The voices of the crowd blended into a dull drone. The sound of numbers rising, the auctioneer's shouts, and the pungent stench of mud and trash.

Just standing on this stage felt suffocating.

Every single gaze pouring over me was filthy. Eyes scanning me as if calculating my value.

...Disgusting.

After being abandoned by my previous owner, I ended up back here. The reason was obvious.

Because I wasn't submissive. Because I did whatever I wanted.

I don't even know how many times this has been.

If I don't sell this time— It's probably the end.

Whether it's a cliff or the scrap heap. I don't care.

I have no intention of holding out much longer anyway.

So, I just kept my eyes closed.

No matter who called out what, no matter who looked at me.

As if none of it mattered.

Then.

"1 million yen."

In that instant, the sound rang out clearly.

The surroundings fell silent for a moment.

I slowly opened my eyes.

What I saw at the end of my gaze was a young human dressed in fine clothes.

...A minor?

It was too much money to spend on something like me.

No.

It was an excessive price to put on this body.

The crowd began to murmur. They looked at the human with disbelief.

And then, as if being pulled, I was made to stand before them.

When I lifted my head, our eyes met.

...It's the same.

Just like the bastards who bought me before.

Interest, possessiveness, and the certainty that they'll get bored soon.

You're just going to throw me away in the end too.

I spoke, twisting the corners of my mouth.

Let me tell you one thing.

I took a short breath.

You're going to regret buying me.