Year 7444, Month 5, Day 3
"Who did?"
Zenom put some egg on his muffin while and Zulu put some pepper on his egg while responding.
"Remember, after we came here..Nn~ It was around the time we went to the 2nd floor, so it's those guys that came to Baldukk a short while after Maruso entered our party, right? That Tiger-man noble who came from outside of the country."
I guess there was still some roast remaining on a rib. Ralpha said while taking the bone out from her mouth.
"Ah, that young guy called Rokis or whatever? He was the son of a Marquis or something right? Did he die?"
Zenom finishes his egg muffin while saying.
"No, not Rokis but one of his followers. The male Rabbit-people named Biku. I think it was a short while after Maruso joined us. When Zulu came along with me shopping, didn't it turn into a fight? Don't you remember? Zulu."
"..I don't remember. In the first place there were a lot of people who picked fights with us over Koloil-sama around that time so we got into fights often."
I guess it's that, do you remember every time you've eaten bread? type of thing. It's true I don't remember them all either. Honestly speaking, I don't remember getting into an argument or fight with Rokis and the others either. Other than that one incident in the dungeon the other day. It's not unreasonable that Zulu doesn't remember.
"I see. Well it's fine. And, that Rabbit-people died in the dungeon fighting against an Ork it seems. But, since it was after they started to retreat they weren't able to recover the corpse."
Ralpha is talking while she uses the bone she pulled off the rib as a toothpick. Is this girl really a woman? I feel like I'm about to be stuck with some serious doubts. I'm sure Bel and Toris are stuck together as usual so they haven't noticed but Gwine is frowning as well. I'm sure my expression isn't much different from Gwines as well.
"Isn't it something that happens often? Was there something that seemed strange about it?"
Angela said while putting some roast chicken between her muffin. Zenom is focused on eating his completed egg muffin.
"It's not particularly unusual. I think that Biku just let his guard down. Ah, Kalstalan-sama can I use the pepper?"
Zulu, isn't that too much pepper? I'm amazed you can calmly eat something like that.
"Well you would think that right. But you know, I don't know if it was the 1st or 2nd floor but since Orks will run away all on their own if you defeat or injure one of them, so depending on how you think about it goblins and gnolls are more dangerous right. I guess he must have been hit in a pretty bad place."
It's true it's just as Ralpha says, Orks and Hobgoblins have a decent amount of combat ability individually but since they specialize in group combat, if they even take a bit of damage it's often they start to retreat. Gnolls sometimes show signs of that as well but when it comes to goblins they just keep charging at you so you could say they're more troublesome. There's times when weak adventurers are eaten. However, putting aside newcomers, it's unusual for an adventurers with enough ability to make it to the 2nd floor to get killed by an Ork. Though it's not that there's few enough of them for it to be unnatural though.
"Al-san, why is Ral like this? I don't think she was like this in the past but I guess people really do change.."
Gwine is putting ham on her muffin as she talks to me.
"Really though...I don't know about in the past but she was only putting on a feigned face for the first few days after I met her. After that it was always like this."
Ralpha was watching as I responded to Gwine like that but she didn't say anything. After all it's the truth. I bite off a bit of the roast chicken leg while making a face that said "I haven't spoken any lies" but it seems Ralpha decided to ignore us and she's still continuing to talk to Zenom and the others.
From the other side of Ralpha and the others,
"Really, stop eating just meat and eat some eggs as well."
"Eh..Is that so? Thanks. I love you."
"That is no~good~."
And I hear a strange conversation that I'm not sure if I'm envious of or not. The couple of Toris and Bel are as annoying as usual this morning. I've just decided that you two are standing at the front until the teleport room on the 3rd floor for today.
.............
Year 7444, Month 5, Day 8
It's the final day of our three day break. After we finished up our cooperation training and were about to take a slightly early dinner. We met up at the restaurant "Rasurun". In order to leave my equipment and get lighter before going to eat the five of us other than the slaves were walking on our way to Boil Manor.
"You're Greed-san right, from the {Slaughterers}?"
There was a young Laios woman who called out to me in front of the inn. Just when I was thinking I had seen her face somewhere before, I remembered. She's the one from Rokis's party. Candice.Hash, level 8 huh? The eldest daughter of the Viscount Hash. I wonder what her business is?
"Yes, I am but do you have some business with me?"
I faced the woman Candy and replied. Everyone from the {Slaughterers} and is watching over.
"There's something I want to talk about for a bit, so I would like to borrow some of your time but.."
She's saying it with some reservations but she's properly looking me in the eyes.
"It's fine. What is it?"
After I replied and Candy made a slightly relieved expression before continuing her words.
"Umm, could you please act as an agent for us with Ronslail?"
"Ha?"
"As a matter of fact..There have been quite a few deaths in our party recently...Another one of our combat slaves died in a boss room on the 2nd floor today...That's why it's came to discussing about purchasing a new combat slave.."
Ah, I see now. Since recently the "Slave Store, Ronslail" that I purchased Angela and Zulu from has made quite the name for itself. After all it was the store that provided two front-line slaves for the {Slaughterers} so it's gotten quite famous for that, any adventurer who has a decent amount of money would prefer to buy their combat slaves not from the exclusive shop "Tani Company" but it's been the recent trend to purchase combat slaves from "Slave Store, Ronslail". Supposedly it even requires making reservations there now. It's great that her business is flourishing.
Even now that elf madam occasionally calls out to me that she's gotten her hands on some good slaves. Come to think of it since we started spending 5 days in the dungeon our bags have increased quite a bit. It might be good to buy a slave for carrying baggage and keeping lookout of our bags.
After thinking for a bit I,
"Wait just a moment."
I said to Candy and turned around to everyone and,
"Come to think of it, I've heard it's convenient to have someone to carry bags right?"
I tried asking everyone that.
"That's true.."
"Always forcing Maruso to prepare the meals as well you know.."
"It would help if we had one."
They're saying things like that.
"Then, after we change lets go and try buying one. Go ahead to "Rasurun" and wait for me."
I said that and since Gwine and Toris haven't seen a slave trader before they're coming along but "If Toris is going then I think I'll go too" is what Bel said so I just said "If you want to come then feel free.", but for some reason they all seemed a bit excited. Purchasing a slave doesn't feel all that much different from hiring an employee with extremely few human rights. Since Ralpha and Zenom didn't seem interested at all they decided to go and wait at the restaurant.
"Excuse me, sorry for making you wait. Since it was just right we've decided to purchase 1 slave as well. Shall we go together? I'll introduce you."
And Candy was happy after I said that to her. Well normally not many people would do this after all. It's something like sending salt to someone that could become your rival after all. But, honestly speaking the strength of our party isn't really related to the work of the slaves so selling a favor to a reasonably skilled party isn't too bad. Putting it bluntly, there's no way they could become a "serious" rival for us after all."
"Umm, I'll call for the leader right away. We'll be waiting in front of the store, so we'll see you there soon as you please."
"Yeah, we'll head over after we finish changing as well."
I said that and split ways with her.
After quickly changing, putting on some neat clothes, and putting just my sword in the belt on my waist it was just as I saw Ralpha and Zenom head towards the restaurant.
"That part, so they've lost close to four people in these past two weeks right?"
"If they recklessly try to challenge an opponent then those things happen. It's not unusual."
"Well, in our case since we have Al after all."
"That's true. His decisions in the dungeon are correct. Since he's trying to make sure we don't overdo it all the time. Even then we're still earning that much."
They were saying things like that. It's because if we were to overdo things the only one remaining alive in the end would be just me.
Together with Toris and the others, we started on our way towards "Slave Store, Ronslail".
..............
I talk about the time I bought Zulu and Angela with Toris and the others as we head towards "Ronslail" and in front of the store Mittorig.Rokis and Candy from just now were waiting. After we got close Rokis approached and greeted us.
"Greed-san, I'm sorry about this. Since it seems you're going to introduce us to Ronslail..we're really saved. Really thank you very much."
"No, please don't mind it. I was jsut thinking about buying one myself."
I said that and entered the store.
The madam of the store is standing listlessly at the reception desk smoking as usual until we entered the room and she trots over to us.
"This is, Greed-sama. Welcome to our store. Please come sit over here."
And she suggested the sofa to us. I urged Rokis on and the two of us sat down on the sofa. Candy, Toris and the others are standing behind us.
"Yo~ How is business going? It seems you've gotten quite big or something.."
I started from recent news.
"Yes, we have quite a bit. Thanks to you we've gotten quite a few reservations so right now we're stocking up even more than before. Recently the number of combat slaves we deal in has exceeded the total number of labor, sex, and general slaves. We have quite the reputation going for ourselves right now. Up until now we've only dealt in a total of about 30 people per year but thanks to you it exceeded 40 people last year. The increased amount was all combat slaves. Hoho Ho~"
That's quite amazing~ an increase of more than 33%. Well given the location I'm sure it was 10 combat slaves until now and the remaining was a total of 20 mixed slaves or so.
"That's quite amazing. However..I guess that was my mistake then..So there's something like reservations.."
I already knew but I said it as if I was troubled.
"Oh? You were here to purchase for the first time in a while? That is certainly a problem. Unfortunately we don't have any stock of combat slaves right now.."
The madam said with an expression like she was really troubled.
"Ah, today I didn't come intending to buy a combat slave. Well, there's no problem with it being a durable slave either way but this time I want slave that exclusively carries bags a {Porter}. Please show me your stock. You should be fine on general use slaves right? Also, this is the son of Marquis Rokis who is an adventurer in Baldukk as well. The one who wishes to purchase a combat slave is him but..I guess that's a problem. I'm sorry about speaking so selfishly but I wonder if you can't speed up arrangements for him?"
"Oh, is that how it was? If it's an introduction from Greed-sama then I can't just ignore it. However, right now we don't have any stock of combat slaves so..We intend to get some stock around the end of this month but..I'm very sorry."
The madam said and politely lowered her head to Rokis. Hey now, you can't increase your stock of combat slaves until the end of the month, doesn't that mean they're already sold from reservations the moment you get them?
"Eeh!!? Is that so..can we make reservations for them?"
Rokis tried asking the madam.
"Yeah, of course you can. Is it alright if inquire with you at your inn? Depending on our stock we'll send a messenger out. Since this time it's an introduction from Greed-sama, we'll let you check them before other customers."
Oh~ It seems she's being considerate for me. Sorry about that~
Rokis showed the madam his status and gave the name of the inn he's staying at before leaving the store. This time he put in a reservation for three combat slaves. If it comes to the son of a Marquis I'm sure he has some money. Is what I was thinking but it seems he's resolved to throw down all of his assets. Candy gave a detailed listing of their budget down the last bit of it.
Well something like the state of other peoples wallets doesn't matter at all.
Rather than that, it's finally time for her to show me their stock of slaves.
"Ah, Ronslail-san. Since it's an exclusive {Porter} slave I want one that isn't too old or young. A male in his mid-20s to mid-30s would be best. I have no intention of letting them fight so they don't need to know how to use a weapon. But, it would be best if they have quite a bit of strength and stamina. Also, if it's someone who can cook and do massages that would be good as well."
After hearing my extravagant requests the madam put her hand to her jaw while thinking.
"Al-san, is it fine if they're not a combat slave? If they were attacked while watching the bags then.."
Toris called out a bit worried.
"No, it's not necessary. It's not like monsters come out after all and either way if another party attacked them alone there's no helping it. It would be pointless even having them resist. Regardless of whether they're a combat slave or general slave they won't survive a situation like that. And there's no need to let them participate in the combat while we're on the move as well. I have no intention of bringing them along to the 6th floor which seems dangerous either."
It seems the madam was waiting for me to finish replying before she said.
"Please come over here. I'll prepare them now but unfortunately I can only prepare two people who meet those conditions right now."
We all followed after the madam and were let into a room in the back. After waiting for a short while the madam brought back two men.
Lorence.Giberuti, Level 4, 26 years old, Dog-people race.
Mathew.Basshisu, Level 5, 32 years old, Human race.
Both of their conditions are good and they seem pretty healthy. But, I don't even need to go to the point of using Identify. Giberuti is the better choice because he has Super Sense of Smell. Though Basshisu isn't a bad choice either and his strength is a bit higher than Giberuti, but since Giberuti is young I'm sure he'll surpass that soon.
"What's the price of these two?"
"They're both 3,500,000 Z. They weren't born as serfs but rather they were servants of a carpenter in Rombertia. Since they didn't have much talent with carpentry and this time it's the request of none other than Greed-sama, this time you also introduced a customer to me, it's a good deal on them."
3,500,000 Z huh? I guess you could say it's the average price for a general slave who doesn't have an occupation and wasn't a serf.
"Is it fine to talk to them?"
Bel asked the madam.
"Yeah, please do."
The madam smiled while responding.
"You two, what are your names?"
"I'm Lorence.Giberuti."
"Never."
That's only obvious as well.
"Can you use the sword or spear?"
Gwine started asking as well. However, that's too unreasonable.
"I've never held them before."
"No."
There's no way a slave would smoke something like a luxury good~
"Can you cook?"
"Yes, it's a specialty of mine."
"Is it really fine!?"
Hey, why are you looking at Bel? I reflexively looked at Toris's face. He's glaring displeased. That's only obvious. This human is no good.
It should already be fine right.
"Then..Yes, 3,500,000 Z. We'll take the Dog-people man."
"Yes, I've certainly received it. We'll have the proof of sales prepared by tomorrow morning. Will you visit the temple tomorrow? Or on another day?"
"Yeah, I'll come to receive him tomorrow morning, so we'll do it after that. Hey, let's go."
.............
Year 7444, Month 5, Day 19
We've made it to the teleport room of the 5th floor. Up until now it took us around 12 hours to clear through the 4th floor but we were able to shorten it by close to 1 hour. That's a splendid thing. Giberuti is a pretty cheerful guy and everyone is already calling him Larry. At the very least by purchasing him the amount of time we spend gathering magic stones on the way should be shortened a bit as well. And above all else it's nice that we don't have to carry so much bulky things as well. Four days worth of underwear and things ends up coming out to quite a bit to carry and the food is quite heavy as well. Including him that's 5 days and 4 nights worth of preparations, including extras a total of 140 meals and if you include the pots, stoves, and buckets it weighs around 50kg. Of course if we just had one person holding all that then it would slow us down from the start so we split up to about 2-3kg per person.
With this everyone only has to carry a bag that weighs about 5kg each but even from the first day everyone's belongings got quite a bit lighter. Also since everyone had to throw their bags down during combat until now we couldn't bring along things like eggs but this time we can eat eggs even in the dungeon and our bread or vegetables won't get smashed throwing them either so I'm sure our meals will improve as well.
Our second night in the dungeon last night was already a few times more comfortable than it has been. Giberuti's skill at cooking was quite something. Maybe I'll buy a slightly better stove. Though he wasn't as skilled as Zulu when it came to massages he was still pretty good. Hmn, I'm glad I bought him. I wonder how much I should make Giberuti's wages? Since he's not a combat slave, I guess 20,000 Z (2 silver coins) should be plenty as a monthly salary.
..............
Year 7444, Month 5, Day 21
(....v.....m...e..)
？
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Year 7444, Month 5, Day 24
Trap?