Akira arrived in the bustling city, his thoughts focused on finding a helping hand for Jarvis. He walked straight to the slave market, a place notorious for its myriad offerings. Bidding was in full swing, with all sorts of slaves on display. Monsters, animals, humans, elves, dwarves, and demi-humans—each group had its section and unique bidders.
Akira moved from one bid to another, surveying the scene with keen interest. Muscular demi-humans, beautiful elf maidens, and skillful humans caught his eye, but he remained detached. For an expert like him, beauty or strength alone was not a compelling reason to purchase a slave. His primary need was someone capable of handling household chores, not someone who excelled in combat or possessed exceptional beauty.
Nevertheless, Akira couldn't deny the fascination of seeing these races up close. Until now, he had only seen them from afar or in the pages of books. His fame preceded him, and people quickly made way as he walked through the crowd, the merchants eagerly offering him their best deals.
Despite the various offers, nothing piqued his interest until he heard the call, "The starting bid price for the elf girl is 30 gold coins." The unusually low price for an elf drew his attention. He approached the cage, noting the beautiful elf inside, dressed in rags and covered in dirt, her age around 25.
Curious, Akira asked a nearby merchant why she is priced so low. "She can't use mana," the merchant replied. This revelation surprised Akira. Elves were renowned for their prowess with mana, and an elf without this ability was indeed a rare find. The seller merchant then lowered the bid to 25 gold coins, and Akira raised his hand, signaling his intention to buy her.
A hushed murmur spread through the crowd, many looking at Akira in surprise. Despite their silent judgment, no one dared challenge his decision, given his reputation. The merchant quickly announced "sold", perhaps fearing Akira might change his mind.
Akira was led to the back of the stage to complete the transaction. After paying, the merchant offered to keep the elf in chains, but Akira refused. As the chains were removed, the elf instinctively rubbed her neck, feeling the marks left by the collar. Akira gently lifted her chin, meeting her eyes. "Hi, my name is Fate. What is yours?" he asked.
Unable to see his face clearly because of his mask, but comforted by the warmth in his eyes, the elf shyly replied, "Lesley."
"That's good," Akira said, smiling. He then picked her up in his arms, surprising her. Her face turned red with shyness and nervousness, and she tried to hide it behind her hands. The merchant, concerned about Akira's clothes getting dirty, suggested that Lesley walk behind him or be forced with a whip.
Lesley, trying to ease the situation, said she could walk, but Akira pointed out her sprained ankle. Ignoring the merchant, Akira left with Lesley in his arms. "Master Fate, you forgot the collar," the merchant called out. Akira turned briefly. "I don't need it," he said.
Akira made his way to a food stall, where he bought two meat skewers. He handed them to Lesley, ordering her to eat. She hesitated, saying the food was too good for her, but a firm tone from Akira made her comply. They then visited a tailor, where Akira purchased several dresses for Lesley and ordered three maid outfits. Lesley, still nervous, was measured by the tailor.
Akira stored the new clothes in his bag, paid the tailor, and once again picked up Lesley. They headed to an animal merchant, where Akira bought a horse and a saddle. Lesley assumed she would walk beside the horse, as was customary, but Akira placed her on the horse instead. He then bought a canvas and started back to his base.
Lesley was in shock, her gaze often drifting to Akira, only to look away quickly when he met her eyes. Upon reaching the base, the goblins opened the gate. Seeing so many goblins, Lesley feared she would be fed to them, but Jarvis's appearance eased her worries. Akira instructed the goblins to fetch two tree trunks, and then introduced Lesley to Jarvis, informing him that she would assist with the daily chores and she is the new maid of this place.
Jarvis was pleased with the news. As Lesley sat, Akira healed her ankle. When she asked why he hadn't healed her earlier, he casually said he wanted to carry her. Blushing, Lesley lowered her head. Jarvis asked about the horse, and Akira explained it will help Jarvis to make quicker trips to the city now and hinted at a new job for him.
Jarvis prepared a bath for Lesley, who followed him nervously. Alone with Akira, she asked, "Master, wasn't your name Fate?"
Akira removed his mask, revealing a warm smile. "My real name is Akira. Fate is the name I use as an adventurer."
Lesley, seeing his face and smile, felt a growing affection for him. Akira assigned a goblin to tie the horse and then escorted Lesley inside. Jarvis informed them the bath was ready, and Lesley, now more relaxed, took a proper bath.
After her bath, Lesley emerged radiating beauty, her skin glowing, and the new dress fitting her perfectly. Akira asked her to help Jarvis with feeding the goblins. Having eaten dinner himself, Akira went outside to gaze at the stars. Lesley approached him, expressing a desire to ask questions, but Akira gently declined, showing her to her room instead.
"We'll talk in the morning," he said, closing her door. With that, Akira retired for the night, satisfied with the day's events.