第１４９７堀：オークション日和？ (Part1)
Chapter 1497: A Perfect Day for an Auction?
Side: Orelia
Blue.
Nothing but a vast, azure sky stretches out before my eyes.
There is hardly a cloud in sight; it is a perfectly clear day.
Under normal circumstances, one would rejoice at such fine weather, but...
"Should we be happy and call this 'perfect slave auction weather'?"
"Who’s to say, really?"
Standing beside me, peering out the hotel window at the same blue expanse, are Yayui and Hobis. We have come to Wean in the Kingdom of Ewai—the site of the auction—to serve as escorts for Yuki-sama.
Though I say "come to," the travel was instantaneous thanks to the Gate.
Regardless, the purpose of our visit is the trade of slaves.
Because of that, I find it difficult to say whether this clear, sunny sky is truly something to celebrate.
We, too, were once sold as slaves.
At the time, we were consumed by despair at that very reality.
Fortunately for us, we were purchased by Yuki-sama, a truly wonderful master, but for most, the future is a void, and despair is the only natural response.
I was left wondering if I should even be happy about this beautiful weather, but...
"It’s just a nice day. It’s better than having it ruined by rain or mud. There’s no such thing as 'good' or 'bad' weather—you should just enjoy it for what it is. Besides, hopefully, this clear day will mark the start of these slaves being bought by good people."
Yuki-sama said this quite nonchalantly.
He is right, of course. If it were raining, movement would be a hassle, and the atmosphere for the slaves would be all the more dismal. We are likely overthinking it.
While we were lost in these thoughts, the time arrived for the allied nations staying at the hotel to depart for the auction venue.
"Alright, Ria, Deryu, Orelia, Hobis, Yayui—I’m counting on you."
"Yes!"
Following Seraria-sama’s command, we took our positions as guards.
The wives accompanying Yuki-sama this time are Queen Seraria, Rurua-sama, Eris-sama, and Ratz-sama.
Each of them is a leader of a core organization within Weed, and as they are highly regarded by various nations, they are figures of the utmost importance.
This holds true not just for Weed, but for the other nations as well; with the heads of state, prime ministers, and department heads all in attendance, this place could, in a sense, be called the center of the world.
If this location were to be attacked and casualties occurred, it would be enough to tilt the balance of nations.
Yet, these vital figures are attending an auction in a non-allied country—a place that cannot be called entirely safe, and one that may even have ties to the Dark Guild.
Honestly, even now, I—along with Hobis and Yayui—cannot shake the tension that something might happen.
It is not just us; the guards selected from each nation, and even General Lowell’s forces securing the route, likely feel the same... I think.
Though, for some reason, General Lowell seems entirely unconcerned. Perhaps that is just my imagination.
"Currently passing the 60 percent mark of the route to the auction venue. No suspicious individuals detected along the path."
"Acknowledged. No strange movements or suspicious backgrounds among those entering or leaving Wean. Security at the designated locations is in position, and no trouble has been reported."
These conversations drift through my earpiece.
Yes, we are wearing these to keep a constant grasp on the overall security situation.
In an emergency, we can use them to communicate or, in the worst-case scenario, issue orders.
I hope it never comes to that, but knowing such thorough preparations are in place brings us peace of mind. It is only natural to be this prepared when guarding Yuki-sama.
However, acting as an escort truly highlights the difficulty of the task.
My eyes dart restlessly, scanning not just the people moving about, but the interiors of buildings, searching for any sign of a threat.
It is a stark reminder of how many dangers lurk, even when simply walking through a town.
We experienced this same tension and hardship yesterday while inspecting the slaves, but no matter how many times I do this, I cannot get used to it.
One wrong step—no, one moment of carelessness—could cost Yuki-sama his life.
I am once again struck by the sheer audacity of Yuki-sama, who suggested that the kings of various nations attend this auction, and the courage of the kings themselves who agreed to come.
And, from the bottom of my heart, I understand the hardships of a subordinate.
When I was a child, I used to wonder why important people brought so many guards with them, but now that I am in this position, I realize it is never enough.
"It really goes to show how safe Weed is, doesn't it?"
"Yeah. I can see why the kings of other nations are so eager to visit Weed."
I understand exactly what Hobis and Yayui mean.
Weed’s defense and surveillance systems are head and shoulders above other nations, allowing for minimal escort requirements. I realize now that this is why it has become a place where kings can truly relax.
Though, I must admit, I am still incredibly surprised when they casually strike up a conversation with me in town on their days off.
...Not long ago, my own family called me a nuisance and sold me as a slave.
Now, I find myself being spoken to by kings and negotiating with the most influential people of various nations.
Yes, I truly think it is a mysterious life.
"Orelia? You’ve got a distant look in your eyes. Are you alright?"
"Yes, I am fine. I was just thinking about how far I’ve come."
"Ah, we often think the same thing. Well, just be grateful you were blessed with a good husband and a good master."
That is certainly true.
I have truly been blessed with a wonderful master.
And...
"I hope the slaves sold here will also be blessed with good masters."
"I hope so too."
"Indeed. We must ensure the auction ends safely so that those meetings can take place. We have no intel on the Dark Guild planning to intervene, but attacks from other organizations are possible. Let us remain vigilant."
"Yes!"
We respond firmly to Deryu-sama’s words.
The Dark Guild is indeed the primary concern, but other organizations may also seek to interfere. There are surely those who desire these slaves for their own hidden agendas.
While discussing such things, we maintain our guard without a lapse in focus, and before we know it, we arrive at the theater.
"Welcome, everyone."
In front of the theater, Bamai-dono, whom we met the other day, greets us with a respectful bow.
Incidentally, General Lowell’s guard units—not Steve and his men—are already deployed inside the theater to ensure safety, and Kirue-sama and Sasari-sama’s maid units are patrolling the town disguised as commoners.
"I am Bamai, the owner of the Wean Theater. Please, enjoy the auction today."
With that declaration, the auction began.
However, it did not start immediately. First, Rurua-sama and the healing mages from various nations gathered to conduct health checkups on the slaves to be sold.
By doing so, the health of the slaves is guaranteed.
Indeed, knowing that Rurua-sama has found no issues brings a sense of relief.