𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧
The carriage carrying Albero and the others arrived at the village where Demon Hubris resided.
Upon arrival, Kid frowned.
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“. . . . . .What is that?”
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The village was protected by golden walls.
Moreover, these golden walls had sculptures of ascending dragons and statues inspired by demon beasts, which were in bad taste. Honestly, Kid didn’t want to get any closer.
However, Arnaud felt differently.
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“Kid. Remember all the illegal activities taking place inside. A testimony from a knight of the Asgard Kingdom will serve as evidence.”
“Huh, is a testimony enough? Even knights can be corrupted, right?”
“Ah, there’s no knight under Captain Damocles who would act dishonestly. Plus, there are those in the knight order who possess Summoned beasts capable of discerning lies.”
“Hmm, handy. . . . . .Got it. And tell those behind to make them look like slaves.”
“Hmph, understood.”
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Arnaud opened the window right behind the driver’s seat.
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“All three of you, we’ve arrived… Stay alert.”
“””Yes.”””
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The three of them replied with visible tension.
Then, they arrived in front of the golden gate. Four robust men were guarding it.
All four were well-equipped. Furthermore, their weapons, including swords, spears, axes, and bows, indicated they operated as a team given the balanced range.
Arnaud showed the documents he received from Boobucky.
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“We’re from Fragarach Slave Trading. We’ve come to deliver the slaves purchased by Boobucky-sama.”
“. . . . . .Alright. Please come in. We’ll guide you to Boobucky-sama’s exclusive slave mansion. We’ll make the payment there.”
“Thank you.”
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The massive golden gate opened.
A guide emerged to direct the carriage.
Kid held the reins, being cautious not to draw attention.
Albero and the rest observed the surroundings from the windows.
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“Whoa. . . . . .This feels eerie.”
“I agree. . . . . .”
“M, My eyes hurt just looking. . . . . .”
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How should one describe this? A town?
There were numerous gigantic palaces, all shining in gold. The roads were meticulously paved with bricks, decorated with fountains and statues resembling demon beasts.
There was a lack of greenery and nature; it was overflowing with man-made structures.
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“. . . . . .Weren’t the inhabitants originally farmers?”
“Yes. I’ve heard so, but looking at this, it’s hard to believe they were ever farmers.”
“And it’s hard to imagine that there once were fields here, given how transformed it looks. . . . . .”
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The carriage finally arrived at a sturdy, impressive brick-built hut.
This is where Albero and the others disembarked.
From the hut, several women in elegant clothing emerged, seemingly related to the payment process.
While Kid dealt with them, Arnaud, pretending to check on Albero and the others, whispered.
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“Once we finish the payment, we’ll head outside. After that, Kid will infiltrate, gather information about the demon, and try to assassinate if possible. If it’s impossible, a direct confrontation might occur. . . . . .We’re counting on you at that time.”
“Understood. What about the key to these collars?”
“I’ll carry it using my 『ability』. Rest assured.”
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Arnaud’s summoned beast’s abilities. Arnaud possesses an 『Equipment-type』 with a summoned beast sword named Fragarach. Its capabilities are still unknown.
Soon after, having finished the payment, Kid returned holding a large bag of gold coins.
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“Big money, big money. Hehehe, how about buying some women in a big town and having a drink, boss?”
“. . . . . .Alright, let’s go.”
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It was uncertain how much of it was an act for his role as a slave trader, but Kid seemed genuine.
Ashe muttered, “Disgusting. . . . . .”, and Lapis also commented, “Absolutely terrible. . . . . .”
Meanwhile, Albero was observing the surroundings.
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“. . . . . .She’s not here.”
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That girl named Ridelle.
They had departed at the same time, so she should be somewhere around.
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“Well then, take care. Serve your master well!”
“Goodbye.”
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Kid, with a smug grin, and Arnaud, letting out a sigh, departed in a carriage.
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◇◇◇◇◇◇
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Albero and the others entered the dwelling for slaves.
Inside, men and women dressed elegantly were sipping tea with grace. . . . . .In such an atmosphere, it was hard to believe they were slaves. This made Albero and the rest lose their edge.
Then, the woman who had been handling the transaction with Kid spoke up.
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“First, take a shower. Then we’ll take your measurements, and you can change clothes. We’ll guide you to your rooms later.”
“Ah, um. . . . . .we are slaves, right?”
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Unable to hold back, Ashe asked.
The woman responded with a bright smile.
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“Yes. However, our master, Boobucky-sama, cherishes and adores us very much. By the way, within this 『Demon Hubris’s Paradise』, among the 『Favored Ones』, I am among the top five in terms of favor.”
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Information is a weapon, as Arnaud had said.
This place is called 『Demon Hubris’s Paradise』, and its former villagers are referred to as 『Favored Ones』. Furthermore, Boobucky is one of the highest-ranking among them.
Albero was led by a boy of around his age to the shower, while Ashe and the others were led by another woman.
They undressed and took a shower.
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“A gold showerhead, high-quality soap and shampoo. . . . . .impressive.”
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Without hesitation, Albero took the shower and changed into the provided attire.
It was a relaxed black outfit that suited Albero well.
After finishing the shower, they were led to a spacious room and asked to sit on a plush sofa.
A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door, and Ashe and the others arrived.
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“Oh, you’re here. . . . . .wow.”
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The two were dressed in dresses.
The dresses matched their hair colors perfectly. The skirts were short, making their legs look beautiful.
Albero was completely captivated.
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“H, Hey. . . . . .this is something else.”
“I, I’ve never worn something like this before. . . . . .”
“Well. . . . . .it suits you, doesn’t it?”
“Huh? What do you mean by that?”
“Come on, if you’re going to compliment, do it properly!”
“Er. . . . . .ahem. Just sit down already.”
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Ashe sat to the right of Albero, and Lapis to the left.
Shortly after, the woman who had guided them earlier entered the room and took a seat directly across from Albero and the others.
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“Well, let me explain the precautions for living here.”
“””Yes, understood.”””
“First, all orders from Boobucky-sama are absolute. Boobucky-sama’s commands take precedence in all matters. Second, intimate relations between slaves are strictly forbidden. Our bodies belong entirely to Boobucky-sama. Third, conflicts between slaves are also strictly prohibited. These are the rules for serving as a slave to Boobucky-sama. As long as you follow these rules, you’re free to do anything else. Whether it’s drinking tea, playing within the premises granted by Boobucky-sama, reading books, or studying. Also, meal times are set for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The shower is available anytime, so please feel free to use it.”
“. . . . . .That’s quite generous.”
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Albero wonders. Is this really slavery?
However, the woman in front of him says it with seriousness.
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“Boobucky-sama is a kind person. He’ll be back in a few hours, so first, the three of you. . . . . .no, including the one who came earlier, it’s four. First, the four of you will greet him.”
“Four. . . . . .Could it be the redhead?”
“Yes. Do you know her?”
“Well, um. . . . . .We were at the same slave auction and were both purchased by the same Boobucky-sama.”
“I see. Would you mind taking care of her then? She doesn’t speak a word, and she can’t even shower or change her clothes on her own. . . . . .”
“Ah. . . . . .Okay, I understand. That’s fine, right?”
“Yes, it’s fine.”
“Okay, then!”
“With that said, that concludes our talk. The redhead, Ridelle, is in her room.”
“Understood.”
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The woman told them where Ridelle’s room was and left.
Albero and the others also left the room.
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“Alright, let’s go to Ridelle’s room.”
“Do you think she’ll listen to us?”
“But we have to start somewhere!”
“Lapis is right. While Kid and Arnaud-san gather information, we’ll do what we can.”
“Yeah! Still, I didn’t expect the conditions to be this good. . . . . .Maybe that Boobucky, the one who looks like a Minotaur, is actually a good guy.”
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Ashe slightly lifts the hem of her dress.
Indeed, the slave treatment Albero and the others had imagined was different. It was quite a comfortable environment.
However, there’s one thing.
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“But. . . . . .t, that intimate activity. . . . . .”
“I absolutely refuse. If he forces himself on me, I’ll bite my tongue and die.”
“I, too. . . . . .I’d prefer my partner to be human.”
“It’s because he’s human, right? Anyway, we won’t let that happen. Let’s trust Kid and Arnaud-san.”
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Albero and the others nodded in agreement and began walking towards Ridelle’s room.
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