Chapter 90

Midday in the capital city.

After rescuing Tetti and Ciel from the White Boar, I had a light lunch and then headed to the slave trader.

I intended to hire the beautiful elf Cheryl for Tetti, who desperately wanted to become stronger.

-- Well, I also want Tetti to be lively and strong.

When I conveyed my request to Simon, the thin, elderly slave trader, he immediately called for Cheryl.

Since Cheryl is a conditional slave, the price would be negotiable.

I and Lillith sat on the sofa, with Cheryl sitting opposite us.

As expected of an elf, she had a great figure and a beautiful face. Though she didn't match Lillith, her large chest was quite noticeable.

She pushed her blonde hair back with her hand and leaned forward slightly, emphasizing her ample cleavage, which I couldn't help but look at.

-- No good, I need to think of Lillith. Or just look to the side.

As I glanced at the world-renowned beauty Lillith sitting next to me, Cheryl began to speak in a clear, intelligent voice.

"It's been a while, Lord Alex. You want to hire me today, I see. What kind of work do you have in mind?"

"Yes, an elf girl, or rather a half-elf. I want you to teach Tetti about elf life and combat."

"I see... Please wait a moment."

Cheryl stood up and walked to the slave trader with her slender legs, which extended from her short skirt.

After a brief conversation, she returned.

Sitting opposite us, she spoke seriously.

"For Tetti's training, the fee will be 150,000 goats for a few months. During this period, I will cover my own food, accommodation, and expenses. Is that acceptable, Lord Alex?"

"Huh? Isn't that cheap?"

I was sure Cheryl usually charged around 1,000,000 goats, depending on the job.

Cheryl nodded, shaking her blonde hair.

"I discussed it with Simon. The introduction fee I prepaid to the slave trader is sufficient."

"You pay the introduction fee?"

"Yes, unconditional slaves are taken care of by the slave trader in all aspects, but conditional slaves have to pay a fee to find work."

"That's how it works. But is it okay? You won't make any profit, Cheryl."

"Yes, I asked to help Tetti. Thank you for not discriminating against elf kin and helping her. You truly are a hero."

Cheryl bowed deeply. Her beautiful blonde hair flowed smoothly.

-- I'm glad I didn't just dislike Tetti at first sight and leave her alone.

"I'm a former hero. So, can you take the job at that price?"

"Yes, I understand. Shall we start today?"

"Sure. At least let's meet each other."

"Understood."

I handed over one large gold coin and five gold coins.

Seeing the deal was made, the slave trader approached and bowed respectfully.

"Let's prepare the contract."

The contract was written, and the servitude mark was engraved on Cheryl's white, supple hand. I thought she wouldn't need a conditional slave mark, but like with Lillith, a drop of blood was taken.

We then left the slave trader.

"Thank you for your excellent service. We look forward to your next visit."

Simon bowed deeply to see us off.

-- He knows I'm making money.

I need to hire Cordelia.

On the way back to the shop, I asked Cheryl about Simon.

He seemed to be quite capable.

Not only did he sell slaves at the shop, but he also introduced suitable candidates to places that needed excellent personnel.

Apparently, only those with exceptional skills or jobs could become conditional slaves.

I thought being a slave must be tough.

◇ ◇ ◇

Back at the shop, I called for Tetti.

Tetti, wearing a white blouse and black skirt, came out from the back of the shop.

"Hello, Cheryl-onee-san."

"You seem to be in better spirits, Tetti."

"Yeah, thanks to Lord Alex. Please take care of me, Onee-san."

Tetti hugged Cheryl with a smile. Her blonde hair spread out.

Cheryl narrowed her eyes and stroked Tetti's head affectionately.

Watching from the side, I asked about the future plans.

"So, where will you practice?"

"Well... We can use the adventurer guild's training grounds for magic and archery, but first, I want to try communicating with the spirits. Let's go to the forest, Tetti."

"Okay, Cheryl-onee-san."

Tetti nodded, her blonde hair swaying. Her young face was determined.

I looked at Sophitia, who was sitting at the counter.

"Is it okay for you to watch the shop?"

"Hmm, I might need a replacement. I haven't had lunch or a bath yet."

"Hmm. Can a conditional slave talk about what they see and hear during their contract after it ends?"

"Generally, they can't. If they try to talk, they'll be struck by an electric shock and pass out... However, if there's confidential information, it's best not to share it. If forbidden magic is used, the information can be extracted, but the person will die."

"I see... So, for their own safety, it's better not to know any secrets."

If they learn important secrets, there's a risk of being forced to reveal them.

I nodded in agreement.

"Got it. Lillith, I'm going to the forest with Cheryl and Tetti. Can you watch the shop—oh, right."

"What is it?"

I took out the crown stamp sample given by the king from my magic bag.

"Give this to Kou and have him remake the petite Ely."

"Understood, Master. I'll take care of it."

Lillith took the sample, nodded seriously, and her silver hair swayed.

-- Yes, the important crown stamp to protect petite Ely.

I can't say I forgot about it because of the White Boar incident.

I composed myself and said to Cheryl and Tetti.

"Alright, let's go. Cheryl, Tetti."

"Yes!""Okay!"

We left the shop with the beautiful elf and the young girl and headed to the southeastern forest.

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→ 91. Tetti's Secret