第７掘：善意で人を助けるのが本音です！！ 嘘だがな！！ (Part1)
Two women huddled together on a makeshift bed, their eyes fixed on me.
Huh? Why were they sharing a bed?
Ah, the princess must have gone to the maid.
There was no way I could be brought here and calmly recuperate.
Well, it could be the other way around, the maid going to the princess, but realistically, both her legs were broken. If she actually went, it would be praiseworthy, but seeing it at night would be horrifying.
"Orielle, don't push yourself. Any further..."
"No, I will stay by your side until my life ends..."
Okay, it was the horror route.
"Alright, alright, listen to me. I can heal you two, but you have to agree to certain conditions."
"Don't be ridiculous! Do you know who you're talking to? This..."
"Wait, Orielle... May we hear your story first? Why didn't you try to force us into submission?"
Hmm, she seems to have some capacity for thought.
What? Why wouldn't I try to force them into submission and make a fortune from slaves?
Should I give a simple answer? Slaves are unacceptable to Japanese people!
As if you'd believe that.
In other light novels or manga, the kindness of Japanese people or the protagonist's unique traits would be okay.
"I'm sorry to answer a question with a question, but what's the benefit of subjugating you as a slave?"
The problem here is "slavery."
She... the princess, looked confused, as if she didn't understand what I was saying.
"Uh... well, labor, and, um, illicit acts..."
Including the latter, that's the benefit of "slavery," the "coercive" aspect.
Slavery existed on Earth too. That means it has some utility.
But only some. Currently, on Earth, "slavery" is not openly recognized.
Is it because it's inhumane?
Don't be ridiculous. You're not asking for the superficial reason, are you?
The overall efficiency is too poor.
In a specific, short-term sense, it might be efficient, but that can be achieved by paying people and gathering them.
"Rebellion," "riots," "stagnation of technological development."
There are countless downsides. Yes, humanity on Earth realized this.
Even on Earth, there are countless instances of people being treated like "slaves" behind the scenes.
Is that not true? Don't be an idiot. There are still many countries engaged in civil wars.
Isn't that slavery? Hmm, then wouldn't it be enough to peacefully replace the country and its leaders?
Just like how Japan frequently replaces its leaders now.
Even then, it doesn't improve, it doesn't stop, it can't be stopped.
There are such countries.
But they would never openly advocate for "slavery." Doing so would make them enemies of all nations in the global information society.
This is getting long. My true intention is that even if I used a "slave" system, it would not be suitable for dungeon management in the long term, even if it were good in the short term.
"Hmm, you think it's best to force them to work using "slaves"?"
"Yes."
...Is she a princess? Is her head in the clouds?
"Then, is the person next to you your slave? Were everyone in the town or village you came from slaves?"
"Of course not!! I trust Orielle!! I would never do anything to demean her by calling her a slave!!"
"That's strange. If you can make her a slave, you don't need trust."
"I don't want that..."
She trailed off, and understanding dawned in her eyes.
"You want to trust us... or rather, you have to trust us, don't you?"
"That's right. You can refuse. It's not like "slavery," there's no coercion. However, I have my own circumstances. I don't need "slaves," but I do need trustworthy individuals."
"In that case, please treat Orielle so that we can "trust" you."
"Don't be silly. There's no guarantee that Orielle, or whoever she is, won't attack me the moment she's healed."
Besides, healing someone who glares at me as an enemy without any guarantee would require either exceptional skill or utter foolishness.
Personally, I'd label any protagonist transported to another world who heals someone, no matter how many cheats they have, as an idiot.
"Orielle will guarantee with her life that she will not attack you."
"No, just your guarantee isn't enough. So, please listen to my conditions first."
"...Very well. I haven't heard your conditions yet."
"Then, it's simple. I will use my skill, "Designated Protection," on you two."
"Designated Protection? I've never heard of such a skill."
"Its effects are: "Ensuring safety," "Inability to move outside designated areas," and "Prohibition of acts that harm others." There are many more details, but that's what it entails for you. It's not like the restrictions of "slavery" where you're forced to obey."
"Even without coercion, it's like being a prisoner. There must be more to it than this. This only guarantees your safety. From what you said earlier, I assume you have some objective?"
"Oh, I thought you were just an ornamental princess, but you're actually thinking about things. I'm impressed."
"Yes. Even having been reduced to a "slave," I will do my utmost to protect Orielle, who has followed me even when I lost hope."
"My condition is that you cooperate with me. I can't tell you the detailed reason, but I need information about this continent. I assume you were of high social standing, so I'd like you to lend me your knowledge. I won't ask for it for free. Depending on your future cooperation, I will consider releasing you and sending you back to your country."
"Understood. We accept your conditions. Orielle, is that alright?"
"...If Lady Elju says so."
"OK. Then, I'll cast the skill."