Detoxification

Vim prepared to deploy his magic to cleanse the girl of the poison.

“O healing for this one, O blessing of purification.”

It was rare for Vim to use an incantation. Conversely, it meant that this was not a spell he could activate through non-verbal casting alone.

“What is this…?” the girl muttered involuntarily.

A pure white magic circle appeared above her head. It moved up and down, traveling from the highest point of her head to the tips of her feet. Before long, the girl’s darkened skin began to transform into a beautiful, healthy white.

“You’ve got to be kidding…” Galvin stood with his mouth agape, a look of pure shock on his face.

The high-level poison that had been eroding the girl’s life was powerless in the face of Vim’s sorcery.

“It looks like she’s cured.”

After a short while, Vim deactivated the purification spell. He checked her condition with appraisal magic, but no other abnormalities were found.

“As expected, an S-rank truly is on another level,” Galvin remarked, looking deeply impressed.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

By the time the purification was complete, the girl’s hostility had vanished. That poison must have sent throbbing pain through her entire body; Vim thought she had done well to endure it with such a slender frame. It was no wonder she felt she had to bare her fangs just to cope.

“Th-thank you.”

“No need for thanks. We’ll be working together from now on, after all. I’m Vim Abel. Nice to meet you.”

“I am Hana Sharon,” she replied in a beautiful voice.

Hana was a beastkin, possessing a cat’s tail and ears. She would likely be quite adept in combat.

“Well then, shall we proceed to the slave contract ritual?” Galvin, who had been observing the situation, chimed in. “The two of you, please step onto this magic circle.”

Following his instructions, Hana and Vim stepped onto the circle. Immediately, a purple pattern materialized on the nape of Hana’s neck.

“Please let a drop of your blood fall here, Master Vim.”

“Understood.”

Vim used the provided knife to make a small cut on his fingertip and let a few drops of blood fall. The pattern flashed white for a moment before returning to its original color.

“With this, the ritual is complete. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Vim used recovery magic to heal his finger and stepped off the magic circle.

“And finally, I shall collect the fee.”

“Right, it’s all in here. Please confirm it.”

Vim handed Galvin a leather pouch filled with gold coins. Hana’s price was lower than that of the other slaves. No doubt, that was due to the poison.

“Let me verify the amount.” Galvin checked the inside of the bag. “Indeed, it is exactly right. I look forward to your continued patronage.”

With all the procedures finished, Vim decided to take Hana back to the mansion.

“Take care.”

“Thanks. I’ll rely on you if anything else comes up.”

With Galvin seeing them off, Vim left the slave merchant’s building.

“Well, shall we head home?”

“Yes. I look forward to working with you.”

With that, Hana followed behind Vim.

“You don’t need to be so nervous. My house isn’t far from here.”

“I understand… Master.” Hana said, looking up at Vim.

“Drop the ‘Master.’ Just ‘Vim’ is fine.”

“Then… I shall call you Master Vim.”

“Yeah, that works.”

Talking as they went, Vim walked the path back to the mansion. It took about twenty minutes to arrive.

“I’m back—”

As he opened the front door and stepped inside, James and Aria were there to greet them.

“ “Welcome home.” “

The two gave a polite bow.

“This is the girl I’ve brought home today.” Vim gave Hana’s back a gentle nudge.

“I am Hana Sharon,” she said, giving a polite little bow.

“James, please prepare a room for Hana somewhere on the second floor. There’s space, right?”

“As you command. There are still many vacant rooms, so there is no need to worry,” James said in a calm voice.

“Good, I’ll leave it to you.”

“Certainly. Miss Hana, I shall show you the way.”

As James spoke, Hana looked up at Vim.

“Go ahead.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Hana followed behind James toward the second floor. Vim entered the living room and let his body sink into the sofa.