Inside the noble district, a group of people that didn’t fit in with the place had arrived at a large mansion. Each of them wore rags, were fatigued and appeared to have not bathed in weeks. They descended from the carriages that brought them and looked around with uneasy but curious eyes. It was the first time that they had come to the noble district since, normally, it would be barred from them.

Standing a bit apart from the group was Ryner who was using his bracelet to contact Evelyn.

“(Yeah, I got the slaves and brought them to the mansion. How’re things on your end?)” [Ryner]

“(Right now, I’m helping with some accounting work, but I’ll finish it soon and get back to engraving those coins you left me. Nearly a thousand are finished and have the magic you requested.)” [Evelyn]

“(You work fast. Keep it up. By the way, how’s Mi doing?)” [Ryner]

“(That pup? She’s being spoiled by the maids here, as usual. She plays, eats or naps, mostly eats in fact. I worry that her race will change from dog to pig.)” [Evelyn]

Evelyn informed him of her current progress and Mi’s spoiled life in the castle. The red and white puppy was being taken care of by maids as if she were an important pet. They were tending to her so that Ryner and Evelyn, who were both busy helping out, wouldn’t have to worry about her.

“(Thanks for letting me know. Then, I’ll let you get back to work. I need to deal with our new employees.)” [Ryner]

Cutting the connection, Ryner looked at the slaves gathered on the lawn of his new house. The queen quickly took care of everything and gave him the mansion of one of the arrested nobles. There were a hundred and fifteen men, women and child present. He didn’t just buy the kids, but also all of the slaves that the slave merchant had in his shop.

“Where are you going?” [Ryner]

He asked a couple of the adults that were stealthily distancing themselves.

“If you leave, you’ll probably get arrested or killed by the patrolling soldiers.” [Ryner]

“Screw you! You think we’ll listen to you!?” [Slave leader]

One of them said as he defiantly glared at him. He was in his late twenties and was blessed with a good physique. His orange hair was a mess and his stubbles coupled with his vigilant light green eyes made him resemble a wild animal.

“We don’t have a collar, magic shackles or a slave curse! If we all make a run for it, I doubt you can catch us!” [Slave leader]

The one acting like the leader of the rebelling faction declared powerfully despite his emaciated appearance. The other slaves got ready to break into a run.

“Slave curse…?” [Ryner]

Ryner thought back on his visit at the slave shop. After buying all of the slaves and forking over a large sum of money, the merchant, shocked yet happy by the huge purchase, asked him if he wanted to apply a slave curse on them for an additional fee. It would allow him to give them any orders and they wouldn’t be able to defy him, otherwise their body would experience extreme pain. The curse was placed on an individual through a magic ritual that took one hour. When he heard about it, he thought “Ehhh, it’s gonna take so long and cost me even more money. No thanks.”

“Oh yeeeaaah, I didn’t place one on you guys.” [Ryner]

“Ha! It’s too late to regret it! I don’t know why you didn’t, but I’m not gonna be your slave!!” [Slave leader]

The orange-haired man shouted to those who had been locked up in cages like him.

“EVERYONE, RUN WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT!! I’LL HOLD HIM BACK!!” [Slave leader]

Since their escape attempt was discovered, he decided to confront his buyer head-on instead of stealthily going behind his back and taking him out. The other slaves stirred, looked at each other worriedly and then at their new master. About half made up their mind to run away just as the one that told them to escape charged into battle to stall for time.

“Don’t be in such a rush.” [Ryner]

However, his tackle was easily avoided and a foot tripped him, causing him to fall into the soft grass.

“You’ll get killed.” [Ryner]

When Ryner gazed at the group of slaves, they all froze in place.

“… G-get him!” [Slave]

Some unknown man shouted.

“There’s no one here! No soldiers! No bodyguards! No shackles! No slave curse! If we take him out, we’re free!” [Slave]

Another person chimed in and soon, all of the adults that could fight rushed at their supposed master. They planned on overpowering him with numbers, but they couldn’t even catch him. He sidestepped their charge and made them fall down by either tripping them or pushing their back as they passed by him. When someone tried to punch him, his attack was avoided, his wrist was caught and he was suddenly flipped in the air.

Another approached him from behind and planned on pinning down his arms, but Ryner shoulder threw a slave at him.

Two threw their fists at him from both sides, but he grabbed their wrists and, diverting their trajectory, spun around in place. Carried by their momentum and the speed of his rotation, the two slaves went passed him, stumbled forward and crashed into their allies.

“What the hell?! He’s just one man!” [Slave]

Someone yelled to raise his fighting spirit, but his punch missed its mark as Ryner crouched low. Running by him, he grabbed his leg and pulled it up before going to face his next opponent. The brave slave that was forgotten fell forward and landed on his face.

“Man, I sure am lucky to have such lively new workers.” [Ryner]

As their target dodged the endless assaults, he remained unperturbed and spoke to them in a nonchalant manner. His lazy expression frustrated everyone since it meant that they weren’t enough of a threat for him to take them seriously.

“Damn it! Damn it! Are there any magic users?! Magicians?!” [Slave]

“I’m a magic user, but I can’t beat him! My mana pool’s too small! This guy’s too strong!” [Slave]

“Me too! I can’t even touch the bastard!” [Slave]

Although several slaves could use magic and applied body strengthening to increase their strength, it proved futile before their enemy.

“If close combat don’t work, then… Out of the way!” [Slave]

The crowd turned their attention towards the one who shouted. He had his hands stretched before him and his eyes were locked onto the black-haired man. From his mouth, a chant could be heard. His fellow slaves knew that he was going to cast magic and cleared the path for him. However, before he finished chanting, a copper coin flew towards him and hit his forehead which knocked him out and left an imprint.

“Don’t randomly cast spells in this crowd. What if you hurt someone?” [Ryner]

“““YOU’RE THE ONE DOING MOST OF THE HURTING!!!””” [Fighting slaves]

They all shouted at the outrageous individual that was taking them all on without breaking a sweat.

“Maybe, but, hey! The gallery watching us!” [Ryner]

Ryner turned his attention towards the children, women and men who didn’t join the fight and were looking for the right time to escape.

“No running away or I’ll flip a coin at you.” [Ryner]

But, his flippant warning caused their feet to stay in place. His voice wasn’t threatening, but the strength he demonstrated so far was terrifying.

“Guys, stop being desperate and think for a second. We’re in the noble district. You know you’ll be found and killed. Ah, sorry.” [Ryner]

He apologized to a slave that tried to bash the back of his head since he ducked to avoid the blow and swung his elbow behind him which broke his attacker’s nose.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure the ladies won’t mind your bloody nose, probably. Whoa!” [Ryner]

Ryner tilted his head to the right side just in time to dodge a straight punch that went over his left shoulder. He caught the outstretched right arm by the wrist and twisted it so that the palm faced the sky and made sure that the elbow was passed his shoulder.

“Tch! Let go fu-arrgh!!” [Slave]

He pulled down on the wrist, causing the slave to scream as his arm was being bent in the wrong direction. Although his attacker tried to counterattack, every time he moved, Ryner applied a bit more pressure, stopping him by using pain. At the same time, he spun in place and dragged his captive around to use him as a shield which prevented those around him from attacking.

Then, swiftly switching position, he shuffled behind him and twisted the slave’s arm behind his back without stopping his rotation. Afterwards, he threw his captive away and, using his momentum, released a roundhouse kick that squarely hit one of his opponents on the side of his face.

“Come on, people, you’re all hungry and tired, right? We should all calm down, be civilized and stop fighting before I break all of your bones.” [Ryner]

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Ryner nonchalantly said as he dodged a punch coming at his face and jabbed his fingers in his foe’s shoulder twice, causing his arm to go numb. Like he said, the slaves couldn’t keep fighting. They were running out of stamina and time.

“LEAVE THIS TO ME!!!” [Slave leader]

Suddenly, someone yelled powerfully and rushed at Ryner, but his body blow was easily dodged.

“Hey, you’re the one from before. Where you’ve been? No, wait, I think I flipped you a couple of times.” [Ryner]

“Shut the hell up!!” [Slave leader]

The orange-haired man glared at him murderously while the other slaves backed off slowly.

“You just keep slipping around, but once I catch you, you’re dead! I was a C rank adventurer! I’ll crush your bones with my bare hands!” [Slave leader]

“Really? So… How’d you end up as a slave?” [Ryner]

“RAAAAARRR!!” [Slave leader]

The ex-adventurer roared and charged like an enraged bull.

“What? Was it something I said?” [Ryner]

At the last second, he bent low and spread his arms to tackle him down. However, as if reading his mind, Ryner jumped above him and spun around with his legs horizontal to the ground. One of his arms hooked around the mad slave’s throat, stopping his rotation. The orange-haired man choked from the impact and fell down hard on the ground.

Everyone nervously watched the sight of their new master sitting on his back and with one arm around his throat, pulling his head backward.

“Gu-guh! Y-you! Ack-kuh!” [Slave leader]

Although he tried to break free, the force around his neck tightened and wouldn’t let go no matter how hard he struggled.

“You sure are strong, but… You know why I didn’t put a slave curse or magic shackles on you?” [Ryner]

While still sitting on his back, Ryner asked in a voice loud enough for all of the other slaves to hear.

“It’s because I can handle you all just fine by myself.” [Ryner]

Some groaned in frustration. Others lowered their heads in despair. No one wanted to continue fighting. He was right. There were about forty of them, but no one managed to land a hit on him. Those watching the brawl were shaking in fright. They didn’t dare try to run. Some children were crying.

“You can tell you’ve got no chance, can’t you?” [Ryner]

“… Damn it…!” [Slave leader]

The ex-adventurer stopped struggling as well and gritted his teeth. His fingers dug into the earth and tore out the grass. He was out of time. Patrolling soldiers were approaching them.

----------------------------------------

After their little rebellion, no one was punished. Ryner gave some random explanations to the guards and drove them away. Then, everyone obediently entered the mansion and did as he said.

“Waaaah! Hot water!” [Slave]

“A hot bath in so long!” [Slave]

“Kids, don’t run around! It’s dangerous!” [Slave]

“This bathroom is beautiful.” [Slave]

“Yes. I never thought I would use one like this in my life.” [Slave]

“Ouch!” [Slave]

“You ok?” [Slave]

“Yeah. Just that my old wounds sting a bit.” [Slave]

So, after giving out the order “Go take a bath!”, the younger children and the women went first. A lot of the slaves’ dissatisfaction was washed away when they came out all warm and clean. Moreover, they were given proper clothes to wear instead of the dirty rags from before. Even so, they were all still wary of Ryner, not to mention scared of him.

“We’re all done.” [Slave leader]

The orange-haired man, who now looked less like a wild animal, spoke on behalf of everyone present.

“What do you want us to do next?” [Slave leader]

He asked his master in a rough voice and didn’t hold back his animosity.

“Follow me.” [Ryner]

Ryner led them all to a huge room, big enough to fit all of them. Several long tables were present and distinct bottles were placed on top of them.

“Is that…?” [Slave leader]

“Healing potions. Everyone, take a seat and drink one.” [Ryner]

He answered the unfinished question that everyone was thinking.

“What?! You’re giving all of us a healing potion?!” [Slave leader]

Their eyes were wide opened in surprise. They were slaves, yet they were receiving such an expensive item.

“Yeah, I am. Now hurry up and sit. Only those who drank one can eat.” [Ryner]

“Eat…?” [Slave leader]

Sounds of stomach rumbling could be heard soon after. The first ones to move out were the children who were honest with their desires. Following their example, the other slaves also took a seat. Gazing at the red liquid curiously, they uncorked the bottle and drank the miraculous potion.

“It’s bitter~.” [Slave]

“Great adventurers always drink this, so drinking this will make us great adventurers!” [Slave]

“Healing potion… This is my first time even touching one.” [Slave]

“If you think about it, it’s made with the blood of a monster. Drinking it is a bit creepy.” [Slave]

While everyone was clamoring, the man who acted as their leader looked at his own share suspiciously.

“… Is it poisoned?” [Slave leader]

He asked Ryner who was standing a bit away from him.

“Poison? Are you as dumb as you look?” [Ryner]

“What the hell?!” [Slave leader]

“You guys weren’t cheap. Why would I want to kill you now when you haven’t done any work? Each of those bottles cost eighty silver coins. I may have enough money to literally throw around, but don’t waste a drop.” [Ryner]

“… Why are you giving this to us?” [Slave leader]

“They’re to heal the wounds from earlier and the ones you already had before our fight.” [Ryner]

The orange-haired slave automatically put his hand on his shoulder. There were several whip marks on his back. Because of his defiant nature, he was often beaten by his previous masters and returned to the slave shop.

Taking the bottle in his hand and uncorking it, he drank it in one gulp and slammed it down. It was his first time drinking one too. It tasted bitter.

“… What next?” [Slave leader]

“Next, you eat.” [Ryner]

Right after Ryner whistled, the double door was opened and food was carried in by multiple maids. They placed piping hot dishes on the long tables and quietly left.

“It’s delicious!” [Slave]

The slaves stuffed their cheeks and ravenously ate everything before them. The silence as they waited for the dishes to be placed while drooling was completely gone.

“It’s good… *sniff* … It’s good…” [Slave]

Some were crying because it was their first decent meal since they became a slave.

“I’m so glad to be alive!” [Slave]

The atmosphere was both somber and lively. Everyone was focused on feeding their stomach. Even the ex-adventurer didn’t complain and drank his soup like water.

Once they were done eating with a few of them letting out a loud burp, everyone had a satisfied smile on their face.

“Now listen up!” [Ryner]

But, they immediately grew tense when they heard Ryner’s voice.

“The servants that prepared your clothes, the potions and the food were all just giving a hand. They won’t be staying here. You’ll have to take care of yourselves. Basically, I hope you know how to cook because I suck at it!” [Ryner]

They all stared at him, stunned and wondering what he was talking about.

“… What are you saying?” [Slave leader]

The slave leader asked. His voice was a lot less brusque compared to before.

“I’m saying that you’ll all live here and take care of the chores yourselves.” [Ryner]

“In, in the mansion? Or the stable?” [Slave leader]

“There’s plenty of room for everyone. This place belonged to a duke and he put in good money to make it big. Pick any free room you like. Just stick a nameplate on the door so that others know it’s yours.” [Ryner]

Murmurs were exchanged. They were hearing something unbelievable.

“What… What are you planning? Giving us a hot bath, clothes, healing potions and even some damn good food! Now you’re letting us take a room of our choosing?! Are you trying to make us let our guard down?!” [Slave leader]

The orange-haired man didn’t understand his intentions at all, just like everyone else.

“Back in the slave shop, you said you love kids! Aren’t you planning on ra…?! On abusing them?! And even the women too?! Then you’ll force the men to work till they die and whip them!” [Slave leader]

The children grew scared when they heard him loudly question their master’s motives. With teary eyes, some hugged the one next to them and a few clung to the women who protectively held them close. The adults had grim expressions on their faces and remembered that they were slaves. They would be beaten, used and treated like tools. Their new master might have a harmless, sleepy-expression, but he was strong enough to take them all down. Perhaps, he had a hidden, cruel side to him too.

“Ah, that… That was a joke.” [Ryner]

“… A joke?” [Slave leader]

“Yeah, a joke. I don’t like kids. They remind me of… Me, I guess? Also, I prefer professionals over slaves, so no thank you to any interested ladies. Besides, I just gave you healing potions. Why would I beat you all for no reason and waste the money spent?” [Ryner]

Yet, in one fell swoop, he plainly said that their fears were all for naught while scratching the back of his head.

“Who the hell jokes like that?!!” [Slave leader]

“I just wanted to mess with the slave merchant a bit. Don’t be so serious~.” [Ryner]

“YOU NEED TO DROP THAT CAREFREE ATTITUDE!! I THOUGHT A DAMNED PERVERT BOUGHT ME!!” [Slave leader]

The defiant slave screamed out what everyone was thinking.

“Don’t be so paranoid.” [Ryner]

“Who’s fault do you think it is?!” [Slave leader]

“More importantly…” [Ryner]

“Are you listening, bastard?!” [Slave leader]

“You’ll all be working for me, including the brats. No playing around.” [Ryner]

The ex-adventurer’s hot temper faded away and he stared at his master not with murderous intent, but with an inquisitive gaze.

“… What do you want us to do?” [Slave leader]

“You’ll be working for my company.” [Ryner]

“… Company?” [Slave leader]

“Well, I don’t actually have one yet, but that’s why you’re here. You’ll be the employees of the new company we’ll set up.” [Ryner]

Ryner pointed at the floor.

“This mansion will be your home and headquarters. You’ll be living and working here, so I need a group that takes care of the place. The kids can help out with that. The others will be in charge of managing and selling the merchandise to make us money. Ah, I think I need to get a permit for this.” [Ryner]

No one spoke a word. They were either tongue tied or didn’t understand.

“If you do your job properly, then I’ll pay you. You can either use that money to buy yourselves something nice or pay back the price it took to buy you. If you manage to do the latter, I’ll free you from slavery and you can do whatever you want afterwards.” [Ryner]

Their eyes were wide opened and their mouths were agape.

“… Y, you’re saying… That you’ll give us a salary… And we can even buy back our freedom?” [Slave leader]

“Yeah.” [Ryner]

“Y-you’re serious? Y-you’re not joking?!” [Slave leader]

“It’s incentive to motivate you. How about it? Makes you feel like working hard, right?” [Ryner]

Ryner asked in a laidback tone, but it was a serious matter.

“Free…” [Slave]

“We could go home…” [Slave]

Right now, what every slave felt was hope.

“We can go home…!” [Slave]

“We don’t have to be slaves anymore!” [Slave]

A joyful mood enveloped them as they cheered or hugged each other.

“Not so fast. You guys need to pay me back. Frankly, you were all freaking expensive.” [Ryner]

“Ex-excuse me!” [Slave]

Among the rejoicing slaves, a woman, having gathered her courage, hesitantly spoke to Ryner.

“Is it ok if I send a letter to my parents? They must be worried sick about me.” [Slave]

She asked pleadingly.

“Me too! Please let me tell my family that I’m alright!” [Slave]

Then, a man also requested the same thing.

“I want to tell my mom that I’m alright too!” [Slave]

“I want to see my mom again!” [Slave]

“Please, somehow give me my pay now so I can send it back home!” [Slave]

Afterwards, several more requests were voiced out and the room was soon filled with loud voices.

“Fine, fine! Stop yelling already! I’ll let you send letters and give you an advance payment and your parents can come visit! But, you better all work properly and not try to escape! If you do, I’ll definitely chase you down and punish you!” [Ryner]

In a second, everyone shut up and gulped down their saliva. They believed his words and knew it wasn’t just an empty threat.

“The men will have to wear maid uniforms, the women will have to work in swimsuits and the kids will be forbidden from eating any sweets.” [Ryner]

But, the punishments were questionable.

“Anyway, before we talk about anything else, who here managed a company?” [Ryner]

“… I did.” [Slave]

A woman with black hair that reached her shoulders raised her hand and stood up.

“Well that’s convenient. How much experience do you have?” [Ryner]

“I was in charge of my own firm in the past, but it went bankrupt and I became a slave to pay off my debts.” [Slave]

She bluntly and expressionlessly reported how she fell into slavery.

“Whoa, that’s not something you should say during a job interview… You’re hired!” [Ryner]

“Thank you very much.” [Slave]

“I’ll assign you as an assistant to the company’s president and you’ll learn a few tricks from her. Then, you’ll take over later on.” [Ryner]

“Understood.” [Slave]

She nodded and sat down without ever changing her expression.

“So, next… Hmm? What’s the matter, kid?” [Ryner]

Ryner looked at the orange-haired man who acted like the leader of the slave group. He didn’t react even though he was called a kid and kept his hand on his face.

“Why are you crying?” [Ryner]

Tears were streaming down his cheeks and his shoulders were trembling.

“I…” [Slave leader]

His voice was mixed with sobs.

“I’m a slave, but… But, I don’t have to be a slave anymore…?” [Slave leader]

“… What are you talking about?” [Ryner]

His mood infected the others. They stared at him sympathetically, smiled brilliantly or leaked a few tears of their own. They knew what he was saying, how he was feeling.

“From now on, you’re my company’s employee. You’re a proud corporate slave. But, relax. I’ll let you take some days off.” [Ryner]