𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟏𝟎.𝟏: 𝐈𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐊𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
The slave market began to flourish promptly after the collapse of the Lintrite Kingdom.
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The old capital, Galangran, was indeed the perfect location.
This was a place that had been left behind by time, with no nobility seeking to exert control.
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Those seeking a secure life had left, and it had become a gathering spot for destitute rogues.
In a flash, it had transformed into a city of vice ruled by violence.
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And there were those who smelled the scent of money in that violence.
They were the slave traders.
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They would incite the villains, attacking the nearby towns and villages, and even those trying to survive somehow in Galangran.
In order to kidnap children and young women.
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After all, these people were profitable.
In every era, in every city, there are people who are not satisfied with just buying ordinary prostitutes and gigolos.
Unfortunately, these people tend to be rich.
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A man named Gladstone was thought to be like this in the underworld.
He had ample funds and was known in the slave market for purchasing many slaves, considered to be a lavish spender.
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Who would imagine?
That his purpose in going to the slave market was to help the slaves.
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He couldn’t save everyone.
Buying too many would raise suspicions, and it would also cause resentment from other customers.
So, he only saved a few.
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That was all he could do.
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The slaves he brought back to his mansion were given education, and if they wished, he arranged for them to return to their hometown.
However, none had ever wanted to.
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Even if they did go back, they would never know when they might be caught again in a slave raid.
Instead, they chose to live as humans in Gladstone’s mansion.
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Then one day, while at the slave market, Gladstone was struck by an unimaginable calamity.
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Just as the auction began, a light source magic was cast suddenly, and a group of youths standing atop a building attacked with an incomprehensible battle cry.
It happened in a flash.
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Slave traders, their bodyguards, and other customers were being killed.
Gladstone was inwardly rejoicing, even as he trembled with fear.
He would surely be killed too.
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It was inevitable.
He had saved some slaves, but the number he couldn’t save was far greater.
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Thinking of it as atonement, he couldn’t even muster the energy to resent the masked youths.
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However, the situation took an unexpected turn.
Just when Gladstone was about to be killed, one who seemed to be part of the youths stepped in to stop it.
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“Hey, were you buying those girls to help them?”
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He asked.
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“Even if I agreed to it, there would be no means of proof. I’m nothing more than a despicable slave buyer to you, am I not?”
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At Gladstone’s words, one of the youths sent a hand signal toward the building.
Of course, this was Lionel.
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Eventually, Meisha, who had landed on the ground with Miliaria, stood in front of the firmly standing Gladstone.
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“I have a few questions for you. Please answer honestly.”
“Understood.”
“What is your name?”
“Gladstone. Former Chief Accountant of the Lintrite Kingdom.”
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A position of some importance.
It’s a couple of steps down from a minister, but if you think in terms of the military, it’s about the same rank and responsibility as Staff Officer Kiril in the Lintrite era.
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“Gladstone-san. Were you helping the slaves?”
“Not all of them. I could only save a fraction of them.”
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He answers with self-mockery.
Meisha nods and turns to Lionel.
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“He is a good man. He seems to have been fighting a lonely battle in this wicked city to save people.”
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She says he did not trigger her malice detection.
Furthermore, there was a divine revelation.
Indeed, she is a powerful figure who, despite being in the wilderness, has been bestowed the title of bishop.
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“My apologies for the rudeness. My name is Lionel.”
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Lionel puts away his sword and removes the cloth covering his face.
With staff officer Kiril and this accountant Gladstone, he thinks that it must have been because good people like this were left in the middle ranks that Lintrite was destroyed.
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“Pardon me, but if you’re Lionel, could it be that you are Strategist Lionel?”
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Awe lights up Gladstone’s eyes.
This is completely different from the fear of being threatened with his life until now.
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He is the war god of cunning and ingenious strategy who defeated the Royal Army of forty thousand with just one thousand soldiers.
Those who serve under him include the hero Asuka, the brave Salieri, Great Runner Meg, Saint Meisha, and the great Sage Miliaria.
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“Well, yes, I am that Lionel, but I’m not such an extraordinary person. Just an adventurer.”
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Lionel calmly stops Gladstone, who, overcome with awe, was about to kneel on one knee.
He explains that he happened to witness a slave trade scene and couldn’t help but get involved.
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This encounter later became a climactic moment in the saga known as [Wise King Gladstone].
In it, loved by the people, when Gladstone and his companions who were fighting for the liberation of slaves were in crisis, [Hope] appears bravely.
With a rather cool proclamation.
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And the crafting of this proclamation part was said to be the showcase of a bard’s skills.
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