Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 7

Reincarnated Devil’s Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~

Chapter 7   Finest combat slave

The day after deciding to purchase a slave.

They say haste makes waste, so I immediately came to the capital of the country known as the foremost power in the southern continent.

But as expected, the public safety here is terrible.

I tried to look somewhat stylish to avoid being underestimated by the merchants who would be my trading partners, wearing what seemed like noble attire. However, perhaps that was a mistake.

A weak-looking guy like me, wearing what seemed like aristocratic clothing and without any guards, wandering the back alleys with a baby as my weak point. To the thugs and members of the underworld lurking around, I must have looked like an easy target, carrying leeks like a duck.

“Damn it! Where did that dandy go? Hey, find him at all costs!”

“Yes, sir!”

Even now, the thugs of this city who are searching for me are running around, completely unrepentant.

Although I’m probably avoiding being found out by sensing the movements of those chasing me and slipping through the cracks of their awareness, it’s still quite a hassle.

Should I just dash to the slave shop while deploying a sound-blocking barrier?

“Oh? Wheee!”

“Well, the only consolation is that you seem to be enjoying this situation, Ars. Despite being a baby, you’re really quite bold.”

Ars either has absolute trust in me or for some reason, he doesn’t cry or show fear even when facing these tough-looking thugs. Instead, he seems to be delightedly watching my moves against them.

If Ars were to cry because of this, I wouldn’t hesitate to knock those troublesome guys out cold.

Once those guys understand the difference in power, they usually quiet down.

Well, that’s the last resort, so I don’t intend to do that for now though.

By the way, why do I have to take the back alleys to get to the slave shop? Basically, there are no such related shops on the main streets.

Many people think of slaves as lowly and dirty, and there’s pressure for urban aesthetics to be considered.

So brothels, slave shops, and such are all located off the beaten path.

“So, we’ve finally arrived.”

“Oh my, well, well, esteemed customer, welcome. I am Sebas, of the Sebaster Trading Company. You seem to be quite noble. Would you happen to be here to purchase a slave? It seems you’re not accompanied by any guards. We have some excellent combat slaves available. We also have capable personnel who can take care of infants.”

Thus, we arrived at the Sebaster Slave Emporium, run by a relatively large company even in this great nation.

I dressed in high-end clothing to avoid being underestimated, so they’re going full throttle with the sales pitch from the get-go.

They probably think I’m some idiot noble son sneaking around before inheriting the estate.

They might even think I’ve come to sell a baby born out of wedlock to avoid complications.

But even if they think that, I’m not mentioning anything about the baby potentially having inheritance rights.

Quite an interesting merchant indeed.

His name was Sebas or something like that. I should remember that.

“Well, it’s preferable that you have personnel who can care for infants. My purpose is not for a combat slave, but may I have a look around the store?”

“As you wish. Right this way.”

Guided by the well-built Sebas, I wander around and inspect the slaves thoroughly.

Hmm, they certainly have quite a diverse range of talents.

It seems they do have capable personnel prepared.

But even so, they don’t quite meet the standard I’m looking for.

There are middle-aged female elves and dragonkin who don’t seem to have any prejudice against me, even though I’m not an elf.

But it’s a shame, their abilities are just a bit lacking.

Of course, prioritizing character as initially intended is natural, but abilities are important too.

After all, I intend to raise Ars to be the greatest man in the world, so the caregiver needs to have some level of power.

If they don’t meet certain standards in both character and combat ability, I won’t be satisfied.

Hmm, this is troublesome.

But I can’t compromise here.

I want to provide the best environment for Ars.

“Aren’t you making a decision?”

“Well, it’s not bad by any means. But I’d like to see someone with a bit more combat prowess. There must be someone exceptional. Could you show me that?”

While I initially said I didn’t need a combat slave, I think I’ll take a look at that exceptional individual now that I’m here.

Money is no object, and if I can find the perfect caregiver, it’s a worthwhile investment.

They must already know that I have money.

I wouldn’t be reluctant to show it.

“Understood. However, there is one thing you must agree to.”

“What specifically?”

“Well, it’s not that I don’t want to show it to you, sir. It’s just that there’s a slight issue with the slave’s background. If you choose not to purchase, I’d appreciate it if you kept the fact that the slave was here to yourself.”

Ah, I see. That’s the matter.

This capable Sebas must have a top-notch slave, one that stands out even among the others here.

Considering such an individual is here, it’s not surprising that there would be some circumstances like that.

Perhaps Sebas is saying this not to protect himself from danger but rather to prevent any danger to me, a potential high-paying customer.

“I don’t mind. Please, lead the way.”

“…To be spoken to like this by a mere merchant without a hint of disturbance. I apologize for my rudeness. Well then, this way, please.”

Whether he interpreted my attitude as a display of confidence or as a sign of magnanimity, it seems to have met his approval, which is a relief.

Ordinary nobles wouldn’t tolerate being lectured by a merchant, so he might be misunderstanding something in that regard.

Then, I was escorted to a private room that seemed to be reserved for VIPs, and I was shown the slave endorsed by the Sebaster Trading Company.

“This is…”

“How do you find it, sir? Our company’s finest combat slave. As for her background─”

“No need to say. I can surmise enough, and I’ll inquire about the details directly.”

There stood an elf with lustrous silver hair styled in a short bob and wheat-colored skin.

No, she was a dark elf.

And this dark elf, even to my eyes, was undoubtedly a high-ranking assassin…