𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟎𝟗: 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐)
It was a sight akin to a nightmare.
As dusk fell, the town square of the main thoroughfare lit up with fires, and several carriages rolled in.
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Not ordinary carriages, but caged ones.
The sort used for transporting wild beasts.
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However, what was transported this time were not beasts, but humans. Moreover, they were women and children who were barely old enough.
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“Human trafficking. . . . . .”
“Moreover, sex slaves. Can’t trade them openly.”
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With clenched teeth, I listened to Meg’s voice resound cruelly in my ear.
Even in Gaillia, even in the era of the Lintrite Kingdom, slavery was prohibited.
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“In theory, yes. But in reality, there were trades happening.”
“. . . . . . . . .”
“The daughters of families unable to pay their debts, kidnapped children. One of the sources of income for the Thieves Guild.”
“. . . . . .You must be joking.”
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Count Doros had provided ample support for the orphanage.
That’s why I was able to learn reading, writing, and military science, and Miliaria and Meisha were able to attend magic schools and theological schools.
Because even after all this, the orphanage still made a profit.
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“Because it’s forbidden, there’s always someone who wants it.”
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Meg shrugged her shoulders.
Because it’s prohibited, it fetches a high price.
It’s far more profitable than making them work in brothels to pay off debts.
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“Mom. . . . . .”
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Miliaria calls out to me, gripping the window frame so tightly her nails are digging into it.
The words she swallowed, were they “Let’s help them”?
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“. . . . . .If this were Gaillia, human trafficking would be against the law. However…”
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It’s a story about Galangran, a corner of the Winter Rose City-State Federation.
In this city-state where power reigns, slave trading might not be prohibited.
We cannot impose our own common sense.
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“Are you serious? Mom.”
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Asuka’s blue eyes are glaring straight at me.
I take a deep breath and exhale.
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“Listen carefully, Asuka. There’s no point in helping those people here. They will just kidnap others from different places.”
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I don’t know the background of the women and children being traded.
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They might be people who failed to escape from Galangran when the Lintrite Kingdom collapsed, or people who were kidnapped from nearby villages. But regardless, it means that the slave traders have a supply line.
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Otherwise, it couldn’t be a steady business.
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“Mom!”
“That’s why we kill them.”
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I extend my hand straight out, pointing to the slave traders who started the auction.
Resolutely.
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“This is my own judgement. Starting business after sundown is a proof of clandestine activities, but that’s just a speculation. I have no right to object to this country’s ways.”
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I pause for a moment.
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“If you think it’s against the policy of [Hope], feel free to say so. I’ll leave this clan and go alone.”
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That’s how I take responsibility.
As a human who cast the final stone to destroy the Lintrite Kingdom.
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“When I fought with Luke, do you remember the words I said? Mama Nel. If it’s with you, I would willingly get my hands dirty.”
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That’s what Meisha said.
Ah, I do remember you saying that.
I can’t express how much I was saved by those words.
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“I suppose you’re thinking of taking responsibility for destroying Lintrite because you’re our mother.”
“The decisive factor was the Flare Tick Explosion between us and Milimili. Honestly, Nelnel didn’t do anything at that time.”
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Miliaria and Salieri were exasperated with me.
I certainly planned the strategy, but as the commander, I merely gave the orders.
On the battlefield, their magic played a role, and in the royal capital, the operations of Nazar and his team were successful.
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“I’ve always been on the other side.”
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Meg said, looking out the window.
She grew up in a world where it was normal for people to be sold and women and children to be treated as consumables.
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“The one who saved me from there was you, Lionel Danna. If you’re going to overlook that, I’ll despise you.”
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She added, grateful that she could now despise such actions.
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I reached out and stroked Meg’s head without a word.
She narrowed her eyes as if it tickled.
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“Everyone, thank you. I’m sorry for getting you involved in this stupid thing.”
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Then, I looked at Asuka, who hadn’t said a word.
She was already starting her warm-up exercises.
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“Hm? You need my opinion? I was planning to go alone if Mom didn’t go.”
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When our eyes met, she said nonchalantly.
Feeling deflated, I shrugged my shoulders.
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“Asuka, read the room a little. This is a scene where everyone declares their determination in response to Mom’s tragic resolution. If it’s a play, it’s the climax.”
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It was Miliaria who spoke to Asuka with a half-smile.
Being told in that way, I felt extremely embarrassed.
I wanted her to spare me.
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“Mom is still Mom. He never abandons people who are weak or in trouble. More heroic than any hero, the Strategist. That’s our mom, isn’t it.”
“Indeed.”
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Miliaria nodded deeply.
So did the other three.
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Oh, how embarrassing.
Just kill me already.
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