Chapter 26

After buying the twins, it was almost another year, and the money had accumulated again to a considerable amount.

I'm thinking of buying a fourth one soon.

Since then, Sukuna has become a very strict person, and the remnants of her old self have disappeared.

It's incredibly sad.

Kou and Mei seem to have retained their cheerful and carefree nature.

I guess it's because I asked them not to become as rigid as Sukuna.

I thought it would be suffocating to be surrounded by such people when I become an adventurer.

I must do everything to protect the slave I'm going to buy!

Just as I was about to set out, my father called me to a halt.

It seems that Duke Cordia, a rather important person, is coming.

He is apparently from the same generation as my father and became friends when they attended the only school in the capital. They still keep in touch and meet occasionally.

I met him once when I was still a baby and couldn't move properly. He seemed quite kind but also a bit tired, always saying "phew" at every opportunity.

He seems to have come to consult about something.

I remember he was asking for a favor, but I only saw it with my divine eye, so I don't know the details...

He is coming again.

So I have to greet him.

After Duke Cordia arrived and we finished the formal greetings, it was an awkward time, so we postponed it to the next day.

He came again to ask for a favor, looked pleased, and then immediately looked dejected.

I don't understand.

When I asked my father, he just said, "Hmm, well, a bit...," and I couldn't understand at all.

The next day, I decided to buy a slave, regaining my composure.

Today, I'm taking the maid and Sukuna with me.

Kou and Mei are staying behind.

We arrived at the slave house, and the carriage jolted as usual. We entered the building, holding hands as usual.

The usual slave trader immediately came over and said,

"Welcome, Master Rain! Miss Maid! And Sukuna, we've been waiting for you! Please, sit on this sofa!"

He made us sit on the usual fluffy sofa.

And as usual, I was on the maid's lap.

"How are Kou and Mei doing since the last time?"

"They are quite excellent; it was a good purchase."

We started talking normally.

"That's great! Thank you!

We have been very well taken care of by Duke Orion, so it's a pleasure to be of service!"

He flattered us.

I felt something was off the moment he arrived, so I asked like a naive child,

"Um, there don't seem to be many people today. What happened?"

There were no customers at all.

When I asked, the slave trader didn't break his smile and said,

"Yes, since we deal with high-priced items, there are days like this.

There have been days when only five people came.

Ah, rest assured, it's not that our slave house is empty!"

He said it with a joke at the end.

(Hmm)

I don't know if it's true.

There were 4 or 5 customers both times.

If he says so, that's all I can say.

"That's the case, thank you!"

"You're welcome."

He immediately took the maid's order.

"Then, right away, do you have any recommended slaves up to 12 years old?

And, if possible, someone who can use water, darkness, or light magic and is combat-oriented."

He asked for the order.

The slave trader's face twisted a bit and said,

"Hmm... I'm very sorry, but we don't currently have slaves as excellent as the Kou and Mei brothers.

However, we do have a magic user who can use water magic. Would you like to see her?"

He asked.

"Is that so... What do you think, Master Rain?"

He turned to me.

"Let's take a look, at least."

I suggested to take a look.

The Kou and Mei brothers aren't just handed out easily.

What's the point of the age restriction, then?

"Understood! Please wait a moment."

He went to the back.

He quickly brought back a girl.

To put it simply, she was "white."

Not silver, but pure white hair, white skin, and only her eyes were a deep red.

"I apologize for the wait.

This is Aina, a slave who can use water magic."

Aina, the young girl, bowed.

"She is 7 years old, level 6, and her water magic level is 1.

However..."

However?

"What is it?"

"Yes, as you can see, her skin and hair are white, making her a target of persecution."

(Ah, she's an albino.

In the animal world, they can't survive because they're different.)

I understand this well because I was like that.

Those who are different are discriminated against just for being different.

"Her clan is called the White Fangs, and they are not well-liked in the south.

In our country, there are mostly humans, so it's not a concern..."

(I see...)

I don't care about that; just tell me the price.

As if my wish was understood, he immediately said,

"Well... 25 gold coins, how about that?"

It was almost the same amount of money I had.

I signaled the maid to haggle.

"If she's a target of persecution, she should be cheaper.

How about 15 gold coins?"

"Hmm... 23 gold coins, then..."

He gradually lowered the price, and it finally settled at 19 gold coins.

As usual, we made the contract and took Aina with us.

After leaving the slave house, Aina suddenly said,

"From today, you are my master. I may have shortcomings, but please treat me well from today."

"Wh-What? Huh? Uh, sure..."

I panicked.

(Huh? Wasn't she being persecuted? Why is she already like a second Sukuna before training?)

I thought she would be more timid because of the persecution.

"I will become Master Rain's slave from today.

If anything happens to you, I will be your sword and shield and protect you."

She said something like a samurai's vow.

"Ah, um... thank you..."

I gave a lackluster response.

(But you can't fight in front... I bought a healer.

Well, it's fine because I'm here...)

I muttered as we headed back.