I am brought to a lavish waiting room.

Not only is the sofa there super comfortable but there are even refreshments.

Then my guide asks me about the type of slave I would like to see.

Battle slave: how long would it survive?

It wouldn't be that bad if it just hides like Wolfie but…

Yeah, I don't need that much protection as long as I have divine energy.

It would easily become a waste of human life.

Next up is a professional slave.

They know diverse skills.

Apparently, they even have a few bakers.

Wouldn't that be perfect for the kitchen?

I ask if they have any merchants.

There is none.

I guess they are usually resourceful enough not to fall into slavery.

The last one is the sex slave category.

This one doesn't need explaining and can only charm people.

The choice is obvious!

[I'll see the sex slaves please!]

He gives a knowing smile and leaves.

Someone comes and offers to take care of Wolfie.

I mean she is fine here.

Why this choice?

I want to be the only one in charge of making the actual pies.

I would have preferred a merchant for sure.

Still, if they can charm people they can convince them to buy more I am sure.

Customer service is customer service after all.

Soon there are a few girls and boys lining in front of me.

Dude…

Nice of him.

Talk about being open-minded.

Now let me see.

There is an easy way to resolve this.

[Who wants to work for me? I have a pie business. You would have to deal with a few hundred customers every day. Just need to be polite and handle the money.]

I see them all shudder.

What's with that intense reaction?

Ah, I get it.

They are glad at the prospect of getting a new life.

"Which one would you prefer?"

[I don't care that much. As long as the face is nice, and the personality is amiable any will do. They can even decide between themselves.]

"T-that I understand."

He seems at a loss.

I mean I don't want to force anyone.

That kind of thing can be felt in customer service.

Well, short term it is easy to fake it.

Long-term, however…

I can see them crowd around and seemingly play a dice game.

Where did the dice come from?

Magic trick perhaps.

I guess they all want to come out of slavery.

There is no way anyone sane would pass this opportunity.

The winner is a short lady with ginger hair.

She is emotionally crying.

It's understandable.

She just won a great prize.

She comes nearby and curtesy.

"M-master."

*Nod* Nice!

She's perfect.

I just hope she knows how to count.

Worst case she can learn.

She will just have to welcome the clients and take care of them.

[Alright, so can we just go then? Ah right, what about the door?]

"We just need to make the owner's blood pledge. Then she will be yours truly."

That sounds fancy and possibly very degrading.

[Can't you just remove whatever restraint she has and let me leave with her?]

"No, because they are not registered in the defense system of the city. They would get taken down instantly otherwise."

Why?

It wasn't needed for Wolfie.

I guess they expect humans to try to sneak in but not beasts.

I guess besides a beast tide this isn't a problem.

The city probably has extra defensive measures to activate then.

[So, how do we do this?]

By this point, everyone irrelevant is gone.

He gets a parchment out.

Then he orders the slave to drip a bit of blood on it.

Once she does there is a faint glow coming out of her chest area.

Damn, I guess this is where her slave tattoo is.

"Now just drip your own blood right there to initiate the master contract."

Ah, there is one thing I need to confirm.

I am pretty sure I know about his motives.

[Tell me you are doing this with an ulterior motive, right?]

"For our future relationships and…"

[No need to be sneaky about it. You are trying to please me to get closer to a sect am I, right?]

"Ah, that yes this is definitely our goal."

[Now why don't you just offer food? That should work for the followers of Gluto.]

He freezes a moment.

Seems he didn't expect me to see through him.

"*Sigh* Your perspicacity is impressive. This issue is not that simple."

[You guys offended him in the past and need to be forgiven?]

"Exactly, something like that."

[So in exchange for the slave you expect me to put in a good word for your guys?]

"That would be extremely appreciated!"

[Alright, sure. Now where were we?]

"The part about signing the blood contract to finish the process."

Right.

I scratch my palm until blood flows.

*SPLURT*

Ah, this brings back memories.

Back when I was young and stupid.

Back when I was still experimenting with my powers.

Trying to figure out how to boost my recovery power.

Ah, I have gone a long way.

Now I am not as young and still stupid.

Joke, I'd say my progress is pretty good so far.

"Congrats! You just signed a successful slave contract!"

[Thanks, now can I get my door and leave?]

"Pffft hahahahahahaha."

Did I miss anything?

[What's up?]

"Leave you say? Look at your arm."

What is he even talking about?

A red glowing pattern.

Slave contract…

Oh, fuck!

Note to self, read contracts before signing them.

There is just one thing…

[How?! Hers was glowing in reaction to…]

"You mean this?"

Suddenly her slave mark starts flickering like crazy.

Ah, he can control the activation as he wishes.

I was all a diversion.

To reassure me.

I assumed and ….

This is bad.

[Do you think holding me hostage will give you leverage with the Gluto sect? You are sorely mistaken.]

"Gluto sect? I don't give a fuck about them. I'm selling you to the Moon Keep!"

Ah fuck.

What now?