Chapter 83

"Those below the fourth rank are not welcome!"

"There's no food for someone of the sixth rank!"

"We are a high-class establishment that only serves those of the second rank and above! Get lost!"

After visiting a few more shops, I was turned away at every single one. Every shop asked about my rank, and I couldn't find a single place that would serve someone of the sixth rank.

"What am I supposed to do?"

Just as I started to wonder if there were no restaurants that would serve someone of the sixth rank, I found a shop. It was so dilapidated that I doubted it was even open.

"If this doesn't work, then it's over."

Deciding this would be my last try, I entered the shop. It was past lunchtime, and there were no customers.

"…Huh? Welcome."

A middle-aged man who had been dozing in a corner seat woke up when he saw me. He must be the owner.

"I'm of the sixth rank."

"…Sixth rank?"

The man's eyes widened.

"Can I eat here?"

"…Yeah, wait a moment."

He nodded, stood up, and went back to the kitchen to put on his apron.

Finally, I found a place. I sat down at a nearby table and ordered a set meal.

After a while, the food was brought to me. It was a dish of ground pork wrapped in cabbage leaves and simmered in tomato soup. The aroma, with its well-balanced acidity, tickled my nose.

"Delicious."

As soon as I put it in my mouth, the meat juices overflowed. The cabbage was well-seasoned, and the tomato's acidity was just right.

"Thanks. I'm confident in the taste, but the customers are few and far between."

It seems that the lack of customers is a regular occurrence.

"Why is that?"

"Well, no one comes to a place that serves the sixth rank."

The owner shrugged as if it were obvious.

"By the way, you don't look like a city resident. I'm sure you've noticed by now, but in this city, people are clearly divided from first to sixth rank based on their occupation, and those of lower ranks are discriminated against in various ways."

So that's why the guard warned me. As an unemployed person, I am at the bottom of the sixth rank, and I can't even use most shops.

"For those of higher ranks, this city is like heaven, but for those of lower ranks, it's hell. After all, even leaving the city is forbidden. It's like being a slave."

Discrimination based on occupation is not uncommon, but a city that actively promotes it is something new.

"To be honest, those of the sixth rank aren't even treated as human beings. People think they might have some contagious disease and avoid them."

"Then why do you allow sixth-rank people to enter your shop?"

In response to my question, the owner had a bitter look on his face.

"…My daughter is of the sixth rank."

Then, as if a dam had burst, the owner vented his anger.

"She's no different from anyone else! She's cute and kind, and until she turned ten, she was popular with customers and even received marriage proposals from the neighborhood kids! But then… when the goddess gave her the occupation of 'unemployed' and she became sixth rank, everyone turned their backs on her! She hasn't changed at all!"

Hmm.

So the owner's daughter is also unemployed like me.

"…But there is hope."

"Hope?"

"Yes. Have you heard of the 'Imperial Kingdom'?"

"No, I haven't."

"Even though it was only established a few years ago, it has become a major power, dominating various regions. In that country, even those with the most unfortunate occupations are treated equally and are even given special protection. It's like a dream come true for my daughter."

Such a country exists.

Indeed, it would be a blessing for those who suffer because of their occupation. But it's not really my concern.

"I'd like to go there right away, but unfortunately, citizens of the sixth rank are not allowed to leave the city. However, the country is expanding its influence and is rumored to be targeting this city next. If the higher ranks find out, it could be dangerous, but I hope they attack as soon as possible."

At that moment, the owner looked up as if he had noticed something.

"…That's strange. She should be back by now."

"Do you mean your daughter?"

"Yes. She went to the market to buy some things…"

The owner's brow furrowed with worry.

"If you're worried, why don't you go check? Thank you for the meal."

Since I had finished eating while listening to the owner's story, I suggested this and paid the bill.

I went to the market with the owner. There were many stalls lined up, and a large number of people were bustling about, creating quite a lively scene.

"Even so, there are only a few shops that will sell to the sixth rank."

Just as the owner was complaining, a voice caught our attention.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please forgive me!"

We turned to the source of the voice. A girl, around sixteen years old, was bowing her head and desperately apologizing to a young man. The man had a whip in his hand and was about to strike her.

The owner called out, his face changing.

"Meria!?"

"…Huh? Dad!"