Chapter 6

The slums are filled with dangerous places. Especially in areas where residents fear to even approach.

When we stepped into the slums, we were surrounded by thieves. The place we were brought to, after being told "The Empress has summoned you," turned out to be the thieves' hideout.

"Are you the incompetent one who was expelled from the S-rank party, as rumored?"

The woman sitting on the throne, a beauty of unparalleled grace, was clearly the Empress. Her long hair, like lacquer, was neatly cut, and she wore a costume sewn with gold thread and adorned with jewels. Her alluring eyes caught mine, and I could sense a subtle hostility in their depths.

Though she harbored hostility, she did not seem to have any intention of fighting.

From Fels, who stood beside me, I could hear a strong sound of teeth grinding. It was reassuring that he denied I was incompetent, but the situation was dangerous.

If I were to cause a commotion here, it would turn the slums against me. I couldn't scold those who were angry on my behalf.

"Boss! This guy is famous for being incompetent! He can't do anything, so we should kick him out right away!"

One of the subordinates said this. Is he coming for me?

The Empress stood up and kicked the subordinate away. She then stepped on him and continued with a look as if she were looking at filth.

"Fool. Your tendency to judge people based on rumors alone is your weakness, I tell you."

"Y-Yes, I'm sorry!"

... Is she not enjoying this? N-No, it must be my imagination.

Indeed, I have never seen a beauty like her. I had heard that there was an unbelievably beautiful woman in the slums, but she was more than just beautiful. She seemed to have leadership skills as well.

Her dignity and coldness, and the way she looked at things, told the story. A person who makes decisions without being swayed by emotions acts based on cost-benefit analysis. If I can clearly show the Empress the benefits, she will likely allow me to live in the slums.

"... The rumor that you are incompetent seems to be a lie."

She was saying something in a low voice, but I couldn't hear it clearly. She turned and returned to her throne. The scent of citrus carried by the wind tickled my nostrils.

I was secretly appraising this woman. She had a very good status.

【Race】Human

Florence, 26 years old, Status: Alert

Magic: Low

Swordsman: S / S

Magic: D / C

Dexterity: C / B

Loyalty: 0

【Severe Condition】

She has deep wounds in both her mind and body.

The last line is concerning...

While Fels' status might seem stronger, it's only about potential. Comparing a person still growing to one who has fully matured is too risky.

Even if Fels has higher potential, she is still only at a B level in terms of actual ability, so she can't win.

The people around her aren't particularly strong, but Florence is troublesome. I need to stay on guard.

"A few days ago, there was a man who committed theft in the capital and a guard who was injured."

Florence said this while propping her cheek with her hand.

"The man who committed theft was an adventurer from the slums, who had his arm injured by a monster and was said to be unable to recover. However, someone healed his arm. Furthermore, he told a nearby guard to use a bow and revealed the guard's unknown archery skills. As a result, one of my subordinates was hit by an arrow in the leg."

It seems she has investigated me more thoroughly than the rumors. Fels' vigilance increased even more.

However, I noticed that Florence's status had not changed from "Alert."

If she intended to fight, her status would have shown "Danger." This was more of a fact-check and a bit of a complaint.

From her perspective, her subordinate was injured because of me. It's understandable that she's angry. I accepted it honestly and promised to heal her later.

"Blacksmith Nigris, who has the appraisal skill. I intended to summon you sooner or later."

It seems my skills are somewhat recognized.

"I don't think I can be of much use."

"Do not be modest. I do not dislike honest men, but I do not like those who are overly modest."

"I'm not being modest... but whatever."

I thought that healers were needed in the slums. I had heard that hunger and disease were rampant here more than in the capital. Moreover, there were many crimes that couldn't be openly discussed.

In fact, I had a vague idea.

Why healers disappeared.

The "Severe Psychological Condition" mentioned in the status.

It all connected.

"In other words, you've been gathering healers who might be able to heal you and eliminating those who fail, right?"

"... So, you have the appraisal skill. You seem to have quite a good skill. I find it hard to believe that you are the incompetent one who was expelled from the S-rank party."

Florence is also a person of considerable skill. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to command a band of thieves and rule as the Empress of the slums.

I had a vague idea that my healing power was different from other healers. Thanks to Fels, I realized this and became certain over the past few days.

My healing magic is quite excellent. However, I won't be arrogant about it.

If I fail to heal here, they will likely try to kill me.

Failure is not an option. I moved forward.

"If I can heal you, will you allow me to live here?"

"Very well. Not only will I allow it, but I will give you the best place. However, if you fail, you will die."

"Master Nigris, there's no need to bet so much. This is clearly a one-sided──"

"Elf girl, I didn't ask for your opinion."

The Empress of the slums. I had heard about her, but seeing her in person, she is a rather cunning woman.

She wants to confine me in her den and leave me with no place to run.

There's no right to refuse, is there? I have no choice.

"... I understand."

In any case, I have a verbal agreement.

Now, all I need to do is heal Florence. As a healer, if I am asked for help, I will help.

"Master Nigris! This woman is dangerous!"

"To worry about your master in this situation. You are a well-trained slave."

"I'm not a slave. I'm a companion."

Florence said, "Hm..." with a glance. I was a bit irritated that my companion was called a slave.

I hate it when my companions are insulted.

Just as I was treated in my previous party, I vowed never to let anyone be treated the same way. I don't want Fels to experience that pain.

"Alright. Follow me."

"Fels, can you wait a moment?"

"... M-Master Nigris."

I gently patted his head and followed Florence. It was a room in the back.