I enjoy silence a lot, but if I’m with someone and they stay silent. It’s very awkward. But apparently, in this world, silence means some entirely different.

***

After returning the three girls that didn’t get chosen by me, the girl that I chose stood still on the stage while giving me a blank stare with her expressionless face.

“Are you sure you’re going to buy only her?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

While looking at me with greedy eyes, he tried to suggest adding more to my selection. Although I got slightly forced in this decision, there’s no use in crying over spilled milk. Anyhow, I don’t think she’s bad at all. She actually looks cute.

“I’d like to ask questions about how she became a slave, but give me some information about her first if possible.”

When we went out of the tent, two men came into the room with iron collars in a hurry. For the meantime, I and the manager talked a bit.

About the girl, from the manager’s speculation, she’s around 14 or 15. He said that her face looks like the ones that came from the northern regions. Because of that, the manager told me that he was surprised seeing a girl like her in this cold weather. She just got turned into a slave about a week ago when he found her. And about her personality, the manager doesn’t know because this is the way she already was when he found her.

“Her price is 12 gold, plus the collar and chains, and the [Slavery Contract] magic; it’ll be 20 all in all.”

“Lower down the price a bit. Iron these days are cheap anyway so… 17.”

“Tsk! For you to have knowledge about them, you must be a trader. Fine, let’s go with 17.”

“And about [Slavery Contract] magic, I haven’t heard of that before. Care to inform me about it?”

“Sharing information isn’t free. It’ll be 18.”

So, about the [Slavery Contract] magic, it’s something very cliché. The person that gets bound by this magic will follow orders from the one they’re contracted with regardless of the situation. However, this magic needs some certain requirements before it gets conjured. A strand of hair from the master and a drop of blood from the slave must be burned together in a fire while chanting the words of the magic in a ceremony. After the ceremony, a mark that the master prefers will show up on the back of her left hand as a proof of ownership. In my case, it’s the crest of my Household that would pop-out.

But there’s a drawback in this magic. If by some chance, the slave is a higher being than the master, the product of the ceremony will be in full reverse. For example; the master is a commoner and the slave is of royal blood, it would be obvious who will be the master.

Sometime after the payment and the ceremony, the slave and I are now alone together in a tent where we held the ceremony. Sanjeet and the co. are outside the tent waiting for us to come out. I still haven’t come out of the tent because I have something to do with this girl. It’s not something perverted of course.

“Okay, first off, I am Chevalier Key Godfre Chardelier, your new master. I’d like to hear your name.”

“…”

Currently, I’m trying to get to know this girl. And her reply… there’s no reply. She’s just looking directly straight at me with her blue eyes without making any expressions. The manager already checked her with a magician and she doesn’t seem to be any problems about her talking.

“Uhm… Do you have a name?”

“…”

--Oh! She shook her head!

“Do you want a name?”

*nod*

“What kind of name do you want?”

*tilts head to the right*

“Do you want something common?”

*tilts head the other way*

For some reason, her response to my questions made me feel a bit excited. Though she doesn’t show any expressions, the way she responded is cute.

But a name huh… this is the first time I’m going to give a name to someone, moreover, to a teenage girl. This is something very impossible to happen back in Earth.

I looked at her from head to toe. The iron collar on her neck and legs are slightly disheartening, but it’s something that cannot be helped. Still, I continued to think of a name for her.

“Hmm… ‘Trisha’ seems fit.”

*furiously shakes her head*

“I’m kidding! For a quiet slave, you sure are energetic.”

Because I suddenly said that, she became stiff. I think she’s afraid to get punished.

“Sorry for scaring you. Don’t worry; I won’t punish you for something trivial.”

Upon hearing those words, I can see her shoulders immediately relaxing. For a quiet and emotionless faced girl like her, she’s full of energetic reactions. Or maybe it’s just my imagination?

I continued thinking about her name. I wasn’t actually joking around the name ‘Trisha’ though.

While I continued looking at her, out of a sudden I end up looking straight at her eyes. For some reason, I end up looking straight at those crystal-like blue eyes of hers.

“Hmm… What about ‘Lapis’?”

Unlike a while ago, she tilted her head and looked like she wants to hear an explanation.

“Well, I noticed your blue eyes. Since I’m fond of the color blue, I gave you a name that perfectly suits you. Then I end up with the name ‘Lapis’.”

After hearing the explanation, she fixed her stance and looked like she understood. Actually, she didn’t do anything; I just assumed it just by observing her.

“So then, Lapis. Let’s go now. There are still people waiting for me so let’s be quick.”

Lapis then bowed in accordance and followed me outside.

Outside the tent, Sanjeet and the co. are waiting for me. Then, they noticed Lapis standing behind me without any expressions.

“So she’s the slave you bought huh…”

“What about her?”

“Nothing special, it’s just that you chose someone beautiful.”

I totally agree with Sanjeet. Though this girl is emotionless, she’s without a doubt a beauty. I would have preferred if she smiled though.

Then when I turned towards her, I noticed that her shoulders are shaking from the cold because she’s only wearing a tattered white dress. I completely forgot that the weather is really cold due to the warmth inside the tent.

After that, I then took off my coat and put it around her shoulders. The girls and she herself became surprised from what I did. But she’s still doesn’t show any emotions so it’s slightly hard to tell.

“What?”

“N-nothing.”

Because of their reactions, it slightly irritated me for various reasons.

“I’m fully aware of the slave’s position, but I’m still human so I still have mercy on me.”

While I said so, I looked at her eyes. Those eyes are full of concern about me.

“Don’t worry about me. >”

About this new spell, it’s something I derived from the >. It wraps me in an invisible layer of magic that maintains the heat of my body in the normal level. Also for the reason why I didn’t use the armor, I don’t want to attract attention. Simple as that!

When I finally finished putting the coat around Lapis properly, I noticed that she’s only on barefoot and directly touching the snow with her feet.

“Everyone, let’s go back to the carriage. The girls have waited long enough. Let’s also find some boots for Lapis along the way. Lit, Amly, please help Lapis find a proper pair. Don’t mind the price.”

Everyone nodded to my instructions. Though they got taken aback from my change of character, it’s something that happens often lately so it cannot be helped. And before we started walking, I carried Lapis in my arms. Since she’s heavier than I expected, I secretly use > though mind invocation.

Lapis looked straight at my face. Because I didn’t give any warnings about it, it surprised her. I can tell that from her expressionless face.

Also, everyone’s gazes have shifted towards me. That includes passerby and strangers in the area.

“I don’t want something I own to get damaged, that’s all.”

With the first step I made, everyone returned back to their businesses. Amly and Lit’s flustered expressions are still the same though.

***

After we found some suitable boots for Lapis, that’s when I put her down and let her walk on her own. While at it, we also bought some clothes for her along the way. Now, she’s wearing a blue and white colored dress under the coat. It’s not too fancy for me, but Amly and Lit think that it looks good on her so I bought it for 30 silver coins. It’s been a while since I’ve used a lower currency than gold.

Just when the carriage finally came in sight, Sora suddenly popped out from Sanjeet’s shadow.

“So, why’d you buy a slave all of a sudden?”

“The collar gave it away didn’t it?”

“No, but the slavery magic did.”

For some reason, his tone is slightly angry. I’m guessing he’s displeased about the fact that I bought a slave.

“You know me Sora. I’m not going to do something weird. I just bought her and—bufoo!”

While I was in the middle explaining, Sora suddenly punched me across the face. It didn’t contain any boost or any magic. It was just a normal punch. And for a normal punch, it made me drop on the ground and spat some blood.

Because of that, my escorts immediately pulled out their weapons and guarded me. However, Sora didn’t faze and reacted to them at all. After that, he gave me the reason for that punch.

“Don’t get me wrong Key. It’s just something I want to do to people who buy slaves for a long time.”

“So there are still things you haven’t got used to in this world huh.”

I understood him. This is not because we came from the same world, but because this feels too inhumane. I guess that Sanjeet also wanted to do the same thing.

Out of a sudden, Lapis stood and blocked Sora who slowly approached me while ignoring the escorts. Though she stood there on her own accord, I can tell that she’s afraid because of her shaking knees.

“Don’t worry, I won’t kill him. He’s my friend.”

*shakes her head furiously*

“I told you. He’s my friend. I won’t do any more harm after that.”

*still continues to shake her head*

I can’t tell what Lapis’ expressions right now, but because of Sora’s puzzled reaction, I’m guessing that he’s confused because of how expressionless she is. I’m actually surprised with myself that I could tell what her reactions are.

At that moment, I stood up with the help of Amly. I then put my left hand on Lapis’ shoulder and gave her a wry smile.

“Calm down Lapis. He really is a friend. He’s just angry for you.”

After confirming my words, she then slowly puts down her arms. I then ruffled her hair as my way of pampering.

I then shifted my gaze to Sora who just calmed down after hitting me.

“Even though she’s a slave, I’m going to treat her like a little sister.”

When Sora hear the words ‘little sister’ made a stupefied expression. I’m guessing he didn’t expect that one.

“Why a ‘little sister’?”

While still putting my hand on Lapis’ head, I have him an answer with a smile that’s slightly covered with blood.

“Because she has the same face as my niece! She totally reminds me of her.”

At first, Sora didn’t get what I meant and crossed his arms. After that, he let out a loud sigh and then gave me a serious look.

“You now know well that I don’t like the term ‘slave’, I won’t allow any bad treatment towards her.”

“What are you talking about? Of course I’ll be treating her well. Isn’t that already obvious in the way she looks?”

And with a fist bump, both of us smiled at each other. Because of that, everyone lowered their weapons and gave us warm smiles. Only Sanjeet is scratching his head while looking at us with a troubled expression. By the way, he’s the only one who didn’t pull out his sword.

After that, we then proceeded towards the carriage. At that time, the other group of my escorts finally returned back with new weapons and armor, however, none of then carried any magic weapon. On the bright side, they seemed to be contented with their new weapons. I’m guessing that this place’s weapons are really made well.

When we arrived at the carriage, I immediately introduced Lapis to everyone. Cherry and Matt became furious on why I didn’t say anything about me buying a slave. So, I explained to them my reason.

“Actually, my grandfather has a workshop in Berigious. A friend of mine told me that that place is probably filled with dust and needs cleaning. I don’t want Jane to do the cleaning alone, but since there aren’t maids in that place, I bought my own slave.”

“Why did you decide things on a whim!? There’s a limit in being whimsical you know! Moreover, you chose woman.”

“I agree with Cherry. However, you can just use magic in terms of cleaning.”

“I know, I know. I do agree that using magic is efficient, but it might attract unnecessary attention. Moreover, it might give away our location. Didn’t you say that those guys have stopped following us?”

“Ugh! If you put it that way… then it can’t be helped.”

Since I gave them a sound argument, Cherry swallowed her words. On the other hand, Matt is keeping her eyes on Lapis for a long time now.

“She looks really lifeless.”

While looking at Lapis with cautious eyes, Matt suddenly let out some comments regarding her appearance.

“I don’t know why but, why would you choose a slave that looks lifeless? There are a lot of slaves out there, why did you choose her?”

Even though Matt’s words are harsh, Lapis didn’t react at all. She just keeps on looking at us from a distance with a blank stare.

“Nothing much. It was just a spur-in-the-moment kind of decision. Although it’s like that, I don’t think she’s bad.”

While I was saying that, Cherry walked towards Lapis and stood in front of her. But since Cherry is a short girl, Lapis couldn’t help but look down at her.

“Listen up Slave. My name is Cherlaine Relyzine Goldenbloom. Since your master is my fiancée, that would make me your master too. And as a warning,—woobbo!!”

Because Cherry was going to say something unnecessary, I immediately grabbed her by the mouth and pulled back towards me. That action angered Cherry and she hits with her arms softly on my chest. It’s cute though…

“Anyway, I have something important to discuss. Cherry, Matt, Sora… Sanjeet also, let’s go inside the carriage. Ghena, Jane, and Lapis will be on the second carriage for now. Let’s also start moving towards Berigious, if we stay here longer, we would without a doubt arrive tomorrow.”

Immediately, everyone moved from where they stood and started to move. Since Lapis doesn’t know what I’m talking about yet, Jane pulled her and brought her with her to the second carriage along with Ghena. The escorts rushed towards their own carriages and packed their things. On the other hand, Sanjeet is puzzled about why I’m letting him in inside my carriage.

Inside the moving carriage, I started talking about why I called our group together.

“Before I start talking, Sanjeet, there’s something I would like you to know about me.”

Though we had shared many stories and secrets before, the fact about me being an enemy of the gods remained hidden from everyone aside from Cherry, Matt, and Sora. Since Sanjeet is already close to me and has no relation to any religion in this world, I deemed him worthy to know the truth. And for that fact, this made Sanjeet swallow his breath in nervousness.

When I explained everything to him, he became shocked. Even though his reaction is like that, he still continued listening to my secrets with anxiety.

“I see. You got called a ‘Heretic’ by the gods one-sidedly.”

“To make my long story short, I’m a walking trouble that’s waiting to happen.”

Sanjeet lowered his head. After hearing my story, he probably feels pity on my current situation. But that’s just normal since he’s human too.

“Anyhow, I’m actually more concerned about the fact that you became affiliated to me.”

“What do you mean?”

Sanjeet tilted his head after hearing my words. It seems that he didn’t immediately understand what I meant.

“Like I said earlier, I’m being followed by people who are after my power. The others didn’t witness my power so they are safe but you. You’ve seen me use it. Moreover, you’ve tasted it. Though you can’t possibly activate > on your own, the fact that you received it makes you a target.”

Going back to the time when Sora, Sanjeet, and I played in the snow with the armor. At that time, the three of us have gained the ability to use >. Though they can’t use it without using too much mana, it doesn’t change the fact that they have received it through me.

It turns out that the [Rune Grabber] isn’t just a simple replicator, it copies a magic’s full composition and allows me to use it as my own. That also applies with [Age of Gods Magic]. The > is one of the examples of [Age of Gods Magic], since it’s only given by a god; it’s a piece of their divinity. And now, I have that piece the moment I acquired the >, [Divine Flame].

Back to the present, Sanjeet is looking confused. And of course, I don’t let that happen for too long.

“How about this Sanjeet? If you leave now, there’s a chance that the Gods’ followers would leave you alone if you don’t use the power I gave you. If you did that, you can go back to your normal adventuring life in this world without the gods going after you.”

Sanjeet tilted his head upon hearing those. However, his worried face is still there.

“But if you flip the coin, you’ll find yourself having a chance in becoming a noble when I get inaugurated to a higher peerage. If that happens, you would be able to buy your dream which is to acquire magic weapons. Not only that, if you become my retainer, you’ll receive wealth, I’m not talking about just money, but more money. And by the end of the day, you’ll be standing side by side with the man, who will soon drop the gods from the heavens.”

I think my offer doesn’t sound bad. Though it sounds like the devil’s whisper, it’s actually a safe offer… not too safe actually.

Sanjeet crossed his arms and dropped his head while thinking about the matter deeply. I can see that he’s trying to balance the good and bad things about the choices. And after a few minutes of deep thinking, he finally gave me an answer.

“As long as you’ll guarantee my team’s safety, then I’ll accept.”

“I didn’t say anything about taking them too.”

“We’re a set, so wherever one goes, the rest follows.”

“Fine, it’s a deal.”

After shaking our hands, both of us gave dangerous smiles at each other.

“Never have I ever dreamed that I would become someone who’ll help a man who is like the Devil.”

“This is not a Dream, but reality. And in reality, everyone is actually the devil.”

-End of Chapter-