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

Chapter 9 - Episode 9: Nobles, Guards, and the Slave, Logan.



Episode 9: Nobles, Guards, and the Slave, Logan.

“Their clothes are different, aren’t they?”

“Huh? Oh… those are the slaves brought by the nobles.”

“I see.”

They’re wearing clothes that are much better than the shabby ones worn by the slaves here. I asked the tipsy Morga about it, and apparently, not only slaves from here are brought in, but also those brought in due to debt, those who come as a test of courage, and those who fight for money.

“Look, those are special ones, so it’s good to remember.”

Although they’re dressed in commoner’s clothes, their heads are hidden by helmets… There’s something subtly different about them… I wonder what it is?

“Probably nobles without money or those who came for a test of strength. If you look closely, they’re not dirty with sweat, and their nails and necks are clean, right?”

“Oh, Morga-san, you have a good eye!”

“Right? Hey, two more drinks!”

I’ve learned a lot from observing. Basically, it’s the slaves who fight, and although many of ours are slaves, there are also slave traders and nobles who come to make their subordinates fight. Some leave if they win, but some are brought up to the audience seats and made to drink. If they lose, they’re pelted with leftovers and bones or showered with insults. Or they die.

―――I still feel sick to my stomach.

“Um, I’d like to go see where the slaves are managed.”

“Hmm, then go ahead and do as you like.”

Morga-san, who started drinking, is already red-faced. Has the tour of the gambling den ended here? Perhaps he thinks there’s no need to guide me anymore, as he looks comfortably drunk. Drinking half-asleep and enjoying himself, but interrupting a drunk like this is too dangerous.

“Morga-san?”

“I’m… here… right here…! Don’t be a coward!! Fight!!!! Uh, hiccup.”

“Understood.”

The guard has transformed into a villain with the power of alcohol. I can’t help but think he’s neglecting his duties, but stopping him might invite violence towards us… Well, since I was told I could watch as I pleased, I flee to the area for involved parties. There was a different big brother there, who wasn’t like the one who had beaten me up before.

“Oh, it’s you, Frim?”

“Big brother, hello.”

“Isn’t Pakis with you?”

“I’m currently working by Boss’ side.”

A narrow-eyed, friendly older brother. I think his name was Rad, but I’m not sure, and I don’t want to get punched again, so I’ll just call him Big Brother. Even if I say I’m working by Boss’ side, it’s possible he won’t do anything, but I can’t let my guard down. After all, everyone here is a thug with weapons.

“Father’s?! Well, your water was good, so… So, what are you doing?”

“Boss asked if there was anything new for the gambling den, so I came here to observe.”

“Ah, Father only likes old-fashioned bets… Are you alone?”

“No, Morga-san was with me, but he got drunk and fell asleep… I was told I could go see the place where the slaves are.”

“I see, so that means you have permission, right? Be careful, though. You might get bitten or something?”

“I’ll be careful.”

What do you mean, bitten?! I want to ask, but he might just be teasing and threatening me, so I enter and proceed… I immediately understand.

“Grrrrrr”

“What are you looking at, kid!!!”

“Hiss!”

“Go die!”

“My finger!! My finger!!??”

“Shut up!! Don’t scream over a finger, you rookie!”

Bloody and sweaty, the rough-looking slaves are in the cages. If I get too close, I might be killed easily. The floor is stained with blood, and the smell of rusted iron and excrement makes it clear how unsanitary it is. Sleeping here with wounds wouldn’t be good. Injured beastmen bare their teeth and intimidate, while other slaves direct malice and hostility towards us. Some stare vacantly at us, while others don’t seem to care.

They’re alive, they have emotions, and they’re supposed to be the same as humans, but they’re not treated as such.

Just a few meters away, the eyes of the people on the other side of the cages are truly frightening, and I retreat to the opposite wall of the cage…

“Are you lost?”

“Huh?!”

There was someone behind me. A balding slave man with many visible scars, probably around 60 years old? Developed muscles can be seen through gaps in his clothes, and he’s tall enough to spar with the giant Morga. He also has a collar, indicating he’s a slave, but his clothes are better than the other slaves’.

“Uh, um, well…”

“Please calm down. I won’t do anything to hurt you, Miss.”

Upon closer inspection, unlike the slaves outside, this person didn’t have a wild look in their eyes. He seemed rational, with a visible intent of “I’d prefer you not to cry if possible.”

But fear is fear, and when considering the beating she had received from Pakis, she found herself at a loss for what choices to make, feeling like crying.

“I am Frim!”

“I am the overseer here. My name is Logan. Thank you very much for your courtesy.”

Her voice trembled embarrassingly, but Logan’s polite response almost made her cry. She knew crying wouldn’t improve the situation. Anyway, manners were important. She took a deep breath and spoke properly.

“Um, if you have a moment, may I have a word with you? I’ve come on behalf of Boss Dugga.”

“You? Alone?”

“I had Morga as my escort, but he got drunk and said I could go freely.”

“I see. Please, come this way.”

She was invited to a simple desk nearby. It wasn’t varnished or anything, it was damaged… there were traces of blood soaked in places. Logan pulled out a chair for her to sit, and instead of taking the chair opposite her, he sat on the floor.

“What can I do for you?”

―――As he sat there,him being treated like a slave, sitting on the floor, she couldn’t help but feel unbearably sad… and this time tears spilled from her eyes.


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