Chapter 96

Leaving the village, we stepped into the territory of the Blue Balm slave state.

However, it wasn't as if we immediately saw the full extent of the slave state; what spread before our eyes was a desolate sandy landscape.

It seemed to be that kind of climate, with not a single tree growing, and only sparse withered grass.

It was indeed a desolate scene.

"This doesn't seem suitable for farmland. It's a harsh environment," I said.

"Perhaps that's why it became a haven for criminals? Because it has no value and has been ignored, illegal intruders have settled and developed it to the point where they can't be evicted. It's a common occurrence," Abinion said sarcastically.

Well, criminals do tend to settle in places where no one would look for them because they're doing things they can't admit to others.

"Still, it's surprisingly quiet."

Noem, who was with me, also commented. He was covering his mouth with a scarf because dust and sand were being carried by the wind.

"Yeah, I thought a large army would attack us as soon as we entered their territory, but that's not the case."

Considering the commotion near the border, the other side must have already detected our threat. I expected them to be fully prepared for an attack, but so far, all I could see was a vast wilderness.

It was eerily quiet.

"What's with this inconsistent response?"

Or did they know we were only two (plus one) and decided that a grand response wasn't necessary?

"Anyway, let's try to pass through smoothly. The fewer troubles, the better."

Our goal, now that we had invaded the enemy's territory, was the capital of this country. The top leaders of the country should be there.

It's a common strategy to crush the enemy by targeting the head first.

"Still, I have no idea where the capital is..."

Abinion seemed to be saying, "You should have investigated beforehand," but given that the criminal state is shrouded in mystery, it's understandable.

Our journey has become a matter of chance.

"Anyway, we need to ask for directions somewhere. I hope we run into someone conveniently..."

"Ah, Ruya, over there...!"

Noem seemed to have noticed something. In the middle of the seemingly endless wilderness, there was a hint of movement.

"Is it a person? It looks like something is gathering there?"

"I don't know what it is, but let's go check it out. It's better than wandering in the wilderness!"

I thought Noem's suggestion made sense, so we decided to go. Of course, meeting someone in enemy territory could lead to a fight, but if it came to that, we would just have to take them down.

We were quite relaxed about it.

◆

...And then.

When we approached the crowd in the middle of the wilderness...

"This is...!?"

I couldn't help but grimace as soon as I saw it.

The crowd was about one or two hundred people. Cheerful voices could be heard from various directions.

"Come on, come on! Fresh slaves are here!"

"Both men and women, young and cheap! Yet, the prices are reasonable!!"

"Come to the slave market under the blue sky! Come on, come on!"

Behind the cheerful merchants, there were undoubtedly people. They were dressed in rough clothing, tied with hemp cloth, and wore collars, which were connected by chains. They stood there with vacant eyes.

These people made up more than eighty percent of the group.

However, they were not being treated as human beings. They were displayed as goods in this market...!?

"A slave market...!?"

I had unknowingly come to such a terrible place.

Moreover, the slave market was bustling with a steady stream of customers.

They were all well-dressed, and it was easy to tell they were nobles. They scrutinized the slaves, conversed with the slave merchants, and bought them as casually as if they were shopping for dinner.

People.

How much human decency must one abandon to be able to do such things?

"Ruya...!!"

Noem, too, seemed to be terrified by this mad aspect of humanity, clinging to me. He must have been deeply shocked.

"Hey, hey, mister! Don't just stand there, buy a slave! It's a big sale, you'll regret it if you don't buy!"

A cheerful voice addressed me as I stood there. From the situation, he was undoubtedly a slave merchant.

"At the blue sky market, we offer fair prices! The quality is lower, but that means you can use them up and it's a smart purchase! I'm a merchant, and honesty is part of the business!"

"Quality...!?"

"Exactly! The goods here are mostly D-rank skill holders! At best, they're C-rank! If you want B-rank or higher skill holders, you'll have to go to the capital!"

The capital...!?

The information we were looking for was hinted at.

"But high-rank skill holders are expensive? Since you can only use strong skills in limited situations, it's more cost-effective to have a few lower-rank skill holders at a reasonable price, isn't it!?"

"..."

"Besides, if you're looking for a companion for the night, skills don't matter! How about this female slave? She's young, and though she looks like this now, she'll clean up nicely!"

As he said this, the slave merchant pulled on the chain, and a girl was forced to step forward.

"This one is a D-rank skill holder, not very useful, but she looks decent. As a special service, we can process her so she won't get pregnant, for free! Or do you want to impregnate your slave as a hobby?"

"..."

I was about to punch the slave merchant in my frustration, but Noem held me back.

"Don't, Ruya...! If we cause a commotion here...!"

Noem whispered to me.

"Our goal is to defeat the slave state. We should pretend to go along with this and try to find out where the capital is. If we cause a commotion here, it will only make things worse..."

Noem was right. Sometimes, we need to endure to achieve our goals.

For that, we need to act as if we came to buy slaves and get close to the slave merchant to gather the necessary information.

"Hey, you! You there!"

Just then, a busy voice called out, making me jump.

I turned to see a well-dressed young man approaching us. What was this about?

"What is it? Do you need something from us?"

From his appearance, he seemed to be a customer looking to buy slaves. He looked like a noble, but why was he in such a low place?

"You have some pretty good slaves there!"

"Huh?"

I was confused for a moment, but the nobleman smiled slyly.

"Don't play dumb, I know you have the same hobby as me. Look at this!"

The nobleman turned his gaze to the back. There, three young women were standing behind him.

They were well-dressed, far superior to the slaves displayed around, but their eyes were dull and lifeless.

So, they were also...

"Isn't it wonderful? My collection. I'm one of the few who can polish and adorn the slaves I buy to this extent. Hahaha!"

He treated people like dolls.

"But, I'm thrilled to meet a fellow enthusiast today! I didn't expect to find someone who adorns slaves as much as I do!"

...

Huh?

Who was he talking about? Could he be talking about me?

"You have a good taste! How about that female slave? She must be happy to have met such a kind master."

The nobleman's lecherous gaze was directed at... Noem?

He must have mistaken Noem for a slave I was bringing along!