Chapter 53

Well then.

I have been entrusted with the management of the servants by my master.

What a great honor!

This means I am automatically the highest-ranking servant, above even the housekeeper and the butler. In other words, from the perspective of others...

"Madam? Just kidding."

I'm in such a good mood that I can't help but mutter to myself.

In the large and stylish private room my master has given me, which is far more than I deserve, I go through the list of slaves provided by Philip, the president of the Morris Slave Trade Company, to select the servants.

The plan I have in mind at this point is a three-stage process.

First, I will hire four men as candidates for butler, head chef, gardener, and stable master, and ten women as candidates for all-purpose maids.

Next, I will provide them with high-level education to bring their abilities up to a level worthy of serving my master.

Finally, I will supplement their ranks with the necessary number of subordinates.

This is probably the best way to go.

While I am very unhappy about bringing a large number of women close to my master, who has a tendency to approach many women, considering the gender ratio of the first batch, it is somewhat inevitable. I will do my best to control the situation through my management, or rather, my education.

All the servants I hire will be slaves, both men and women. I have no intention of hiring ordinary people. The reason is that I am afraid of betrayal.

Even with a subjugation contract, I am still afraid. From the tone of Philip's words, I could tell that the "escape" technique is not something only my master knows. Given the many enemies that exist and the uncertainty of who might be instigating from where, I cannot help but be particularly vigilant against betrayal to protect my master.

...A single word suddenly crosses my mind.

Brainwashing—perhaps Lady Lucia was in a similar state of mind as I am now. If there is someone you want to protect at all costs, you would use every means at your disposal, regardless of the form. Yes, I would do the same.

However, I cannot perform brainwashing. So I will protect my master in my own way.

That is, by making them dependent. By rescuing, manipulating, and instilling faith. By completely taking their hearts so they will never betray. And then dedicating them to my master.

My master must have thought this through when building the "mansion for servants." Indeed, my master is impressive. I am always in awe of his deep and far-reaching plans.

I picked out slaves with particularly tragic pasts from the slave list and matched them to the servant list.

—Here, my master is present. There is an environment where the weak can be saved. It is, in a sense, a paradise on earth. All the pain of the past, all the sorrow, all the injustice, can be left behind, just as I once did.

"Hmm, is this good enough?"

After compiling the list, I cleaned the mansion while waiting for my master to return.

...It took until sunset, and I didn't finish. I didn't expect it to take so long for just one mansion.

It seems I need to increase the number of servants as soon as possible...

The next day.

I took some of my master's time and went to the Morris Trade Company.

There seemed to be no problem with my choices, and the subjugation contracts were smoothly carried out under the supervision of the company president.

The contract terms were simple and straightforward, with only the "no attack" clause omitted compared to mine. Essentially, it is a good master-servant relationship that does not violate human decency.

After the contracts were signed, my busy master gave the slaves a brief greeting and quickly headed to the Slime Forest.

Well, now I have 14 servants, both men and women.

They all look at me with eyes full of fear and resignation.

Sigh, the future looks worrying. If they see my master's innocent and carefree demeanor and the fact that I, a target of persecution, am standing here unharmed, they should realize that there is no need to be afraid or give up.

It seems there are no clever and cunning individuals who try to suppress their emotions with reason. My judgment was correct. With this, it should only be a matter of time before they become dependent or even faithful.

I led the 14 slaves to the eastern mansion.

As soon as we arrived, I lined them up in front of the gate and surveyed them with the mansion as a backdrop.

First impressions are very important. Recalling the words I had thought of last night, I opened my mouth as calmly as possible.

"You are fortunate. Spend the next day becoming aware of this."

"..."

The slaves held their breath. I think I have their attention.

"Once you are aware, work hard to serve my master. The only condition for enjoying this fortunate environment is that."

I looked at the faces of the slaves. They all seemed confused. Of course, it's hard to believe at first. I was the same.

"Someone who was persecuted for the color of their skin and made a slave by the hands of the only parents they trusted. Siblings who were ostracized by the village for a crime they did not commit. Someone who became a slave due to a large debt after being betrayed by their fiancé. A woman in a man's body who became a slave for a sexual crime—"

I exposed each of their pasts one by one.

The 14 people were in an uproar. However, no one complained. Why? Because they were too curious about what I would say next. After all, I said they were fortunate. I must want them to realize this, right? They must be desperate to cling to something, right? They must be unable to help but have hope, right? To such pitiful people, I will offer an answer.

"Give up everything. My master does not care about the color of your skin. My master already knows that these are false accusations. A large debt? You can pay it off in less than three years here. Of course, my master will not betray you. A woman in a man's body? Don't worry, my master understands and will ensure you work comfortably—"

I directly denied each of their pasts.

The ripples in their hearts grew larger and larger. Gradually, life returned to their eyes. They were moved by the master's magnanimity, the fact that they would be paid, and the depth of his kindness. Even if they couldn't believe it right away, they couldn't stop the hope that swelled in their hearts.

"When you pass through this gate, the filth that has tormented you will become insignificant."

I turned my back on the 14 and walked through the gate of the eastern mansion.

They all looked at me, waiting for my words.

They want to be saved, to reach out, but can't. They want to believe but can't. So they wait. They are pitiful beings who can only wait. Therefore, I will put handcuffs on each of their shrunken hands and pull them up, just as my master did for me. The only difference is that I will never unlock those cuffs.

"Pass through the gate without hesitation. Come to me. Then I will give you work. If necessary, I will educate you from scratch. I guarantee adequate food, clothing, and shelter. There is no right to refuse."

I forcibly led the 14 into the gate.

I turned around once to look at everyone's faces. Indeed, they have good expressions. Whether they are being deceived or not, they have no choice but to bet on this. They all look determined.

Hehe, now they are mine.

Thus, my plan to make the servants dependent began.

* * *

The fateful day.

My sister and I were bought by an incredibly handsome man.

But then, a dark elf maid with a cold expression appeared before us.

A dark elf maid... Is she also under that man? Dark elves are the prime targets of discrimination in this rotten kingdom. We must have been bought by a dangerous person...

"El-nee..."

Etsu squeezed my hand. She's worried? Don't worry, I'm here for you.

The 14 male and female slaves, including us, lined up in front of the huge gate.

What a mansion. As expected, that man is incredibly wealthy. I don't know what he plans to do by buying so many slaves at once, but at least it doesn't seem like we'll be sold to the "underworld," which is a relief.

While I was feeling a drop of relief amidst the overwhelming anxiety, the dark elf woman stood before us. She is incredibly beautiful and has no weaknesses. Her presence is so intimidating that just being looked at by her makes me shrink. Who is this woman?

...While I was thinking this,

The speech began.

We are fortunate. Realize this—she said.

What the hell is this woman talking about? I mocked her. I had to, to keep myself together. We're not that naive to be swayed by just words. There's no way we can believe such a convenient story. Knowing this, my anxiety grows. I imagine a terrible environment from which there is no escape. I think, "What kind of harsh conditions are they planning to use us up in?" So I curse in my heart. "I'm not expecting anything, you idiot."

"---Siblings who were ostracized by the village for a crime they did not commit---"

"What!?"

Does this woman know!?

And are all these people here with some kind of past!?

No, this is certain! We will be used up—

"You, my master already knows that these are false accusations."

---...Huh?

W-Wait, I don't understand.

Why does he "know" about the false accusations?

Does knowing that make a difference?

Why did she say "look at me"?

Does she need to remember the information of each slave she plans to use up?

Maybe we won't be used up...

"When you pass through this gate, the filth that has tormented you will become insignificant."

...

Yeah, that's right.

If it's true, how wonderful it would be.

I get it, I get it. I'll believe you.

If you tell me to pass through the gate, I'll pass through. If you tell me to come, I'll come.

I'll have hope. I've been betrayed so many times, but I'll give it one last try.

So... please, don't betray us again.

...

There was a time when I thought like that!

What the hell is this!?

A mansion for servants!? Huh!? A mansion for servants, have you ever heard of such a thing!?

And one room per person for just a maid or a slave? I don't get it!! It's such a luxurious room!

Not to mention, how much land does he own? Is it okay for us to be here? I feel kind of guilty!

And the level of education is too high? Are you mistaken? Quality education isn't something everyone can easily receive. If this continues, I'll become a first-class maid like those in noble households. Is that okay? I will!

And the food is too delicious? Three meals a day, and if it's this good, I'll end up gaining weight.

No, I lied. I won't gain weight. The perfect maid captain's training is too intense. I don't have time to gain weight with hell every three days. But compared to before, it's like heaven.

Lately, just seeing my master from a distance is a comfort. I haven't been allowed to serve him directly yet, but serving him is my immediate goal. Really.

Well, except for the scary dark elf sergeant, everything is perfect. I really am blessed. I've become fully aware of it. It's been engraved in my brain.

By the way, none of the 10 of us in the all-purpose maid team have been allowed to get close to my master yet. That's strange, isn't it? Maybe it's because of that dark elf sergeant—

"El, you've stopped working."

"S-Sorry!"

I got scolded! Is she a mind reader?

...

Etsu is looking at me and laughing. You're lucky to have the talent for being a maid. I don't have the talent. It's not my thing...

"Understand? The 10 of you here must reach a level worthy of the elite 'All-Purpose Maid Team.' You lack education, spirit, and experience. I will teach you one by one. So learn as naturally as breathing. And eventually, you will be in a position to teach your subordinates."

When I'm feeling down, Yuki-sama always encourages me at the right time.

She is strict like a demon, but she is a really good person.

...In short, what I'm trying to say is...

I want to work here for the rest of my life.

Thank you for reading.