H28.4.8 Revision.
H28.4.27 Revised again.
In the Imperial Capital Granza, every morning before dawn, caravans of carriages depart from surrounding villages, bringing all sorts of goods piled high on their wagon beds.
Most of these goods are foodstuffs and daily necessities, and in the numerous fountain plazas throughout the city, morning markets are held by spreading out straw mats.
The hustle and bustle on display – the spirited shouts of the vendors, the enthusiastic customers, and the housewives engrossed in haggling – were a daily scene repeated every morning.
And then, once every four months, a large-scale regular market called the Grand Market is held.
Along with it, various events are held, creating a festive atmosphere, and the regular Slave Auction is one of the main attractions.
I made Yuria, whose Slave Training was completed, board the carriage with shackles, in accordance withSlave Law.
As Yuria crouches barefoot on the wooden deck of the wagon, I feel a slight sense of guilt, but it is a common practice for slaves, so there is no help for it.
Incidentally, Gaspar, who instructed me in Slave Training, gave a borderline passing grade.
The reason for the borderline grade was that while not inflicting damage on Yuria’s body, such as using a whip, was a plus point, overdoing the training was considered a deduction.
I departed from Raymond Trading Company with Yuria, the merchandise, loaded on the wagon. [… ]
I can hear Yuria’s thin sobs coming from the back of the wagon, but I have no choice but to pretend I can’t hear them.
Alicia, too, had hugged Yuria and styled her disheveled hair with a comb, tidying her appearance before Yuria’s departure from Raymond Trading Company, but she had said she would not attend the Slave Auction.
Alicia was quite emotionally invested in Yuria, and likely couldn’t bear to see her being auctioned off in a state of undress.
Incidentally, Tirna and Kirika, who directly conducted the Slave Training, adopted an attitude of no longer being involved with Yuria once the Slave Training was complete.
It was a dry attitude, to say the least, but it was probably unavoidable for them to protect their own mental well-being.
I, too, guided the carriage, with sentimental feelings, toward the large fountain park where the Slave Auction venue was located.
I seem to recall hearing that this fountain park was built in commemoration of a certain Hero who saved humanity in ancient times, but I don’t remember the details.
Upon entering the fountain park grounds, the roadside was packed with stalls lined up without any gaps, and the crowds of shoppers were so dense that there was barely room to step.
I carefully advanced with the carriage, but walking would have been much faster.
And then, I saw the large tent I was aiming for.
The original owner seemed to be a traveling troupe of performers, but the organizers of the Slave Auction had temporarily rented it.
The Grand Market should be a busy season for the traveling troupe as well, but they must be receiving even more rental income.
Furthermore, as I approached the tent, I saw one large tent and five smaller tents surrounding it.
One of the small tents was designated as the seller’s reception, and a parking lot was fully equipped behind it.
I left the carriage in the parking lot exclusively for Slave Auction personnel and headed to the seller’s reception with Yuria.
Yuria looked like she was having trouble walking with shackles on, but it was unavoidable due to the constraints of Slave Law.
“Welcome. Young sir, are you here to register a slave for auction?”
The beautiful receptionist asked me with a look of surprise.
She probably couldn’t imagine I was associated with a slave trader since I looked too young.
“Yes, that’s right. I’d like to register this Yuria for auction, can you handle the procedures for me?”
I pointed to Yuria, who was hanging her head behind me.
“She’s quite a lovely slave. Please fill out the necessary information on this ‘Slave Registration Form’.”
The beautiful receptionist, seeming satisfied, handed me the form in a business-like manner.
Following the beautiful receptionist’s instructions, I filled out and submitted the required information, such as my name as the seller, the slave’s name, age, and special skills.
“W-Young Master! You’re affiliated with the Raymond Trading Company!?”
The beautiful receptionist took the form and, after a quick glance at the contents, exclaimed in astonishment.
Then, as if her composure returned, she handed me a “Seller’s Number Tag” in exchange for the document, and Yuria’s entry number was 4.
Generally, there is a “tax” and “transaction fee” for registering a slave for auction, but it varies depending on the winning bid, so it was explained that settlement would be made after the transaction was completed.
Afterward, Yuria was taken to the seller’s waiting room, and I was guided to the seller’s waiting room.
The seller’s waiting room was crowded with men who seemed to have more than one hidden agenda.
“What the hell!? This is no place for kids!”
A scowling man, who looked like a slave trader, near the entrance of the seller’s waiting room accosted me.
“Kids should be drinking their mommy’s milk!?”
This time, a middle-aged man in dirty traveling clothes picked a fight with me.
The men around them were also smirking.
I decided to ignore their rough welcome.
This is because, from my knowledge of my previous life, I understood the truth that “the more a dog barks, the weaker it is.”
Then, after a short wait, an announcement was made for the opening.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the Slave Auction will begin shortly. Sellers with entry numbers up to NO. 5, please come to the side of the stage.”
I followed the instructions of the Slave Auction staff and positioned myself at the side of the stage.
On stage, jesters performed juggling with small knives to capture the attention of the bidders.
Their performance then ended, the auction stage was brought to the center of the stage, and preparations for the Slave Auction were complete.
Looking at the audience, most of the seats were filled; it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say it was completely full.
The majority of the audience consisted of common folk, including women and children.
This Slave Auction was also a form of spectacle where anyone could participate as a bidder by paying a participation fee of one silver coin (equivalent to 10,000 yen).
Next, a slightly overweight middle-aged man, acting as the MC, took the stage.
“Thank you for waiting, everyone. We will now commence the much-anticipated Slave Auction.”
As the MC’s opening declaration was made, a great cheer erupted from the audience.
