Published: August 31, 2025
This is Satou. I’m still not used to slaves being treated like merchandise.
Spreading basic human rights in this world is a thorny path.
But I don’t really intend to spread them anyway...
◇
After a few more questions and answers, we were released.
Before entering the tent, I handed the deposit slip I received when I left my luggage to a civil servant woman.
“You may keep this. However, the demon core will be purchased by the Count.”
I asked if there was any right to refuse, but she smiled brightly and said, “No, there isn’t.”
“This monster meat cannot be confirmed as safe, so it will be confiscated. This spear is also made from monster parts, so bringing it into the city is not permitted.”
Liza reacted instantly and turned around. Huh, for once Liza looks angry?
Since she seems attached to it, maybe I should try negotiating.
“That spear is high-performance. Could someone with appraisal skill examine if it’s dangerous? Of course, I’ll cover the appraisal cost, and if it’s confirmed safe, I’d like it returned.”
Liza looks scary. Really scary. See, even the civil servant’s smile is strained.
“U-understood. I’ll arrange it. I’ll issue a new deposit slip, so please bring it to this temporary garrison after noon tomorrow.”
“Thank you very much.”
Right, I need to consult about the beast girls.
“I have a question…”
About the beast girls.
“I see… so you rescued the slaves who lost their owners in the labyrinth and brought them outside?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Liza nodded. Pochi and Tama were leaning against Liza’s legs, looking utterly exhausted... Bored, huh?
“In that case, these demi-human slaves belong to you.”
Really? I was thinking of buying them to free them from slavery.
“Slaves who lose their masters in the labyrinth become the property of the person who picks them up unless they killed and took them by force. So legally and customarily, you become their master.”
The woman quickly scribbled something on the paper used for certificates and handed it over.
“This is an official provisional certificate of ownership of those slaves to you. It’s only valid within the city, so please finalize the slave contracts with a slave trader or the city hall at the castle square soon. It’s not a gift for bringing back a lot of demon cores, but there’s no fee.”
I thanked her, took the certificate, and left the tent with the beast girls.
Right, demon cores are forcibly purchased because they’re processed into materials for the labyrinth’s isolation barriers.
◇
Outside, Ms. Zena was with the noisy three daughters, having some kind of meeting with the team.
I didn’t want to disturb their work, but just nodding and leaving seemed cold...
While pondering what to do, Miss Lirio smiled slyly, poked Ms. Zena, and pointed towards me.
“Good luck~” Lirio said, cheering (or teasing), and Ms. Zena ran over.
“Satou-san, have you finished the procedures? Are you heading back to the inn now?”
“Yes, I want the slaves to rest at the inn too.”
“You’re kind. It must be more comfortable than sleeping directly on the labyrinth floor in a barn or stable.”
...Huh? That’s a weird word.
“No, I’m not letting comrades who have shared hardships sleep in a barn. I plan to get proper rooms at the inn.”
“Well... Satou-san, there are no inns in this territory that will accommodate demi-humans. If the master stays somewhere, you might get a barn or stable, but...”
Seriously? I thought at worst I’d be charged extra or get sarcastic comments.
Seeing Zena’s apologetic face, it didn’t seem like a joke.
“Zena-san, no need to look like that. Thanks to you, I won’t have trouble at the inn.”
She still looked sorry, but I told her not to worry.
Since Zena and company had duty until midnight, I thanked her for the information and parted ways.
◇
Still, if I had been told without prior information about Zena to put the beast girls in a stable, I might have impulsively left the inn by the city gate.
Should I buy a house? Or leave the Count’s Domain?