Chapter 36: A Deal with an Obvious Outcome
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 36: A Deal with an Obvious Outcome
“Th-this is clothing made from Arachne’s thread. A mystical skein woven by the spider queen, Arachne. It’s s-so flexible that it can’t be cut even with a sword.”
Now in his element, Roperman excitedly explained his collections as he led the way. I offered a few appropriate responses, taking in my surroundings.
The building had three floors.
The hallways were packed with paintings, and the entire third floor was an arcade. Glass cases displaying various works of art lined the path.
While I could confidently claim to know the value of a slave better than anyone, I was a complete amateur when it came to art. Yet even to my untrained eye, the pieces radiated an aura that screamed ‘expensive.’
“Ah, this. This was also an incredibly difficult item to acquire. It’s the helmet said to have been worn by the ancient warrior Ragnar. They say that wearing it can turn even a c-coward into a valiant warrior.”
“Have you confirmed that for yourself?”
Roperman’s tone became firm.
“Ahem, you don’t seem to understand, Reaper. Y-you don’t use precious relics carelessly.”
“Hmm, I suppose you’re right. One misstep could shatter the legends and mystique held within the relic.”
“P-precisely. A relic’s value is only truly preserved when it is kept as a relic, not as a piece of equipment.”
“I think I know what you mean. I occasionally come across a slave I’m hesitant to touch. I worry that I might ruin their beauty, so I leave them in their pure, untouched state.”
This time, Roperman nodded with a serious expression.
“Hmm, I-I can relate. You and I get along well, Reaper. I-I have a feeling we could build a good relationship.”
“What a coincidence. I was just thinking the same thing.”
It never hurts to have a well-connected man like him on my side.
Of course, I’ll toss him aside once I’ve squeezed him dry.
“Hahahaha.”
“H-heh heh heh heh.”
By then, we had nearly completed our tour of the building, from the first floor to the third.
“This is the extent of m-my collection. There are, of course, m-more precious items, but…”
“One is naturally reluctant to show their most valuable treasures to an outsider. I understand completely.”
“Th-thank you for understanding. When our bond deepens, I-I’ll show them to you then.”
“I’ll look forward to that day.”
Thanks to my impeccable social skills, the way Roperman looked at me had changed. He now seemed to regard me as a genuine guest.
With just a little more effort, I felt like we could even become friends. Not that I wanted to.
“Well then, let’s head to the reception room. We n-need to discuss the promised compensation for my apology.”
We went down to the second floor where the reception room was located. A servant opened the door, and Roperman stepped inside. I, however, stopped just outside the door.
“Why are you just standing there? A-aren’t you coming in?”
“I’d like to speak with you alone, Merchant Lord… Lady Alfia. Would you mind waiting outside for a moment?”
“H-huh?”
“What? What are you talking about?” Alfia cried out in surprise.
I gave her a gentle, reassuring smile.
“Nothing will happen.”
“No, but still…”
“Do you trust me?”
“……”
“Because I trust you, Lady Alfia.”
Alfia, who had been staring at me with a sullen expression, let out a sigh so heavy it could have cracked the floor.
“You… saying things like that is playing dirty.”
“Haha.”
“I’ll be waiting right outside, so if anything happens, you’d better scream, you hear? I’ll kick the door down and come get you.”
“I’ll do that.”
I left Alfia and entered the room, and the door closed behind me.
*
Alone in the reception room.
Roperman sipped his tea with a hand that betrayed his nervousness.
He would lower his gaze, only to flick his eyes up to study the man before him. The man sipped his tea with the grace of a nobleman.
Slave Reaper, Karami.
He had heard all about his notoriety. A slave trader who only ever bought, never sold. Any slaves who bored him or had defects were not sold, but disposed of.
The Slave Reaper, who lived for the thrill of killing slaves.
The illusion of a metallic, bloody scent was so strong that a chill ran down Roperman’s spine, and he shivered. He gripped the warm teacup tightly to calm his nerves.
“R-Reaper, for what reason did you wish to see me alone? I h-have business with the elf as well.”
“Before that. Is this room well soundproofed?”
“…J-just a moment.”
Something serious was coming. Roperman tapped the crystal sitting on the table. A ripple of energy spread from it, enveloping the room.
“I-it’s a soundproofing magic tool. Not even an elf could h-hear us now.”
“That’s a relief.”
Clink.
Karami, who had been savoring his tea, set the cup down. He crossed his legs and rested his hands on them. His slightly raised chin gave him an arrogant air, as if he held the entire world beneath him.
Not even the lord of Noctar dared to act like that in his presence. Swallowing hard, Roperman waited for Karami to speak.
“Merchant Lord.”
“Wh-what is it?”
“Do you want the elf?”
Roperman nearly spat out his tea at the bluntness of the question.
“Cough! Wh-what?! What are you suddenly talking about?”
“Let me be clear. I dislike beating around the bush.”
His tone suggested he already knew everything. Roperman’s pupils trembled.
Do I want the elf?
Of course I do!
He had spent a fortune attempting to kidnap one just to add an elf, untainted by the secular world, to his collection.
When that failed, Roperman had fallen into a deep depression. He had even skipped meals—what more needed to be said?
Then, finding Alfia was like encountering a bluebird in a dark, lonely forest. Her stunning appearance perfectly matched the descriptions of fairies he had heard time and time again.
Roperman had lost his mind. He had to have her, no matter what. That was why he had invited the two of them today, with every preparation made.
A mercenary he had hired was already hiding somewhere in this room. On his signal, the mercenary would appear in a flash and subdue them both.
Roperman had been waiting for the right moment to give the signal, so he was utterly flustered when Karami made the first move.
He wondered if Karami was just testing him, but the man’s bottomless black eyes seemed to pierce through all of creation, making it nearly impossible to lie before them.
Roperman nodded.
“Y-yes…”
“You’re planning to use the slave hunters outside, I presume.”
“Th-that’s right…”
“Hmm…”
Karami let out a long breath, and Roperman flinched. His massive body was hunched over, making him look like a student being disciplined by a teacher.
“I understand the desire to possess an elf. I’ve felt that way myself. But to forcibly turn an elf who came as a guest into a part of your collection… I am deeply disappointed.”
“B-but you’re a slave trader, you must know! It’s an elf! One of the superior races! If you don’t feel a shred of greed looking at that appearance, then you’re no collector!”
“Do you really think an elf brought to her knees by force will be obedient? An untamed dog is worse than no dog at all. What value is there in a collection piece you can’t proudly display to others?”
“……”
Roperman was speechless. Karami’s words had perfectly pierced through his innermost thoughts.
While there was great meaning in simply collecting rare items, the vanity of showing them off to others played a huge part. The looks of awe, the gazes of envy.
He couldn’t describe how good it felt to receive them. Why else would he have tried to host a Slave Festival to determine the best slave?
But none of that mattered anymore. Regardless of the process or the outcome, he wanted the elf.
The allure she exuded was enough to drive a man mad.
“C-can’t you do something? I-I’m begging you.”
“Are you asking me to betray my own employer?”
“If she’s just an employee, it matters even less. Y-you hired her for money, so you won’t see her again after the job is done anyway. Just think of today as that day!”
“Hmm…”
Karami showed a hint of hesitation. Seeing an opening, Roperman pressed on relentlessly.
“If you help me… y-yes. One of the rare items you saw earlier. N-no, I’ll give you two! How about it? You won’t get such an extraordinary offer anywhere else!”
If put up for auction, they would fetch enough money to buy hundreds of slaves.
It was an offer no slave trader, who would risk their life for profit, could possibly refuse.
Karami considered it with a serious expression. Roperman’s mouth was so dry he couldn’t even produce saliva.
A long moment passed.
Karami broke the silence with a bright smile.
“Very well. I accept.”
“R-really?”
“Why would I refuse when the outcome is so obvious? As it happens, I know her weakness, so we should be able to capture her easily without much effort.”
Roperman clenched his fists.
That’s right. No matter if they call him the Reaper, at the end of the day, a slave trader is just a slave trader. I, on the other hand, am the lord of an entire merchant group.
“I knew we’d get along! I was feeling a bit anxious, but with your help, this plan is guaranteed to succeed!”
“It seems you had a plan in mind already, Merchant Lord. Would you mind telling me what it is? It would help us devise an even more perfect strategy.”
“Of course, of course! We’re practically friends in the same boat now!”
Unable to contain his excitement, Roperman began to chatter away, never once thinking to look past Karami’s smiling mask to the thoughts hidden beneath.
*
As time passed, Alfia grew more and more anxious.
Karami hadn’t come out, and when she strained her ears, she couldn’t hear a thing.
At some point, all sound from beyond the door had vanished completely. It was safe to assume the room had been soundproofed.
What were they talking about?
Could something have happened?
…
Huh?
Why am I worried about that man?
Even if he saved me, he’s still the human who enslaved me.
If Karami died, the soul shackles would break. She would be free to return to the forest.
Though my soul is already tainted.
She wondered if there was any point in returning to the forest now. Maybe… maybe living like this with Karami wasn’t so bad.
…
Huh?
Her thoughts kept straying in a strange direction. Useless thoughts muddled her mind. This was all Karami’s fault for acting on his own and making an elf worry.
Just you wait until you come out. I’m going to give you a life lecture packed with the essence of elven wisdom.
Creeak.
The door finally opened.
The long-awaited Karami stumbled out.
“Don’t move. If you take even a single step, I’ll put a hole in his neck.”
But he was with a woman who hadn’t been there before.
Her skin was dark, yet pale.
In contrast, her hair was stark white, and her eyes were the color of the deep sea.
Her ears were long, just like Alfia’s—she was what people commonly called a dark elf. And she was holding a dagger to Karami’s throat.
“Haha, well, this happened. I didn’t think he’d have a mercenary hiding inside.”
Alfia blinked blankly at the sudden turn of events, while Karami, despite having a blade pressed to his neck, just laughed inanely.
“Drop your weapon. Unless you want to see your friend die.”
“Um… Lady Alfia? I’m sorry, but could you please lower your bow?”
After blinking for a long moment, Alfia covered her eyes with her hand.