Chapter Two: The Broken Slave, The Loyal Servant
The panic was setting in now.
He had no plan. He had an idea, but no concrete way to stave off losing his head come sunrise.
Nobody in this fucking country would apparently care, when even their rulers are scheming against me. 'hero' really is just a meaningless title for me.
Even if he flees the city, he'll be hunted down. Plus, he has no effective attack power. Even at level 5, Naofumi wouldn't be able to survive out there.
"Hurry up you useless shits! As soon as those gates open, we're out of here!"
Down one of the larger passageways, Naofumi saw a rotund man yelling at several furry eared children who appeared to be in the process of loading up a wagon with goods.
Demi-humans, Naofumi noted. The same ones from before.
'They're closer to monsters than people.'
"Who knows if that bitch gave proper information anyway," Naofumi muttered darkly. Well, one way to find out.
"Oi oi."
The man jerked and turned around, surprised to see another person this early in the day.
"Huh? What do you want, stranger?"
"Information. Where'd you get those demi-humans?"
"Huh?"
Naofumi sighed, "the demi-humans. Where'd you get them?"
The man continued to look confused, before suddenly brightening.
"Looking to get a couple yourself, eh? Not sure if I recommend it, the useless shits can be more a burden at times, plus you gotta keep 'em fed."
Naofumi didn't reply and waited for the man to provide an answer.
"Well I got mine from ol' Beloukas. Guys a merchant and deals with monsters, mostly. Course, if you know what to ask for... specialised monsters, heh."
"I see."
So the slavery is kept on the down low, then.
"Know where I can find him? I'm looking to buy."
Just admitting it out loud sickened Naofumi, but... they were just monsters right? Low level familiars or something. They're sold by a Monster Merchant, so maybe it's like those games where you can buy party members...
"Well have you got a map on you, friend? I'm not so good with directions n' all, plus these side streets can get confusing at dark."
Naofumi nodded and presented the roll of paper which the man unfurled and laid on a crate.
I know this isn't a game, Naofumi tried in vain to ignore the thought, just like he was ignoring the eyes of the demi-humans... the children. No game would have one of the damn protagonists be accused of rape in the first few days. This is the sort of fucked up thing only real people could do, not programs.
"I can see what he meant by a maze," Naofumi muttered to himself.
The Warrens in the seedier side of Castle Town were a convoluted network of twists and turns. There were huddled poor hiding in some alleys and the odd street-rat child, to whom Naofumi felt an equal measure of pity and wariness.
Offer a hand in help and end up with a shiv in the ribs. No need to be a hero when all I'll get is stabbed in the back.
"How in the hell am I supposed to find that Beloukas."
The sun was coming up, and he was no closer to his objective, he didn't know how long that Potion would effect that princess, or how long the improvised bindings from the sheets would keep her in the room.
"My, my. You know my name, but I know not yours. Who asks for my humble self, good sir?"
Naofumi flinched and turned on the spot, shield arm raised.
It was a strange, stout little man calling from down an alley. With the top hat and coattails, Naofumi was reminded a ring master.
"My name is Itwani," Naofumi replied curtly.
"Yes, yes," the man claiming to be Beloukas murmured, "but you go by a different title don't you, yes sir."
Naofumi stiffened. How could he know...
"Yes sir, I would recommend more innocuous clothing, a cloak to hide such an interesting shield. Perhaps a less well known shield, too, if possible."
"I... thank you for your advice."
Beloukas grinned, eyes hidden behind the tinted spectacles.
"Of course, it isn't advice you came for is it?"
"No. I'm looking for some... services you offer."
"Well then, please. Follow me."
Beloukas led Naofumi back down the alley confidently, ignoring the shadows of some scruffy, dangerous looking folk. A child came running up and Naofumi tensed, but Beloukas merely clasped the child's hand, giving a firm shake and nod of approval. When the boy ran off again, Naofumi was sure he had seen the glint of some bronze coins.
More corners were turned, leading them deeper. Eventually, one such turn revealed an entry not too dissimilar to a pitched circus tent.
"Right this way, sir."
Naofumi followed the little man inside and paused as the smell hit him. The interior was dimly lit, but the reek of rot hung like an ominous cloud, conjuring imagery of death and suffering. There was the scent of various animals kept in close quarters, with their shrieks and howling confirming the range of species.
There were rows of cages, some with human-like silhouettes moving within.
"Now then, this one right over here, I can recommend very highly to you."
Naofumi moved closer to the indicate cage and peeked inside, before nearly falling on his ass as the bellowing beast within threw itself against the bars.
"That's not a human!" he hissed, eyeing the furred form. Sharp fangs, claws, thick grizzled hair on two legs. To put it simply, it looked like a damn werewolf, and howled like one too.
"Of course not good sir, human slavery is not merely frowned upon, it is illegal. This is a therianthrope. Here, we consider them, in most respects, people."
"A therianthrope?" Naofumi asked. People. Oh, god...
On one hand, he recognised the idea. Part-human and part-animal characters appeared often enough in fantasy games, though usually they were enemies. Monsters. But from what he had seen in the city, and what the slavemonger was implying...
"Look, I know that I'm a hero and all, but this is my second day in this world. Can you tell me a little more about it please?"
Unlike the other heroes, Naofumi didn't really know anything about this place. He had no clue what he was even supposed to know. How did they have that knowledge anyway? Did their damn games from three different Japans somehow look so similar to a world that they had this understanding? He hated being in the dark about this.
"The Melromarc Kingdom tends to consider humans as ah... higher order creatures than these other types. It can be a tough place for therianthropes and demi-humans to live."
"Especially when they're slaves," Naofumi added darkly.
Beloukas grinned.
"My, my. For one lacking knowledge, you're certainly quick of wit, yes sir."
Ignoring this, Naofumi continued, "what exactly are these demi-humans and therianthropes?"
"Demi-humans look similar to humans, but they have some... small differences. Therianthropes are I suppose a subspecies of demi-human, though if you want to be technical and know your history, its more vice versa. Their beast-like characteristics and heritage are, hah, particularly prominent. Yes sir."
Naofumi snorted, "gotcha. So they're in the same category, but different genus or something."
"Or something," Beloukas agreed, "and because the demi-humans are considered at least in this kingdom, to be one step away from monsters, it's hard for them to live here. They often end up sold into slavery."
Naofumi was steadily growing familiar with this world's dark side. Anything not human here didn't seem to have any rights.
"So yes, and these slaves have this particular feature..."
Beloukas snapped his fingers and in that instant a magical aura appeared around his arm, matched by a shape on the chest of the werewolf which began to glow.
The therianthrope howled in pain, thrashing wildly against the cage.
The slave trader snapped his fingers again, and the shape on the wolf's chest faded away into nothingness.
"...punishment is as simple as a snap of your fingers."
"How convenient," Naofumi whispered, eyeing the werewolf, now collapsed face-up in the cage, "can I do it too?"
That bitch wouldn't have dared steal from me if I had this... what an efficient insurance policy...
"Naturally. It can even be arranged so that a snap of the fingers is not necessary. It can be worked right into your status magic."
Very convenient indeed.
"However, a ceremony is necessary for it. The owner's information must be shared with and absorbed by the slave."
"So that the slave can always understand the owner's intention?" Naofumi assumed.
"You have a very good head on your shoulders. Yes sir."
Beloukas flashed a sinister smile.
Naofumi was suddenly aware that he was being was having banter with a slave trader, and being complimented by him. Naofumi shuddered.
The fact I have to resort to this...
It disgusted him.
"Sounds fine to me."
It didn't.
"How much does this one cost?"
"Well you must understand how useful a therianthrope is in a fight. Naturally this affects the price."
Naofumi eyed the merchant. If he had any connections, he'd know that the most Naofumi could afford would be 800 silver coins, with clear deductions based on his gear. He could probably estimate based on his armour and his sword he had retrieved back from the bitch in it's sheath in his backpack.
Then of course, he must also know of his companion, and the clear absence. Naofumi knew he was about to be swindled.
"Hm... how about 15 gold pieces?"
"I don't quite know the market prices, but I assume this is a good dealing you're offering?" Naofumi's eyes narrowed.
Even if he kept all his starting money, he'd need a little under double for that price.
"Of course. I would never con a potential returning customer, and a hero at that."
Naofumi eyed him, gauging his honesty.
The slavemonger met his silence with an assured smile.
"Obviously you know that's out of my price range," Naofumi concluded, "so you started with your most expensive one, right? Something to keep in mind as a 'potential returning customer'?"
"As shrewd as I had said," Beloukas grinned, "I would be a poor business man if I didn't show such a great customer our best wares."
This guy is slimy, Naofumi glared, but... he's also one of the more honest people I've met since I've came here. Isn't that a depressing thought?
"In the interest of your own edification good sir, please have a look at this slave's information."
Naofumi took the offered crystal and noticed a small flashing icon, wherein words then faded into being before his eyes.
Battle Slave: LV 75
Race: Wolfman
Further information was detailed below, highlighting the slave's various skills and abilities.
A level 75 companion would be no joke, Naofumi mused. But...
"He looks ill," Naofumi stated in askance.
"He used to fight in coliseum tournaments. He hurt his leg, though, so they were going to dispose of him. That's when I stepped in and bought him."
Naofumi hummed.
Broke his leg. So he was nothing more than a work horse to them. Wonder if they planned on making a goddamnned pelt after...
Naofumi knelt down to the therianthrope's eye level.
The Wolfman snarled.
"Do you know who I am?" Naofumi asked quietly.
The bitch had mentioned something about other kingdoms of demi-humans rallying, so maybe...
the therianthrope eyed him suspiciously. Slowly, Naofumi brought his shield into vision with the standard small shield equipped. The therianthrope's eyes widened.
"Svalinn," the therianthrope rumbled breathlessly, fixated on the jewel embedded in the shield.
Pushing aside the odd name which Naofumi assumed was a cultural thing or something, he nodded. "Do you have a name?" he asked.
"This one is Baerywn, Mighty Svalinn."
"Baerywn. A good name," Naofumi affirmed, lip curling in a slight smile at the pride shining in the therianthrope's eyes. "You are equally mighty, aren't you Baerywn? A strong fighter. That's what I need. I've been betrayed by this countries rulers."
Baerywn spat in the corner of his cage. "Melromarican scum, sire. A silvertongue Queen, always plotting."
Naofumi frowned. He hadn't seen the queen, strangely, for a Matriarchy. That was odd.
"It was their King. I don't know where their Queen is."
Baerywn let out a vicious howl of rage.
"Cursed Staff! Slayer of Lycan, Butcher of Beaconbridge! Thousand curses upon that beast."
Naofumi was almost taken back by Baerywn's vehemence.
"There's much I don't know about your world, Baerywn," Naofumi admitted, "a lot of history I don't know. I am already being framed for a crime I did not commit by this King and his bitch daughter. But I do have need of you."
"What do you ask, Svalinn? Baerywn will do what he can, within this cage," he finished with a snarl, eyeing the expressionless Beloukas.
"What I need is you to keep your pride, and your hope. I don't have the money to free you now, but I will return. When I do, I will pay for your freedom, if you will help me."
Baerywn bowed his massive head. "Baerywn planned on ripping apart his next owner, for he will not go back to the chains. For you, Svalinn, I will not die in bondage. Return, and my claws and knowledge are yours. As well as my fealty."
Naofumi nodded and stood back from the cage, flashing a glance to the Slave Trader.
"I trust he won't be sold, until I come back for him?"
Beloukas hummed, "naturally, yes sir. Would be bad for business if, ah, the merchandise tried to attack a master. For now, I shall show you the slaves more likely to be in your price range."
Naofumi followed in silence, disturbed to notice the quiet that seemed to have taken hold of Beloukas' tent.
"Words are wind, and they travel just as fast," Beloukas chuckled, "though... I believe any meetings here are to be... unlikely in the future, yes sir."
"Oh?"
"Indeed. You did mention a plot, did you not, sir hero?"
Naofumi cursed quietly in the safety of his own mind, wanting to slap himself for revealing a crucial piece of information in earshot.
"I did." He instead said neutrally.
"As such, I am... doubtful, of your re-entry after leaving the walls, hah. Speak to the Tanner in Riyute Village, ask if he is the skin trader, for you are interested in purchasing, specify from his private and exotic stock. You will be provided a negative, but he will have an expert contacted with the suitable wares. He will contact my good self, and we will arrange contact further through him."
Naofumi side-eyed Beloukas suspiciously.
"A... well thought out system."
"My thanks, sir hero. Yes sir, some clientele are content to conduct business with anonymity."
"I'm sure."
"I understand you're in the market for a slave for battle," Beloukas continued after a few beats of silence. "do you have a preferred gender?"
Thoughts of that bitch flashed through Naofumi's mind.
"I think a man would be better, but I don't really care."
Beloukas scratched his chin. "I have a few in mind. But they are inferior to ones meant for your... personal pleasures."
Naofumi stiffened.
"I have no interest in a sex slave." Naofumi bit out.
Beloukas nodded slowly, staring intently up to the Shield Hero.
"No sir, no indeed," Beloukas murmured.
What does he know?
"Their levels aren't very high, either," the short man warned as they came to a stop.
"If they can fight, we'll level up together," Naofumi stated dismissively.
"Good answer... even though you don't trust people."
He's prodding for something, but what? Naofumi didn't know.
"Is there a point to these questions?"
"Is there indeed..."
Creep.
"Slaves aren't people." Naofumi stated shortly. "Slaves are property. It is no different to levelling up my shield."
There, see what he makes of that.
Though it disgusted him to say, Naofumi didn't know what game the merchant was playing, and decided to throw a curve ball himself.
Beloukas however, laughed.
"You got me there," he said, supressing further giggles, "I know just what you need."
Beloukas suddenly veered to a different direction as the shouts and smells quietened in this region of the shop.
"What I need?" Naofumi asked, confused.
"Yes sir!" Beloukas grinned, eyes hidden behind his glasses, "you're looking to raise something that won't betray you, yes?"
Naofumi's breath quickened, eyes wide as he nearly stumbled.
The fuck?! How does he-
"Conflict with the crown, Shield Hero." Beloukas chuckled, "it's all about what you know, and with a network such as mine... I know quite a bit. I know the First Princess adventures under a pseudonym, I know you had a companion, and you come here without one."
Beloukas came to a stop and Naofumi realised he was in a room filled with the sound of crying. Cages upon cages of filthy children and older demi-humans.
"These are the cheapest slaves I can offer you today, sir."
Naofumi approached the three gestured cages.
The first had what appeared to be a rabbitesque demi-human, and what looked to be some sort of defect in an arm, twisting in an unnatural form. If Naofumi had to guess at an age, he'd say early twenties.
The next held a girl of about ten. She was skin and bones, with terrified eyes and a small cough that echoed through the tent on occasion. Her ears were small, doglike, but rounder. She also appeared to have a round tail as well.
The third cage held a lizard man, with violent eyes going everywhere maddingly, as if searching for prey. He did seem like more a man than lizard, but those eyes belayed the beast within.
"From the left, they're a rabbit-type with a genetic disorder, a raccoon-type suffering from panic attacks, and a mixed breed, the lizard-man."
"They all seem to have severe issues," Naofumi noted.
"They are all I can offer you in your range," Beloukas countered, "if we lower the bar even more, then... well..."
The slave trader spared a quick glance to a back wall, and Naofumi followed his gaze.
The stink of rot and death was stronger there. Naofumi's stomach turned and he adverted his eyes.
"How much are we talking here?"
"From the left again, 25, 30 and 40 pieces of silver."
"Hm. Their levels?"
"Five, one and eight."
The economical choice was the rabbit, the lizard seemed to have the best potential as a fighter.
The rabbit had a useless arm however, and Naofumi did not trust the look behind the lizard's eyes. They promised betrayal at the earliest chance, the last thing he needed to worry about while on the run is a dagger in the back à la Baerywn's previous plan.
The quiet was odd, compared to the initial noise when he first entered, prompting Naofumi to question it.
"They are punished when they make noise," Beloukas said shortly, "Nobles prefer slaves who know their place, and speak when spoken to. Or, not at all."
So, the more broken and obedient ones are here... or the ones biding their time, Naofumi amended, eyeing the lizard-man.
"The middle one, why is she so cheap?"
The girl was skinny and scared, but she looked relatively normal. No disfigurements, relatively healthy aside from the small cough, no afflictions he could see.
Naofumi grimaced.
"Raccoon-types aren't popular with humans. If she was a fox-type, heh, I could get a good price from her."
Sickening.
Raccoons reminded Naofumi of the tanuki back home. Even at that, she looked so human you'd think Beloukas would get a decent price, but if she wasn't popular, then perhaps she wouldn't be worth much as a slave.
I'm hardly popular though, am I? What was it the bitch called me, 'Devil of the Shield'?
"She has panic attacks in the night. Caused quite the racket in here, yes sir. It a lot of work to look after her," Beloukas continued, oblivious to Naofumi's thoughts, "she's a rather fresh purchase, apparently she ah, was in one of the villages that was wiped out from the first wave. Only just arrived last night. She has started to be somewhat ill, too, a cold from the travel conditions. Luckily it seems to be a minor matter that some medicine could fix."
"And this is the best you have in stock?" Naofumi asked, still staring down at the tanuki demi-human.
She's almost familiar... where have I seen her...
Beloukas said something that Naofumi didn't catch. Something about her first owner, a noble who'd only had her for housework but sold her to Beloukas since she gave the other staff no sleep.
A dream, I think... a mountain, someplace. She was there. Was this a vision of the future? Was it a warning, from the Shield? The book spoke of that bitch, but...
Then the tanuki-girl finally looked up and green met tea-red.
For a moment, Naofumi allowed himself to imagine. This was a woman, the same gender as that bitch who stabbed him in the back. As he stared unflinchingly into her eyes, he imagined that it was the princess who'd be his slave, and...
Naofumi mentally recoiled.
What the fuck am I thinking?!
This wasn't even a woman, but a child. A slave soldier with no option to refuse, no self determination, a child he was sending into a war against the crown to protect himself.
This is a slave soldier, the sort of thing you'd hear about in war torn third world countries, and here I am contemplating the pros of abusing it- her! A living thing! This isn't a game, these aren't toys-...
Naofumi stared and stared into those terrified eyes, and his hatred burned. Not for the girl, but the situation she was in. No matter how Naofumi tried to justify it to himself, he knew what he was doing was wrong, and would damn him as the Devil that bitch had called him.
'No matter what you do... or say... nobody will call you a hero.'
Naofumi saw no other way. He could get the lizard-man, and risk another betrayal. He could purchase the rabbit-man, and risk him failing at a crucial moment due to his affliction. Risk, Risk, Risk.
The girl was the best option, the one who he could mould from nothing into a weapon for him.
Her other choice was as a slave to someone else, someone who would beat her, or rape her, or... what was he saying? She had no choice, no say in the matter. There was no justifying what he was about to do. It wasn't as if he was going to give her a better life on the run, killing in his name, a tool to make himself stronger.
Naofumi stared at the girl with burning loathing of the strongest kind. Hatred for the self.
He hated the king. He hated that bitch of a princess. He hated those other heroes looking down on him. He felt nothing but contempt for this fucked up world he found himself in. And above all, he despised man he was becoming.
"I'll take the middle one."
"An excellent choice, one that makes my own life easier too," Beloukas said gleefully, "why, I had an offer of purchase from another noble who loans his demi-humans out to his circle of likeminded friends. Sadly, they don't often stay... intact, and make their way back to me one way or another. Cost more to keep than what I make selling them, yes sir..."
A key was produced from within the trader's coat and the cage was opened. The quivering girl stepped out, and let out a yelp as Beloukas latched a collar around her neck.
Naofumi watched her shake, and imagined it was her quivering in fear. He tried to change the scene, with red hair and tearful green eyes staring pitifully up to him. But the face shifted, softening, and the hair eyes shifted to the hair's colour; which had darkened to a brown.
Naofumi adverted his gaze to the cage, and for a moment he could see green eyes again, only eastern than western. Once vivid green eyes filled with pain. Eyes he knew, yet he felt no remorse or pity for their suffering, for they belonged to a monster.
For such a dank, disgusting place, he made sure to polish those bars, Naofumi mused, eyeing their reflectiveness.
Beloukas had attached a chain to the girl's collar and was leading towards a more open area in his circus tent and the slave trader called for some people who appeared immediately. They were carrying a jar that appeared at a glance to be full of ink, which was transferred to a small dish and pushed in Naofumi's direction across a table.
"Hero, please give us but a little drop of blood. Then the slave registration will be complete, and she will be yours."
Naofumi pressed the offered utility knife into the end of his finger. As he did, he felt the Shield react, but the knife was not blocked in drawing blood.
So it registered I wasn't being attacked, which means it means it understands context...
Naofumi let that seed of thought settle, considering a possible disguise he could don that should in theory dissuade people from linking him to the eventual wanted Shield Hero. Perhaps that sword wouldn't go to waste after all.
The blood welled and dripped into the dish. Beloukas dipped a brush into the liquid, mixed gently and then pulled back the girl's clothing to paint a symbol onto her chest.
Naofumi was startled when she screamed briefly, the symbol glowing violently. It was then he noticed a flashing status icon in the corner of his vision.
Slave acquired. Now opening settings for conditions of use.
Naofumi skimmed through the opened window.
Attacking me in my sleep, disobedience of a direct order, all refutations of my will, best to enable punishment on those.
He then noticed that a party member icon appeared outside of the slave menu.
The slave crest was blazoned as her symbol, with the simple name 'Slave A' beside it.
Does that mean she doesn't have a name? Or, perhaps it's due to me not knowing it.
"Now this slave is yours, hero. Your payment, please."
Naofumi grunted, handing over 31 pieces of silver he had already counted out.
"You've overpaid, sir."
Naofumi side eyed Beloukas.
"For the ceremony. Spare me your feigned confusion. You were going to aim for getting more out somehow as premium, or additional costs."
"You are very wise," the slaver grinned.
"How much is charged for as a processing fee, then?"
"Why, it's included in the cost."
Naofumi snorted darkly, "I'm sure. Mind showing me the way out?"
"Why of course, I'd be happy to assist a new regular, yes sir."
The tent was getting a tad brighter, and Naofumi knew he had to move soon. He needed gear for his new slave, and he needed to quickly get out. With slight impatience, he sped up his stride leaving Beloukas and his slave to quickly follow.
"Lord... Lord! SIR SHIELD!"
Naofumi flinched. He'd forgotten he'd likely be recognised after the stunt with Baerywn by passing slaves. But he had no time, he needed-
"Lord, please... please, I have information, needed information."
Naofumi paused, before eyeing the source of the noise.
He looked like a lizard-man, but... more animalistic. Where the lizard-man had the features of a half breed, this looked like a pure blooded one, at Naofumi's best guess.
"Please, Lord. Please..."
"Who is this?" Naofumi gestured, looking at Beloukas who's brow furrowed.
"He was brought in last night by ah, some guards from the castle. From their dungeons, I believe. Very odd all around..."
"Odd? How so?" Naofumi questioned as the lizard-like demi-human started coughing violently, splattering blood within the cell.
"This is one of those, ah... cheaper options. Not one to survive long. I am surprised he has lived even now, though I am doubtful he has anything more than a few days. He has kept alive strangely long."
"I-I lived Lord, for you. I needed, needed... see you."
Naofumi knelt, letting the demi-human catch his breath. From that death rattle, he grimly reasoned Beloukas may be right.
"We... allies, to come to your aid. Guards stopped us. B-Beat us. Should not be here, Lord. Should've been with us."
Naofumi felt a cold chill run down his back.
I was supposed to have had a party, people had volunteered, but they were... imprisoned, beaten and sold into slavery for daring to support me?!
"Not long now Lord. But... slaver... the egg."
"Egg? What egg?" Naofumi snapped, eyeing Beloukas who shifted.
"The dragonnewt somehow managed to keep safe a monster egg. I found it in his cage and took it. Though it seems worthless, as it's starting to rot."
"Needs Hero."
The now identified dragonnewt hacked up more blood.
"Powerful magic, bound to Shield. Gift, ally... I... I needed to find you, to bring it to you. I failed, Lord."
"You failed nothing." Naofumi stated firmly. "Beloukas, get me that damn egg. Now."
"Bring egg, mountain. Dragon." The dragonnewt's breathing was becoming more shallowed, and Naofumi reached into the cage only to have his hand firmly grabbed in one of its own claws.
"I... I fufi- fuf-... I did the mission, Lord. Kept my divine promise. Swamps-Hidden-Blade dead, Ignite dead... I never screamed, Lord. No food, until now, in cage. Kept egg hidden in mouth. I never screamed, never clenched."
The dragonnewt's glassy eyes gazed up at him, painfully full of pure worship and adoration.
"I... ancestors, did I make you proud?"
"You made me proud." Naofumi stated, gently clenching the claw. "Thank you. You'll have helped me."
The dragonnewt gave a slight open mouthed smile, and Naofumi could see the remaining teeth stained red with blood.
The eyes then rolled, the demi-human breathed his last, and the claw's grip loosened from Naofumi's grasp, but he didn't let it fall.
He never even told him his name, so focused was he on his mission, so focused on not failing him of all people.
Naofumi couldn't stop the shaking.
He hated that king.
When Beloukas returned, Naofumi was still holding his claw.
The egg was smaller than he expected, and as Beloukas had confirmed, the round, white sheen was slowly yellowing.
"I want him buried. Cremated. Whatever it is by their customs," Naofumi stated, still eying the dead dragonnewt, "I'll give you coin for him."
"Yes sir. I believe we should also discuss payment for the egg."
Naofumi's head turned sharply to glare at Beloukas.
"That's my property, if the information given was right."
Beloukas grinned, and for the first time Naofumi saw none of the previous friendliness. Just the bloodthirsty smile of a businessman who knew he had the power here.
"So the slave said. My slave, need I remind you, yes sir. A slave in a transaction with those guards, very eager to get rid of such incriminating demi-humans from their dungeons. I believe that also makes the egg my property too. I know not what is in this egg, perhaps just a filolial or whatnot, but I believe a standard price of 100 silver coins is more than fair. I'll generously include the dragonnewt's preparations in the cost."
Naofumi snarled, startling his freshly purchased slave, who he had honestly forgotten was present.
He knows I'm in a rush, and can't stand about haggling, Naofumi fumed. Damn it.
"Fine," he hissed.
Beloukas nodded happily, his manner retreating into the friendly easygoing slave trader, but Naofumi knew better now.
Breathing in, he calmed himself. Remaining angry would do nothing.
Carefully, he offered the girl his hand.
"Come on," He said gently, "we're leaving this place."
The girl looked up at him, eyes wet with hope. Slowly, shakily, she took it.