NOVEL NEXT Chapter 33
Chapter 33
The day after the merchants of the 69th floor returned from the 70th floor, a significant upheaval was happening in the Demon World’s marketplace.
“Wow, hold on… Bennet, where did you get these items!?”
This was Wayne’s reaction upon seeing the weapons Bennet displayed in the marketplace. Bennet smirked and replied to his long-time acquaintance.
“Well, you should have challenged it yesterday, Wayne.”
“…Don’t tell me all of this is stuff you brought back from the 70th floor!? No, I’ve never seen such high-quality swords before! I can’t believe it could be this good…”
It wasn’t just the swords. The same was true for the spears, as well as the armor and helmets, which had a visibly superior quality compared to those of the Demon World. Wayne continued to express his admiration and, with sparkling eyes, spoke to Bennet.
“Can’t you supply me with just a little? I’ll pay you double the cost!”
“Whoa, double?”
“Yeah!”
Bennet chuckled. If Wayne had stayed back yesterday, he could have sold these fantastic items alongside him. Unfortunately, that fate had diverged.
“Sorry.”
“Come on, just a little…!”
“Of course, I’d love to give you some, but just look at this.”
Bennet handed Wayne a document. It was the contract that Demon King Citri had personally written the day before. As Wayne followed Bennet’s finger pointing at a line in the contract, he read the terms.
“…Exclusivity!? And it strictly prohibits selling from other merchants?”
“Exactly, it says you must have exclusivity. Although it’s for three years, you know that’s not a short time, right?”
“What!? Exclusivity for such good items!? Ugh…”
Wayne seemed to have already completed his calculations as he grasped the potential enormous profits Bennet and the merchants who had remained on the 70th floor would earn. He regretted his choice immensely.
Bennet watched him chuckle and threw out a comment.
“That’s unfortunate, Wayne.”
With that said, Bennet stepped deeper into the upper building. He hadn’t shown Wayne, but the items he brought back from the 70th floor were not just weapons.
“How’s the work going?”
“It’s progressing well.”
Ten humans stood weakly with their hands bound to a chain connected to the ceiling. Behind them, two Incubi were kissing the backs of their necks.
These were the Succubus and Incubus races, known for their specialties in seducing people and manipulating minds through magic. The Succubus kissed the necks of the men, while the Incubus kissed those of the women, instilling brainwashing magic.
“Is everything fine?”
“Yes, everyone is in a lowered state of magical resistance due to the curse, so the brainwashing is going smoothly. Once the work is completed, they will perceive the demons they recognize as their masters and will treat them like gods.”
“Excellent. If you meet the deadline, I would reward you handsomely.”
“Thank you, Sir Merchant.”
Bennet made a plan with the other merchants who were supposed to handle the slave trade yesterday. There were only ten slaves each, but combined, they amounted to fifty. So, instead of selling these slaves separately, they intended to put them on one stage and sell them through an auction.
This way, it wouldn’t pose a problem even if there were issues with the supply later. Since it was an auction, they could hold it periodically whenever they had stock available, instead of a steady distribution sale.
Bennet called for his secretary, and a small green-skinned goblin in a suit rushed in.
“You called for me, Sir Bennet.”
He was a goblin, but uniquely, he was an exceptionally clever one that Bennet had picked up and raised.
“Beck, spread the rumor. The slave market will open soon.”
“Understood. Which floors should I spread it on?”
“Throughout the Demon World. Especially focus on the upper floors.”
“…Are you sure about that?”
“They’d be quite welcoming of it.”
Bennet spoke with the sharp gaze unique to merchants.
“People in high places are always thirsty for new toys.”
—
“Nahun.”
In the 72nd floor’s Demon King Castle, Nahun’s office had Cain bringing a letter.
“What is it?”
“It’s a message from someone named Bennet.”
“Oh, it seems like it’s about time.”
Nahun took the letter from Cain and immediately tore it open. After reading the contents, Nahun smiled.
“Is it about sales status?”
“Somewhat, but it seems they’ve come up with an interesting idea.”
“Do they dare to challenge us?”
As Cain stared with wide eyes, Nahun gestured dismissively.
“…Not quite, they have a rather interesting method for selling slaves.”
“Excuse?”
“They suggest we come to observe later… Hmm, it might be a good idea to take them with us to stimulate their awareness.”
“What do you mean by that…?”
“They claim they’re going to hold a slave auction.”
“…An auction?”
“It’s not a bad method since we cannot provide a consistent supply of slaves.”
Nahun recalled Bennet, who devised this scheme, and smiled in satisfaction.
“So you’re saying you’re bringing someone to the slave market…”
As Cain was questioning Nahun, he suddenly thought of something and widened his eyes in realization, asking anxiously,
“Are you planning to bring those humans?”
“Wouldn’t it awaken their awareness as well? It should be fine.”
“That’s not a bad idea, but… what if they escape?”
“Escape? Hah.”
At that moment, Nahun chuckled lightly and shone a chilling gaze.
“From me?”
“…I misspoke. It was a foolish question.”
Cain bowed slightly.
“I will prepare it.”
“Thank you.”
—
Eri and Dein were feeling a bit anxious. They had been locked away in their room to study when, for some reason, Nahun decided to take them somewhere today.
Eri and Dein exchanged glances, only to see Nahun carrying a little child. They had already heard about the child’s identity, but they honestly found it hard to believe.
‘Is that the Demon King…?’
No matter how they looked at it, the child seemed like just a cute little girl. Watching her smile brightly with excitement about going out, they secretly wanted to embrace her because she looked so adorable.
“Nahun.”
“Hmm?”
“Where are we going?”
They had already taken the portal twice. Nahun briefly answered Eri’s question.
“I’m going to show you what would have happened if you had turned down my offer.”
“…What?”
“Be sure to follow closely so you don’t get lost. Don’t even think about escaping; after all, there’s no place here that welcomes you.”
After giving a brief warning, Nahun continued to head somewhere. Although Eri and Dein felt a bit uneasy about his words, they also thought there would be no problem as long as they were with Nahun.
“L-let’s go together!”
After about an hour following Nahun, they arrived at the site of a massive merchant organization.
“Wow—so huge!”
Seere opened her mouth in awe at the scale of the organization, while Eri and Dein were equally captivated. Countless items lay scattered throughout, many of which could not be seen in the human world.
‘Magic tools, huh?’
There were numerous advanced magical artifacts that were hard to find in the human world. While humans had developed weapon manufacturing due to their inability to use magic, the demon races had naturally seen advancements in creating magical tools since they could freely use magic.
Dein was also impressed, but Eri, being a magician, sparkled her eyes the most. Nahun glanced at Eri and asked her.
“Do you want one?”
“…What?”
“I believe you’re a magician. If it would help you study, you can pick one.”
“R-really!?”
Upon hearing that she might receive something, Seere, who was nestled in Nahun’s arms, suddenly glared at Eri. The ferocious gleam in the little girl’s eyes made Eri flinch.
‘W-what…?’
Then Nahun gently patted Seere’s head.
“Do you want to choose one as well, Seere?”
“Can I?!”
“Of course.”
“Yay~♪.”
As if forgetting to glare at Eri, Seere’s face brightened, and she began to inspect the magical tools in Nahun’s embrace.
Eri quietly whispered to Dein.
“W-well, the Demon King is indeed…”
“…Either way, since he’s going to buy us something, hurry up and choose. What if your mind changes?”
“Ah, right.”
While Seere and Eri were browsing and selecting magical tools, a man approached Nahun. Upon seeing him, Nahun smiled brightly.
“It’s been a while, Bennet.”
“I’m glad to see you have been well…”
Bennet tried to bow his head respectfully but noticed Seere in Nahun’s arms and changed his demeanor.
“Your Majesty, Seere von Debata, have you been well?”
“Uh, yes!”
“Have you been well, Sir Nahun?”
“Yes, thanks to you, I’ve come all the way to the 69th floor.”
Originally, it was challenging for Seere, the Demon King of another floor, and Nahun, her core figure, to step into someone else’s floor, especially the 69th floor that kept a watchful eye on them; however, thanks to Bennet supporting them, they could reach the 69th floor without any hindrance.
He was already a merchant leading a large organization in the 69th floor. Especially with the recent prosperous sales of magical weapons obtained through trade with Nahun, his business had grown even larger.
“When does it start?”
“It’s actually about to start soon. That’s why I came to escort you.”
“Is that so?”
Nahun turned to Eri.
“Eri, hurry up and choose.”
“Yes, yes! I’m done!”
Eri chose none other than a magical artifact that stored magical power.
Unlike the demon races, who rely on their natural magical power to use magic, human magicians depend on magical tools with stored magical power to perform a modified version of magic called ‘magical arts.’ Representative items include staffs or rods, the kinds of weapons most commonly associated with magicians.
Therefore, artifacts capable of storing magical power extracted from other beings or nature were crucial for magicians. Seeing Eri pick something she needed, Nahun nodded.
“Is one enough?”
“Pardon?”
“Since human magicians can’t generate their magical power, I’m asking how much you need.”
“…!”
Seeing Eri’s expression as if asking how he knew, Nahun didn’t provide her with an answer. Instead, he turned to Bennet and asked,
“How many of those do you have in stock?”
“Approximately fifty or so. However, Sir Nahun, concerning them…”
“Bennet.”
Nahun’s golden eyes focused on Bennet.
“That’s not your concern.”
“…I spoke carelessly.”
“More importantly, give me all fifty.”
“Excuse?”
“I will pay the price.”
Bennet’s eyes widened in surprise before he nodded.
“Should I send them to the 72nd floor?”
“Yes.”
“I will settle the payment there.”
“Do as you please. Also, include this in the payment.”
Nahun pointed to the necklace that Seere had now picked up. It was not an ordinary necklace but a magical tool with protective magic, and its appearance also seemed carefully crafted as it sparkled.
“Shiny!”
It seemed the glimmering catchment drew Seere’s attention. Bennet observed her for a moment and smiled, saying,
“I’ll give this as a bonus since you purchased so much.”
“Then I gratefully accept it.”
“Now, please follow me. The start will be soon.”
As Nahun moved with Bennet, Eri and Dein diligently followed. Eri whispered to Dein.
“…Maybe, just maybe…”
“…Yeah?”
“Perhaps he really might be someone who will take care of us.”
“…I guess.”
Seeing him immediately buying artifacts without hesitation to help Eri, they could visually grasp how determined Nahun was about supporting them. A thought even crossed their minds that perhaps he wasn’t such a bad person after all.
And that thought was shattered precisely three minutes later.
“…”
“…”
Dein and Eri, following Nahun into an unusually dark place, were horrified.
In a dimly lit theater-like venue, only the stage was illuminated. And on that stage, there were people. Not people in a personified sense, but actual ‘humans.’
“Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for your patience! The item we are introducing this time is a slave prepared for pleasure! Look at these gem-like eyes and beautiful figure. Doesn’t it stir the hearts of men? Completely branded to insure against any rebellion to the master, this is a very obedient slave. The starting bid will be five gold coins!”
Dein and Eri weren’t fools. This place was undoubtedly a slave market where humans were sold into slavery. Those displayed were adventurers who had been captured, just like them.
“Oh, it seems to have started already.”
“That’s unfortunate. But it seems like it’s still early.”
“True. Now, let’s move to the VIP seating.”
“Eri, Dein. Follow me.”
And the reason Nahun brought them here. Neither of them were foolish enough not to grasp the meaning behind it.
‘This is…’
‘Anyone could tell…’
It was a warning. A warning that if they didn’t put in the effort, they could easily end up like that.
The auction, which had just begun at five gold coins, quickly soared to a final bid of seventy gold coins for the beautiful adventurer, who was then sold to the demons.
“Ugh…!”
Eri, imagining herself up on that stage, squeezed her eyes shut. Dein approached Nahun, dragging Eri along. Observing their expressions, Nahun pointed to the seats.
“Sit and watch.”
“…Understood.”
Generally, slaves started at the base price of one gold coin. This was because Nahun had already pre-classified suitable humans among them, leaving no faulty products.
The demon races participating in the auction understood that one gold coin was the base price, having seen the quality of the items presented. Bennet proudly gestured towards the auction site for Nahun and said,
“What do you think? I believe this way, even if there are supply issues, it won’t be a problem.”
“Excellent. You’ve thought well, Bennet.”
“Thank you.”
Seere, finding this situation simply fascinating, stared at the auction with her mouth slightly agape. Then she suddenly glanced over at Eri and Dein. She asked Nahun,
“Teacher.”
“Yeah?”
“Why aren’t those humans being sold?”
To Seere’s eyes, there was no difference between the slaves being sold in the auction and Dein and Eri here, as they were all humans.
Although her voice was pure, Dein and Eri couldn’t help but shudder. This child was the Demon King. Even though Nahun had his eyes set on making her his subordinate, a demon king’s will would always come before his words.
Nahun chuckled softly at Seere’s question and replied.
“For the future.”
“Pardon?”
“One day, Seere, when you grow up, your subordinates will need to serve you. Even though they adhere to my words now, when you grow up and begin giving your orders, there won’t be much time left for them to heed mine.”
Nahun gently patted Seere’s head.
“However, for me to guide you properly, I will need my own hands and feet. That’s why I raise them. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
Nodding affirmative.
As Seere acknowledged her understanding, Nahun beamed a warm smile. Just then, the stage became noisy.
“I will… not submit, you demon scum!!”
For some reason, despite undergoing the brainwashing process, the man was retaining his senses. Bennet slammed the railing in surprise.
“Oh no, did the succubi not do their work properly!?”
“It doesn’t seem like it’s that.”
“Excuse?”
“That guy, he’s an AAA-class adventurer. He’s on par with seasoned knights, and his class… is Crusader.”
This was Joseph Rosenbach, who had been captured after losing to Baruna. As a holy knight, he possessed divine power, granting him resistance to the demon’s brainwashing magic, coupled with the mental strength of an AAA-class adventurer.
However, Nahun signaled Bennet to not worry.
“Don’t be concerned. He will quiet down shortly.”
“Ah… that’s what you meant?”
“Right.”
Joseph broke free of the chains binding him with tremendous strength, causing a commotion in the auction arena. He swung the chain he had freed himself with at the auction host beside him.
And at that moment.
“Gah, cough…!!!”
Joseph suddenly clutched his chest and collapsed. Blood spewed forth from his mouth in a dark red stream. After a moment of pouring blood, Joseph fell forward with a thud.
Nahun surprisingly allowed Seere to witness the scene without intervention.
‘There’s no way she’d be scared of blood.’
Though still a child, Seere was a Demon King. Her inherent nature was different. Naturally, she was watching without a flinch at the sight of a human, not merely different from them but an enemy, spitting blood.
“Y-yes, there was a slight commotion. As you can see, if a slave attempts to harm us, their hearts burst and they die. So, I would like to assure you that you need not worry about a slave harming you.”
At the host’s words, some seemed to feel at ease, while others observing Joseph showed their disappointment.
“He seemed like a valuable item.”
“What a pity.”
Dein and Eri petrified in shock. Had they declined Nahun’s offer, they would have found themselves on that stage…
“Dein, Eri.”
Nahun called them. He then casually threw out a question.
“Do you regret having taken my hand?”
“…”
Displaying such a scene, and asking if they regretted their choice was a cruel question. Dein released a sigh filled with hopelessness, responding to Nahun’s inquiry.
“…No. It was the wisest choice of my life.”