The first thing Wataru noticed as he entered the shop was a grand hall with a counter at the far end. The interior was luxurious, with a marble statue of a beautiful woman and a stunning chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
I wonder if they have muscular black slaves or beautiful female slaves for some... nightly services.
Suppressing a smirk as his mind wandered into such thoughts, Wataru turned his attention to the woman standing at the counter and was immediately surprised.
"Welcome. Oh my, what a handsome customer we have here."
The woman before him was enormous. Her muscular arms and shoulders were as developed as a bodybuilder's or wrestler's, and she wore heavy makeup. Her intense gaze gave her an imposing presence, unlike the more gentle William. When Wataru handed her the letter of introduction from William, she smiled.
"My name is Maso. What kind of slave are you looking for?"
"Uh, one who can take care of daily chores and also act as a bodyguard. How much would that cost?"
"You're in luck! I just received some excellent stock. Normally, I wouldn't show these to a first-time customer, but since you come recommended by the Welcome Trading Company, I'll make an exception."
Maso winked at him with a loud click, and Wataru could only manage a dry smile in return. Still, he appreciated the kindness.
They climbed the stairs on either side of the counter to the second floor, where they entered a large, empty room. The slave presentation began immediately, with Maso's staff moving quickly to bring in the slaves.
The slaves were relatively young men and women, all with well-built physiques.
"This girl here is highly recommended. She can handle some bodyguard duties and also serve as a maid for daily tasks."
"My name is Mariel. It's a pleasure to serve you, Master."
Mariel bowed her head. She's stunning...
She had gleaming silver hair and large, jewel-like eyes. Her lips were naturally rosy, and her smile revealed perfectly aligned teeth. Her flawless skin was slightly flushed, likely from nerves, and she gazed intently at Wataru.
"She's well-educated, has good behavior, and, as you can see, is very beautiful."
"Indeed. I didn't expect to find someone this beautiful."
"Oh, thank you. Would you like to make this beauty your very own?"
"Well, I'll definitely consider it…"
She's got an amazing figure too.
Mariel wasn't just a pretty face—her body was just as impressive. She had the perfect curves, with a slender waist and long legs. Her figure was more reminiscent of a race queen or ring girl than a skinny model. Wataru couldn't help but think that with such a figure, she probably never needed her pants hemmed.
And she's eloquent too.
The thought of owning such a beautiful woman stirred a strong desire within him. He almost made the decision to buy her on the spot.
Maso then introduced the next slave. Wataru's attention was immediately drawn to a pair of cat-like ears perched on her head.
In real life, these ears were something he had only seen in cosplay or illustrations, and his interest was piqued.
"This girl is from the Golden Tiger tribe, a beastkin with exceptional sword skills. She's strong, attractive, and an ideal bodyguard."
"My name is Ea. I'm skilled with a sword and will be of use to you. I've mastered my craft."
"Beastkin have excellent hearing, smell, and night vision. Her demeanor may be rough, but she's perfect as a guard. Despite her cute appearance, she was once the undefeated champion of the arena."
"I was the best warrior of my tribe," Ea added, not boastfully, but as if stating a simple fact.
Her slender ankles and toned calves suggested incredible agility. The Golden Tiger tribe was known for their combat prowess, with many making a living as guards or mercenaries.
"How did such a strong fighter end up as a slave?" Wataru asked.
"She won too often, making her an unprofitable bet, so the arena owners sold her off."
"I see. Gambling only works if the outcome is uncertain."
Maso answered Wataru's question smoothly, with no hint of dishonesty, making him believe it was true. That left Wataru with just one concern about purchasing a slave.
"...A slave this powerful won't turn on me, will they?"
"No. Slaves are marked with a magical contract seal. Disobedience causes intense pain, and if they intentionally harm their master, they die."
"I see... That's reassuring."
"But nothing is ever absolute. It's best to avoid treating them in a way that would breed resentment."
Wataru's main worry was that a slave might reveal his ability to travel between worlds. But if he commanded them to keep it a secret, that should ensure his safety.
As Wataru pondered this, Maso continued her sales pitch.
"Besides, look at her—she's stunning, isn't she? That body would make any woman jealous."
"Yeah... She's beautiful in a different way than the first girl."
(You're a bodybuilder type, so it's not exactly the same...)
Wataru wanted to protest Maso's comment, but he wisely kept it to himself.
True to the Golden Tiger tribe's name, Ea had long, radiant golden hair that reached her waist. Her chest was impressively large, even more so than most gravure idols. The firm muscles and tendons of a beastkin supported her physique, giving her a perfect, upright posture. Her body was both slender and powerful, with a feline grace in her waist, ankles, and the curves of her thighs and hips, balancing sensuality with athleticism.
Afterward, Maso continued introducing the rest of the slaves, but as she had said, none matched the first two in quality.
"What do you think? Both of these girls have been sold with all rights included. If you wish, they'll offer their bodies to you without hesitation."
"W-Wait, really?"
"Both of them are five gold coins each. But if you buy them both now, I'll sell them for nine gold coins and four silver. But there are no holds—if another customer wants them, they'll be sold."
The two slaves gazed at Wataru with hopeful eyes.
He had the money. It was a lot, but it was practically free money, and he could easily make more if needed.
Wataru quickly calculated in his head.
(I could have these beauties serve me. This is a rare opportunity, right?)
(Letting another man take them? No way!)
The deciding factor was his sense of ownership. Even though he had only just met them and exchanged a few words, he was already drawn to them.
Would he regret it more if he hesitated and lost them, or if he spent the money and didn't?
For Wataru, the answer was clear.
"I-I'll buy them!"
"Thank you. I'm sure you'll be pleased."
Maso's sly smile made Wataru feel like he'd been played, but surprisingly, he felt no regret.