第１４５６堀：奴隷と闇ギルドの繋がりについて (Part1)
Chapter 1456: On the Connection Between Slaves and the Dark Guild
Side: Ratz
I was busy with my usual paperwork in the principal’s office when I suddenly received a message from Yuki.
"Yes? What is it?"
I wasn't aware of any plans for today. If it were just an invitation for a date, I’d be thrilled, but unfortunately, Yuki rarely calls us while we’re on duty for something so trivial. That means this is about work—or rather, trouble.
Eris, who was working on documents right next to me, stopped her pen and glanced over, gauging the situation. It had only been a day since the series of incidents in Suls had finally quieted down, so it was only natural to worry that something else had cropped up.
As for the answer to my question:
"Yes, yes. I understand. I’ll head over there now."
I ended the call and turned to Eris.
"What did Yuki say?"
"He said he has some questions regarding the slave market and asked if we could meet at Asu’s place."
"The slave market?"
"Yes."
We both tilted our heads, neither of us having any immediate inkling as to why.
"Hmm. Knowing Yuki, he must have some reason for this. You should go and hear the details. I can’t exactly leave my post, and the fact that he only contacted you suggests he has his reasons."
"I suppose so. I doubt he’d call me without some sort of evidence. But the slave market... I recall hearing talk that the number of slaves had increased, but could that be it?"
"Who knows. I don’t see how an increase in slaves would have much to do with Suls or the neighboring countries..."
"Well, like you said, Eris, I’ll go find out the specifics."
"Right. Be careful."
"I will. I’m off!"
With that, I headed toward Asu’s slave shop at Yuki’s request. Under normal circumstances, a cute girl like me might hesitate to step foot in such a place, but since I’m a cute, combat-ready rabbit beastman, I walked in without a second thought. Considering my position and my finances, I’m technically on the side of the employers, but those kinds of decisions are for Seraria and Eris to discuss first.
As I pondered this, I arrived at the shop. The staff waiting out front immediately guided me inside.
"Oh, you’re here, Ratz."
"I’m here~"
In the reception room, Yuki and the others were already waiting to welcome me, but...
"Oh? Are Agil and the others here too? Weren't you all supposed to be on break for a few days?"
For some reason, Agil and her team were present despite their scheduled time off. Just as I was wondering why not only Yuki’s subordinates but also those on leave were here, the door opened and Asu entered.
"My apologies for the wait! I am truly sorry!"
Asu was bowing in a flustered manner. I wondered what could have happened.
"No, no, I apologize for the sudden visit. We haven't been waiting long, so it’s quite alright."
Yuki replied calmly. Ah, I see. Asu was panicking because he had kept the consort of Weed waiting, especially on such short notice.
"Now then, I’d like to get straight to the point. Is that alright?"
"Yes. Since Yuki-sama has come so suddenly, I assume something significant has occurred?"
Exactly. That’s what I thought, too. But I was just as in the dark as everyone else.
"Significant? Well, in a sense, yes. But first, I should explain the circumstances that led to my visit. It will make the rest of the conversation easier to follow, and I haven't even explained it to Ratz yet."
"Understood. I shall listen carefully."
"Please do~"
It would be impossible to follow the conversation without knowing the context, after all. And so, Yuki began his explanation...
"...And that is why I am asking: have you heard any rumors about the Dark Guild being involved in matters concerning rare races, perhaps related to the recent events or the situation with Lyushi and Orelia?"
"I see."
"I see indeed~"
To put Yuki’s point simply: he was asking if the profits from the sale of rare-race slaves were being used to fund the Dark Guild.
"It is true that in the case of Lyushi, there were reports that the Dark Guild had been issuing orders to the bandits."
"Yes. I’ve heard that as well. So, you’re saying that was connected to the Great Flood?"
"Not necessarily the Great Flood itself, but perhaps the Dark Guild felt threatened by the international treaties and the new laws established across the Alliance following the opening of the international exchange school."
I see. It makes sense. In connection with the tracking and exchange of rare races that Yuki had been pushing for, he had also implemented regulations on slave trading to avoid trouble in other continents within the Alliance.
Take the Haiden region, for example. In that area, beastmen and demi-humans are extremely rare and hold high status, often referred to as spirit priestesses or warriors. If one were to bring cheap beastman or demi-human slaves from the Rogari or If continents, it would cause massive chaos, so the rules there are quite strict.
However...
"A blow to them? But slave trading to other countries and continents is currently prohibited, isn't it? Wouldn't that be unrelated to the Dark Guild's dealings?"
Asu was right. For the Dark Guilds operating within the Rogari continent, wouldn't this be irrelevant?
"It is true that slave trading to other continents is banned, and the Dark Guild cannot easily intervene there. However, we are investigating the status of rare races and will be responding to requests for cooperation and appeals from those regions. In other words..."
"Ah, if the rare races themselves ask us to retrieve their kidnapped kin..."
"We would be forced to act, and we also have the intention of protecting those rare races."
"It’s a nasty business, the Dark Guild making a profit by selling off rare races. Though, I do wonder if that alone could sustain their operational funds."
I added that at the end. It’s true that rare-race slaves are traded at incredibly high prices. While the amount might be eye-watering for an individual’s assets, I questioned if it was enough to run an entire organization.
"Indeed, as Ratz-sama says, they are expensive items, but when you consider the scale of an organization... I wouldn't call it pocket change, but is it enough to sustain their operations?"
"It’s true that one or two sales wouldn't yield that much profit, but do you really think the Dark Guild would limit themselves to such a small scale?"
"Ah, I see. I’m starting to understand what Yuki is getting at. The Dark Guild is trading these rare races through underground routes and likely gaining a steady stream of income from it. No, in this case, they are definitely profiting. Asu, surely you’ve heard rumors of such things?"
"That is... I have indeed heard whispers. Of illegal slave traders. And if they are connected to the Dark Guild..."
Exactly.