The Slave Merchant

The next morning, Vim woke up slightly earlier than usual.

“Good morning, Master.”

James arrived just as Vim was finishing his breakfast.

“Morning.”

“Here are the details of the slave merchant you mentioned yesterday. I believe they will treat you well if you give them my name.”

James pulled a single piece of paper folded into quarters from the inner pocket of his tailcoat and handed it to Vim.

“That helps a lot. I’ll head over right away.”

Taking the paper, Vim unfolded it and scanned the contents. It even included a meticulously drawn map.

“Shall I accompany you?”

“No, I’ll go alone. I want to get used to this country as soon as possible.”

To acclimate to the nation quickly, he couldn’t rely on James for everything every single time.

“Understood, sir. Please take care.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

Vim left the mansion and headed toward the slave merchant’s shop, relying on the map James had given him.

“It’s probably around here.”

This area was just one street over from the Royal Capital’s main thoroughfare. While the main street was overflowing with people, the foot traffic dropped off sharply just one block away. It was remarkably quiet.

“Is this it?”

Vim found a building with a slave merchant’s sign hanging from it. Among the buildings in the capital, it would be considered a grand one. He wondered if the slave trade was particularly lucrative. With that thought in mind, Vim stepped inside.

“Welcome. How may I be of service today?”

A man dressed in tidy clothing greeted him.

“I’ve come on a recommendation from James. I’d like to purchase a slave.”

“My apologies. A recommendation from Master James, I see. Would you mind waiting on the sofa over there for a moment?”

At the man’s urging, Vim sat down on the sofa. A few minutes later, a slightly plump man wearing suspicious, gaudy clothing emerged from the back.

“Thank you for waiting. I am Galvin, the owner of this establishment.”

“Vim Abel.”

Vim exchanged a brief handshake with Galvin.

“So, I understand you’re here to purchase a slave through James’s introduction?”

“Yes, that’s the plan.”

“Is this your first time purchasing a slave?”

“Yeah, it’s my first.”

“Then, allow me to start with a brief explanation.”

Galvin sat down on the sofa opposite Vim.

“First, I would like to hear your requirements. For example: appearance, age, race, gender, and purpose.”

He began explaining the process step by step. After hearing the requirements, he would propose slaves that fit the customer’s needs. Apparently, there were rooms in the back where one could actually observe the slaves’ condition. If a customer found one they liked, they would proceed to sign a contract.

“What sort of requirements do you have?” Galvin asked.

“Good looks would be preferred. As for race… well, someone non-human seems more interesting. Gender: female. Age: in her twenties. The purpose is to accompany me on adventures.”

“Understood. I shall propose individuals who match your criteria, Master Vim.”

Having finished taking notes on Vim’s conditions, Galvin looked up and spoke.

“Then, please follow me. I will show you the way.”

“Got it.”

Vim stood up from the sofa and walked behind Galvin.

“Given your requirements, Master Vim, I believe a member of the beastkin race, known for their superior combat abilities, would be ideal. This is the beastkin room.”

“I see…”

Vim entered the room and looked around. There were several beastkin women sitting in chairs, wearing clean clothes. When the women saw Vim, they offered smiles. Looking at them, one could almost forget they were slaves.

“Hmm.”

It was true that beastkin possessed excellent combat skills. Since Vim specialized in magical attacks, he needed someone capable of physical combat or martial arts to some extent. Vim could hold his own in a scrap, but magic was his primary focus in battle.

“Is there anyone else?”

For some reason, none of the girls quite clicked with him.

“If no one here catches your eye, the next option would be the room further back, though… I cannot exactly recommend it.”

Galvin hesitated slightly.

“I don’t mind. Could you show me anyway?”

“Very well. Since it is your request, Master Vim, there is no problem.”

Vim followed Galvin and stepped into the room at the very back.