第１４９３堀：鏡のお姫様 (Part1)
Chapter 1493: The Mirror Princess
Side: Ria
I had been touring the slaves under Bamai-san’s guidance, but I found myself at a loss for words. The situation was... well, it was better than what I had experienced, yet in some ways, perhaps worse. It was a difficult state of affairs to evaluate.
Back in my day, our clothes were far more threadbare, and we certainly didn't have the luxury of keeping our hair this well-groomed. In that sense, they were being treated with remarkable hospitality for slaves, but...
"What's wrong?"
As I pondered this, Yuki-san noticed my expression and spoke up. He really is sharp at times like these.
"No, it’s just... I’m finding it hard to tell if this is better or worse than my own time. It feels strange."
"Strange?"
When I said that, Orelia and the others nodded in agreement.
"Yes. They are being treated well, but whether that’s truly a good thing is another matter..."
"After all, the ones buying them are mostly from major or minor powers..."
"Ah, I see."
Yuki-san seemed to grasp what we were implying and nodded.
"True. Usually, it’s the somewhat wealthy families or merchant guilds doing the buying."
"Well, whether that’s a blessing or a curse is hard to say."
"Don't say that, Blade."
"Hey, I was an adventurer once, too. The thought of being snatched up by some high-and-mighty power sends shivers down my spine."
Honestly, King Blade is truly free-spirited. He’s the one at the very top of such a power, yet he says things like that...
"Well, that depends on the individuals themselves. Regardless, we’re going to investigate the places we buy from, and then decide where they go based on their own hopes and aptitudes."
It is true that our Alliance has agreed to gather all the slaves we purchase at the auction to ensure they have no ties to the Dark Guilds. Only after that will we consult and divide them among the nations that wish to take them in.
...The waiting period is terrible for the heart, but at least they aren't being treated harshly, so I suppose that’s a relief?
"Ah, I believe you mentioned providing them with education?"
"Yes. Within Weed and the Alliance, we provide a standardized education to ensure they can enter various professions. That way, they aren't limited to just field work."
"That is certainly true, but wouldn't the funding and the securing of personnel to carry that out be quite a burden?"
"Indeed. However, people with knowledge are indispensable for future development. We undertook this with an eye toward the future, and the results are beginning to show."
"I have heard as much. The talent in Weed is exceptional. I was inspired and tried to imitate it, but in a non-Alliance nation, improving the status of slaves is fraught with difficulties."
"I imagine so. It risks undermining your own foundation. Those fools who only care about lording over others hate having subordinates who are smarter than them."
"Indeed. We are currently trying to bring those intelligent nobles into the fold, but there are still idiots who claim it cannot be done."
Ahaha, I suppose that’s to be expected of the major powers participating in the Alliance. Though, I feel like both of them are letting their true feelings show a bit too much.
In truth, as Bamai-san says, education for slaves—and even commoners—hasn't progressed much in countries outside of Weed. The reasons are exactly what those two mentioned, though Yuki-san once said...
*"Everyone hesitates when it comes to trying something for the first time. Of course, being a noble invites a lot of resentment, so I understand the caution. It’s frightening to think that people holding misguided grudges might gain wisdom, form factions, and attack you."*
I understand the logic, but it’s frustrating how difficult it is to implement. It makes me realize just how special a place Weed truly is. After all, Weed was founded by people who were dissatisfied with noble rule and the status quo; its very roots are different.
"Well, we’ll keep working on that. Is this everyone who has arrived so far?"
Oh, my own musings don't matter right now. I need to meet the slaves. They don't seem to be treated poorly, so there shouldn't be any issues. I don't sense any intent to harm Yuki-san, either. I doubt they would cause a scene at the auction house.
"No, the 'star attractions' are still to come."
"The princess of the fallen kingdom, was it?"
"Yes. She and the other slaves expected to fetch a high price are being kept in the VIP waiting rooms in the back."
"VIPs?"
"Yes. Even among those who perform, there is a hierarchy. Those with higher standing are given better rooms."
Bamai-san answered my question smoothly. I see; it is a troupe, so a hierarchy is only natural, and it makes sense that the quality of the rooms would vary.
As I nodded to myself and walked toward the back of the hallway, I saw a door far more luxurious than the ones we had passed before.
"Please, go ahead."
While I was still surprised, Bamai-san opened the door and ushered Yuki-san and the others inside. The interior was just as spacious and lavishly furnished as the door suggested. I wondered which noble would even use such a place.
And there, sitting all alone—or rather, looking like a painting come to life—was a young girl.
"Is she the only one?"
"In this room, yes. She is the one featured in the advertisements for this event."
I see. So this is the princess who knows the location of the treasure. I looked at her again. She seemed to have noticed our arrival, as she immediately stood up and offered a graceful bow.
She looked somewhat like Shera, yet there was a lack of vibrancy—a sense of sorrow, perhaps? I couldn't quite put my finger on it. She didn't seem... alive. That is to say, she lacked vitality, even though she was clearly breathing.
"Ah, please forgive me, but she cannot respond to you."
"That is only natural. Her responses would cause all sorts of complications."
"True. If we were to talk to her and accidentally stumble upon the answer, the whole point would be lost."
"Blade, try to be a bit more thoughtful with your phrasing."
Yes, as Yupia-san said, I really wish King Blade would learn a little more delicacy. Still, the reason she doesn't speak is to ensure that, by some chance, she doesn't leak information about the treasure.
If it were just ordinary people like me or Orelia, it might be fine, but Yuki-san—and certainly King Blade and Yupia-san—could likely deduce the location of the treasure from the slightest hint. If it were rumored that we had snatched it up beforehand, it would damage the Alliance's reputation.
As I was thinking this, Yuki-san watched her for a moment, then spoke.
"Alright, I am satisfied. How about you two?"
"Oh. I have no issues."
"I am fine as well."
"Then, that will be all. I don't want to put any more strain on her."
"Understood. Thank you as well, my lady. Please, get some rest."
When Bamai-san said that, she bowed gracefully once more, watching us until we had all departed. The moment the door began to close, our eyes met.