"So, what kind of slaves are you looking for?"
Enric asked as he unlocked a small, nearly hidden tin door in the ground beside the cottage. The entrance creaked open, revealing a narrow staircase leading down into his secret basement.
Arthur closely followed behind,
The stairs were lined with solid stone tiles, and bright LED lights spaced at even intervals illuminated the stairways.
Arthur couldn't help but notice the contrast, the sleek and clean, all-most modern-like interior was disguised by the old rustic appearance of the cottage.
Their footsteps echoed down the corridor as they moved deeper underground.
"Criminals," Arthur finally replied, his voice steady. "I want slaves with proven criminal records,"
The main reason Arthur was so fixated on Enric was simple, his wide collection and information network. Unlike most slave traders who didn't care about a slave's past, Enric knew everything. He knew exactly where each slave came from, how they ended up in his possession, and all the details in between.
That's what made him the most in-demand trader.
And, even though Arthur had made up his mind to bring down Volford in any way possible, there were still lines he couldn't bring himself to cross.
He had lived his life by certain principles, and killing innocent people wasn't something he could nonchalantly do, without any care.
The ideals he had lived his life with, he can't just act they never existed.
So, if he needed sacrificial lamp then, it would only be those who truly deserved it.
Enric threw a sidelong glance back at him, a smirk creeping onto his face. "So, that's why you were so set on dealing with me?" he asked with a chuckle, facing forward again. "What do you need them for? Some kind of investigation or are you planning for dark magic?"
Arthur's eyes narrowed. "Do I have to tell you?"
"Not really. I don't care as long as you keep your word."
"So, do you have those kinds of slaves?"
"Of course," Enric replied. "I Got plenty of them, but don't expect them to be obedient. They're a proud, cocky bunch, so see if you could handle them,"
"Leave that to me."
Suddenly, Enric stopped mid-step, his head turning to one side as he faced a plain stone wall. Arthur looked on, confused, as Enric performed a series of strange hand signs.
Maybe, some security formation.
Soon the wall responded with a low rumble, splitting in half with a loud thud, each segment sliding aside to reveal a hidden entrance.
Darkness shrouded the entrance, but as Enric stepped inside, a series of lights flickered on, illuminating a chamber that left Arthur momentarily speechless.
Enric glanced back with a knowing smirk.
"This is the first level, where I keep nominal and comparatively weaker slaves."
"Oh,"
Without wasting time, they proceeded down a spiral staircase, descending further into the depths
Finally reaching the bottom, they entered a straight corridor, lined on either side were cages that extended as far as Arthur's eyes could see.
To his surprise, the slaves inside were in good condition. Even completely opposite to the stereotype he previously had about the slave traders.
Some lay on comfortable bedding, wrapped in blankets, while others sat, casually munching on snacks.
'They are enjoying this?'
The slaves were of all ages, all types of common races around the nation, like humans, elves but most of the cages were filled with beast folks.
Among them were two young lycanthrope girls with wide, innocent eyes who stared up at Arthur with open curiosity. Despite his hardened resolve, Arthur couldn't help but be charmed by their cuteness.
'They're adorable...'
He thought briefly, but he quickly composed himself before his mind drifted further, following Enric deeper into the row of cages.
After several more steps, Enric stopped in front of seven cages, gesturing with a sweep of his hand. "Here are your special choices. These seven are all convicted criminals,"
Arthur's gaze shifted from one cage to the next, observing the beastmen within.
Muscular, scarred skin, and exuding a raw and murderous energy, they looked every bit like hardened thugs.
Each one sat alone in their cage, but their shared appearance and body language suggested they belonged to the same group.
As Arthur looked over them, one of the beastmen's bloodshot eyes met his, A chill crept down his spine as the beastmen killing intent became evident, making him instinctively take a small step back.
"So, what do you want to do with them?"
Arthur nodded, keeping his gaze locked on the werewolf in the cage.
'Those eyes,'
Despite the snarling rage, Arthur couldn't shake the depths he'd glimpsed in those eyes, a mix of wrath, and grief, there was pain in those eyes.
"What exactly did they do?"
"Burned down entire villages, raped women, and plenty of other similar crimes," Enric replied bluntly.
Arthur stepped closer to the bars of the same cage, studying the slave inside. Just then, thud! the beastmen lunged, slamming against the bars hard enough that his clawed fingers nearly touched Arthur.
"Back off, human bastard!" the beastman barked, his voice dripping with pure hatred. "I'd rather die than be your slave."
Arthur held his ground, unflinching this time, but as he examined the beastman's face, he caught more than just rage.
Again, there indeed is pain beneath his thick cover. The other slaves, while quieter, shared a look that Arthur could only describe as condemnation.
Something about it struck him. What would drive them to such lengths?
Arthur glanced back at Enric. "Why did they target human settlements in the first place?"
"Ah, so you noticed it. Well, such empathy isn't something you could expect from the blood of Volford." Enric paused, his voice growing more serious as he continued.
"They're from Shiland, a remote land on the border of the human nation. Once, it was a peaceful place, home to werewolves and other beastfolk. They lived without need for outsiders, they were more than self-sufficient and untroubled."
Enric sighed a trace of contempt in his tone. "Shiland held rich mana ore deposits and oil reserves. And humans… you know how it goes from here, right?"
It was absolute silence for a while, as Arthur continued to stare at them while contemplating his decision before he finally spoke,
"How much for all of them?"
"So you're taking them, huh? Fine. They would amount to twenty thousand W-Coins."
"W-Coins?" Arthur asked, a bit thrown.
"What, you don't have them? Then too bad. I don't accept anything else,"
W Coins, short for "Coins of Welhemheim", were the universally accepted currency across all nations, making trade smooth between borders.
Also, each nation also had its own local currency. And for the human nation, this was the H Coin, which was mainly used for local transactions.
The exchange rate between these currencies was fixed, with one W Coin valued at 35 H Coins
Taking a small breath, he answered,
"No, I have them,"
☘︎☘︎☘︎☘︎☘︎☘︎☘︎☘︎☘︎
{A/N}
So the last chapter till the vetting is done.
And yes, story might feel slow at this point but please wait for couple of more chapters guys it will pick the pace.
And yes, the most awaited summoning will be in upcoming chapters.
Please leave some comments while reading, reading your opinion makes me feel more motivated to write and produce extra chapters.
Okay, So peace out!!!