第１４５６堀：奴隷と闇ギルドの繋がりについて (Part2)
It is common knowledge, as Asu-san suggests, that illicit goods are often peddled through back-alley channels. The world is rarely a place where high-minded ideals can solve every problem. Since the Dark Guilds are deeply entrenched in criminal activity, it stands to reason that they would be involved in the procurement and sale of illegal merchandise.
Given that, it wouldn't be a stretch to imagine them having a hand in the slave trade, or even operating their own storefronts. Going through third-party intermediaries inevitably incurs fees, after all. While there are operational and maintenance costs to consider, given the scale the Dark Guilds once commanded, running their own shops would likely be more profitable. Though the central headquarters has collapsed and they seem to be operating independently now, it is unlikely that all their connections have been severed.
"Yes. That is what I am considering. With the establishment of the International Exchange Alliance, we have formulated rules to prevent conflicts over slaves—not just regarding treaties, but also those necessary for regional development."
"Indeed. With wars on the decline, most nations are focused on land reclamation and farming, leading to a universal shortage of labor. Even when people fall into slavery, they are usually kept within their own country or traded to immediate neighbors. Otherwise, they would face a massive outflow of human resources... I see. So that is why the slave trade has become more strictly regulated than before?"
"Precisely. Personally, I have never been fond of the institution of slavery, so within the Logari Continent, I have worked to ensure that slaves are treated as having inherent value."
"I am aware of that, Yuki-sama. By mandating education to increase their value before selling them elsewhere, you ensure they are treated with a modicum of care, making it less likely they will be discarded like mere tools."
Exactly. My brother comes from Earth, a world where the institution of slavery vanished long ago. While he doesn't swallow idealistic platitudes whole, on Earth, slavery was deemed a violation of human rights and an unnecessary obstacle to development.
However, that only applies to the slave merchants recognized as legitimate partners, centered around Weed. We do not deal with those who procure slaves through illegal means. And frankly, it is doubtful that such groups would bother with the time and expense of properly educating their "merchandise"—or the cost of transitioning from illegal to legal operations. With their headquarters in ruins, it is questionable whether they could even manage such a feat.
In other words...
"I see. Because of your efforts regarding slaves, Yuki-sama, the illegal slave traders have found themselves cornered, forcing them to shift their focus toward rare species?"
"That is a distinct possibility. Even so, if they are dealing with clients desperate to acquire slaves illegally, they can likely hike up their prices given the current climate. There are certainly those who would pay the premium."
"True. Those who have relied on slave labor until now would find it difficult to accept a sudden price hike, which would naturally drive them toward whoever is still willing to sell."
I see, I see.
Well, there was always a demand for it, and no matter how much the great nations—led by Weed—might push for reform, the institution of slavery itself won't be abolished, as it also serves as a form of relief measure. Even without the backing or approval of Weed or the major powers, slaves can still be sold, and there are undoubtedly plenty of places still conducting business as usual.
"So, with this inquiry into rare species, word will surely spread to every nation that Weed—or rather, the Alliance—is taking action regarding the enslavement of rare species. Which means we can expect future distribution restrictions..."
"Meaning the value of rare species will rise, brother."
"Exactly. That is why I want you and Ratz to follow your leads and track down those rare species. You can tell them that Weed is looking for them for the sake of the future. Tell them we want to acquire them under the guise of protection, even if the price is high."
"I understand. We are to leave it to other merchants who frequent those circles rather than doing it ourselves. That should make it somewhat more feasible."
"It’s something they’ll figure out soon enough, but if they realize it’s us, they might try to pull something."
"Ah, you see how useful this can be? We have the funds, so we’ll pursue this from multiple angles."
I see, I see.
It seems that thanks to the insights of my brother and Agil’s group, I’ve finally refocused on our original objective. I had truly let it slip my mind.
And so, Asu-san and I began our operation to gather information regarding the trade of rare-species slaves. Whether it’s the slave trade or some other twisted scheme to turn a profit, these things happen in the real world just as often. It seems this other world is no exception. There really are some terrible people out there.