第３６４堀：奴隷姫の素性 (Part1)
### Chapter 364: The Slave Princess's Origins
**Side: Mauve**
"Hey, hey, old timers. You’ve got some nice-looking beauties with you, don't you?"
"Why don't you lend them to us for a bit?"
"They might not be much use by the time we're done with them, though."
*Gyahahaha...* The sound of those cliché lines echoed through the back alley.
"M-Mauve..."
I felt a tug on my clothes from behind, accompanied by a trembling sensation.
"Yeah. Are they talking about us?"
When I said that, the confused expressions on Raiya and Curse’s faces finally shifted to ones of understanding.
"I see. They are indeed talking about us."
"I suppose so. We’ve been doing this kind of escort duty quite often lately, so I didn't even question it."
For us, being adventurers and teaching classes at the Weed school, escorting children was second nature. But this wasn't just another country; it was a foreign land on a new continent. Well, the civilization wasn't so different that we were struggling, but still.
"In other words, you lot came here to snatch this princess?"
"Huh? Princess? I don't care who she is. If you don't want to get hurt, leave the woman and get lost."
"…It seems they aren't actually affiliated with the princess."
"Indeed. You guys, if you don't want to get arrested, don't lay a hand on us. We’ll let you go if you leave now."
Curse tried to brush them off, but as expected, this type of scum wasn't going to back down so easily.
"You mocking us?! That’s it! You’re going to be corpses here!"
They drew blades and charged at us with murderous intent.
"Sigh, what a pain."
"Come to think of it, does the law in this country allow for drawing swords?"
"People like this are common enough, so I assume it's allowed, but it could give the Ex Kingdom an excuse to arrest us."
"Then let's do this bare-handed."
And so, we decided to handle them without weapons.
"B-bare-handed...?"
The princess was shivering. Well, it was to be expected, but she’d soon realize that this level of trouble was nothing. Besides, she was the one who asked to leave the slave house. She’d have to get used to this much.
While thinking that, I casually folded the thugs up.
"That wasn't much."
"Agreed."
"The surveillance team. They're still there, aren't they?"
When Curse called out to the corner of the building, two men emerged.
"You noticed us?"
"Yes. Can you take care of these guys?"
"Understood. We appreciate you apprehending them in the act."
"Now that you’ve seen what we’re capable of, it would be easier if you just came to help us proactively from now on."
"Understood. I will report this to my superiors and request permission to coordinate with you. As for us, it’s frustrating to just stand by and watch people get attacked, even if it is our job."
With that, the surveillance man efficiently made a report and hauled the idiots away.
"The surveillance guys were more decent than I thought."
"Yeah. I’m surprised at how sincere they were."
"I expected a bit more trouble."
"Well, let’s just be glad things went smoothly. Now, Princess, let’s go get your gear as planned."
"I-incredible..."
*Mm-hmm.* It was good that she saw our strength; the doubt in her eyes had vanished. Well, it’s hard to imagine that a bunch of middle-aged men would be stronger than knights. Then again, our group is full of oddballs. We’ve got goblins, slimes, and all sorts of wild things. And honestly, we don't even rely on swords or magic—guns are our main tools. It’s a bit underhanded, isn't it? Well, there’s no such thing as "fair" in a fight, but you know what I mean.
Lost in thought, we arrived at the shop. It was tucked away in a slightly wider street off the main road of the Ex capital.
"Torneko’s Shop. Wait, wasn't his name Torneko?"
"Well, he probably just tweaked his name a bit."
"We heard the directions, so this must be the place."
"Alright, let's head in."
There was no point in standing around. We needed the proof of purchase for the gear. It was part of the preparation for swapping her with a doppelganger. We wanted to avoid doing the swap inside the capital to minimize risk. The plan was to swap her during a training session—perhaps while practicing trench digging—so we needed the equipment for that. Well, I’ll leave the complicated stuff to Yuki. We just need to teach her like we do back in Weed.
We stepped inside, but...
"Isn't this more of a general store than a weapon shop?"
"True. Well, they sell dried meat, so I suppose that makes sense."
"Indeed. But that should mean it's cheaper, right?"
As we looked around, Torneko emerged from the back.
"Oh, welcome! What can I do for you? Or are you here to sell those jewels?"
"Both. A set of gear for this girl, and the sale of the jewels."
"Yes, yes. Wait, this person is...!?"
"Oh? You know her?"
"Well, she’s famous for defying His Majesty. I’m surprised you decided to take her in."
"Well, she seems to have some grit."
"I suppose she does... but well, if it’s you gentlemen, I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’ll go pick out some things."
"Yeah, thanks."
We relied on Torneko because we didn't know the fair market price here. Especially with jewelry, if you try to sell it somewhere unknown and look like a fool, you attract all sorts of trouble. Selling to an acquaintance who seems honest is the best way to avoid complications.
"How is this?"
The gear he brought out was better than I expected. It was proper beginner’s equipment, and everything was nearly brand new.
"I’m surprised you had this much in stock."
"Well, I’ve always wanted to be a weapon merchant. Whenever I have the time and money, I collect them like this. One day, I want to open a huge shop where I can display all the gear I’ve gathered."
"I see."
Weapons are meant to be used, but some people find meaning in displaying them. It’s not strange for someone to want to collect and sell various weapons. A blacksmith would probably hate that kind of business model, wanting their own products to be the priority, which is why most places are blacksmith-and-weapon-shop hybrids. A place like Torneko’s, which collects gear from everywhere, is rare—usually only seen with big merchants in the capital. His dream still seemed a long way off.
Wait a minute... if that’s the case, wouldn't coming to Weed solve everything? That place is a den of weapons. Yuki would probably be happy to take in someone like him...
No, no. Focus on the princess first.
"How is it? Does it feel awkward?"
"It's my first time wearing this, so it feels nothing but awkward."
...Well, I guess that’s natural for a princess. Wait, no. I recall a princess I know who was a hardcore combat professional.
"Mauve. I reached the same conclusion, but I think this is the standard."
"Indeed. Let’s make sure never to mention that to her."
"Who would?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Nothing, don't worry about it, Princess. Just us talking."
"Hmm. Well, fine. Also, could you stop calling me 'Princess'? I’ve taken off the dress, I look like a commoner, and I’m going to be your apprentice, right? No need for formalities."
"Got it. Nice to meet you, Dressa."
"Yes, looking forward to working with you. Mauve, Raiya, Curse."
The brown-skinned princess from a foreign land, Dressa, greeted us. Even her greeting was so elegant that no one would ever mistake her for a commoner.