When I Infiltrated the Enemy Nation as a Slave, the Yandere Beauties There Started a Civil War Over Me - Chapter 08: Violation of Protocol

Chapter 08: Violation of Protocol

—It’s been a week since I started living at the Cecifelia duchy.

After the incident in the library, I decided that it wouldn’t be wise to act too quickly, so I’ve spent this past week observing the situation.

However, I didn’t just sit idly by. During this time, I learned about an upcoming dinner with Cecifelia and another noblewoman, as well as the current status of the war with the Sandrotheim Kingdom through articles left on her desk.

As for the war… Thanks to the efforts of everyone in Sandrotheim, not much has changed on that front. 

The only surprising thing I came across was an article titled, “Slave Auction! Claire Cecifelia Buys a Slave for 10 Million!”

…Well, putting that aside.

“Miss Cecifelia.”

“What is it?”

“…About the slave clothes I mentioned before—do you think they’ll be ready soon?”

“Oh, right! I’m so sorry! I’m still designing some really cool slave clothes for you, so it might take a bit longer.”

“I-I see.”

I was hoping to have changed out of this gentleman’s outfit and into something more fitting for a slave by today, but as a slave, I couldn’t really pressure Cecifelia to hurry.

Just as I was thinking about that, Cecifelia brought up something related to my current thoughts.

“By the way… Luke, you remember that we’re going shopping together in town today, right?”

“Yes, I remember.”

Because I remembered, I had hoped to wear something that clearly showed I was a slave, rather than this outfit that might make me look like a noble. But in this case, there’s really nothing I can do about it.

“I don’t know if you’ll have many chances to go into town after this, but I’ll give you a tour today just in case!”

“Thank you.”

And so, Cecifelia and I got into the carriage and headed to town.

Setting aside my outfit, I was grateful for the chance to get a tour of the town. By seeing the shops, the products, and the general atmosphere, I’d get a better understanding of how things here differ from the Sandrotheim Kingdom and how the economy works.

As I imagined what the differences might be, the carriage quickly arrived in town, and I got out with Cecifelia.

“…”

The architectural style wasn’t much different from Sandrotheim—stone buildings with decorative exteriors, lots of windows, and glasswork.

“Before we start shopping, let me give you a quick tour.”

With that, Cecifelia started walking and soon began explaining.

“This is the main street. You’ll find everything here, from food to accessories, all in one place.”

From what I could observe from outside, it seemed like there were slightly more shops and decorative items here than in the Sandrotheim Kingdom.

Since commerce thrives on catching the attention of nobles, it’s likely that the nobles of this country are particularly interested in such decorations.

“And over there is a tavern with counter seating… You can meet all sorts of people there, so I hear it can be quite interesting to visit sometimes.”

I’m not sure if I’ll have a chance to go there, but I’ll keep it in mind.

“That’s the slave market over there, and that’s a restaurant exclusively for nobles.”

—A restaurant for nobles…!

This is valuable information. A place full of nobles means there could be people involved in the war against Sandrotheim.

If I can find any of those people, I might be able to gather some crucial information.

As I mentally noted how useful this information was, Cecifelia spoke up.

“Well, since it’s a place for nobles, that restaurant is really expensive. So unless you’re going with me, Luke, it’s probably not a place you’ll be visiting.”

Money… that’s right.

Up until now, I’ve lived my life without ever worrying about money, being born into royalty. But how am I supposed to earn money in an enemy country, especially as a slave?

In town, you need money for everything… even to gather information. Without it, I can’t enter that restaurant, and even if I do go in with Cecifelia, acting suspicious around her wouldn’t be wise.

“…”

This issue of money might be the biggest problem I need to solve moving forward. 

Cecifelia continued showing me various places, like underground arenas and inns—some of which exist in the Sandrotheim Kingdom, while others do not.

“That’s pretty much everything in this town… but there’s one more thing.”

Cecifelia pointed in a specific direction with her finger.

“Whatever you do, don’t ever go to that area just outside town.”

“I understand… but why not?”

“That’s where the brothels are… I’m sure you already know, but if you ever go there without my permission—”

“I-I won’t go!”

“Good boy, Luke.”

Cecifelia, who had been speaking in a somber tone, brightened up after hearing my response.

Honestly, I would never go to such places, and I don’t plan to in the future either, so I’ll just keep this in the back of my mind for now.

“Well, that wraps up the tour! Let’s go shopping now!”

“Understood.”

Cecifelia and I started walking toward the shops, but there was something on my mind, so I decided to ask her.

“By the way, you didn’t mention what we’re shopping for today. What are we—”

Just as I started to ask—

“Stop it, please!”

“Shut up! I’ve had enough of this crap!”

“!?”

Hearing those voices, I instinctively turned toward them… In a narrow alley between two buildings, I saw a man and a woman.

An assault in broad daylight, in a place where the whole town can hear!?

I can’t just stand here, I need to help that woman!

Just as I was about to run over, Cecifelia grabbed my arm and stopped me.

“Miss Cecifelia!? Why are you stopping me!?”

Even as I spoke, the voices from the alley continued.

“You’re just a slave! Stop resisting and take off your clothes!”

“N-No! Let me go!”

Hearing those voices made my blood boil, but Cecifelia remained calm as she spoke.

“You heard that, didn’t you? That girl is a slave.”

“So… are you saying we should just ignore it?”

“That’s what’s best for her. Even if you help now, once she goes back home, she’ll only be treated worse.”

I knew Cecifelia was right… I understood that. But—

“I don’t care whose noble’s slave you are, I’ll teach you a lesson myself!”

“Someone, please help me!”

“…!”

Even if she’s from another country, as the prince of Sandrotheim, I can’t just turn a blind eye to this! Someone who would do that has no right to be king of Sandrotheim!

Shaking off Cecifelia’s hand, I ran toward the alley.

There, I saw a large, overweight man pinning down a blonde woman, her clothes pulled open to the point that most of her chest was exposed.

Just as he was about to undress her, I punched the man as hard as I could, knocking him away.

“Bugah!!”

As I approached the man I had just punched, he raised his voice angrily.

“H-Hey! What the hell do you think you’re doing!?”

“Shut up.”

There was no need for me to keep acting like a slave now that Cecifelia hadn’t arrived yet. So, I spoke as Alex Sandrotheim.

“Just thinking about how people like you exist in this country makes me furious, especially when my own nation, full of good people, might be destroyed because of it.”

“M-My nation… Wait, could it be that you’re…?”

The woman behind me seemed to be muttering something, but right now, all I could feel was anger and hatred toward this man.

“D-Damn it! What’s your problem? Even if you’re a noble of the Elenorde Empire, haven’t you ever wanted to take out your frustrations on a slave!?”

“You think I’m a noble of the Elenorde Empire…? How utterly disgusting…”

I understood why Cecifelia and the people of this country might turn a blind eye to such things. In a nation where slavery is normal, my reaction might seem strange.

While I don’t know about the townspeople, Cecifelia has always treated me kindly in her own way, even if our values are different. There’s nothing to despise about her as a person.

But this man—I could never forgive someone like him.

“Guah!!”

When I punched the man again, he seemed to lose consciousness.

Right after, I turned to the blonde woman, adjusted her disheveled clothes, and asked,

“Are you alright? Did he do anything terrible to you before I got here?”

The blonde woman, looking a bit stunned and with her cheeks flushed, replied,

“Y-Yes… I’m fine… Um, and you are?”

“My name is Luke. Despite how I look, I’m a slave.”

“A slave… So, does that mean you’re like me? Are you also from another country, brought here to the Elenorde Emp—”

As soon as I mentioned I was a slave, the atmosphere around her seemed to change, and she started to say something when—

“Haah, Luke, running off like that after ignoring my warning… If it wasn’t you, your head would’ve been rolling by now, you know?”

“…Miss Cecifelia.”

“Well, I let you go because that man was breaking the rules of the system.”

“…Breaking the rules?”

“Remember how he said he didn’t know which noble owned the slave? It’s one thing to mistreat your own slaves, but attacking someone else’s slave is a violation of the slave system.”

I see… I didn’t know much about the slave system, but it seems there are at least some rules in place.

“So, I’ve already informed the proper authorities in town, and that man will be dealt with accordingly. You don’t need to worry about anything from now on, and you should be able to safely return to your master.”

“…Oh, thank you so much.”

The blonde woman expressed her gratitude to Cecifelia. 

As expected, Cecifelia acted quickly, but in this case, I’m thankful. Her kindness shows through, especially in how she’s making sure this woman is taken care of.

“Alright, let’s go, Luke!”

“Yes.”

With that, Cecifelia walked out of the alley, and I started to follow her—though I paused for a moment. Leaving the blonde woman alone, especially with just one layer of clothing, might lead to more trouble. So, I took off my jacket and gently placed it over her shoulders.

“Please use this as you like… Well then.”

“…Thank you, Luke.”

The blonde woman smiled softly, holding the jacket tightly in both hands. Hearing her quiet thanks, I turned and followed Cecifelia out of the alley.