第１１７掘：噴いた (Part1)
**Chapter 117: Spitting Out**
Spitting out.
**Side: Yuki**
For the time being, the meeting shifted toward trade relations. I left that to Ratz, Eris, Milly, and the others, while those of us without specific tasks stepped out.
"What is it, son? Do you have no business to attend to?"
"What about you, old man? Don't you have anything to do?"
"I’ve left everything to Aria. There isn't anything particular for me to do. After all, this isn't my country."
As expected, the kings of each nation—with one exception—remained in the conference room, watching the progress of the trade negotiations. Seraria was the same.
"So, want to go have a drink?"
"Indeed. Brandy sounds good."
Even though it was past noon, it was still broad daylight. I wondered if it was really okay to be drinking, but since I was the one who invited him, I figured, *well, whatever*, and we started walking.
"Is it really okay for us to be without guards?"
"There isn't a guard around who is stronger than me. If you're going to say that, the same applies to you, doesn't it, son?"
"I suppose you're right. Oh, but I was told to be careful about women."
"Ah, yes, that. I may look withered, though I’m not actually, but you’re still in your prime. It would be a disaster if you ended up fathering children without realizing it."
The King of Roschur hit the nail on the head with ease. I guess I really do need a countermeasure.
"Still, everyone around you, including your concubines, is busy. I can't just assign soldiers to watch you; it's all quite troublesome."
"Tell me about it. Well, I won't find an answer just by thinking about it. It’ll work out somehow. In the worst case, I’ll just hole myself up."
"Well, that is one answer. This, above all else, is a matter of personnel, after all."
He’s right. Anyway, since we were leaving the government building, having guards would be the standard protocol, but I didn't want to make it that complicated. So, we headed to one of the guest rooms inside the building.
"Excuse me, Yuki-san."
"Hm?"
It was Tiffany, one of Eris's subordinates, if I recall correctly.
"Has the meeting finished already?"
"Yeah. By the way, this is the King of Roschur."
I said, pointing my finger at the old man next to me.
"Ahhh!? I—I am terribly sorry!!"
"It is fine. You are working, are you not? I praise your diligence; there is no reason to blame you. Please continue to assist my daughter and son."
"Y—yes!! Thank you very much!!"
Tiffany replied, stiff as a board. It was amusing to watch, but since it was stalling the conversation, I had to move things along.
"So, what is it?"
"Ah, right. As you instructed, regarding the policy for welcoming slave traders—they have actually arrived today."
"Oh, that’s fast. Then, guide them in as planned. I’ll handle the correspondence."
"Eh, are you sure? Did something happen with the King of Roschur?"
"I don't mind, as long as you bring us some brandy and the set."
"You aren't going to stop drinking, are you?"
"There’s no reason to stop."
After that exchange, I had brandy, the full set, and various snacks brought to the guest room, leaving the drinking old man to his own devices. I did report it to Seraria, though. May her soul rest in peace.
Now, regarding the policy for welcoming slave traders.
I had been asked if this went against Weed’s philosophy.
But it was different.
If you sum up the image of a slave in one word, it’s "suffering." No human rights. Treated like an object. That image is prevalent, and in this world, the word "slave" is synonymous with misery.
However, from a different perspective, it is also a relief measure.
Selling one person can save a village. It can feed a family. It can save lives.
This is not necessarily a bad thing.
Rather, the lack of a slave system—leading to villages being destroyed or families starving to death—is the bigger problem.
People might frown at the idea of buying and selling humans, but it is a fact that it can save lives.
Or rather, this is the policy—the rule—that fits this continent.
In modern Japan, there are systems where a minimum standard of living is guaranteed, money is provided, and medical care is easily accessible.
But this continent has no such systems.
There are defense mechanisms for villages provided by knights to maintain the country's face, but they aren't there to save people from poverty.
Looking at the situation in Litea, even the capital has that many refugees. There is no way they can reach the villages.
That is why slave traders can act as a substitute.
It is a near-final resort to turn people into money and save a village without losing lives.
Well, there are plenty of bad sides to it, too.
That is why, on this continent, slavery will never disappear.
No, it might disappear in the distant future, but it won't happen anytime soon.
If so, we should just create a system within the nation of Weed to accept those who have been sold.
If we say "no slave traders allowed," those slaves will just be sold elsewhere and treated according to the laws of those places.
But if we accept slave traders here, the slaves who come here can be saved. We can provide a safer place.
For the merchants, it’s a good place to sell off "useless" slaves, and since this will become the center of trade, it’s not a loss for them to show their faces.
Though, I will certainly subject them to the appropriate screening.
I explained all of this at length, arguing for the necessity of having slave traders in Weed.
The representatives, especially the wives who had experienced slavery themselves, were initially against it, but after hearing my explanation, they agreed.
I have to acknowledge the sale of slaves for adventurers, but I think I can manage it by passing laws that prohibit violence against slaves within Weed.
"Excuse me. Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Not at all. Thank you for accommodating us without prior notice."
The guest room for slave traders on the first floor.
At first glance, it looks like it’s covered by walls, but it’s actually a magic mirror that allows us to observe the room from the inside. It’s for evaluating the slave traders.
For this matter, Eris, who was in the meeting, came, and Kaya and Deryu were also there to help with the assessment.
"However, I didn't expect Advisor Yuki to come and handle this personally..."
"Do you know of me?"
"Yes, I saw your wedding. It was truly magnificent."
"Thank you for that. Now, shall we discuss the matter of the slave trade?"
"Yes, that is why I have come. I heard you were recruiting slave traders here."
"No, it’s not so much recruiting as it is..."
And so, the conversation began.
"I see. So you are accepting slaves from the outside..."