Chapter 10

Their carriage approached a large building complex dominating the northeastern second-class district. The area that it occupied exceeded many of the government complexes in the First-Class District.

“Is this the Slave Market?” Florine cast a subdued look out of her window, “It’s a lot bigger than I thought it would be.”

“It has to be this large,” Lady Frianne said. “Slaves are not the same as the merchandise that one puts on a shelf or in a crate: they require accommodations and various facilities to support them. I’ve heard from my grandmother that this place was far different back before the reforms to imperial slave laws. What you see before you was brought about by the new legal requirements introduced by the previous Emperor.”

Before they finished rolling up to the entrance, Lady Frianne donned her mask. She indicated that the others should as well.

“Is it just me,” Liane said, “or does wearing these make our visit seem even more scandalous?”

“The masks are mostly employed to prevent casual identification and observation,” Lady Frianne said as the carriage came to a stop. “Dimoiya will be leading us around for this, so those within who are aware of her association with our party will still be reporting our movements.”

“Why Dimoiya?” Ludmila asked.

“It would be…improper for a duke’s daughter to be officially recognised here. Merchants representing specific interests usually perform most of the transactions in the Slave Market, but a Noble arriving to make personal purchases is not unheard of. Dimoiya’s house is of the appropriate social rank to allow us free movement while also avoiding too much attention.”

Across from Ludmila, Dimoiya wiggled on a signet ring. She flexed her fingers several times and adjusted her mask before stepping out of the carriage.

The entrance to the Slave Market was an open archway leading to a network of promenades laid between the different buildings of the complex. Though referred to as the Slave Market, it appeared to be a multitude of independent establishments sharing the same location. Dimoiya led them through the archway, and the guards gave the barest glance at the ring on her hand before turning their attention elsewhere.

『Looks like young ladies coming to visit is pretty common. They’ve got that inspection down to a routine.』

Ludmila released a quiet sigh at Liane’s comment, but she couldn’t refute the observation. The rules, culture and conduct of Arwintar’s citizens were far too complex for her liking and she could not adapt as quickly as her friends.

『Is seeing that signet ring really enough to dictate so much?』

『Sure is. In the imperial capital, knowing who’s who is a basic part of the peoples’ working knowledge. Understanding precedence and social order both keeps you alive and gets you ahead. Everything about you is weighed and measured at a glance and your treatment from that point onward can only be changed by new information that drastically changes the running perception.』

Even after several days, the entire experience still felt like she was walking around a place filled with undetectable traps. Hopefully, the character of Warden’s Vale wouldn’t warp in such a manner.

“Was there something in particular you wanted to see?” Dimoiya asked.

“My expectations coming in weren’t exactly those that inspired anticipation,” Ludmila answered. “A sample of everything, perhaps?”

“Hmm…okay. Normally, people have an establishment selected in advance and head straight there. It’s rare for people to ‘shop around’ in the Slave Market, but it’s not against any rules.”

They turned a corner, heading into a more crowded area of the markets. Dimoiya stopped outside what looked like a larger ‘store’. A well-dressed female Merchant wandered around the floor, occasionally pausing to speak with the well-dressed men and women browsing the aisles. Rows of plainly-clothed individuals beside signs with various details written upon them seemed to be sizing up everyone that passed.

“This one’s a place for clerks, accountants, scribes and such,” Dimoiya said. “The desk over there is for prospective clients who want to test a slave’s skills.”

“Those are all decently paying professions,” Ludmila said. “How did they end up here?”

“Hmm…” Dimoiya rubbed her jaw, “how do I put it…you know how apprentices agree upon terms of indenture when signing up to train under a master artisan?”

“Yes.”

“It’s kind of like that. Most citizens of the Empire who are sold into slavery are consensual indentures. Some even call it a ‘second apprenticeship’. They fall into debt or need a large sum of money right away, so they sign contracts with Merchants who in turn sell indentures to the clients here. Those confident in their skills even use these indentures as a way to secure up-front capital for their own ventures. They lose their citizenship while they’re slaves, but once they fulfil their contracts they get it back.”

As Dimoiya spoke, Lady Frianne fell into step closer to Ludmila.

“Unlike those in rural vocations who have the option of negotiating tenancy or migrating to lands where expansion creates demand for their skills,” she said. “Urban professionals like the ones you see are subject to the strict regulation of the guilds, which are extremely restrictive on economic mobility. The simplest recourse is indenture in nations where it has not been outlawed. The Empire’s slavery reforms were enacted in order to secure the rights of imperial slaves and eliminate forms of slavery unproductive for the nation as a whole.”

Ludmila mulled over their case as Dimoiya led them deeper into the markets. Artisans appeared to be organised by profession over the floor, displayed in specialised ‘stores’. Some stood behind samples of their work. Liane stopped to pick up an iron gear, examining it with a critical eye. Ludmila cast a critical eye of her own towards Liane.

『You’re not buying him.』

『I’m just checking out his skills!』

『That Merchant over there is coming for you now…』

Liane carefully set down the gear and scurried off. They reached the end of the section, where a number of culinary artisans were preparing large amounts of food.

“Are they slaves,” Florine asked, “or are they working here?”

“Both,” Dimoiya answered. “Why not, right? The slaves being sold here live on the premises and must be provided for until a sale is made. It’s part of the contract that they sign with the Merchants who do their best to mitigate the cost of accommodating their inventories. The living conditions of these slaves have to meet the standards of well-being set by imperial law.”

Imperial law, huh…

Citizens of the Empire could become slaves. Since they became slaves under imperial law, they had to be safely returned to life as imperial citizens upon the fulfilment of their contract. As such, it was illegal to unjustly punish or otherwise abuse them. Physical abuse, criminal negligence and murder of imperial slaves would be judged as if the victim was an imperial citizen.

“I have a fair idea of what this part of the market offers,” Ludmila said. “Let’s head on to the next.”

“Sure thing.”

They went back the way they came, past the tidy market sections and bustle of activity. That the most prevalent odour in the air was simply that of lunch being prepared was a stark contrast to what she had expected after witnessing the chattel slavery of Re-Estize.

“How are imperial slave laws enforced?” Ludmila asked as they returned to the main intersection of the Slave Market.

“Breaches of law result in fines,” Lady Frianne said. “Imperial slaves may report their masters to the authorities. Generally speaking, one does not damage or otherwise negatively influence their property since they are purchased for productive purposes. Well, they can but it would be highly impractical and, in the case of slaves, would be performing a criminal act.”

“Meaning to say that the wealthy can effectively pay to abuse their slaves if so inclined?”

Lady Frianne fell silent for a dozen steps.

“This is an unfortunate possibility, yes. Repeat offences are of course factored into prosecution. Those wealthy enough to do this tend to be Nobles, however, so such instances are minimised.”

“How so?”

“Because there have been several cases where breaches of imperial slave laws were used as justification for attainder. This sort of outcome is especially popular with the common folk, so His Imperial Majesty is more than happy to act if so inclined.”

The guards at the entrance of the western markets seemed to exchange knowing glances as they passed between them. It wasn’t long until they saw why.

『Can we turn around now?』

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『It’ll be a good reference, Miss Dreamer.』

『Argh! Did you see those looks the guards exchanged? They think we’re here to…to…d-d-did they dip that man in oil?!』

The man noted Florine’s wide-eyed gaze, striking a pose and winking at her. Florine turned her face in the opposite direction, which didn’t solve anything since there were barely-dressed men everywhere. Ludmila wondered what would happen if she struck her flint near one of them.

Dimoiya cleared her throat.

“As you can see,” she said, “this section is for muscle. The establishments with the less flashy guys are selling labourers. These ones we’re passing by right now are loosely considered ‘battle slaves’, though they aren’t the same sort you might have found a generation or two ago. From least to most expensive, you have labourers, those suited for private security, and those skilled enough to be personal bodyguards. Those with extraordinary martial skill can go to the Arena and can rack up earnings.”

“Doesn’t that count as abuse?” Florine asked.

“The arena environment entails a certain amount of risk,” Lady Frianne said, “but the terms of their indenture come with special clauses. One cannot simply use imperial slaves as fodder in the Arena or as expendable soldiers. If viewed from a simplistic standpoint, it is not much different than commissioning an Adventurer for a long-term contract. Costs for accommodations, equipment, training and treatment of injuries are shouldered by the slave’s owner, so it is often viewed as an attractive avenue for those who are confident enough to risk themselves in combat but do not possess the required capital to begin their careers.”

“It seems to be all men,” Ludmila noted.

“It’s all men on display, yeah,” Dimoiya nodded. “In truth, women sold in this section are just super high-demand. Well-to-do women tend to want at least a few women as personal bodyguards, but most aren’t wealthy enough to entice former Adventurers, Workers or Imperial Knights into their service. Strong and attractive female bodyguards are all the rage amongst men and beautiful women who can compete in the arena become fan favourites. Since women are already more scarce than men in this department, it inevitably gets like this.”

Ludmila stopped to examine one of the men along the way. He was about ten centimetres shorter than she was, with black hair and dark olive skin. A pair of dark brown eyes examined her in return.

『You’re not buying him.』

『I was just trying to figure out what he was.』

“You have a good eye, miss.”

A tall Merchant who looked every bit as muscular as the men on display spoke as he approached them. Ludmila turned her attention to the Merchant.

“Do I?”

The Merchant stopped in his tracks.

“That’s, erm…indeed! He’s a rare import from across the Great Steppe.”

“It seems like quite the distance to transport a slave,” Ludmila said. “Is he truly worth the cost?”

“Truly, miss, truly,” the Merchant smiled. “Most of our combat slave inventory comes from the City State Alliance. It’s truly rare that we get one from the world beyond. He is young and strong and handsome, eh?”

Ludmila turned to examine the slave again. He appeared to be about as strong as one of the Sorcerous Kingdom’s Platinum-ranked Adventurers, which was especially confusing. How did someone who could easily make his way in the world end up as a slave?

『Seriously, Ludmila, you’re not buying him.』

『I wasn’t considering it. There are many things that don’t make sense with this one.』

“How long have you had him for?” Liane asked.

“He came with a caravan that arrived just before the winter.”

“And how long do you expect he’ll be around for?”

“Hmm…not long, I think,” the Merchant replied with a calculating look. “The Arena has already expressed a keen interest in this one.”

“That so? Well, no point in competing with the Grand Arena. Guess we’ll see what he’s made of there.”

The Merchant lowered his head. Liane walked past him and Dimoiya went to catch up with her. They strolled around the battle slave area, though Ludmila saw little else of note amongst the slaves who attempted to appeal to them as they walked past.

『Was that guy really that great? I mean he has the exotic look and all, but…』

『He was about as strong as a Platinum-rank.』

『What! Maybe we should buy–』

『We’re not buying him. I was more interested in where he came from and what he might know about the world across the Great Steppe.』

More accurately, Ludmila was curious about a Human from lands beyond where Humans were supposed to exist.

『Well, we know where he’s probably going to end up, so maybe something like an interview can be set up whenever he gets there.』

Back at the main intersection, Dimoiya turned to face them with a tentative look.

“Um…about this next part…”

“What’s wrong?” Clara asked.

“It’s the section for personal slaves if you know what I mean.”

Everyone turned their gazes at Ludmila.

“I don’t see why we should stop,” she said.

They advanced down the promenade towards a large building at the end. For the first time, the guards seemed about to stop them. Dimoiya did not slow, however, instead holding her head high as she led them inside.

The lighting of the interior was dim, though the immediate surroundings should have been covered by the Darkvision items that her friends possessed. Over the floor, the establishment’s dividers were distinctly different from the other two sections, providing what Ludmila assumed was supposed to be a more exclusive atmosphere. Unlike the area with indentured professionals who were plainly attired and battle slaves adorned to exhibit their strength, the slaves here were all naked or close to it.

Liane and Florine went rigid as they passed men and women who openly flaunted themselves as they drew close.

『Awkward…』

『Didn’t you two come here to find consorts?』

『Not here. And there’s an order to things, y’know?』

It wasn’t long until a Merchant intercepted their party. She glanced over them until her eyes found the signet ring on Dimoiya’s finger.

“Welcome,” she lowered her head with a smile. “How may I assist you?”

“I’m just showing my friends around,” Dimoiya replied.

“Of course. If you come across anyone that piques your interest, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

They continued strolling down the aisles, and the woman shadowed them from several metres. Ludmila quickly noted a reversal from the area with the battle slaves.

“The vast majority of the people here are women,” she said. “They also seem quite…brazen.”

“It is a common strategy,” the Merchant replied.

“A strategy?” Ludmila tried to keep the incredulity out of her voice.

“Most of the women you see here are those who are confident in their appearance,” the Merchant told her. “Those who can afford to purchase the types of slaves sold in this establishment possess significant wealth. Attracting such a master would offer a life of luxury far beyond what the average citizen can ever obtain.”

It felt as if every time her opinion of the Empire rose a bit, she came across something that smacked it straight back down.

As they proceeded to the furthest reaches of the hall, Ludmila’s expression grew grim. An Elf stood in a booth around the corner. Florine gasped quietly.

“H-his ears…why…?”

“Apologies if this disturbs you, miss,” a woman in Merchant’s attire nearby said. “They were already like this upon their arrival in the Empire.”

In a few spots along the hall, similarly maimed Elves languished in their displays. Their long ears had been cut in half as if someone had decided they shouldn’t be any longer than a Human’s.

“Where are they from?” Florine’s voice trembled slightly.

“They are prisoners of war taken from the Great Forest of Evansha,” the Merchant answered. “People from the Theocracy find elven ears repulsive, so they are…modified to increase their value to prospective owners. We haven’t received a new shipment since the spring, so prices have risen sharply.”

Why they hadn’t received new shipments was no mystery: the Sorcerous Kingdom lay on the trade route between the Slane Theocracy and the Baharuth Empire, and Clara did not allow a single shred of contraband over the border.

“How much are they?” Florine asked.

The Merchant listed the sums for the Elves on display. They were dozens of times more expensive than the slaves in the other two sections. A young female Druid with emerald eyes and golden hair appeared to be the premiere piece on display: she was several hundred times the price of an indentured artisan. Ludmila could probably charter two or three dozen of her fortified farming villages with the same sum.

Florine’s hand went to her Infinite Haversack. Ludmila narrowed her eyes.

『You’re not buying them.』

『Ludmila! This is so wrong. We have to do something!』

『Slavery is illegal in the Sorcerous Kingdom.』

『Then I’ll just let them go! They can be free. You heard this woman: they were taken in war and sold as slaves after their ears were chopped off! They’re nothing at all like these other people.』

『So you intend to ‘right’ every ‘wrong’ by opening your coffers? We don’t even know how that war started or the circumstances behind their capture. The world has plenty of ‘wrongs’ to sell you, Florine. More ‘merchandise’ can be readily procured to appeal to your sensibilities.』

Florine bit her lip with a tearful look.

『Ludmila is right.』

『Clara! You’re the last person that–』

『If you plan on saving people, you must make sure to do it properly. Purchasing slaves as a Noble of the Sorcerous Kingdom is unacceptable and simply setting these Elves free does them no favours in the Empire.』

『I can’t even save the people suffering right in front of my eyes? You’ve already stopped the flow of slaves from the Theocracy. These must be the last few.』

『I only control the route through my territory. There are other routes to the Empire and paying these prices makes those routes viable. Furthermore, it may make other sources viable. Throwing money at slave traders only incentivises the slave trade. It is possible to ‘save’ these slaves by purchasing them, but you will also bring suffering to a thousand more. A permanent, effective solution is required to achieve what you desire.』

With a frustrated sigh, Florine stormed off. Liane hurried to join her, followed by Dimoiya. Ludmila turned to address the Merchant.

“Out of curiosity,” Ludmila said. “Why do these Elf slaves command such a high price?”

“Because they are foreign slaves,” the Merchant replied.

“I see.”

Imperial citizens who became slaves were protected by imperial law. Foreign slaves, however, were not. It did not matter if they were Humans, Elves or any other race. Masters of such slaves were free to do as they pleased and would pay exorbitant amounts to purchase that ‘right’.

Ludmila stalked off after Florine, Liane and Dimoiya. She had seen enough.