Even if my only strength is water magic, having modern knowledge should be sufficient, right?

Episode 10: Inhumane Proposal to Improve Slave Treatment

With tears streaming down, Logan seems flustered.

It’s quite surprising when a child suddenly starts crying… I noticed it might not be good for his position as a slave to be seen as the cause, so I quickly wiped away my tears with my sleeve.

“I’m sorry!”

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine!! I have a request for you, Logan!”

“What is it?”

“―――Please teach me the norms here.”

Logan politely informed me about slaves. Not only slaves fight in the arena, but it’s often the case. Some become slaves due to war, debt, or crimes. Since auctions are held here, strong slaves are sometimes sought after. Injuries are treated with what can barely be called treatment. Hearing and seeing all this… it’s truly appalling. Well, in my standards, at least. But here, it seems normal. Basically, slaves have no freedom, sleep on stone floors, eat leftovers and meager meals. Many die from illness. The facilities themselves are filthy, with tools hanging on the walls for punishment at any time. While starvation to death doesn’t happen here often, it’s done to those who resist as a warning.

“……”

“Get out!”

They intimidate me, but they listen to Logan. Even I, a small child to them, am a subject of caution.

―――Am I suitable to be a leader? Should I not whip myself? Should I flatter? Why is a child like me here? Anger towards everything, hoping for some kindness… such stares pierce through me. It may be paranoia, but it feels like they can read my thoughts. My stomach hurts, and I feel so sad, on the verge of tears.

“Thank you for today.”

“No problem, if I’ve been of help.”

Though Logan looks concerned, his distance, not ordered, makes me more determined.

I can’t save all the slaves here. Alone and powerless, causing a ruckus won’t achieve much. Still, I hold the ticket to save them even a bit. It’s a new gamble ordered by Boss. Dozens of ideas come to mind immediately, but I must present useful ones that won’t draw attention to me, yet will be ordered repeatedly. And if it can save the lives of slaves, that would be ideal. By the time I return to Boss’ room, my thoughts are sorted out.

“Oh, Frim… have you thought of something?”

“I have!”

“Let’s hear it.”

Not recognizing slaves as humans, my proposal will hurt people and likely lead to deaths. …I know it’s the worst, but it’s still a way to help them even a little.

“…Is that interesting?”

“Not at all?”

“I don’t really understand… what do you guys think?”

“It’s okay, isn’t it?”

“I have no idea.”

“Isn’t it good if slaves don’t die?”

“I must have been an idiot to ask you guys. Frim, explain it again.”

I suggested a boxing-style fight, without fancy gloves, just fists wrapped in cloth, with breaks in between. While gambling is rare in Japan, there are various forms overseas. In the current environment, betting only on one side’s victory is a waste. Of course, it’s fine to bet straightforwardly as usual, but if divided into nine rounds, the bets could change. For example, betting on “victory within 3 rounds” or “conclusion by the 5th round” would create new betting options, increasing the money to be won and providing new choices for those who enjoy gambling, rather than just wanting money, encouraging them to take a closer look at the slaves. If it ends in a draw after fighting through, it could be disguised as a match not concluded, leading to a rematch!

“It’s complex, but interesting. It wasn’t good that slaves just died easily… It’s a good idea! Well done!”

Boss’ large hand patted me roughly. While my safety was somewhat assured, it still feels disgusting to be praised for such a proposal.

―――Still, it’s better than killing each other with weapons.

“Anything else?”

“I also want to clean up the entire gambling den and give the slaves a slightly better life.”

“Cleaning?”

“Yeah, I think people prefer to be in comfortable places. The floor below was really smelly with sweat, blood, and alcohol. I ended up vomiting.”

“Ah… well, that’s true, I’ve been thinking the gambling den is pretty nasty. But, do the slaves really need a better life?”

Did I go too far with my sudden interjection? I was a bit scared, but even so, I didn’t sense any reprimand from Boss about helping the slaves. It seemed like a genuine question.

“Strong slaves are easier to sell, right? It’s not interesting to watch a bunch of weaklings with no power.”

Using slightly forceful words, I persuaded Boss, using the kind of words Morga would likely say.

“Got it, you can handle the cleaning and preparation for the new bets in your free time.”

“Yes!”

Though I got permission from Boss, when asked about Morga and answered honestly, it seemed to anger him, and he stormed off to the gambling den… Oh dear…