By the Grace of the Gods

Today, three episodes are released simultaneously.

This is the third episode.

"Well then, let's talk frankly. As you know, I am a slave trader by profession. I was born to parents who were both slave traders and have lived a wealthy life since childhood.

However, the general public perceives the job of a slave trader as simply 'buying and selling people for money.' Personally, I believe it's not such a simple job, and I would like to say a few things... but the fact remains that human trafficking occurs. Most people don't have a good impression of it. Because of that, I had no one I could truly call a 'friend' in my childhood. It was less about the other children and more because their parents disapproved."

Ah, I can kind of imagine. The kind of thing where parents say, "Don’t play with that kid."

"At some point, I started to actively talk to the household servants, my parents' subordinates, and the slaves. Looking back, that probably replaced having friends my own age. I figured that servants and subordinates wouldn’t dare treat the employer’s son, me, badly, and slaves couldn't just run away anywhere. At first, I admit I took advantage of my position.

But as I interacted with many people, I realized that not one person is 'the same.' Species, family background, place of origin, history, and personality — even their thoughts and preferences vary greatly. Getting to know them, sensing their differences, and learning new knowledge and perspectives was genuinely enjoyable. Before I knew it, I no longer saw them as substitutes for friends, but truly wanted to know the person there."

After saying this much, Orest looked at me with a serious expression.

"I have used my position as a slave trader to interact with many people from various backgrounds. However, I strongly feel that you are different from anyone I have met before. That is why I want to become close to you. My personal interest — that is one reason why I invited Lord Ryoma to dinner today."

This must be because I’m a former person from another world.

For now, I won’t deny it.

"Indeed, I am aware that I’m somewhat different from what you might call typical. But you say personal interest is one reason... are there other reasons?"

Orest nodded clearly with a smile.

"I want to build a better cooperative relationship with Lord Ryoma.

By the way, what do you think about slave trading?"

"What can I say... to be honest, I don’t really know. What you first mentioned, 'human trafficking,' is certainly true, and I can’t say I’m completely comfortable with it.

However, it is legal under the current laws of this country, and I don’t see much difference in treatment compared to regular long-term employment. I’ve also learned that being a slave can serve as a 'last resort' for those who have lost their wealth due to poverty or some failure.

So I can’t simply say it’s right or wrong."

"Thank you. Your answer exceeded my expectations."

I thought I gave a vague answer, yet Orest visibly brightened.

"When customers like Lord Ryoma understand these things, it makes our work handling slaves easier.

This is a complaint from a slave trader’s perspective, but many customers show a lack of understanding about the slave system and slave trading during transactions. Of course, that is inevitable for those of us engaged in slave trading and human trafficking. It’s said in our industry that this is unavoidable, and new people are taught this."

He looked at me intently and continued, "I think this: 'Isn’t the whole system of slave trading and slavery itself already an outdated relic?'"

Indeed, in my previous life, official slave systems were already history or only in fiction, and as this world modernizes, such a trend could emerge.

"As you said, the formal slave contracts under current slave laws resemble labor contracts made at normal Guilds. The differences are that buyers are obligated to guarantee the slave’s living conditions and that payment equivalent to wages is paid upfront to the slave trader.