Chapter 11

I was walking down a slightly secluded street in the market. This street, known as the "Mediation Office for Contracts with Cursed Slaves" or simply the "Cursed Slave Market," is where many businesses that specialize in cursed slaves are located. The sellers vary; some are kept in cages like prison cells, while others sit casually with their owners.

Moreover, I overheard that cursed slaves are also sold outside this street. I happened to catch this information while walking down the street, overhearing a conversation. Apparently, there is a place called the "Cursed Slave Trade Hall" where higher-grade cursed slaves are available, mainly purchased by nobles.

"But... there are so many cursed slaves."

I walked the length of the rather long street and looked back at the way I came. I had intended to check the prices, but they were much cheaper than I expected. The cheapest cursed slaves, who were injured, were priced at 7 gold coins. After that, the prices had no upper limit, but on average, they were around 20 gold coins. Just four months' salary... and you can buy a person. Or rather, a five-year contract.

In Japan, even if it's for five years, human lives are not traded like this. Despite being called cursed slaves, there is still a resistance to buying or contracting someone labeled as a slave.

What should I do?

I have about 10 gold coins. If I wanted to, I could contract a cheap cursed slave. But to contract a cursed slave... would I be binding someone with a contract?

What is my identity as a Japanese person, as Hinami Kusumoto? Helping flowers? Making my parents happy? Earning money? Not dying? Living...?

No.

I have always valued being able to smile.

Then, what is necessary for that...?

A secure life.

Good friends.

Delicious meals.

A healthy body that doesn't get sick.

Time to immerse myself in my hobbies.

No.

I can smile when the flowers... when my family are safe and living well. When the life that was saved by God is cherished by the flowers.

For that, "repaying God for saving me" is... my current identity.

◇ ◇ ◇

"Hinami!"

"Hinami-sama!"

First, a deep breath. I am about to "contract a cursed slave." As I was about to step back into the cursed slave market with my resolve, I heard voices from behind. A clear soprano voice and a deep, heavy voice. My resolve wavered slightly, but I felt a bit of joy and less anxiety upon hearing the familiar voices.

"Alfred, Cleave...!"

Why are they here? Looking at their attire, I realized they were on duty. Both were dressed in sturdy knight uniforms. Were they patrolling...? No, if it were a patrol, they would have been like the soldiers who called out to me earlier.

"Why are you at the cursed slave market? What about Shia?"

"Well, she had an emergency."

"An emergency while Hinami is here? ...I see, that guy."

"...?"

Alfred sighed, as if something came to mind. Cleave behind him looked troubled. What's going on? That guy...? Noticing my confusion, Alfred told me, "Her fiancé."

Shia has a fiancé...! Well, if she's a noble, that's probably normal. For me, who had no boyfriend and was working in Japan, it's a completely different world. So, is Shia visiting her fiancé? Yeah, that makes sense.

"I'm sorry, Hinami. Her fiancé is a duke... and she can't refuse him."

"What? She went happily?"

"Who knows. I... I don't like him."

Is this extreme sibling love? Jealousy? Alfred might be worse than me.

More importantly, I'm worried about Shia. I don't know what her fiancé is like, but if he's using his position as a duke to call her... that's not good. I'll ask her about it casually next time. Because she's my friend...!

"Did you plan to return alone, Hinami-sama? I thought Shiah would be with you, so I didn't arrange for your return... I'm sorry."

"Oh, no, no...! Don't worry about it!"

"Children shouldn't be so polite. Or, are you living alone in the forest? It's not like you can't return...?"

"No, no, no, I can't return at all! Ah..."

I blurted out the truth. Embarrassing... Cleave smiled and apologized, "I brought her here by force, sorry." He then observed me closely and seemed to understand why I was here. I felt like I was doing something wrong and looked down, turning my face away. It felt like a child caught doing something they shouldn't.

Cleave patted me and said, "It's okay."

"Indeed, many people contract cursed slaves as guards. It's almost the norm. Kilt, who is with Shiah, is also a cursed slave guard."

"Really...?"

"Yes. While commoners rarely contract them due to the high price, many nobles and adventurers do."

I didn't believe it when I heard it at the guild, but it makes sense when Cleave says it. Is this the aura of a knight...?

Anyway, Kilt is a cursed slave. I didn't know that... He's always with Shiah and doesn't interfere in our conversations. I thought he was just a very obedient attendant.

"I'm a knight. I can tell at a glance that Hinami-sama isn't suited for combat."

"Ah... Yes, you're right."

"If you want to continue living in the forest and traveling to the city, having a guard is a good idea. Or, living in the city might be better. Hinami-sama is still a child... it's less dangerous than the forest."

Looking at my not-so-muscular arms, I thought even a non-knight could tell. But that's a secret.

For now... my living environment is the key. However, I can't abandon that house. It's the home God gave me. Plus, I've lived there for two years and have grown attached to it. It's comfortable and cute. All I need is food, and it's perfect.

"Well... I want a house in the city too, but I can't give up the house I'm living in now."

"I see. Then, it would be safer to contract a cursed slave as a guard. Crossing the forest alone is difficult."

"Yes, thank you for the advice."

Cleave's kind words made me feel less guilty about considering contracting a cursed slave. It felt like being comforted by a father, warm and a bit embarrassing.

"Hinami... can't you fight? I thought you were amazing for living alone in the Forest of Doubt..."

"Alfred... what do you think I am? Yes, I live in the forest, but I'm just a normal girl."

"Oh, right... you were afraid of Strain too."

"Strain...?"

"My dragon."

An unfamiliar, stylish name... but it turns out it's the dragon I rode to get here. Strain... I feel like the name doesn't match the dragon. Well, it's just my imagination.

"Hinami, I'll take you home on Strain."

"Ah...!"

Alfred's offer, which should have been a good thing, made me flinch. Seeing my mixed expression of joy and confusion, Alfred smiled.

"Ah, you're afraid of Strain and can't ride...?"

"Ugh..."

I nodded, feeling embarrassed. I really want to get home quickly... and return to my house in the forest. Once I'm settled and have enough points, I'll come back to the city to sell recovery potions and buy a house...!

Hmm?

Wait.

If I get a ride home...

How will I get back to the city next time...?

"Hey, Al. Be kind to women?"

"I know... I was joking, Hinami. Sorry."

While I was thinking and feeling troubled, Cleave scolded Alfred and supported me. Alfred nodded and apologized to me. They are truly noble... normal boys this age wouldn't be so polite!

"Thinking about it, I... can't come to the city alone even if I get a ride home..."

"Ah...!"

It seems neither of them thought it through, as their voices overlapped in surprise. They are a perfect match, father and son. Alfred looked troubled and signaled to me.

"I can take you home today, but I can't come to pick you up."

"No, no, I understand...!"

"But Shiah likes you, so it's a shame you won't see her again."

It seems Alfred is genuinely worried.

But... it means I'm recognized as Shiah's friend, which makes me happy. However, that means... I need a slave to go to the city. I glanced at the slave market, feeling a bit unsettled after meeting them.

Ah... what should I do? Really, should I... buy a slave?

"Right, Hinami. How will you get home?"

"Well... I'll contract a cursed slave as a guard. To be honest, I'm a bit afraid of dragons."

"I see. That's probably best for you, Hinami-sama."

I declined Alfred's kind offer and decided to contract a cursed slave. Cleave's agreement was also a factor. It helped alleviate my concerns about being looked down upon or the ethical implications of contracting a cursed slave. However, it's a "contract" rather than a "purchase," which is more like a part-time job in Japan... but it's different.

I won't treat a cursed slave like a disposable pawn. I won't use people as objects.

Yes, I won't.

It's okay. Cursed slaves in this world are different from slaves on Earth.

"Well, we should be going. I'm sorry I couldn't offer you a proper welcome, Hinami-sama. If you come back, please visit us."

"Yes, thank you, Cleave."

"If you have any problems, come to me. You're Shiah's benefactor and friend, so I'll help you."

"Alfred... thank you."

We exchanged greetings, and I watched them leave. They are the first kind people I met in this world, Shiah's family.

But it's really good that the first people I met were kind...! However, I'm not used to nobles, so it makes me nervous. And... the way they speak. It feels like I can't resist... or something. Well, Japanese people tend to be less assertive, so it can't be helped...! Probably.

Well... let's go.

I gathered my courage and stepped back into the cursed slave market.

◇ ◇ ◇

"Excuse me... I want to contract a cursed slave."

"Huh? You, a young lady?"

"Yes..."

I walked around the street again and approached a cursed slave trader. The cursed slaves were all in cages, and it didn't seem like a well-treated place. However, I only had 10 gold coins. I could earn more by selling recovery potions at home, but I needed a way to get back there. Other traders with better conditions would be too expensive with just 10 gold coins.

The trader I chose had prices ranging from 5 to 23 gold coins, slightly cheaper than others. However, the slaves here were either injured or lacked any spirit.

"What kind of cursed slave do you need? You're... about 10? That's a bit young for a sex slave! Ha ha!"

"...I'm 15."

"Really! Sorry, sorry. As an apology, how about a top-notch sex slave...?"

"No! I need a guard!"

How much more is this guy going to push...!

The muscular trader smiled at me. There are positive people even among cursed slave traders...

He then recommended a sex slave... Ugh, so there are people who buy cursed slaves for that purpose. It's a bit too much for me, who has no experience. I'll pretend I didn't hear that.

"Just kidding! Don't get so angry, young lady! For a guard, you need someone with some strength. How about this one, this one, and this one?"

He pointed to three cursed slaves in the cages.

The first one... a man in his late teens. His blue hair is long and messy. He has a handsome face, probably a decently good-looking guy. He seems to be glaring at me... or so it seems. He's priced at 20 gold coins.

The second one... a beastkin? A boy with cat ears. He looks to be my age or a bit younger. His short hair reveals ears that look very soft. He's still a boy, so he's more cute than handsome. However... he's missing his left arm. That's why he's priced at 5 gold coins.

The third one... another handsome man. The first one was good-looking in a rugged way, but this one is more like a pretty, fine-featured type. His light green hair, which is grown out and messy, is parted to the right, and his long bangs completely cover his left eye. He seems to lack energy, and it's hard to tell where he's looking. He's priced at... 9 gold coins?

Wait... isn't the third one cheap?

He has both arms... and no visible injuries. And he doesn't look bad. In fact, he's quite good-looking, isn't he...?

What should I do?

In front of me are three cursed slaves in cages. My heart is pounding with tension, dominating my senses. I'm about to choose and contract with a person, something I've never done before.

But I've decided to live in this world.

I looked at the three cursed slaves firmly.

5/24 This story has been revised overall, including the title and the slave-related content.