Chapter 70: The Slave Merchant
The lively melodies of music echoed throughout the capital city. Was it a band stationed at a crossroads, playing their tunes?
The rising cheers might have been in response to an unusual street performance or perhaps a troupe of skilled acrobats.
With the break of dawn, the capital was draped in a tapestry of festivity. The waves of people who had gathered from all corners of the kingdom generated a heat so intense that even the distant Kobasna Mountains' snow seemed on the verge of melting.
(Originating from the founding tale of Elzark's first king, Emines, the Genesis Festival was one of the three grand celebrations of the kingdom, along with the Summer Ancestral Spirits Festival and the Autumn Harvest Festival. Additionally, due to the capital's chilly winters, the festival also symbolized the arrival of spring.)
This was one of Professor Lina's tidbits of knowledge.
On a whim, I attempted to transform Lina into festival attire, but the result was somewhat lacking.
"We don't have any portable shrines here, so the outfit isn't quite fitting. She should be wearing a yukata for the summer festival," someone commented.
Before the sun had fully risen, Carenna and her companions set their course for the royal palace.
Accompanying them were Sebastian and Igrit, both of knightly rank, and Cecily, who managed to join them as a "maid" under a somewhat lenient classification.
With dawn's light, the Royal Council convened, and upon the recommendations of the kingdom's senior officials, the king announced appointments and promotions for the new year. This led into an afternoon session where a council convened amongst the realm's prominent nobles.
While Carenna wasn't partaking in the afternoon council, her day would still be occupied with duties such as explaining the responsibilities of the new nobles, expressing gratitude for her appointment, and visiting the court and influential nobles. Ultimately, she was expected to return by evening.
The news of appointments would be brought by Cecily at noon, and until then, the common folk had little to do except enjoy the festivities. It was a reward for their efforts.
Thus, I decided to visit the blacksmith guild in the capital. Accompanied by Nort, who was also completing his service today (even though he hadn't been officially hired, given his status as a stowaway), I intended to follow up on yesterday's inquiry.
"Excuse me. I'm looking for opportunities as an apprentice blacksmith..."
We stumbled upon a splendid building with iron doors, situated rather distantly from the heart of the castle. With all the courtesy I could muster, I presented my case at the reception. I do have the capacity when I put my mind to it.
However, the guild's response was less than accommodating.
"The child, you say? Do you possess an introduction letter?" they began. Upon revealing my status, I was met with a scrutinizing gaze. "So the child isn't registered under an owner as a slave? Could this be a case of an escaped slave?" Such suspicions lingered in their eyes, and though that was indeed the case, saying so out loud wasn't an option. I left without gaining anything – a premature defeat.
Still, as a secondary option, I contemplated paying a visit to a nearby temple.
Temples seemed to oversee matters of occupational transitions, and I recalled that even at the Suctari temple, consultations about desired jobs were available (albeit for a fee).
However, the capital's temple was swamped due to the festival. After requesting a donation equivalent to a copper coin, they provided no assistance in our consultation.
At times like these, my lack of social acumen weighed heavily on me. Nort, silently accompanying me without protest, only added to my sense of unease.
While pondering our next steps in the shade of the tree-lined avenue, a woman approached us. She seemed to be the same lady who had been assisting the priest with paperwork earlier – possibly a servant. I detected no signs of deceit or trickery, allowing me to lower my guard.
"Seems like you two are grappling with the child's status, huh?"
"Well, um, it's that obvious?"
"In that case, the child's considered a slave without an owner, right? If you leave things as they are, he'll be treated as a runaway slave, and you won't find anyone willing to hire him."
I exchanged a glance with Nort.
"So, what should we do then?"
"If you're content with keeping the child as your servant, that's fine. But if you ever intend to reveal him publicly, it's better to either sell him to a slave merchant or pay to officially register him as your slave. If you're registered as his owner, you have the option of selling him, assigning him to service, or eventually freeing him based on his performance."
In essence, I couldn't alter Nort's treatment until I obtained something akin to "administrator privileges."
Even official guilds wouldn't adjust Nort's status as an escaped slave. It seemed I needed to engage with somewhat shady slave merchants to navigate these waters.
The woman recommended a flexible slave merchant, and with gratitude, we left the temple. Yet, I remained unsure of my next move.
Should I head to that slave merchant? While continuing to safeguard Nort as before might suffice, I also found it disheartening that I couldn't display him in places where my status was apparent.
As we rested in the shade of the avenue's trees, I inquired while taking a seat.
"What does Nort want?"
"It would be best if I became Lady Shiro's slave," Nort replied with a confident tone that belied her youthful appearance.
"Lord Greon suggested it too. And besides..."
"And besides?"
With her head bowed, Nort continued.
"I've never experienced it, but I'd be okay with night duties too..."
Huh...
"Unless you find demi-humans repulsive... Zdenko was that kind of person, so while I was beaten and whipped, he never laid a hand on me..."
I frantically waved my hand.
"No, I don't think demi-humans are repulsive at all. Northe is cute, and she's much more reliable than me..."
Can't I come up with something better to say?
"As long as you're my master, I don't mind. Rather than just being fed, I feel more at ease having a role to fulfill."
The way of addressing had shifted from Shiro-sama to master or perhaps a demotion... but that's not important.
In the end, it seems Greon was right.
Originally, I thought, "I was reborn even though I died once, so I should thoroughly enjoy this world and maybe even create a harem with beautiful women." However, that image was more suitable for a slightly older audience... Northe is cute, and she'd look good in a maid outfit. Since I can't just leave her alone in the capital where I don't know anyone, and she doesn't seem to mind, it should be fine...
"Understood, but let's discuss what tasks she'll do later. For now, I'll register as the owner. Well, um, the most important thing is that Northe can smile..."
"Thank you very much, Master!"
The introduced slave trader's location was even further away from the city center, down a couple more alleys. It was a rather remote spot. If I hadn't asked for directions or had a map skill, I might not have found it.
When I opened the worn iron door, there was an immediate staircase leading downstairs. Moreover, I could hear some sort of beastly cries. Is this a labyrinth?
I don't have a weapon with me today. However, if it comes to it, I can summon a ceramic sword, and I also have the Lina doll at my waist. Confirming that in my mind, I descended the stone steps.
"Welcome. Are you here to make a purchase?"
A thin man of indeterminate age seated behind the counter glanced at me, stood up, stared for a moment, and then spoke. He must have been assessing something based on stats. And he's reacting to the fact that Northe is a slave.
Slave traders can become merchants too. Surprisingly young.
He seems to have a ton of enigmatic skills, probably used his "Character Appraisal" skill. If that's the case, he might know things like my "Discern (Intermediate)" skill. It's mutual.
Beside Udrio stands a muscular man with a slave collar around his neck, like a bodyguard.
"No... Is it possible to register as the owner of a slave?"
"Excuse me, then please come this way."
In the dim basement, there was a small four-person table aside from the counter.
I sat down on a chair, but Northe remained standing behind. Udrio approached her first, in a manner that seemed natural to him. She flinched slightly.
"Show me your status."
Udrio ordered, and Northe raised her left hand. This must mean that there's information not visible through "Character Appraisal (Intermediate)," maybe a double-check?
"I see. What kind of person was the original owner?"
He's asking me. I hesitated about how to answer but told him the truth.
"The father of my friend was originally her owner, but he passed away without transferring ownership. My friend entrusted me to take care of her."
"I understand, there are no contradictions. My apologies, we also take care with the treatment of runaway slaves. There are rules in this industry, so I had to make sure."
That's good. He indeed had the skill to scrutinize.
"However, unlike a regular transfer of ownership, there will be a fee of 10 silver coins."
Huh? 10 silver coins? Isn't that expensive? I used the last silver coin for treating Ledda, so...
Right! Gen-san gave me gold coins. I hurriedly took a gold coin out from my Item Box.
"This is a Kingdom Gold Coin. Don't you have anything a bit smaller?"
"Um, well, this is all I have... Is that a problem?"
"No, no, of course, we have no issue with the most reputable Kingdom Gold Coin. However, there will be quite a bit of change, so please wait."
Udrio must have also opened his Item Box. He started laying out smaller gold and silver coins, clinking them together.
So there's a difference between big gold coins and small ones?
"Well then, that will be 19 small gold coins and 10 silver coins."
Huh? That doesn't match what I was expecting.
I try to mentally calculate without showing my panic. It seems a Kingdom Gold Coin is equivalent to 20 small gold coins, and a small gold coin is equivalent to 20 silver coins. While copper and silver coins were in increments of 10, gold coins are in a base-20 system. I didn't know that.
In that case, a big gold coin is worth 400 silver coins... Wait, in Japanese yen, that's not just a million but maybe even two million? So high! Did Gen-san really give me that much?
While I was dumbfounded, Udrio swiftly touched my and Northe's shoulders and chanted "Register."
A sensation similar to when forming a party and connecting with Northe, I felt a change in her as Udrio's voice said, "Registration complete."
"Sure, definitely,"
I convey my confirmation.
Although I couldn't change the slave's situation immediately, I reminded myself that I should take care of Northe regardless.
"Now, whether in the capital or many other cities, it's an official rule for slaves to wear a collar inscribed with their owner's name. It's not emphasized much, but it avoids unnecessary trouble. Shall I attach it as part of the service?"
Udorio showed a cheap leather belt. Since it looked easily breakable if cut with a knife, it's probably meant for preventing trouble. It seemed to be meant for the neck, wrist, or ankle.
When I asked Northe, Udorio signed my name on the back of a feather with an ink pen, then fastened it like an anklet around my slender ankle.
"By the way,"
After finishing the main matter, Udorio brought up another topic.
"Although I perceive you're an adventurer, do you have a need for more slaves?"
Indeed, once I left Carena's place, I had considered traveling to various places while working as an adventurer, but that's not a skill, right?
"While it's advantageous for adventurers to form parties rather than go solo, there are inconveniences like disputes over rewards and not being able to freely choose quests. Considering that, many form parties with slaves, you see."
Well, I really didn't know that at all.
Seeing my expression, Udorio either thought of me as a beginner or a potential customer and enthusiastically recommended combat-ready slaves.
It might be because I showed him that large gold coin earlier.
I was thinking of leaving soon, but at that moment, a faint beast's roar echoed loudly from below. It sounded like it was right beneath us.
"I apologize for the noise. However, if you're interested, we have several excellent slaves available for you to see. The voice you heard is from a freshly arrived werewolf. In terms of combat reliability, it's one of the best."
A werewolf? Is this some sort of werewolf game? This fantasy world is something else.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I decided to tour the underground cells where the slaves were kept.
Though dim and damp, it wasn't as foul-smelling as I expected, maintaining a minimum level of cleanliness. After all, these are commodities to be sold.
Near the stairs, the cells housed female slaves in thin clothes. However, midway through, the atmosphere clearly changed to that of male slaves with a menacing look, the sort who seem like troublemakers. Are these combat slaves? No, this is scary. I don't have the confidence to control them. I'm more in danger than they are, even before considering combat.
Udorio enthusiastically promoted the stats of tough combat slaves, but his words didn't register in my ears or mind.
And then, from the deepest corner, a horrendous scream was heard, followed by a thud as something collided.
There stood a wolf with gray fur. It was ramming the iron bars while drooling. No, it's just a vicious wolf.
"Today is a full moon, and sometimes they forget even how to take human form..."
I see, so werewolves turn into wolves on the night of the full moon.
I used my identification skill, and then I was left speechless.
A werewolf girl, huh?
As the wolf caught sight of me, it suddenly twitched its nose and stopped its roaring. It was panting heavily. No, I'm not food, I'm not delicious.
Yet, it continued to stare at me intently, its rough breaths assessing me like prey.