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"Th-This is a garment made from Arachne's thread. Spun by the Spider Queen Arachne herself, it's a m-mysterious skein. It possesses such fl-flexibility that even a sword can't cut it."
As they entered his area of expertise, Roperman excitedly explained his collections. I nodded along, taking in my surroundings.
The building had a three-story structure.
The corridors were packed with paintings, and the entire third floor was an arcade. Glass cases containing artworks lined the pathways.
While I prided myself on knowing the value of slaves better than anyone, I was a complete novice when it came to art. Yet even to my untrained eye, these pieces radiated an unmistakable aura of extravagance.
"Ah, this one. This was also incredibly difficult to acquire. It's said to be the helmet worn by the ancient warrior Ragnar. They say even a c-coward becomes a valiant warrior when wearing it."
"Have you tested it?"
Roperman responded in a resolute tone.
"Tsk tsk, the Reaper doesn't understand. One d-doesn't casually use such rare artifacts."
"Hmm, I suppose you're right. One wrong move and you might damage the legend and mystique surrounding the relic."
"P-Precisely. Artifacts should be preserved as they are, not used as mere equipment. That's how their true value is maintained."
"I believe I understand the feeling. Sometimes I have slaves I'm reluctant to touch. I leave them in their pure state, fearing I might ruin their beauty if I lay a finger."
This time, Roperman nodded with a serious expression.
"Hmm, I c-can relate to that. The Reaper and I seem to understand each other well. I have a feeling we could d-develop a good relationship."
"What a coincidence. I was just thinking the same thing."
It never hurt to have one of these well-connected types around.
Of course, I would toss him aside once I had squeezed him dry.
"Hahahaha."
"Ho-hohohoho."
By now, we had nearly completed our tour from the first to the third floor.
"That's about the extent of my c-collection. There are more precious items, but…"
"It's natural to be hesitant about showing your most prized possessions to outsiders. I completely understand."
"Th-Thank you for understanding. When our relationship deepens further, p-perhaps I'll show you then."
"I look forward to that day."
Thanks to my impeccable social finesse working its magic, Roperman's gaze towards me had changed. He now seemed to view me as a bona fide guest.
With just a bit more effort, we might even become friends. Not that I want that.
"Well then, let's head to the reception room. We need to d-discuss the compensation I promised."
We descended to the second floor where the reception room was located. As a servant opened the door, Roperman entered. I stopped outside, not following him in.
"Wh-Why are you standing there? Aren't you coming in?"
"I'd like to speak with you alone, if that's alright… Miss Alfia, would you mind waiting outside for a moment?"
"H-Huh?"
"What? What are you saying?"
Alfia cried out in surprise, and I gave her a reassuring smile.
"It'll be fine."
"But still…"
"Do you have faith in me?"
"…"
"I have faith in you, Miss Alfia."
Alfia, who had been staring at me blankly, let out a deep sigh that seemed to bore a hole in the floor.
"You… using that line is cheating, you know."
"Haha."
"I'll wait outside, but if anything happens, you better scream, okay? Big sis will break down the door and come running."
"Will do."
I entered the room, leaving Alfia behind, and the door closed behind me.
***
In the reception room, now occupied by just the two of us.
Roperman sipped his tea with visibly tense gestures.
He kept his eyes lowered, occasionally glancing up to observe the man before him. The man who sipped his tea with the poise of a nobleman.
The Slave Reaper, Karami.
Roperman was well aware of his notorious reputation. A slave trader who only buys, never sells. One who disposes of slaves when he tires of them or finds defects, rather than selling them off.
The Slave Reaper, who buys slaves for the thrill of killing them.
Roperman shuddered, feeling a chill run down his spine. He could almost smell the scent of blood. He clutched his warm teacup tightly, trying to calm his nerves.
"R-Reaper, why did you want to speak with me alone? I have b-business with the elf too."
"Before that. Is this room soundproof?"
"…J-Just a moment."
Sensing something ominous was about to unfold, Roperman tapped a crystal on the table. A ripple spread from the crystal, enveloping the room.
"It's a s-soundproofing magic tool. Even an elf w-wouldn't be able to hear us now."
"That's a relief."
Clunk.
Karami, who had been savoring his tea, set down his cup. He crossed his legs and rested his hands on them. His slightly raised chin gave off an air of arrogance, as if he looked down on the entire world.
Even the Lord of Noctar wouldn't dare to act like this in front of him. Roperman swallowed hard, waiting anxiously for Karami to speak.
"Lord Roperman."
"Wh-What is it?"
"Do you want an elf?"
Caught off guard by the blunt question, Roperman spat out his tea.
"Keugh! Wh-What?! What are you suddenly talking about?"
"Let me preface this by saying I dislike beating around the bush."
His tone suggested he had already figured everything out. Roperman's eyes trembled greatly.
Did he want the elf?
Of course he did!
He had even attempted a kidnapping, spending a fortune in hopes of adding an unsullied elf to his collection.
When that failed, Roperman had fallen into a deep depression. He had even lost his appetite, which should explain everything.
Then he discovered Alfia—she was like a bluebird encountered in a lost forest. Her beautiful appearance perfectly matched the fairy tales he had heard until his ears wore out.
Roperman's eyes had rolled back in his head. He wanted to get his hands on her by any means necessary. That's why he had invited the two of them today and made thorough preparations.
He had mercenaries infiltrated somewhere in this room. With just a signal, they would spring into action and subdue the two.
Roperman had been waiting to give the signal, but Karami had beaten him to the punch. How could he not be flustered?
He wondered if Karami was trying to probe his true intentions, but those bottomless black eyes seemed to see through everything. It felt impossible to lie in front of them.
So, he nodded.
"Y-Yes…"
"You're after the slave hunter outside, aren't you?"
"Th-That's right…"
"Hmm…"
As Karami let out a long sigh, Roperman flinched. His plump body hunched over meekly, like a student being scolded by a teacher.
"I understand your desire to possess an elf. I've been there myself. But to forcibly turn a guest elf into part of your collection? I'm deeply disappointed."
"B-But you're a slave trader too, so you must understand! It's an elf! One of the superior races! If you can look at that appearance and not feel desire, then you're not a true collector!"
"Do you think an elf subdued by force would be obedient? An untamed dog is worse than having no dog at all. What value is there in a collection piece you can't proudly display to others?"
"…"
Roperman was left speechless. Karami's words had pierced right through to his core.
While collecting rare items held great meaning in itself, a large part of it was also about the vanity of showing off to others. The admiring gazes, the envious looks.
He couldn't describe how good it felt to receive those. Why else would he have planned to host the Slave Festival to determine the best slave?
But none of that mattered anymore. Regardless of the process or the outcome, he just wanted to get his hands on the elf.
The allure emanating from the elf was enough to drive a person mad.
"I-Isn't there any way? I'm b-begging you."
"Are you asking me to betray my employee?"
"If it's just an employee, then it's even less of an issue! Y-You hired her for money, right? Once the job's done, you'll never see each other again. Just think of today as that day!"
"Hmm…"
Karami appeared to be considering it. Sensing an opening, Roperman pressed on relentlessly.
"If you help me… Yes, that's it. One of the rare items you saw earlier. No, two! I'll give you two! What do you say? You won't get such an incredible offer anywhere else!"
Those items could easily fetch enough money to buy hundreds of slaves if put up for auction.
It was an offer that no slave trader who valued profit above all else could refuse.
Karami pondered with a serious expression. Roperman's mouth had gone dry, unable to produce even a drop of saliva.
A long time passed.
With a bright smile, Karami broke the silence.
"Alright. I accept."
"R-Really?"
"Why wouldn't I when the outcome is so obvious? As it happens, I know that person's weakness, so we should be able to capture her easily without much effort."
Roperman clenched his fist in triumph.
That's right, no matter how much of a 'Reaper' he claims to be, a slave trader is still a slave trader. On the other hand, I'm the head of an entire merchant group.
"I knew we'd see eye to eye! I was worried deep down, but with your help, this plan is guaranteed to succeed!"
"It seems you already had a plan in mind, Lord Roperman. Might I ask what it is? That way, we can devise an even more perfect strategy."
"Of course! Absolutely! We're already in the same boat, after all!"
Unable to contain his excitement, Roperman began to chatter away enthusiastically, with no idea that Karami's smile was masking his true intentions.
***
As time passed, Alfia grew increasingly anxious.
Karami wasn't coming out, and no matter how much she strained her ears, she couldn't hear a thing.
At some point, all sound from beyond the room had completely vanished. It seemed safe to assume the room was soundproofed.
What could they be talking about?
What if… something's happened?
…
Huh?
Why am I worried about that man?
Even if he saved me, he's still the one who made me a slave.
If Karami died, the soul shackles would break too. She could become free and return to the forest.
But my soul is already tainted.
She wondered if returning to the forest even held any meaning at this point. Maybe staying with Karami like this wouldn't be so bad…
…
Huh?
Her thoughts kept drifting in strange directions. Distracting ideas swirled in her mind. This was all Karami's fault for acting on his own and making an elf worry.
Just you wait till you come out. I'll give you a piece of my mind, packed with the essence of elven wisdom.
Creeak.
The door finally opened.
Karami, whom she had been waiting for, emerged.
"Don't move. If you so much as twitch, I'll put a hole in his neck."
But he wasn't alone—a woman who hadn't been there before was with him.
Skin both dark yet pale.
In contrast, snow-white hair and eyes the color of the deep sea.
Her ears were long like Alfia's, marking her as what people commonly called a dark elf. The dark elf had a dagger pressed against Karami's throat.
"Haha, so it's come to this. I never expected you'd have mercenaries hidden inside."
Alfia blinked blankly at the sudden turn of events, while Karami laughed carelessly despite having a blade at his neck.
"Drop your weapon. Unless you want to watch your friend die."
"Uh… Miss Alfia? Sorry, but could you lower your bow?"
After blinking for a long moment, Alfia covered her eyes with her hand.