Chapter 0: New is Better Than Used
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 0: New is Better Than Used
“Excuse me, shopkeeper. How much for this woman?”
“Hmm. A rare virgin. No criminal record. She can read and write, and she even knows basic arithmetic. I’d say you’ll need at least 30 gold coins for her.”
“....”
Expensive.
The price was ridiculously high.
Even though her looks weren't particularly striking, she cost a whopping 30 gold coins.
“Then how much for that woman over there?”
“That one? Let’s see. No criminal record, literate, knows basic arithmetic... Ah, but she’s not a virgin. 10 gold coins.”
The price drops that much just because of her virginity?
“Well, you know. There are a lot of people who are particularly obsessed with virginity. They’re rare to begin with, so that’s how the market prices ended up.”
“I see.”
“Think about it. No one wants to use something someone else threw away. New products are always more popular than used ones, after all.”
“That’s true.”
30 gold coins and 10 gold coins felt worlds apart.
“Well? Are you buying?”
“Hmmmm.”
I pondered seriously for a long time.
As a housekeeper to handle the chores and a companion to serve my needs at night, this 10-gold-coin woman was a very suitable candidate.
I happened to have exactly 12 gold coins on me, too.
But.
But still.
Listening to the slave trader made me feel a bit uneasy.
“Why? Does it bother you that someone else used her?”
“No, well... yeah. It is a bit uncomfortable, thinking of her as 'used'.”
“Heh heh heh. All you young fellows think that way.”
All young people think that way? Does that mean old men prefer used ones?
I couldn't understand the slave trader's chuckle.
Isn't new better, after all?
“I’ll come back after I’ve saved up some more money.”
“Suit yourself. But there’s no guarantee I’ll have a virgin in stock then.”
I nodded and left the slave shop.
I didn't have enough money to buy a virgin.
I had no choice but to head into the Labyrinth diligently again today.