第１１５９堀：彼女たちの第一歩 (Part2)
It seems Orelia was a young lady from a high-status family, which explains why she is so incredibly grateful to Weed. She is currently on her knees, head bowed low. Seeing this, Yayui and Hovis look completely taken aback.
"Say, haven't the three of you only known each other for a short time?"
"Yes, that is correct. We were enslaved at different times and attended classes separately. It just so happens that we passed the upper-school examinations around the same time; we haven't even known each other for three days."
Orelia—no, I should call her Orelia—answers the question without a moment's hesitation.
"Yes. So, I don't really know much about Hovis or Orelia either."
"Indeed. Besides, since we are slaves, we assumed we would be separated soon, so we didn't really discuss such things..."
"I see. That makes sense."
Slaves are usually sold off individually, so even parents and children are typically torn apart. But this is Weed; that sort of thing doesn't happen here. In fact, most common slaves are purchased by the nation of Weed to live out their lives as ordinary citizens.
"So, Tori-sama, Riel-sama. Now that you know we possess knowledge at the upper-school level, what are we expected to do from here?"
"Oh, that's right, Tori. What should we do? It seems they are capable of studying properly, at least."
"Hmm. I doubt Yuki-san would be unaware of their backgrounds... Ah, I suspect it’s for introductions to various sectors. We’re the only ones who can really make the rounds with them."
"Ah, right. We can't exactly ask Eris or Ratz to handle this, can we?"
"Both of them are far too busy. Well, it’s not like we’re exactly free, but there’s no denying that we have connections in all the right places. We are police officers, after all."
That’s it. Yuki-san must want us to guide them through the places he conducts business. To help them build rapport and handle the various social obligations.
"Um..."
"Sorry about that. Let’s get going. If you’re going to be Yuki-san’s right hand, you need to meet a lot of people first."
With that, we immediately begin moving. Hovis, looking puzzled, asks a question.
"Meet people?"
"That’s right. You might become Yuki-san’s right hand. To do that, you need to meet the people he works with, which is why we’re showing you around."
"Starting right now? We haven't been taught anything yet."
"Ah, don't worry about the practical side of things; Yuki-san will teach you that properly. That’s why it’s better to greet the people you’ll be working closely with first."
"I see. Is that how it is? I look forward to your guidance."
Since she’s properly convinced by my explanation and showing initiative, there’s no doubt she’s talented. Well, they were introduced by Guia-san, so this level of competence is to be expected. The real question is how much they can handle the people we’re about to introduce them to. People like us are one thing, but many freeze up completely when introduced to Seraria or Rurua.
I suppose this is a case of "show, tell, and let them learn." Even I understand that this is necessary to gauge what they are truly capable of.
"But, do you think Yuki-san specifically chose these slaves?"
"Hmm. It doesn't really seem like it’s Yuki-san’s personal preference. He just took in everyone who was introduced to him... Wait, could Yuki-san be doing this on purpose just to thwart our curiosity?"
"Haha, no way. Yuki-san is strictly business-focused. Probably."
Yeah, I don't think Yuki-san would choose these three just for a reason like that. But then again, as Riel says, he’s exactly the type to do something like that on purpose. Even so, if this makes Yuki-san’s work easier, I’ll make sure to teach them well. Whether they can survive in this workplace is entirely up to them.
Oh, come to think of it, being introduced to such incredibly important people right off the bat as a slave... that’s enough to give anyone a stomachache. Maybe I should offer them some stomach medicine?
Thinking of their future, I decided to prepare a few things.
First order of business: meet the top of the nation.
Could anything be harder on the stomach than that?
Regardless, they were now stepping onto a path paved with thorns.