Discussing Shopping for Adults (2)

Karina-chan here. When I asked my senpais what it'd be like to buy a slave, they hit me with some harsh reality!

But even after all that, they said, "For a solo adventurer like you, having a slave could actually be a good option." What's that supposed to mean!?

Are they trying to shake my heart and make me do something!? Geez, Blade-senpai!

… Well, joking aside.

 

 

"I thought you were against me having a slave based on the way the conversation was going?"

"I was talking about if it's for erotic or play purposes. If you're properly using them as a worker, that's different."

"W-Why are you assuming I'm buying for erotic reasons!? What's your proof!?"

I'm a girl, okay!? I'm pure and innocent! Super pure!

"Shut it. No point trying to cover it up now, Karina. You had the exact same look as Shieldon had back then."

"Yeah, seriously. The moment I saw it, I knew we'd have to scare you straight or you'd fall for something."

"… Was I really that obvious?"

I couldn't even argue!

"And if you think about it, it's obvious. If someone's actually willing and able to work in the erotic business, they'd go to a brothel, right? So the ones who look good and are still slaves—yeah, guaranteed trouble."

"T-That's… true!?"

Slaves don't get a say.

And the professionals in that line of work snap up all the good ones, so no decent-looking slaves should really be left on the market. If there were, it was either a miracle or they had some serious baggage—maybe even illegal stuff that'd get you arrested.

On the flip side, if you went for a regular slave, while it'd still be a gamble, there was a better chance you'd find someone decent mixed in.

"And anyway, if you're gonna treat them like a team member or servant, slaves are actually better. Especially you—you seem like you have a lot of secrets."

"Ah, you noticed?"

Not like I was trying super hard to hide it, though.

"Well, I'm not gonna pry. That's just how adventurers are."

"Actually, the truth is~ I'm an envoy of the Goddess~"

"I SAID I WOULDN'T PRY!! Don't tell me!! Are you trying to get me involved!?"

Tch. I was hoping he might help me collect sacred relics or something.

"Anyway, back to the point. Slaves usually have a lot of curses placed on them. One of those is a 'keep secrets' curse. If they try to reveal anything, their body—voice and all—just freezes up."

"Huh. So if I just say, 'This is a secret, keep your mouth shut,' I'm safe?"

"Exactly. That's why slaves are useful for merchants too—lots of secrets in that business."

Yeah, having employees who can't spill secrets would be pretty convenient.

"But keep this in mind—most slaves were either criminals or fell into slavery because of debt. Thinking, 'My slave is different' is just naive. To a slave, you're nothing but a walking wallet."

"… So they're useful, but it's best not to trust or rely on them."

"Right. Remember these three rules: First, assume they'll do bad things, and issue commands that prevent it. Second, assume they won't do anything you haven't specifically ordered them to do, and issue detailed commands. Third, never release them from slavery."

I see—proper management is key.

"Wait, but if you just command them 'Don't do bad things' from the start, wouldn't that stop them from committing crimes and ruining their masters?"

"Not necessarily. If the slave doesn't think what they're doing is bad, they can still get away with it."

So it depends on their subjective view. If someone believes stealing is just natural, that command won't stop them. Ugh, what a hassle…!

"And like I said, most slaves ended up that way because of debt or crime, but there are exceptions. Those exceptions have other serious issues… but if you're the one buying, that's probably your best bet."

"Oh? Why's that?"

"Because if you're more messed up than they are, you probably won't care. It depends on what the issue is."

"Senpai, you're a genius."

I totally agreed. Damn Blade-senpai. You're good.

"Alright! Then let's go check out those problem-slaves right away!!"

"Yeah, about that—you can't."

"Eh!? Why not? Do I need a reservation?"

"No, it's because there was only one slave dealer in town."

"Ah."

There was only one. Meaning now… there's none.

Who the hell took down the slave dealer…? Oh wait, that was my fault, wasn't it!? Damn it!

"We were totally on track for a slave-buying arc!!"

"You don't even have the money to buy one. Slaves usually cost at least a gold coin, you know?"

Slaves aren't going to vanish completely, but until a new dealer is chosen, buying one is impossible. Apparently, you need an official dealer to handle the contracts like the slave-branding process.

The Merchant Guild is probably scrambling to deal with it right now. There's a lot of money tied up in the slave trade, after all.

"Fine! Then let's go chop wood to vent my frustration and make some cash! Help me out, please!"

"They said they're lowering the buy price for lumber too. Storage space issues. Seems we chopped a little too much."

What!? Nobody told me that!! Man, what a string of bad luck—ugh!!