Chapter 57

The young dark elf Marifa Naguts had been prepared to die until yesterday.

After all, a female slave's value drops significantly with even a single injury. Moreover, she couldn't speak due to a wound in her throat. No matter how valuable a dark elf slave might be, she was told she couldn't be sold.

She had become a slave when, after being attacked by a large group of monsters while living quietly deep in the forest, she narrowly escaped and was captured by slave hunters.

During that time, she lost an eye and suffered major injuries to her throat and back. The presence of a white magic user among the slave hunters was a stroke of luck amidst her misfortune. Otherwise, she would have died from blood loss by now.

Life at the slave market made her realize that there was a level even lower than the bottom. There were no enthusiasts willing to take care of a slave who couldn't be sold. While valuable slaves were given three meals a day and a room, those of lesser value were given only one meal a day, and that meal was a watery soup made from mashed-up vegetable scraps and a piece of bread like leftovers.

"What are you looking at?"

Marifa averted her eyes when Yuu asked her. Although her eyes were averted, it was clear from her twitching ears that she had been paying attention to Yuu.

Mago emerged from the reception room with his entourage. They were a different group of three from the guards who had been behind him earlier.

"Hehe, I kept you waiting, didn't I?"

"Is the discussion over?"

Mago's expression didn't change, but he was internally sweating. He had been warned to be cautious with this adventurer Yuu and not to show any weakness.

"What are you talking about? Shall we proceed with the slave contract immediately?"

When a slave is purchased, a collar is placed around their neck. The collar contains a magic gem embedded with a contract spell. By infusing it with magic, anyone can use the slave contract spell.

"Slave contract... I don't really need it."

"Don't be ridiculous. Where have you ever heard of someone buying a slave without a contract? You know, most slaves try to escape at the first opportunity, attempt to kill their master, or plan to steal. The slave contract is there to prevent such rebellion and escape."

"Yet you seem happy about it."

"Hehe, is it that obvious? As you know, if your slave escapes, you'll have to pay 500 gold coins..."

"I'll pay 500 gold coins. If they escape, it just means they're worth that much."

Mago was certain that Marifa would never be able to pay the full price. If she returned to the slave market, it would be of no benefit to him. It would be better if she escaped or died, as he could then demand the remaining payment from Yuu.

"However, a slave cannot walk around the city without a collar, so we'll have to embed a glass bead that looks like the magic gem. What name shall we give the slave?"

"Name? She already has a name, doesn't she?"

"Hehe, you have the 'Analysis' skill, I see. Indeed, this slave's name is Marifa Naguts."

Impressed by Mago's sharpness, Yuu left the slave market. Marifa, who had been unable to move or eat properly while in the cage, followed Yuu, swaying as they walked down the main street.

"Huh?"

Suddenly, Marifa bumped into Yuu's back as he stopped.

"Alright, let's get some food. If we walk a bit further, there's an inn called the Windmill Inn. You can eat there, and the food is good. Don't mind the strange people."

At Yuu's declaration of food, Marifa's stomach growled cutely. Her face turned red as she looked down, but she was thinking that she might get some leftovers.

When they entered the Windmill Inn, despite it not being mealtime, about 70% of the seats were occupied.

"Welcome! Are you staying or just eating?"

The inn's signboard girl, Melissa, greeted them energetically.

"Oh, you're... and the girl behind you, hmm. I see, I see."

Melissa was grinning, but Yuu ignored her and sat down.

"We're eating. What about the girl behind me?"

"What do you mean?"

Generally, slaves don't eat at the same table as their masters. They usually stand or wait outside, but Yuu, who didn't know this, intended to eat with her.

From Yuu's response, Melissa happily assumed he would eat with the slave.

"Do you have any dislikes?"

In response to Yuu's question, Marifa shook her head vigorously. She was excited, not expecting to be given a meal, let alone leftovers.

"What's today's special?"

"Kufu, today's special is herb-roasted running bird and the Windmill Inn's special doria!"

"Two of each, please."

"Aye!"

Melissa skipped off to the kitchen. Marifa was fidgety, unable to settle down, but Yuu thought it was understandable given the delicious smell filling the dining room.

Two adventurers or mercenaries sitting at the next table made obvious faces of disgust when they saw Marifa's collar.

"Hey, when did this place start letting slaves in?"

"Really? It'll ruin the good food."

The two at the next table spoke loudly, making sure Yuu could hear. When Yuu looked at Marifa, she was looking down, seemingly embarrassed and frustrated.

"Is it not allowed for slaves to eat at the same table in this inn?"

In response to Yuu's question, Melissa looked at the two at the next table with a blank expression.

"What if it's not allowed?"

"I'll pay and leave."

Hearing Yuu's response that he wouldn't let Marifa stand or go outside, Melissa's voice faltered.

"Kufu... In this inn, whether you're a noble or a slave, you get the same food and eat in the same place! If you don't like it, you can leave without paying."

The dining room fell silent. The two at the next table, who were usually greeted with Melissa's cheerful and energetic demeanor, panicked at her cold declaration.

"M-Melissa, that's not right."

"That's not what I meant."

"Ah, ah, stop it, stop it. Wash your face and come back later."

Unable to bear the stares, the two at the next table fled. The silent dining room erupted in cheers.

"Good job! Melissa, you're the best!"

"That's the Melissa we know! The signboard girl of the Windmill Inn!"

"Melissa, marry me!"

Melissa returned, bowing to the crowd.

"Go ahead, eat without hesitation."

"Thank you. I'm glad I chose this place."

"Do you like it?"

"Yes, I do. (I like this inn.)"

"Hyah... I, I, ah, I need to go to the kitchen."

Yuu and Melissa's conversation crossed, and Melissa ran to the kitchen but tripped along the way.

Yuu noticed Marifa, who had been looking down, staring at him.

"What are you doing? Eat before your food gets cold."

"Uu, uu..."

Marifa ate the warm food with tears in her eyes. Her nose was running from the steam of the hot doria, but Yuu, slightly taken aback, continued eating, wondering if it was that good.