Chapter 70
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: Auction House
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1.
When one thinks of a slave camp, images of filth, foul odors, and horrific sights usually come to mind.
Indeed, the camps Karron had experienced in his past life were just like that.
Places where people died in droves from disease.
If any place deserved to be called hell, it was a slave camp.
But this place was strangely different.
Do you see? Our Cobbler Camp is on a completely different level from the others. Look! Its operated under strict, systematic management.
The camp they arrived at after passing through an underground tunnel wasnt underground at all, but built above ground.
A massive house with a spacious yard, all surrounded by a high wall.
Only the barbed wire atop the wall indicated that this was a place meant to confine people.
The rest of the facilities were not just clean, but impressively so.
Good day, sir.
Ah, yes! Dale. I heard you were quite sick last time?
Thanks to you sending for a doctor, sir, Ive made a full recovery. Thank you.
Of course! Let me know if you ever need anything!
What in the world was this conversation?
A neat, middle-aged man wearing glasses had suddenly approached, greeted Cobbler, and walked away.
The situation was utterly incomprehensible.
Was that man a supervisor?
Hehe, what do you think, Young Master? That fellow was once a professor at a famous academy in the Southern Kingdom. Doesnt he look intelligent at a glance?
That man is a supervisor?
Ah! There seems to be a misunderstanding. That fellow is also under our care. In other words, hes merchandise. Hes a smart one, so his price is a bit steep Are you perhaps interested?
Hes a slave too?
Technically, yes. To be honest, I should have mentioned this earlier We try to avoid the word slave here as much as possible.
Cobbler casually rubbed his ugly nose with his hand, then bowed toward Karron and spoke.
Allow me to introduce myself formally. I am Cobbler, the director of the Cobbler Manpower Agency! I was once a slave myself, so I dont have a surname.
A slave trader calling his business a manpower agency. Thats some bullshit.
That very point is the key difference that has allowed us to survive in Reven. We dont treat our merchandise carelessly like other slave traders! Trust! Honesty! Quality guaranteed! You can acquire carefully selected personnel from the South at a very reasonable price!
It finally dawned on him.
This place was not normal.
Look at the glint in Cobblers thinly slit eyes.
This man had to be out of his mind too.
Karron let out a dry laugh and looked around. From men exercising to young women tending the garden.
What about those women over there?
They are learning gardening skills. Thorough, repetitive practice is the only way to become an expert, wouldnt you agree?
No, I mean, why are they learning that in a place like this?
To increase their value, of course. You have to learn a skill to eat and live well! Thats my motto. Ah, is there perhaps one among them who has caught your eye?
In the end, this mans true nature was that of a slave trader.
Female slaves often suffered cruel fates. Werent they treated as less than human from the moment they were captured?
But Cobblers next words left Karron speechless.
Hmm, unfortunately, those girls are not for sale. If youre looking for slaves of that sort I could inquire with other traders
I asked about those women. Explain it so I can understand.
There are many old bachelors like me in the Empire. I have an agreement with a matchmaking company in Tebe Yes! International marriage, thats what it is. Youre well aware that refugees arent granted imperial citizenship, arent you? But if they marry an imperial man, they can receive citizenship! The young refugee women get to settle in the Empire, and the old bachelors get to marry! Its killing two birds with one stone!
And you get paid a fee for arranging it?
Wow, young masters from prestigious families are truly different. How did you understand so quickly without me even explaining?
One thing was for sure: this man and his organization were not sane.
He never imagined a slave trader like this could exist.
No, could he even be called a slave trader in the first place?
Is this some kind of elaborate act?
The thought that he might be acting to lower Karrons guard crossed his mind for a moment.
Hahaha. What do you think? Isnt it amazing?
But seeing Cobblers idiotic expression, that thought quickly vanished.
Wouldnt you make more money just selling the slaves as soon as you catch them?
He checked one more time, just in case.
Cobbler replied with a vile smile.
Thats what all the other slave traders do, isnt it? You cant be competitive that way! Youd be surprised if you knew how many groups in this city of Reven deal in slaves.
So this is all purely for money?
Huh? Why else would I go through all this trouble if not for money?
His voice was thick with greed.
For a moment, Karron had wondered if this man might have some good intentions, but of course, that was impossible.
Besides, were not large enough to go out into the field and procure merchandise ourselves like other traders so we focus on quality over quantity! One well-raised product is better than ten unruly slaves! That is our motto
Smack.
Karron slapped Cobbler across the cheek once more.
But Cobbler just kept smiling and bowing.
Oof! Hehe, Young Master. Your palm has quite a sting to it. It makes my respect for you well up on its own!
Going out into the field must mean slave hunting, or something like that?
Yes, yes, simply put. As it happens, my boys arent very good at fighting
Then how did those people get here?
Karron gestured toward the others with his chin. Cobbler chuckled and replied.
Thats a trade secret
Cobbler, about to deflect, saw Karrons raised hand. He answered immediately.
We bring in slaves who have escaped from other traders.
Bring them in?
Yes, yes, a sort of re-abduction! In exchange, we guarantee their safety and arrange suitable clients for them. As you saw on your way here, this place is quite safe from external threats. The lords soldiers patrol outside the camp walls periodically.
You have Margrave Leandro backing you?
Hehe, thats right. Its because our manpower agency pays the most tribute.
He had a rough idea of how this place operated.
But he couldnt make a final judgment just from hearing the story.
It was too absurd to take the mans words at face value.
Re-abduction? It was a term hed never heard before, even including his past life.
Besides, they called it re-abduction, but didnt it just mean providing protection?
And connecting talent to places that needed it?
A slave trader, doing that?
He has to be kidding me.
Anyone who believed that story was a fool.
Youd better be prepared if anything youve said so far turns out to be a lie.
How could I dare utter a lie in front of someone like you! Hehe. A person as esteemed as yourself has taken the time to visit!
It seemed he would have to check with Poina again.
If what this man said turned out to be true.
He might be useful.
He could be helpful in resolving the current situation.
Therefore, Karron decided to reserve his judgment for now.
2.
That evening, in Cobblers room on the top floor of the camp.
Pour.
Cobbler, having generously filled Karrons glass with liquor, rubbed his hands together and flashed a slight smile. He spoke in a raspy voice.
Hehe, so, how did you find our facilities?
Karron took a sip of the amber liquid in his glass, then slowly nodded.
Ill believe about half of what you said.
After a thorough tour of the camp, he had confirmed that Cobblers words werent entirely false.
The meals provided to those confined in the camp were plentiful, and their health was quite good.
Considering the situation in other camps, where food was deliberately withheld to drain the slaves of any strength to escape, the treatment here was certainly good.
In fact, a few of the slaves had said as much.
At least here, we can stay alive, cant we?
You say that because you dont know what a hell it is outside, Young Master. Id rather be here
The possibility that they had been brainwashed by Cobbler couldnt be completely ruled out, but it was clear that the situation here was far better than in other camps.
And most importantly.
Young Master. Regarding the payment for escorting you to the elf auction house, how much can we expect to receive
Im thinking about it. Are you afraid Ill stiff you on the payment?
I take it back! Haha, I have never doubted you for a single moment, Young Master!
Seeing that he didnt even try to hide his greed for money, he didnt seem like the type to be that meticulous.
Karron fiddled with the surface of his glass, lost in thought.
Its true that I needed an accomplice anyway.
Even Kalligo had said they didnt know much about Reven. And as a border city, the lords authority was extremely strong here.
A margrave was a title that guaranteed considerable autonomy.
Therefore, summoning the Sea Wolf Knights could be construed as interference in internal affairs.
Of course, the Azure Fortress had the power and authority to easily brush aside such complaints, but in a situation where Margrave Leandro was clearly involved with the slave market
Hell hide like a mole.
He would definitely try to cover his tracks.
That was why he needed an accomplice with a base in Reven.
In that respect, this man, Cobbler, was perfect.
Having made his decision, Karron smiled at Cobbler.
I like your business philosophy, Cobbler.
Cobbler bowed repeatedly, as if deeply moved.
Oh! Thank you!
So I was thinking of investing a little. What do you say, interested?
An investment! Did you just say an investment! The day has finally come for me
I happen to be in need of a slush fund, you see? And your business looks like it could be quite profitable.
First, cast the bait.
Of course, he didnt expect him to bite immediately.
Men who did this kind of work were naturally suspicious.
Filling slush funds is my specialty. Money that wont cause problems! For nobles, thats the most important kind of money, isnt it?
Cobbler continued the conversation with exaggerated gestures.
All the while, he was rolling his ugly eyes, sizing Karron up. Then, he continued in a suggestive tone.
However, Young Master, when it comes to investments shouldnt mutual trust come first? Its not that I, Cobbler, doubt you, but
You want to know my identity. Why beat around the bush?
Hehehe, whats good is good, isnt it?
Cobbler tried to probe for information with the most servile tone possible.
It was an obvious ploy.
He was sizing Karron up to see if he was someone he could use.
If we could just know what kind of picture youre painting, Young Master, we could provide more active support
It is a bit early for us to be talking about trust. We need to build trust to work together Youre right. Shall we try building some of that trust were lacking?
Fortunately, Karron knew very well how to build trust.
With a smirk, Karron abruptly stood up from his seat.
Cobbler nodded with a wicked smile. He licked his lips and said.
Im already looking forward to
Shinggg.
Hiiiiiiiek! Y-Young Master?
It took only a second for Guillotine, drawn from Karrons scabbard, to touch Cobblers neck.
Guillotines dark blue blade began to glint ominously in the light.
Cobbler stared down at the sword pointed at his throat in disbelief.
Suddenly why all of a sudden
You said we lacked trust, didnt you? This is the best way to build it.
This was the ultimate form of trust.
Karron continued with a shameless expression.
I could kill you right now, but Im not, am I? Technically, Im letting you live. Hah, where else could you find a relationship of trust like this?
Madness.
Not just any madness, but pure, unadulterated madness.
But Cobbler couldnt even offer a rebuttal.
The fact that he had pissed himself and his trousers were now damp was not very important right now.
This sword.
The sword pointed at his neck felt like it would pierce his throat at any moment.
What do you think? This should be enough trust, right?
The person who had entered his precious sanctuary was not some rich, gullible young master.
Now, shall we have a productive conversation?
A demon.
Yes, this man was a demon.
But by the time he realized it, it was far too late.
Cobbler forced a smile and said.
Just spare my life, Young Master! I will serve you with all my loyalty!
He had to survive first, didnt he?
That was the moment the Cobbler Manpower Agency was seized by Karron.