𝐔𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠
“Come to think of it, the Kingdom of Arrogas has abolished slavery, hasn’t it? No wonder you’re surprised.”
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While casually eating his meal, Runker continued.
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“In Mercapolis, slavery is still legally allowed. It’s quite common for adventurers’ parties to own slaves for menial tasks.”
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“But in the forest, you said servant…”
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“Ah, that. That’s just a play on words. Since you were clearly not from this city, I thought you’d be shocked if I said ‘slaves’ right away.”
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Runker replied with a composed face.
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“That is…”
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At this, even Luke was taken aback.
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“Luke, I don’t know about the Kingdom of Arrogas, but in this city, you can’t get by on ideals alone. This is a city of merchants where showing even a little weakness can lead to being outsmarted. To make a name in such a place, owning one or two slaves is necessary.”
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Ethel nodded in agreement to Runker’s words.
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“Runker is right. With Pit handling the chores, we can focus on hunting. Plus, Pit gets his daily meals and a place to sleep because we take risks. It’s a mutual relationship.”
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“If we were to hire servants properly, we’d have to pay commissions and guarantees to the union, but with slaves, it’s their own responsibility, making it the most effective way to cut costs.”
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Leslie continued, followed by Runker.
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“Besides, it’s not like we forced Pit into slavery. He came to us wanting to be a slave. If you think I’m lying, you can ask him yourself.”
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At this, Luke had no reply.
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Indeed, their ethical views were different, but this was the norm in this city.
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Discussing it further would only go in circles.
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“I understand. I may not agree, but there’s a saying, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ Let’s leave this matter aside for now.”
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“That would be wise. You still don’t know much about this city. Acceptance is the first step.”
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With that, Runker stood up.
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“Well, today we took down a big one, and everyone must be tired. Let’s end the feast early and rest. Luke, have you decided where you’re staying?”
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“Yes, we’ve been recommended an inn called 【Perch Inn】.”
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“I see, that’s a good choice. I vouch for it. If you mention you’re members of 《Blue Sky Hawk》, they’ll likely give you a discount. We’ll be dungeon diving in three days, so come back here then. Well then, I’ll take my leave.”
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Saying this, the members of 《Blue Sky Hawk》 left.
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“…What should we do?”
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After the four left, Luke and the others exchanged glances.
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“Honestly, at first, I thought they were good people and it was a lucky break… but somehow they seemed different from what I expected…”
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Sicily rested her elbow on the table, propping her chin in her hand, and sighed in distress.
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“Sorry… I’ve been too focused on business and didn’t look closely enough. It’s okay to refuse if you’re uncomfortable. I can manage on my own.”
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“No, it’s not your fault, Sicily.”
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Luke shook his head.
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“As Runker said, for them, this is normal. If that’s the case, whatever we do in this city, we’ll have to face it eventually. So it’s the same whether we refuse them now or not.”
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“True… Different countries have different norms, and saying we can’t do it because it doesn’t suit us means we can’t go anywhere…”
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“Right, I was surprised too, but maybe it’s just the way things are in this city.”
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Alma nodded in agreement.
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“For now, let’s join them to learn more about this city. We can judge later; it won’t be too late.”
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Despite saying this, Luke couldn’t deny the doubts beginning to surface in his own mind.
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In hindsight, there had been a sense of unease about that party from the moment they emerged from the forest.
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Beyond the city’s system, there seemed to be something off about those four. He couldn’t shake the feeling.
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“Runker, are you really considering making them part of our group?”
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“Of course. You’ve seen their abilities. Aside from that woman named Sicily, those two are quite skilled.”
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Runker, walking confidently through the street, responded to Gustav.
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“Moreover, the upcoming dungeon raid is going to be a major undertaking. The more hands, the better.”
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“We don’t need them! We can just use the beastkin like always!”
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Gustav was not convinced.
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He had been friendly because Runker always told him to, but he had disliked those three from the start.
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Being seen getting defeated by a spike bear was intolerable for the self-conscious Gustav.
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The two women were fine, both of them were good-looking, and he could tolerate them if they begged to join.
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However, he found it difficult to accept that man named Luke, who seemed to see through everything.
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He felt that including someone like that, who seemed to understand everything, would not end well, as his instincts warned him.
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“No, it’s not possible. This hunt is going to be on a large scale. The beastkin alone might not be enough.”
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“But, listen…”
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“Gustav.”
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Runker responded in a low voice to the persistent Gustav.
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“Can’t you follow my orders?”
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“Ah, no…it’s not that…”
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Gustav stepped back, sweating coldly.
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Runker was known as the strongest magic swordsman in Mercapolis.
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Gustav knew well that he was no match for Runker.
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“Then don’t say anymore. I’ve decided they’ll make our dungeon exploration more efficient.”
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“I don’t mind, actually. That Luke guy was kind of cute.”
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“…As long as it’s not a waste of resources, it’s fine by me.”
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Ethel and Leslie were indifferent to the two’s conversation.
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“Alright, fine. Hey, why are you dawdling!”
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Reluctantly agreeing, Gustav suddenly hit Pit, who was walking behind.
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“Ouch.”
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Pit was blown away by Gustav’s anvil-like fist.
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However, no one reached out to help him.
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Being a slave in this city meant that one’s body did not belong to oneself, but to one’s master.
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Even if it was clear venting like Gustav’s earlier, there was no right to resist.
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“Gustav, people are watching. Keep it down.”
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Runker cautioned him.
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But it wasn’t out of concern for Pit; he was more worried about their own reputation.
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“We are the heroes of this city. We must act like it.”
