Chapter 80

Given the illegal intrusion the previous day, I took various precautions after waking up in the morning.

I thought about whether it would be a good idea to cast a magical barrier every time I went out... but I decided to set up a holy magic barrier on the stairs leading to the second floor and the entrance to the basement. I would allow access to the first floor... and I really needed a security camera. After all, I didn’t even know what the intruder’s purpose was.

For now, after entering the shop, I put up a notice at the counter and headed to the church.

I thought Leus and Crow might come to the house, but I decided it wasn’t a good idea to wait there. If I needed a place to run to, the only options were the Adventurer’s Guild or the church...

"Up early, what’s going on?"

"According to Momo, there was an illegal intrusion yesterday."

"Does this kitten know such things? Impressive."

"Hey..."

Yeah, impressive, but... the priest praised Momo, picked her up, and petted her. Momo was happy, but...

"For now, I’m cleaning. We’re using this place as a meeting spot."

"I can help, so feel free to ask me to stay overnight if you need it. Let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you."

Yeah, it’s a relief that they understand I’m seeking refuge. I’ve secured a place to sleep for tonight.

Tomorrow, my master will come, so I need to be at home... but I need to think of some countermeasures.

"Sorry, I’m late."

"No, it’s fine. I had some time. I’m Crane Medici, by the way. I treated Tiga. I’m glad to see you’re feeling better."

"I’ve heard that I owe my life to you. I’m truly grateful. Thank you. Leus and Crow have also told me about you, so feel free to use me as you see fit."

"Uh..."

He smiled and bowed politely. Yeah, he seems like a gentleman, but what does he mean by "use me as you see fit"?

When I looked at Leus and Crow, they both avoided my gaze. ...What did they tell him?

"It’s fine to speak more casually. Since you’ve heard from Leus and Crow, I assume you’re willing to become a slave?"

"Yes, of course. There aren’t many other options, but more importantly, I’d be happier serving a cute young lady."

"...Understood. I’ll tell you the cost of the treatment. If you agree with the amount, we’ll go to the Commercial Guild to draw up the contract and then to a merchant who deals in slave trading."

Yeah, his phrasing is a bit concerning, but whatever. I’ll tell him the price I came up with.

Leus

MP Potion cost (1/3) 70,000G

Slave contract processing fee 7,000G

Total: 77,000G

If paid in installments, at least 1,000G per month.

Crow

MP Potion cost (1/3) 70,000G

Paralysis cure (custom) 22,000G

Alchemy reagents 800G

(If materials are provided, the cost will be deducted. Materials will be listed separately.)

Magic treatment 500,000G

Slave contract processing fee 59,280G

Total: 652,080G

If paid in installments, at least 1,000G per month. Additionally, you must work as an assistant once a week to help with alchemy.

Tiga

MP Potion cost (1/3) 70,000G

Custom serum 100,000G

Alchemy reagents 800G

(If materials are provided, the cost will be deducted. Materials will be listed separately.)

Magic treatment 500,000G

Slave contract processing fee 67,080G

Total: 737,080G

If paid in installments, at least 1,000G per month.

"I could also charge for the HP Potions used in the cave and the carriage fare, but since I made them and the magic treatment is quite expensive, I didn’t include those. The borrowed HP Potions, the potions made after returning to town, and the magic treatment are all included. The slave contract processing fee is 10% of the debt, so that’s also included."

"Is 1,000G per month actually feasible?"

"If you’re a serious adventurer, it’s a manageable amount. Of course, you’re free to choose other professions, but the average income for a commoner in this town is 2,000 to 4,000G, so it might be a bit tough. Also, while you’re F-rank, your income might be low, so I can wait for repayment until you level up."

Well, if you have the skills, you can be promoted to D-rank by the guild’s judgment. If I set the collection to start next month, you should be able to level up by then.

Your income will vary depending on your job... if you choose not to be an adventurer, we can consider reducing the amount.

"Why does only Crow have a work obligation?"

"Because his abilities were useful in Tiga’s treatment. I might need to ask for his help again, and I’ll pay him for his time."

"What about me?"

"No, just pay it back normally. I don’t intend to restrict your freedom... but if Leus wants, I could form a party with you for a week or two."

"Sure, but why?"

"It seems you were kicked out of your party... until I understand the situation, I need to form a temporary party and join it."

"Can you tell me the situation?"

Tiga interjected. Hmm, involving you is a bit unfair, but in a way, you’re already involved by becoming my slave.

Crow might already know, and so might the others, but if I tell them that I’m a foreigner... it’s quite troublesome.

I don’t know who the enemy is yet, so I don’t fully understand what’s happening...

"So, there’s a complicated background?"

"My party members were my brothers. They wouldn’t kick me out, so something must have happened."

"You’re not lying, but you’re hiding something, right?"

Crow’s smirk annoyed me.

It’s true, though...

"That’s fine. But remember, I’m treating you as a patient and a pharmacist. I don’t have to explain everything, and if forming a temporary party is difficult, you can refuse."

"That’s cold. I was planning to dedicate myself to you, body and soul."

Crow approached, took my hand, knelt, and kissed my fingertips.

He’s handsome, so it’s a picturesque scene, and my cheeks turn red. It’s embarrassing that he didn’t kiss my palm... does it mean gratitude or something? Damn, it’s frustrating that he’s enjoying my reaction.

"I don’t need it."

I quickly pulled my hand away and stepped back. He’s definitely teasing me.

Tiga, who’s watching with a smile, might also be a bit devious. Leus is wide-eyed and a bit red-eared, which is a cute reaction.

"My policy is that even if you become slaves, I won’t force you to do anything as long as you repay the debt over time. I’d like to hear your answer on this."

"Question: Crow and I had different symptoms, but the magic treatment costs the same?"

"That was a point of consideration, but according to the church’s standards, the cost is based on the magic used, regardless of the severity of the symptoms. I think it’s better to treat both of you as if the same magic was used. There are differences in time and MP consumption, but if I considered those in the bill, it might lead to speculation about the poison. Oh, please don’t reveal details about the snake that attacked you three. It has a rare poison, and it could cause trouble if it’s known."

"Is there something about that snake?"

"It’s a difficult poison to treat, and it’s used by nobles. I don’t recommend digging deeper. In this case, people who knew about the poison thought Tiga might not survive. In fact, if Crow hadn’t noticed, I might have missed it, and Tiga wouldn’t have survived. ...It’s that kind of poison."

Well, it’s a relief that everything worked out. Honestly, it was a close call, and we were quite lucky.

"If we go on a long trip and Crow can’t work, what happens?"

"Ah, if that’s a concern, we can reduce it to four times a month or remove the condition altogether. I might need help sometimes, but it’s not mandatory. Even if you don’t show up for a year, it’s fine. You can send the payment from other towns with a surcharge."

"That’s cold."

"Crow, stop interrupting. Tiga, you received treatment without being asked about the cost, so if you have any complaints, you can push them onto Crow."

"No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. It’s a generous offer, but I’m curious about your thinking."

"The amount is quite steep for a commoner. If you use your potential as adventurers, you can repay it. However, I understand if you don’t want to, like Crow. If you don’t pay monthly, I can sell you as slaves, so it’s not that lenient... I hope."

I’m not entirely confident, but since I can do that, it’s not overly lenient... probably.

If you default, I’ll sell you... that’s the plan, but I doubt I can sell you. I’m not fully prepared yet.

"When do you need our answer?"

"If possible, I’d like to complete the procedures today, but I’ll wait if you need more time. However, if the country demands your extradition because you’re labeled as illegal immigrants, I’ll consider this conversation null and void."

"Hmm? You treated us without knowing we were illegal immigrants?"

"I couldn’t just let you die, and I’ll claim you as my property until the debt is repaid."

"Can you tell if someone is an illegal immigrant?"

"Yes, with ‘Appraisal.’ I’m not sure about the details, but I know that some nobles connected to me are aware. They also know I’m a foreigner."

I can feel Crow’s gaze, but I ignore it. He probably sees through my lie, but I’m not a foreigner. All foreigners were summoned. It’s not the truth, but it’s a fact.

Well, there’s no rush, but I have a lot on my plate, so I’d like to get this over with. For now, I’ll explain the situation.

"First, since Crow didn’t explain properly, I’ll do it... The reason for the slave talk is that you three are labeled as illegal immigrants. The penalty for illegal immigration is a fine, so you can clear the charge by paying. However, you’re registered as imperial citizens, so even if you’re in the kingdom, you’re still considered imperial property. I don’t know the details, but the ‘slave’ title takes precedence over ‘illegal immigrant.’ If you become slaves, your imperial status is removed, and you belong to your owner, which is the kingdom in my case. If you repay the debt, the ‘slave’ title is removed, and your background is reset. Do you understand so far?"

"Yes, no problem."

"Got it, got it."

I’m relieved they nodded, but I glare at Crow.

He shrugs, trying to avoid the issue. If he had explained properly, it would have saved me the trouble.

"So, the illegal immigrant label is known through the Adventurer’s Guild, and the empire hasn’t requested your extradition yet. Additionally, the empire’s political situation is unstable, and returning there could be dangerous for foreigners. Is that clear?"

"Okay, okay."

"On top of that, Crow has a troublesome unique skill, which caught the attention of nobles. Crow preferred becoming my property to being bound by others. The nobles agreed to overlook it if Crow wasn’t handed over to other nobles or the empire. They won’t guarantee his life if he’s not a slave. I agreed because Crow’s abilities are beneficial. What about you two? That’s the current situation. I thought you’d heard this from Crow."

"He would answer if I asked, but it annoyed me, so I didn’t listen properly."

Hey!

I get it, but I sometimes find his behavior annoying too. Being handsome makes it even more frustrating, Crow.

But this is a big decision for you, so why don’t you discuss it with your companions? Why not?

When I looked at Tiga, he replied, "I just heard the details now."

Leus wanted freedom, and Tiga wanted protection. Just wishes! At least explain it to them. Should I explain it? Well, if I take responsibility, maybe I should...

"For now, discuss it among yourselves or beat up Crow. Let me know when you’ve decided."

"I’m sorry, I need more time to think."

"No problem. The prices I gave can be adjusted. Based on Crow’s suggestion, I can assign the debt to all three, only to Leus, or add Tiga’s debt to Crow’s. I have plans for the next two days, so I can’t accommodate you then. I’ll set the deadline for five days from today."

"Where did that deadline come from?"

"…I have my own limitations. It’s a deadline set by the nobles. They want a decision by then."

I won’t explain further. I don’t know what Crow will do. I’ll leave it to him whether to reveal the information I gathered.

However, if you become my slaves, I’ll add a condition that you don’t reveal my personal information.

I added a clause to the price list I gave them, stating that they cannot reveal Crane’s personal information after becoming slaves.

"Can we discuss this after the contract is signed?"

"I’ll leave it to you. However, there are risks for me, so I’ll add that condition. I’ll return to cleaning, so please consider it."

I’ll wait for their response.

It’s a big decision for them, so I’ll leave it to their individual judgment.

In the future, I need to establish a clear procedure for treatment, including the cost, to avoid high bills after the fact.

Being inexperienced and careless would be unfair to patients. I need to be prepared...

...I can’t do more for them. I need to treat future patients the same way.

Special treatment is... not possible.

My hands are already full with Naga and my brother. I don’t have the power to save everyone.