第３６２堀：奴隷選び (Part1)
Dungeon 362: Choosing a Slave
Side: Mauve
The day has finally arrived.
The days you dread the most always have a way of catching up to you, don't they?
I ponder this while staring at the water poured into an elegant glass, sitting on an equally elegant table here in the New Continent.
"Haa..."
"What’s wrong? Not feeling well?"
Nordon asks, looking concerned as I let out a heavy sigh.
"No, it’s just... I heard this place is a purveyor to the royal family..."
I couldn't exactly tell him that I was terrified of being teased for picking out a slave, so I just gave him a plausible excuse.
"Ah, you’re nervous. Don't worry, the shopkeeper is a good person. No need to be so stiff."
If only it were just simple nerves...
Ugh, what kind of slave should I pick to play it safe? Someone, tell me!
"I can more or less understand what you're thinking. But give it up."
"Indeed. You're going to get teased regardless. Wouldn't it be easier to just look for a 'successor' type? That way, you have a clear policy and it's easier to deflect the teasing."
Raiya and Curse seem to be sticking to the strategy they used when they brought Eris and the others here.
If I recall, Raiya was looking for someone skilled in combat, and Curse was looking for someone with high academic potential.
I was the only one who didn't have a plan, which is why Yuki poked fun at me.
Right, I should just decide on a policy like Curse said and pick a slave based on that.
This will work. It’s definitely going to work.
"Thank you for waiting."
The shopkeeper finally arrived, and to my surprise, it’s a woman.
She looks to be in her early thirties. A female shopkeeper in the slave trade is impressive in more ways than one.
"Yo. Looking well, Sefine-san."
"Thanks to you, Nordon-sama."
"Drop the 'sama.' I’m just a mercenary."
"You are my benefactor and currently my customer. It is only natural that I treat you with respect."
"Hmph. Can't argue with that. But if you ever need anything, let me know. I'll help if I can."
"Yes. I will rely on you when the time comes."
Every movement she makes is refined.
There’s no doubt this place is a royal purveyor.
Still, I find it strange that a slave house would be a royal purveyor.
Slaves are usually treated like bottom-feeders. At best, they’re playthings for minor nobles. I’d think the royal bloodline wouldn't want to be associated with slaves, given the lack of decorum.
"Say, Sefine-san. Could you help these guys relax? They’re nervous because they heard this place is a royal purveyor."
"Oh, 'royal purveyor' is such an exaggeration. We don't exactly have the royal family coming in and out. At most, we secure domestic help for ducal households. Many nobles prefer to fill their ranks with slaves because the slave collar prevents espionage and betrayal. Besides, as you can see, I am a woman, so it is easier to educate other women. In that regard, we ensure they are presentable enough to stand before nobles, unlike other shops."
I see.
When it came to the young ladies Seraria and Elju, it was a matter of betrayal from within. In that sense, having slaves as maids and handymen moving around might actually be safer.
"It seems they have relaxed a little. Now, once again, I am Sefine, the owner of this slave house."
"Yeah, I'm Mauve. Nice to meet you."
"Raiya."
"I'm Curse. A pleasure."
As we exchange greetings, she observes us thoroughly with sharp, quick glances—a testament to her experience dealing with nobles.
"Your eyes are darting around. You should try to take in the whole picture instead. A veteran would be on guard. Or rather, you should change the sharpness of your gaze. It looks like you're saying 'I'm on alert.' You should mask it with expressions of surprise or curiosity."
Raiya immediately offers a critique.
Sefine’s eyes widen in surprise at being pointed out.
"Hahaha. Sefine-san, these guys are even better than me."
"Better than Nordon-sama...? Raiya-sama, thank you for your advice."
"No, you probably change your style depending on the client, so sorry for the meddling."
"Not at all. It was a good learning experience. Now, since you have come here, are you looking to purchase a slave?"
"That's right. As you can see, I'm getting on in years. My skills are dulling. I thought if there was good talent, I could teach them, so I asked Nordon for a recommendation. I didn't expect to be introduced to such a great merchant."
"Oh my, you are quite the flatterer. And what is your budget?"
"If we push it, we could probably afford the most expensive one in the shop. So, it would be a big help if you could pick out someone with talent."
Raiya managed to bluff about our budget well.
The budget Yuki handed us is quite large, thanks to the funds we've seized from other countries and the aid we've received. If we spent it all, it might even tilt the local economy.
...Now that I think about it, wouldn't it be better to just buy up all the food and leave them unable to move?
Ah, but if the dungeon core produces food, that wouldn't matter.
Besides, we can't let it get out that we're the ones buying everything up.
Hmm. I really should leave this kind of thing to Yuki.
"Thank you for waiting. First, please take a look at this girl."
With that, Sefine brings out a girl wearing an elegant dress—hardly looking like a slave.
"This girl is a princess from a certain fallen nation. Her knowledge, education, and abilities are top-tier. However, she is a bit naive about the world, so please be aware of that."
A princess? What is going on?
I mean, conflicts happen everywhere, but do princesses really become slaves?
...Though I suppose I’m not one to talk.
"By any chance, did she become a slave by choice?"
"What wonderful insight, Curse-sama. That is correct. My shop specializes in female slaves, and it also serves as a prison to keep princesses of enemy nations confined."
"What do you mean?"
"Mauve-san, you see, we cannot simply leave an enemy princess alone. It would be troublesome if she were used as a banner to incite another riot."
"That makes sense. But can't you just stop that with a slave collar?"
"Yes, but we cannot keep them locked up in the royal castle either, as that would invite dissatisfaction from the occupied nation. Execution is out of the question. But if we welcome them with open arms, our own people will be unhappy, and there is the risk that our own kin might cooperate with the princess of the fallen nation to stage a rebellion."
"Isn't it an option to just marry her off and rule together?"
It's a common story. Yuki said that giving a princess of a defeated nation to a low-ranking noble makes it easier to govern.
"...That is not the case here, Mauve-san."
What does she mean?
"Curse-sama is correct. She refused to accept her status through marriage or the security of her territory. She opposed the Overlord of the Ex Kingdom, His Majesty Noble, until the very end. Naturally, no noble would dare try to marry someone like that, as they would be suspected of treason."
"Then, wouldn't it be a problem to sell her to us?"