NOVEL NEXT Beginning
The sun had just risen, and already the village was abuzz with activity. I watched as adventurers moved about the shops and inns, all getting ready to dive into the local dungeon. It had been a few months since I had awakened in this world, with only faint memories of my previous life. I had no idea who I used to be or why I was here. Not that I cared. I had taken to this world naturally; heck, I even really liked it. I had grinded levels in the grasslands nearby and eventually made it to Level 5, the minimum level for a dungeon delve. That's where the real rewards were to be gained. Of course, it would be easier with a party. Finding members for a party wasn't easy, especially for someone who isn't native to this world. Luckily, this world offers alternative means of recruitment.
I shifted the pouch of silver around in my hand. 1000 pieces—not a grand fortune, but more than the average day laborer would make in a year. Just a single silver piece covered months of rent at the small apartment I had found.
"Sir. The mistress will see you now." Came a voice. I looked up to see a slender elf girl. Her clothes were fancy, but also revealing. The most obvious feature was the metal collar around her neck.
"Lead the way," I said as I got up and followed her. She led me into the back of the storefront and into the office. Knocking twice on the door, she waited.
"Enter." There was a voice inside. She opened the door and ushered me in. "The customer, as requested, mistress."
The woman behind the desk nodded. "Very good, you may go." The elf nodded and left. The woman behind the desk stood. She was tall, with long black hair. She wore an elegant, flowing dress. She held out her hand, and I shook it. "Larisa Marvain," she said.
"Kiron. At least that's the name I've been using." I respond. She nods and gestures to the chair opposite her desk. "So, Kiron, I take it to you here about a slave?" She asks.
"Yes. I think I could use one to assist in my travels."
"Of course! We have plenty of strong fighters to choose from! Humans, Elves, Dwarfs, Gnomes, Oni-kin, and other demi-humans. There are plenty of powerful warriors. Men trained as knights even."
"I... see..."
Larisa smirked. "Ah, but of course. A young man such as yourself." She chuckled. "Yes, I have plenty of strong girls too. And I'm sure you can find great use for them as well."
I glanced away, embarrassed to be called out like that, but she wasn't wrong. "Your people's reading skills are impressive," I say. "But yes. I'm looking for a female slave."
"Of course! Thinking of a certain price range?" She asked.
"About 800 silver... a bit more if needed. But I'd like to not spend a whole budget on one slave."
"Understandable. I believe I have some solid options in that price range. Shall we go see them?"
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The cages were kept in a large warehouse-like building. Organized in rows, based on abilities, species, and gender. Some were in better shape than others, but all seemed healthy enough, at least. "As you can see, the slaves are well treated. Disciplined, and punished if need be. But I don't let anyone stay sick or die. It's bad business to do that. And most accept their fate here." Larisa spoke as she guided me through the warehouse: "I'm sure whoever you choose, they shall be obedient."
"Good. I don't have the place or the means to train one from scratch right now," I say, looking at the cages. The girls all seemed lovely. And each is so different, and many are expensive. A few were in the range he had given, though. The first is a gnome. Rarer in these parts. She must have come from a neighboring area. She was pretty, but with her size and the rarity of her people in this area, maybe she was not ideal for a first slave. Even though her info plaque marked her as 22... next to an elf. She was in the higher range of the budget, and like all elves, she was absolutely beautiful. Slender frame, and long silver hair. But there was a fire in her blue eyes. It seemed she hadn't yet been tamed. "Cyla here is newly acquired. She's only been with us for about a week." Larisa. Cyla looked away. "I'm sure her attitude will straighten out in time."
I stroked my chin. She was expensive and possibly not tamed. With just the apartment right now, "possibly in the future, if she's still here, I'll come back. But I want a more obedient one for now."
"Of course." Larisa led the way towards the next set. But as we left, I almost swore I saw the elf pout. Had being rejected offended her? Something to keep in mind when I come back.
The next one is a demi-human catgirl. She was normal-sized, slender, and had black hair down to her shoulders. She looked out with brilliant green eyes. Her plaque listed her as 19, and a decent price too. She sat quietly peering out, watching my movements. "Aya, this is perfect for your needs, I believe. She has no obedience issues, not common in nekotype demi-humans; she is a decent hand-to-hand fighter with her claws; and she hasn't had many masters, so while not a virgin, she hasn't been with many either."
Again, I stroked my chin. "Then... why the low price?"
"Ah. An excellent question. Aya here hasn't sold in the last year. Nekotype seems to be in low demand as a pleasure company. And many see her as too small to be a fighter. But I assure you, she will serve you well."
Cat girl... in low demand? I may not remember much from my old life, but I was certain there was a desire for exactly this. "Hmm..." I look her over in the cage. When I saw her eyes, I saw quiet anticipation. She wanted to leap forward and be noticed. I couldn't sense anything but eagerness from the way she sat. It's been a boring year. "Ok. I think I'll take this one."
"Splendid!" Larisa put a sign over her plaque and led me back towards the office. "Shall we fill out her paperwork? Or care to browse for more?" She asked.
"Paperwork... I want to stick with one for now. But if it goes well, I'll be back."
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Aya sat still in the cage as the customer looked her over. She blew the last sale by getting desperate. Not this time! She sat quietly like a good pet, her body tense to move and to greet! She was focusing so hard that she wasn't listening to her dealer and the customer talk. Then the dealer's tone changed. It was happy. What happened? She saw the dealer hang a sign on Aya's ID plaque. No.... no...! She sprang forward as they left. Don't raise your hopes. Your price was lowered. Yeah, that's all. Don't expect it to. Her eyes widened, and she teared up a little. Sold—it actually said sold! She couldn't help but let out a tiny purr. Then she shook her head and steadied her resolve. Before long, handlers would be dispatched to collect her and prep her. Then she met her new master. She clenched her fist in excitement. She was going to have a home! Maybe another cage, but a home nonetheless! No more seeing customers walk by and refuse her; she was wanted!
