Chapter 74

As they arrived at the same time, the visitors turned out to be Lord Raz and Fol.

They were then invited upstairs, and tea was prepared.

"So, what brings you here?"

"Yep, I'll be straightforward. I want you to make the two people you rescued your slaves."

"Two people? ...Well, that's fine, but I don't want to. If there's an issue with the debt for their treatment, I'll make sure they pay it back properly."

"...Did I make myself unclear? I'm giving you an order. As a collaborator, I want your cooperation."

"Even if it's necessary as a collaborator... I said I can't comply with inhumane requests, didn't I?"

"Lord Crane, may I explain in detail?"

In response to my reply, Lord Raz, after a moment of irritation, gave a deliberately bright smile, to which I returned an irritated expression.

I knew that in this world, the institution of slavery existed, but I couldn't accept it. Moreover, the idea of owning slaves was a joke.

"Lord Crane, first, you understand that the two people and the one at the church are foreigners, right? They are also illegal immigrants from the Empire."

"...Yes."

I wondered if my efforts to keep this somewhat hidden had been noticed.

But I believed that it was better for the townspeople not to know about the foreigners... and I had been busy, which was why I hadn't reported to Lord Raz and the others...

"Then, let me explain the specifics. The tricky part is that if the Empire requests the return of illegal immigrants, our country is obligated to comply. They don't have any merit as refugees."

"...I see."

"Furthermore, the Empire has started a hunt for foreigners. This is due to the influence of foreigners being a cause of the recent rebellion by the Third Prince. In reaction, they are brutally killing foreigners to vent the people's frustrations and mislead their dissatisfaction with politics."

He mentioned the rebellion so casually.

I had heard various stories about the Empire... the political instability, the illegal immigration... Could they just be adventurers who happened to be rescued?

"In short, there are many complications between countries... and the quickest way to resolve their situation is..."

"Yes, to make them slaves. I understand that without appraisal, it's unknown, but there is a status called a title. They are 'illegal immigrants from the Empire,' but if they become slaves, their title changes to 'slave.' If the reason for becoming a slave is debt, they can regain their freedom by paying it off. After that, they can live in any country, and the crime of illegal immigration is erased."

If I don't want them to be killed after all the help I've given... still, the idea of owning slaves is something I find utterly repulsive. Lord Raz and Fol, knowing this, didn't budge in their stance. I sensed a kind of urgency from them, though I didn't understand why.

"From our perspective, we want you to keep them as debt slaves. Even if they wish for protection, the situation is much more severe compared to you, Lord Granos, and Lord Naga. Furthermore, we offered them a position, but they declined."

"To Crow?"

"To both of them. At that time, your name came up, and Lord Crow said there was room for consideration about becoming your slave. They also refused to provide any information, including about the Empire and themselves, and said they didn't mind being killed."

No, no. I care, but what's the point of helping them? They said they would pay the money back, didn't they?

No... are they giving up on living in this world? They didn't seem to be in a state of despair. If they don't want to be involved with the nobility, then making them my slaves is awkward...

"First, about Crow, have you heard about his status?"

"About the paralysis? It's cured, right?"

"That's not the point, right?"

"..."

His ability... the Unique Skill. Even though they refused to provide information, they still know about his ability... I don't know how they found out, but my brothers were also exposed. However, I don't know anything about Leus, and the two of them don't seem to care much about him. They are focusing on Crow.

Crow himself said he has special eyes. Honestly... I want his ability as an assistant. Being able to see the accumulation inside the body, which I can't, is a huge advantage. It means he has high medical skills. Additionally, with a high 'Appraisal and Analysis' skill, he can investigate the components of medicine, which would be very useful.

Well, that's from my perspective.

From the nobility's perspective... his ability is even more valuable than what I need.

"Lord Crane, his Unique Skill is precious. ...Do you understand the implications?"

"I've heard a bit from him. He mentioned it as a selling point. As a pharmacist, I think he would be very useful... but if he doesn't want it, it won't be of any use, right, Lord Raz?"

"I don't think that way, but others do."

"...Is it a noble issue?"

"Yes. We can't return him to other factions, let alone the Empire. As a maximum concession, if he becomes your debt slave, he will be yours until the debt is paid. No one can take him away, so we're just proposing it... If you refuse, we can't guarantee his safety."

...The ability to detect lies... is that something rulers want? In negotiations, knowing the other party's bluff is a significant advantage.

If it's reported... can't they escape now?

"Lord Crane, his information about the Empire... I assume it's valuable. That's why they decided not to hand it over unconditionally."

"...I see."

"Furthermore, the Medicis family was once known for having the most slaves in the country. Your reputation won't be significantly damaged if you have slaves... the best situation would be to entrust them to you and put them on the shelf."

"Wait, the most in the country? They had slaves?"

"Yes. When the current king ascended the throne, a decree was issued, and debt slaves were freed. Before that, they had one of the largest numbers of slaves in the country."

What!?

What is that? A lot of slaves? No, I don't think Master needs slaves since he can take care of himself. Is this false information?

"...Just to clarify, the adventurers who were saved by Grandma Pamela and became slaves to pay off their debts... they worked as adventurers or in regular jobs to pay off their debts. Slaves can be used as the master sees fit. You can do the same."

I see. Treatment is expensive, and of course, not everyone can pay. That makes sense, right?

But what concerns me more... is the decree? It cancels debts, right? While reducing sentences through pardons is one thing, canceling debts? Is the politics okay?

"It's not okay. Because of that, I'm being ignored by proper nobles. There are various issues with the royal finances... and it was a bad move to cover it up by allowing the purchase of titles with money. It's a headache."

Huh?

I thought the royal family was quite competent based on their handling of foreigners?

Is that not the case? Is it that the faction I belong to, the royal brother's faction, is competent?

It seems they don't want to talk about politics, so I'll get back to the topic.

"I understand what Mr. Fol is saying... but I can't easily decide something that affects people's lives."

The Medicis family, founded by Master. The surname of the three of us who were adopted.

Master received a title as a reward for developing medicine, but as a noble, he doesn't govern land, so he only has the title... but he was known for owning slaves.

I am the child of the adventurer Finn and the village girl Evely, and the adopted child of Pamela Medicis.

In fact, this guarantees our safety. I know we have a household registration and can own slaves, but it's not just that.

"I'll give you a week. Can you decide by then?"

"...Alright."

"Then, about your situation. We've been instructed from above to terminate your contract. However, I don't intend to do so for now."

Ah, the same instruction was given to Lord Raz as to the guild master.

This is probably an order from the royal brother. Mr. Fol is laughing bitterly at the idea of not following it.

Hmm. Since mutual agreement is a condition, the contract can't be terminated without Lord Raz's consent, which I understand.

"...Why?"

"Because you're too careless! You pick up all sorts of trouble without the courage to negotiate with nobles. There's the Granos issue, the clan issue, and the slave issue, which will earn you the resentment of some nobles. Yet, you still say sweet things like wanting to save lives! If you reject my help, you'll be targeted by the royal brother's faction, the king's faction, and others."

"...So, you're quite worried about me?"

Mr. Fol nodded vigorously when I looked at him. I feel like I'm being treated like a troublesome relative.

Lord Raz is quite emotional. At our first meeting, I think he was serious about killing me... The guild master intended to use me, but I think Lord Raz just put it on hold. His attitude changed from the dungeon days.

Now, I trust Lord Raz more than the guild master. Mr. Fol is hard to read... but I think he's a middle manager... he doesn't have ill intentions toward me unless instructed.

Yes, I think what Lord Raz is saying is correct.

I realize I can't handle nobles. I also feel that the opposing side has increased. I know I'm being protected by Lord Raz.

Yes, I can't cut ties no matter what.

"Then, how about changing the contract?"

"...What do you mean?"

"Well, the current contract has some negative effects on my well-being, right? ...If you're worried about me, changing the terms might be a good idea. We could make another contract to place me under your protection."

"...Usually, we don't make contracts, you know?"

"Yes... For now, I think it's best to say that I'm the child of a benefactor, and you're looking after me. Externally, as a lover or concubine candidate?"

Ugh... a displeased look.

This person really dislikes romantic relationships. It's not that he's popular... it's more about his status, I think. He doesn't like acting like a noble, fundamentally.

He doesn't want to be aware of me as a woman. Mr. Fol suggested it, though.

"Ah, already! Right, you're Finn's child! No one can complain about looking after the child of a life-saving benefactor!"

Well, I don't know if he's suddenly angry or sulking... After all, you prepared the household registration, Lord Raz and the others.

They've been considerate of Master and Leonis, making it a good household registration. I'll think about it for a bit, but it seems they will move to terminate the contract.

I'm grateful, but I want to know what kind of policy change happened at the top. I looked at Mr. Fol, but he shook his head, so I can't get the details.

"Lord Raz, this is my proposal. Please consider it. I appreciate your cooperation."

I quickly wrote down the conditions and tried to hand them over, but Mr. Fol smoothly intervened.

"May I take them?"

"Yes, please."

"...Understood. I will handle the adjustments. Lord Crane, it's fine to spend time on their situation."

Mr. Fol, who saw my conditions, furrowed his brow slightly. Unusual for him, who usually has a poker face. Well, for me, it's a risky but not bad condition.

The first is to be Lord Raz's concubine.

The second is not to have physical relations with anyone else.

The third is to be Lord Raz's personal pharmacist (if there's no work, I can take jobs from others, but Lord Raz has priority).

The fourth is to be Lord Raz's collaborator.

Either way, I currently have no means to oppose the nobility and need protection. If it's formalized, being a concubine is the most appropriate. The age difference between Lord Raz and me... it's over 10 years, so it feels like a concubine.

Whether Lord Raz will touch me is another matter, but I will vow to keep myself clean. I think infidelity is bad and will be necessary in the future. Simply put, the part about not lying is gone, but the part about being a collaborator remains. Whether I actually collaborate is another matter.

"Do you understand? If you become my concubine, you can't fall in love."

"First of all, it's not an environment where I can fall in love. To survive, I can either rely on Lord Raz or flee and live on the run... I want to stay here until I can thank Master and Leonis."

"...I see. Then, I'll consider it."

For now, this is fine regarding my relationship with Lord Raz.

Next... about the slaves, I'll talk to Crow and Leus... and hear a bit from Master.

For my brothers... a week is a bit... When 'Ritchi' comes, I can have him deliver a letter, but there won't be time to wait for a reply.

I have to decide on my own... What about Tiga?

If he wakes up and finds out he's a slave... I don't think he can accept it. Do I have to make him a slave...? Can't it just be Crow?

"Is that all you wanted to talk about?"

"...Can you give me the Giganto Snake's corpse?"

"That's quite a complicated matter, isn't it? Can't you give it to the guild?"

"It's yours... who will you give it to?"

Who to give it to, huh.

Well, I understand why the nobles want it, given its special poison. The idea that a monster I hunted could be used to kill someone...

But, somehow... the guild master didn't offer to buy it after the dissection, so he might have anticipated this.

"...I understand the special poison from the treatment. Do you need it, Lord Raz?"

"Umm, neither I nor the higher-ups will use it. If it can be used as medicine, that's different... but I'd rather keep it than let it fall into the hands of political enemies."

There's no plan to use it... I can't tell if he's telling the truth.

The nobility is a mess, and I don't want to get involved. Providing this would make me hated by other nobles.

What I can do is erase the traces of acquisition. If I can get that, I'll hand it over.

"...I want to make it impossible to identify their poison. If you can help with that, I'll give it to you. It's better to have information control than to submit it to the guild."

"Thanks a lot."

"...I want alchemy recipes, not money. Preferably, all the resistance potion recipes."

"Even I can't give you all of them. The Giganto Snake's corpse is valuable, and alchemy recipes are expensive. I'll prepare a few intermediate ones. You can choose the ones you like, and I'll buy the rest."

"Ugh... Alright."

Alchemy recipes... I could rely on the landlord, but I'm considering buying the beginner recipes. After all, 'Mixing' and 'Alchemy' are studied separately, but if there's a possibility of simultaneous use like this time... I'll need many recipes.

I want to resolve what I can with money.

It's an investment, but... the money... Even if I collect from Crow and the others... it will be impossible to prepare the repayment money for a while.

"Can you sign this, please?"

I read the contract prepared by Mr. Fol, summarizing the Giganto Snake transaction, and signed it as there were no issues. The price of the Giganto Snake was high...

I handed over the voucher I received when I requested the dissection at the guild, and the two of them left.

The recipes will be delivered in a week, including the preparation period.

For now... I'll write letters to my brothers and Naga. I need to report on my relationship with Lord Raz.