lighting with admiration as he gazed at the serene Anlia in the crowd.

He hadn’t expected such beauty in this poor little village.

Regret tinged his thoughts; if only he hadn’t agreed so readily just now.

Not because he desired the girl, but simply because everything valuable produced in the territory belonged to his lord—and this girl was naturally included.

But if he truly handed her over to his lord... life might become difficult; after all, the lord’s lady was a woman of considerable influence...

With that thought, Solin hesitated no longer, needing to hasten to the next village for tax collection.

“Clye, consider yourself lucky. Take this beautiful girl and be gone. Remember what you promised,” Solin waved dismissively.

“May the gods bless you, generous Sir Knight!” Mills exclaimed with boundless joy, immediately rushing toward Anlia.

The villagers and Robert watched, hearts in their throats.

If they allowed the village’s most beautiful flower to be taken away by a hideous Clye peddler, none would ever forgive themselves for the rest of their lives!

“Come with me, good girl. I’ll find a noble master worthy of your beauty. You’ll live a life far happier than this!” Mills reached to grab Anlia’s arm, trying to entice her.

Though he knew the true nature of the nobles and wealthy merchants in the Slave Capital, it didn’t stop him from painting a hopeful picture to prevent her from resisting or despairing.

---

“Stop! Sister Anlia already has a master—an exceptionally noble prince!”

At that moment, Berg dashed from the crowd, blocking Mills and shouting.

He could never tolerate this disgusting Clye merchant laying a hand on his sister; it was an insult to her and to that prince.

Mills didn’t shrink back but instead grew more elated.

He had recognized this hunter-labeled youth as one of the two villains who had robbed him days ago!

Though far less valuable than the girl, if sold in the Slave Capital, he could still fetch two or three silver sols.

“Sir Knight, this is the villain who robbed me! Please capture him!” Mills called out loudly.

Sir Solin frowned slightly. Though reluctant to intervene in Mills’s affairs, as a knight, he had a duty to punish bandits within the territory.

If they dared rob a merchant today, who knew if tomorrow they might target their lord?

Solin leapt from his horse, drawing his longsword.

Swish!

In the next instant, he became a blur, charging at Berg like a wild wolf pouncing on prey.

Berg swiftly drew the small knife hidden in the right thigh pocket, prepared to defend himself—but the knight’s sword was too fast!

Clang!

A flash of cold steel, and in a moment, Berg’s knife was knocked away, while the tip of Sir Solin’s fine steel longsword pressed firmly against his throat.

One more inch forward, and the blade would pierce his windpipe—death.

“Sir Knight, please stop. I am the true villain who robbed the merchant,” Xia Mingyu said calmly, stepping from the crowd.