Chapter 97

Chapter 97

The Harper Clan’s demise originated with the Fifth Prince of the royal family. Infatuated with a Harper celebrity, he turned vengeful when she spurned him. He reported her to the Male Protection Association for disrespecting a male, leading to her imprisonment.

After this Harper was incarcerated, the Emperor himself intervened, implicating the entire Harper Clan in the capital offenses of "harming males and colluding with enemies to betray the nation."

However, out of royal clemency, their death sentences were commuted. All Harper Clan members were branded as convict slaves and sent to the Female Slave Exchange.

Most were dispatched to exchanges on the capital planet, while the remaining females were distributed among major tourist planets.

Yet, perhaps due to covert connections with the Harper Clan, the females who were meant to be dispersed were instead all sent to Planet Aputban.

This included some Harper Clan members who had been transferred from the capital planet’s exchange at considerable expense.

However, the mastermind behind this was not a male, limiting their reach.

Nair Inan said, "I also came to discuss this with you."

"All the Harper Clan females sent to the Aputban exchange have already been purchased by the local male lords."

The implication was clear: Lu Cian wouldn't need to visit the exchange himself.

Lu Cian’s expression darkened. "This certainly complicates things."

Harper Clan females were premium commodities at the exchange, unlike other female slaves. Only aristocratic males could personally buy or sell them, which explained Lu Cian’s urgency.

Originally, Lu Cian had planned to visit the exchange immediately after landing. However, they had discussed on the ship that Aputban was a third-class planet—teeming with insects and watchful eyes. It was deemed better to first assess the situation and proceed discreetly.

Thus, they decided to delay for a day, but it seemed they were still a step too late.

Still, they had anticipated this scenario.

After all, these were female slaves from the capital planet, highly sought after by males there. Naturally, these local males would be interested.

Lu Cian propped his chin on his hand, pondering for a moment before saying, "Perhaps we can leverage Ximeno’s influence to acquire those Harper Clan females through trade."

Nair Inan frowned. "That’s rather risky. Actually, we could…"

Lu Cian interrupted, "Resorting to force would be the worst possible option."

Nair Inan was momentarily speechless, not expecting to be cut off.

Lu Cian quickly realized what he had said and apologized placatingly. "I didn’t mean to contradict you."

Lu Cian blinked, his deliberately ingratiating expression appearing rather endearing.

Nair Inan, who had almost blurted out "It’s fine," cleared his throat twice to cover his reaction. "I know. You’re just concerned for me."

Lu Cian nodded vigorously. "Exactly! Aputban has a stationed military. If we’re exposed…"

The consequences would be unthinkable.

They had some ships hidden outside the planet, but distant water couldn't quench a nearby fire. Moreover, those ships were somewhat outmatched by the well-equipped stationed forces.

Furthermore, every male had numerous guards. They wouldn't just be up against the planet’s military.

Nair Inan conceded. "Alright, but you must proceed cautiously. At the first sign of trouble, we leave immediately on the ships."

Lu Cian smiled. "Don’t worry. When it comes to escaping, I’m an expert." He was very fond of his life.

…

Aside from the Harper Clan, some females from other clans were also on Aputban, and these would be much simpler to handle.

Lu Cian merely needed to visit the exchange and purchase them.

There were also prisoners serving sentences in imperial mines. As long as enough money was offered, they could be bought out.

The real challenge lay with those who had already been purchased.

Some influential females could buy female slaves to work in mines, serve as bodyguards, or engage in black market activities. However, only aristocratic males could purchase convict slaves.

These males bought convict slaves, and since they were already branded as such, whipping, trampling, or even killing them wouldn't cause a ripple.

In truth, if those purchased females were already dead, Lu Cian and his group wouldn’t bother rescuing them.

The difficulty lay in the fact that a portion of them were still alive.

Lu Cian was virtually unknown among males, and he dared not casually befriend too many, for fear of blowing his cover.

Thus, they needed an intermediary—and Ximeno was indeed an excellent helper.

Speaking of which, Ximeno had B-grade psychic ability, considered top-tier on ordinary planets. His family background was respectable, and his status among Aputban’s males was not low.

So, on the second day, and the third day… Lu Cian spent his time accompanying Ximeno in various recreational pursuits.

A male’s duties consisted of eating, drinking, having fun, and procreating.

Finally, one day, Lu Cian feigned a minor difficulty and sought Ximeno’s help.

However, the thought that Ximeno genuinely saw him as a friend while he viewed the other as a tool made Lu Cian feel a flicker of guilt.

"Ximeno, could you do me a favor?" Lu Cian asked with feigned hesitation.

Ximeno had grown bored of Aputban’s tourist attractions and had been idle lately. Seeing his new friend come to him for help instantly piqued his interest.

His eyes bright, Ximeno asked, "What do you need me to do?"

Lu Cian looked down at Ximeno, who stood half a head shorter and was gazing at him with earnestness, and felt a tiny pang of self-reproach.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Cian said, "Lately, I’ve developed an interest in Harper Clan females. I heard they dance under the moonlight—their movements ethereal, graceful, and utterly captivating. I’d love to witness it myself."

"Unfortunately, when I visited the exchange, I didn’t find any from that clan."

"I was quite disappointed, but then I remembered you. Didn’t you say you have many connections? I was hoping you could ask your male friends if they’d be willing to sell the ones they’ve purchased. Money is no object."

Ximeno’s enthusiasm waned slightly. "Oh, that’s all? It’s nothing major. Don’t worry, I’ll get it sorted quickly for you."

Seeing him about to leave in a hurry, Lu Cian quickly stopped him. "Wait, I haven’t finished!"

Ximeno paused. "What else?"

Lu Cian continued, "I want them to sell me all of them."

"All of them?" Ximeno crossed his arms, scrutinizing Lu Cian with confusion. "What do you need so many Harper Clan female slaves for?"

Lu Cian grinned. "To watch them dance, of course!"

He launched into an elaborate explanation of his plans with evident pride. "I’m planning a grand moonlit dance performance—108 dancers, 108 musicians, 108 singers…"

Lu Cian gestured animatedly as he spoke, his face beaming. Ximeno, hearing this, also became intrigued and couldn't help but want to witness it firsthand.

Ximeno said excitedly, "Excellent, your idea is fantastic! I think it's brilliant, and your plan is sure to succeed!"

Ximeno patted his chest and assured, "Such a grand dance party—it'd be a shame to miss it. I'll definitely gather enough insects for you!"

When it came to things that interested him, Ximeno became as excited as if he’d been injected with stimulants.

How could he not be thrilled when he finally found something that piqued his interest?

Lu Cian felt relieved. Seeing Ximeno like this meant the task would be much easier.

Otherwise, he’d have to resort to Plan B.

If Ximeno couldn’t rescue those females, Lu Cian would have to use Ximeno’s connections to personally negotiate with those males.

Males were pampered and could have anything they desired. The only things that could truly tempt them were treasures that females couldn’t offer.

After racking his brain, Lu Cian decided to sell them a batch of aphrodisiac kits.

Judging by Ximeno’s reaction, these kits would be a total hit.

Then, he’d treat those males to a lavish feast.

With pleasant conversations, good food, and entertainment, the deals would go down much smoother.

This way, most of the insects could be rescued. But for those sold to other planets, with unknown buyers, tracking them down would be time-consuming and difficult. Lu Cian could only offer his regrets.

…

Thanks to Lu Cian, the aphrodisiac kits he had previously traded to Ximeno had been tested—and indeed, they were incredibly stimulating, keeping Ximeno buzzing for several nights.

As a result, during the day, he could only symbolically accompany Lu Cian for a short while before finding an excuse to return to his villa, claiming boredom.

Realizing that the aphrodisiac kits were truly remarkable, Ximeno initially planned to test them first and recommend them to friends if they proved satisfactory.

But now, Ximeno suddenly didn’t want to share them. After all, he used several sets a day—20,000 sets would barely last him ten years.

And he wasn’t even thirty yet!

During holidays, he’d have to gift a few sets to his father.

Relatives and friends would also expect a few sets; otherwise, once his father found out, they’d relentlessly pester him.

Before long, his friends would get wise to it.

There was a world of difference between knowing early and knowing late.

The earlier they knew, the more sets they’d snatch.

The items Lu Cian sold were so exceptional—no news had even spread from the homeworld—clearly indicating their rarity. Ximeno wasn’t sure if he could buy more from Lu Cian. These kits were a finite supply, and each one used meant one less. How could Ximeno not cherish them!

Now, he’d even started limiting himself to just one set a day!

But now that Lu Cian was asking for his help, to ensure he could assist perfectly, Ximeno had no choice but to reluctantly reveal the existence of the aphrodisiac kits in advance.

Afterward… Ximeno seethed privately—he’d definitely go cry to Lu Cian and demand he score him another hundred thousand sets!

At Liam’s residence.

"Liam, I heard you’ve cornered the market on premium goods at the exchange?"

Before Liam could respond, Ximeno continued, "You’re too much! You take the whole damn pie and leave us nothing but crumbs!"

Liam frowned slightly and replied indifferently, "I left a few, didn’t I? It’s not like I took everything."

Ximeno shrugged. "I never said you took everything—that’s your own admission."

Liam set down his drink and crossed his legs. "Weren’t you only ever interested in food, drink, and fun? Since when do you care about female slaves at the exchange?"

Ximeno shrugged again. "Males are fickle. I suddenly became interested—is that a problem?"