Chapter 45

The girl who was taken down from the carriage had blue hair.

It was a blue that differed from the deep blue of lapis lazuli, a blue that shimmered with a hint of gold. Combined with her sharp features, she exuded an intellectual presence that was far from that of a slave.

Her expression was stiff, and her gaze was sharp.

"Hey, what kind of look is that! This is the lord of this land, it's rude! Aren't you going to greet him!"

When the head of the merchant guild shouted, the girl reluctantly showed the slave's bow.

"...My name is Christy."

The voice with which she stated her name was as stiff as her expression.

"Really... Your Excellency, I am truly sorry. This slave is the daughter of a wealthy merchant from the southwestern Galdwyn Marquisate. Her family went bankrupt due to the economic downturn and she was sold to pay off debts. Her original background is good, and she has only recently become a slave, so her training is still lacking..."

The head of the merchant guild explained, looking embarrassed. It seemed he had prepared her in response to Noein's request for an intellectual slave, but as a product, she was not yet fully polished.

"Don't worry about it. It's already difficult to find an intellectual slave... Is she competent in terms of ability?"

"Of course. She received a high education as the daughter of a wealthy merchant and has been confirmed to have graduated from a high school through the commoner quota. She is the highest quality product among intellectual slaves."

The high schools in the major cities of the kingdom are educational institutions attended by the children of nobles, wealthy merchants, and wealthy farmers. Graduating from one of these schools is a testament to receiving top-level education within the kingdom.

Noein felt a bit of sympathy for her, given her background and the unfortunate turn of events that led to her becoming a slave, though he did not show it on his face.

"That's wonderful. She is exactly the kind of person I was looking for. How much is she?"

"For a slave who has graduated from high school... the market price is around 300,000 reboles. Considering her insufficient training, how about 280,000 reboles?"

The amount quoted was equivalent to 28 gold coins. Considering that ordinary labor slaves cost only a few gold coins, this was an exorbitant price.

However, it was consistent with the market price for intellectual slaves that Noein had researched in advance. It seemed that as the leading slave merchant in the Count von Koenitz's territory, they did not intend to overcharge in such a situation.

"Alright. I'll buy her."

Despite the astronomical price, Noein decided to purchase her, judging that the highly educated Christy was worth it.

By the time Noein finished his shopping, the other retainers and vassals had already decided which slaves to buy.

Yuri and Mai bought a young farming couple, and Pense, Radley, Bart, and Edgar had each selected one or two strong farming slaves. Furthermore, Dmitri had chosen several robust male slaves.

The head of the merchant guild, who had sold over 30 slaves in just one day, was in high spirits. He politely thanked Noein and left with his employees and the remaining slaves.

......

Noein had already built a row of houses in the annex of the mansion to accommodate the slaves.

Each room was small, but they were all individual rooms and were built more solidly than the shabby homes of the poor. For labor slaves, this was the best possible treatment.

Separately from the labor slaves, Christy was given a private room inside the mansion, similar to that of a live-in servant. This was an exceptional treatment for a slave, and she should have been grateful.

However, Christy's reaction to Noein was different from what he had expected.

When he went to her room to explain her future work, after giving her some time to settle in,

"Stay away! Don't touch me!"

She strongly rejected him, even though he had not approached or touched her.

"I tried to welcome you with the best possible treatment based on your background and abilities... Are you dissatisfied?"

"I was never supposed to become a slave! This is wrong! Release me!"

Christy, looking down at Noein with a finger pointed at him, shouted angrily. Her height (or rather, Noein's shortness) made it inevitable, but it was a grossly disrespectful act for a slave to point at her master from above and demand release.

"... Sir Noein, if you wish, I can make her understand her place."

Matilda, standing beside Noein, spoke coldly, her eyes fixed on Christy.

"No, it's fine, Matilda. If I try to force her, she won't be able to use her abilities."

Christy's job was not physical labor but intellectual work. No matter how much he hit or kicked her, it would be meaningless unless she had the will to work.

(The question is whether she will accept her status as a slave over time or if a more extensive 'education' will be necessary...)

With this thought, Noein sat down in a chair in Christy's room without permission.

"Christy, I know this is a huge misfortune for you, but unfortunately, you have become a slave. And I am your master now."

"This is ridiculous! I graduated from high school! Why am I a slave? And to be bought by a stuck-up noble kid in such a backwater!"

Christy continued to rant hysterically.

"It's tough. It's unfair. But this is the harsh reality. From today, I am your master. Starting tomorrow, you will—"

"Hmph! There's no need for my advanced education and knowledge in such a backwater! You just want to use your power to subdue an intelligent woman and satisfy your lust! You perverted noble!"

"Wow, what a troublesome girl."

While saying this, Noein smiled in a carefree manner.

"What's so funny! Are you mocking me!?"

"You seem to think you're quite attractive as a woman, but did you learn to be conceited in high school? I have Matilda. I have no interest in your scrawny body."

Noein spoke as nastily as possible and hugged Matilda to show her off to Christy.

Christy's appearance could be described as beautiful, but Matilda was also exceptional. Moreover, in terms of physical attributes like breast size and body build, most humans could not compete with rabbit-folk.

Objectively, Matilda would be considered the clear winner in terms of physical attractiveness.

Noein deliberately responded to Christy's rude remarks with crude words, and she fell right into the trap, becoming even more agitated.

"Wh-What! Comparing me to a beast! Don't be ridiculous!"

"Shut up. Anyway, I didn't buy you for pleasure, but to help with administrative and financial work. Even in this backwater, office work can be quite challenging. You, who have only studied in school, probably don't understand that."

Noein ended the verbal sparring and moved on to discussing her work.

"So, starting tomorrow, you will work under our financial officer. If you produce good results, I will overlook your rudeness today."

Christy reluctantly listened to Noein's explanation, aware that her future was being explained.

"On the other hand, if you fail to produce results, you might be reassigned to other jobs. Can a weakling like you handle farming or mining?"

Noein smiled evilly.

"...Hmph. Don't underestimate me. I can handle the office work in this backwater."

Christy answered with a look of hatred.