Chapter 100

If that 'slave mark' was created by some kind of skill...

Who is the caster of that skill?

It was an obvious fact.

Pushing deeper and deeper into the heart of the slave nation, we finally arrived.

A clearly large, developed settlement that could be called a city.

"Is this the capital of the slave nation...!?"

The city's name was surely King of the World.

A grandiose name, like something a child would come up with.

Do they want to say that they rule the world from here?

"This city has a bad vibe..."

"Yeah."

Noem's feeling of suffocation was understandable.

I feel the same way.

Usually, a city this big would be brimming with vitality, but here, there's no sign of the kind of life energy that people exude.

It's not that there are no people.

We've encountered several people since entering the city, but none of them had a glimmer in their eyes, and they didn't respond to our greetings.

It's as if they're just dolls moving in a predetermined way.

"Probably, everyone we've encountered so far has been branded with the 'slave mark'...!"

And they've had their free will taken away, acting only as they are commanded.

A city of puppets, all slaves.

Is this the capital of the slave nation?

'What a tasteless city. It's like a city where grown-ups play with dolls.'

Even Abinion, who usually doesn't show much emotion, felt uncomfortable with the city's atmosphere and frowned.

If a city is a place where people live and thrive, this place wasn't a city.

It was just a slave warehouse.

That's why I feel this fake, artificial stench.

'So, what will you do, Master? If your goal is to destroy the country, should you turn this city to ashes as well?'

"I'm not going to be that destructive."

I want to head towards the center for now.

From the information we gathered on the way here, there's a Senate composed of the top slave traders and the head of the slave traders in the capital.

If you crush the head, any creature will die.

Let's aim for that Senate first.

"Before that, we need to be fully prepared. Abinion, I'm counting on you."

"Understood."

With that, Abinion disappeared from our sight.

Noem and I walked side by side through the empty streets of the slave nation.

"Noem, stay close to me. Our enemies aren't fools."

"Yes...!"

Noem, tense and nervous.

Given that we've been ambushed on the way here, the slave nation must already be aware of our arrival.

It's also strange that they haven't shown any significant reaction yet.

What are they thinking?

How do they perceive us?

Their reaction came.

◆

"Lord Ryuuya, Lady Noem, I presume."

A man suddenly stopped us.

He had the air of a butler, with a gentle demeanor.

"Both of you are S-rank adventurers, hailed as great heroes in the Centarian Kingdom. It is a great honor for the Republic of Bluebalm to have such distinguished guests visit us."

So, they already know who we are.

"My master has instructed me to welcome you with all our might. Your journey must have been arduous. Would you like something to drink? We have prepared elaborate dishes as well."

"Not necessary."

Who knows what might be in the food.

"More importantly, we want to meet the Senate. They're the top of this country, right?"

"That is correct. The Republic of Bluebalm is governed by a council of distinguished merchants. This system, known as democracy, is what we pride ourselves on as the most progressive and superior form of national governance."

A system that uses slaves, huh?

You've got to be kidding me.

"Then, lead us to where the Senate is. Or are you afraid of me and planning to run away from the city?"

"Out of the question. The members of the Senate are eagerly awaiting your arrival. It is a great honor to have you request a meeting. I will arrange it immediately."

He was straightforward.

"Then, I will guide you."

The butler-like man turned, indicating for us to follow.

I saw it.

The 'slave mark' was clearly visible on the back of his neck.

"...A country without people, huh..."

Slaves aren't treated as people.

The absence of human-like beings indeed made this a 'country without people.'

We are about to meet the only ones who act human here.

What kind of shameless people are they?

◆

We were led to the largest building in the center of the slave kingdom's capital, and then to the highest room at the very center.

There, about ten elderly men were seated around a round table.

"Do you know why this table is round?"

One of the elderly men at the round table said.

"With a square table, the seating position creates a difference, inevitably leading to a distinction in status. That's not a good thing. People are born equal. We sit around a round table to show that there is no difference no matter where you sit."

"That's a bit too much of a setup, isn't it?"

You, who create such obvious differences by dealing with slaves, are talking about equality.

"Is that such a strange idea? Slaves are commodities. Therefore, they don't need to be treated as people. The equality among humans is well maintained. See, it makes sense."

"That twisted logic only fools would believe."

From the round table, multiple chuckles escaped.

Mocking laughter directed at us.

"So, you are the leaders of the criminals, right?"

"What are you talking about? We are upright, hardworking merchants. We take pride in our dedication to business and our contributions to society. We are of the same ilk as you, who have achieved great accomplishments and reached the rank of S-class adventurers."

"Never say that again, even as a joke."

You and I are of the same ilk?

"Up until now, this has been the most unpleasant insult I've ever received. I have more questions for you, so I'll keep you alive, but if you say the same thing again, I'll kill you, even in the middle of a conversation."

"Oh, how barbaric. There are such cruel heroes who threaten weak merchants like us."

More mocking laughter escaped.

"Hehehe, right. I was so intimidated by the hero that I forgot to introduce myself. ...I am Mijurakujurami. I serve as the governor of the Senate of the Republic of Bluebalm."

"Governor?"

"Representative of the Senate. The position rotates every few years. It's just for efficiency in discussions. There's no hierarchy among us here."

Mijurakujurami, despite being an old man, exuded a formidable presence, full of vigor.

His face, though wrinkled, was covered with a thick, black beard, almost burying his face. His eyes, hidden behind the beard, shone brightly like lanterns.

The members of the Senate surrounding the governor... should I call them elders?

They also exuded an unusual aura, not quite human.

It felt like we had wandered into the home of demons.

Noem, terrified, hid behind me, clinging tightly to my back.

"Well, I've introduced myself, but will you not reciprocate, hero? Such rudeness would tarnish the face of the King of Centaria, who protects you."

"Indeed, it was impolite of me not to state my purpose."

Then, I'll say it as you wish.

"I am Ryuuya, and I've come to destroy this country."