That Time a Shut-in for 300 Years Continued to Make Antiques , but All of It Turned out to Be Cheat-Level Magic Tools - Chapter 17

I headed to the slave trader’s shop as recommended by Furenzu. Given the circumstances, it might be best to hurry a bit.

“Master, are you planning to travel with a slave in the future?”

Along the way, Mei asked me such a question. Normally, a golem like her wouldn’t initiate such conversations, but Mei possesses free will.

While she primarily acts for me as her master, she also holds her own will, based on that fundamental premise.

In fact, I feel that Mei, being the first generation Android Maid, excels in this aspect compared to other Android Maids.

This might be because the longer one operates, the more knowledge accumulates, enabling the expression of more complex emotions.

That said, hmm, I don’t notice much change in her expression, but perhaps there’s a hint of dissatisfaction… Well, it’s probably just my imagination.

“I’m not buying a slave solely for my sake. It’s more like an investment.”

“An investment?”

“Yes, you’ll understand once we go.”

And so, we arrived at the slave shop recommended by Furenzu. Initially surprised, the shop was situated prominently along the main street. Such establishments are usually tucked away in back alleys, but this one proudly displayed its presence. It exuded an air of confidence, as if it had nothing to be ashamed of.

Moreover, at first glance, it didn’t resemble a typical slave-trading establishment. It had the aura of a high-class inn favored by dignitaries.

“Welcome. Our shop operates on the basis of accepting only customers with referral letters—”

As Mei and I entered the shop, a well-dressed man in a clean white shirt and black vest greeted us. He didn’t seem suspicious of me being a child; he likely provides explanations equally to all visitors. His smile showed no hint of discomfort, and it seemed he aimed to make even un-referred guests feel welcome without causing offense.

“I do have a referral letter. I’ll be the one making the purchase. Is that acceptable?”

“Oh, if it’s from Furenzu-san, then certainly. Thank you for coming. As long as you show the referral letter, anyone can browse the shop and purchase the desired slaves. If you have preferences, we’ll do our best to accommodate.”

Even to me, who looks like a child, he responded with utmost politeness. It seems they provide thorough training, ensuring excellent service.

“Let’s have a look for now.”

“Please follow me.”

We were guided inside. While the exterior and entrance were spacious and well-maintained, the rooms for viewing slaves were no different.

Inside, it was bright and the aisles were wide. Above all—

“The slaves have their own rooms?”

“Yes, unlike other shops, we provide proper education to slaves and ensure they have decent living conditions, just like everyone else. Many slave traders keep slaves locked in cages, but that’s detrimental to their mental well-being. We believe quality slaves are born from a good environment.”

I see. Each slave could be viewed through a peephole in their door. Of course, if desired, face-to-face meetings were also possible.

However, according to the staff member guiding us, while meetings are allowed, it’s an implicit rule that they’re conducted with the intention to purchase. If one decides not to buy after the meeting, they may be refused entry on subsequent visits.

This policy may change depending on the circumstances… Nevertheless, from what I could observe through the peephole, despite being slaves, none seemed resigned.

“Thank you. This seems reassuring. Now, I have a request.”

“Yes, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Well, my conditions are as follows: I prefer slaves in their teens, preferably as young as possible, regardless of gender. However, they should possess business acumen and excel in accounting—can you accommodate these conditions?”

“Yes, please wait a moment.”

After being seated, the young clerk retreated to the back. Mei and I waited for a while until the young man returned and laid out some papers. Though they were parchment, the slave’s information was neatly written in black ink.

“Upon searching to meet your request, we found three candidates. Ages are as follows: 12, 17, and 19.”

Upon hearing that, I immediately looked at the information for the 12-year-old. While I specified wanting someone in their teens, I didn’t expect to find a suitable candidate as young as 12.

“This boy, still young, yet proficient in literacy and even in ancient languages… He’s adept at ledger keeping and arithmetic. Truly impeccable.”

“You have a discerning eye. Urel was originally the only son of a merchant family. He learned everything necessary for a merchant from a young age. He’s diligent and hardworking. If you decide to purchase him, he’ll surely be of great service to you.”

“I see. But why would such a talented child become a slave?”

“…One might say it was unfortunate luck. On his way to deliver a special order to a certain noble, his father was attacked by bandits and died. They not only killed him but also took all the merchandise. Urel was then held responsible… and since the cargo was a rare item, the family had to sell their shop due to the damages. Even then, it wasn’t enough. With only his mother and him left, and facing mounting debts, his mother had no choice but to sell Urel as a slave.”

What a wretched tale. In the first place, business and family should be kept separate, and even regarding debts, one should consider the circumstances fully.

It seems that even after 300 years, not only technology but also the law remains unchanged.

“Shall we meet this child?”

“Of course, please come this way.”

And so, we were led to a private room, where Urel arrived, bowing respectfully before taking a seat opposite us.

“My name is Urel. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with you.”

“No need for formalities. I’d like you to speak as you normally would.”

“Y-yes. Um, I’m Urel. Thank you for requesting to meet with me. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.”

“Understood. Then, ‘Ma Hebainosia Hanarena La Calipus.’ What do you think?”

“Yes. I’ve been studying business since I was 3 years old. I can speak various special languages, including Ancient Human Language, Ancient Elven Language, and Elven Language.”

I see. By the way, the Ancient Elven Language was inserted in the middle. After that, I spoke to him in all the languages I knew, and he responded in kind.

It seems he understands a variety of languages, as indicated on the document. However, what’s more important is his proficiency in accounting.

I proceeded to write down equations on paper, leaving blank sections for him to fill in, and gave him accounting-related problems to solve, which he did effortlessly.

His choice of words is also impeccable.

“By the way, Urel, do you have any prejudice or aversion toward the Bistia?”

“No, I don’t. Um, what is that?”

He seemed interested in a small box on my desk that I could pick up with my fingers.

“This is a magical tool to detect lies. Sorry, but I used it to confirm if you were telling the truth or not.”

Its name is straightforward, a Lie Detector, but if there were any lies in what he said, it would start trembling.

“W-wow, a lie-detecting magical tool! Amazing! Um, may I touch it?”

“Hmm? Ah, sure, go ahead.”

I handed it to Urel, who looked fascinated and examined it from various angles.

“But isn’t this kind of thing not that rare?”

“No, not at all! This is amazing! At least, I’ve never seen anything like it!”

I see… But wouldn’t this be essential for traders to have? It seems like knowing things you don’t know is a good thing. Well, if you’re a business person.

“But it’s good to have an interest in things you don’t know. Now, there’s one last thing I want to ask.”

“Yes, anything.”

“Understood. Urel, do you resent your mother?”

“Huh? Oh no, not at all. If anything, I’m grateful.”

“…Grateful?”

“Yes. While it’s true that my mother sold me here, she also heard about this place and begged desperately for them to take me in. If not for her, I might have been sold to some random slave trader by the creditors.”

I see. As Furenzu mentioned, this slave trader treats slaves properly compared to others. Moreover, according to what I heard, the education of slaves is thorough here, and Urel’s proficiency in arithmetic is largely due to the policies of this slave trader.

“So, I don’t harbor any resentment towards my mother.”

“…I see. Well, that’s enough for me. Urel, I’ll buy you.”