Chapter 41: Acting Skill
I immediately found out the slave traders location. Since the rumor has already spread in the town, I asked an adventurer-like man for the location in exchange for some money and he readily gave me the information.
They seem to be located in a back alley in the north district. Speaking of the north district, mansions belonging to nobles and large merchants lined the streets. Darkness must really run deep if slave traders set up shop in such a place.
I pulled my hood deep over my face and moved while erasing my presence.
When I entered the slave trader’s store, a middle-aged man with a plump beard approached me while rubbing his hands.
「Welcome. What kind of slave are you looking for today?」
「I’m new to this town. So can I see what kind of slaves you have here?」
「Well, of course. Please take a look. Are you looking for a woman?」
The man asked with a grin on his face. Let’s get down to business.
「Right… What kind of girl do you have? I have money so don’t worry about whether I can afford it.」
「Oh ho! Then how about an elf? I’ll even add a discount.」
「Can I see first? Also, I have no intention of buying a criminal slave…」
「Most definitely! I can’t say this out loud but we have products other than criminal slaves in another room, hehe…」
「Hmm, I would really like to see that.」
After that, I followed the slave trader to a room in the back and down the stairs to the basement.
Security was tight. I saw five female elves in a cage after passing through two locked doors.
In a cage in the back, I saw several male and female dwarves and several young beastfolk girls.
As I was observing the room, I heard a commotion from the direction of the stairs.
「Let go of me! I will not be made into a slave!」
「Hmm? Eh!?」
I was shocked when I turned around.
A man dragged in a woman while grabbing her arms. The woman, who was in a one-piece dress, was twisting her arms trying to break free from the man’s hold. That woman was Shinku.
Moreover, her ears were long. And at first glance, she looked like an elf.
「Is something the matter?」
「It’s nothing. More importantly, what about that elf?」
「Geheheheh… A quality product, isn’t she? She arrived just a few minutes ago. You’re in luck!」
「Can I talk to her?」
「I don’t mind. However, you will have to remain outside the cage.」
Saying that, the slave trader took a step behind. He doesn’t seem to have any intention to leave.
「What’s your name?」
≪Hey, Shinku, what are you doing?≫
「I have no name to give to someone like you!」
≪This is an undercover investigation. I am proud of my perfect disguise and performance.≫
「A feisty woman… but I like it.」
≪The acting and disguise are indeed perfect, but this is overkill.≫
「Hmph, suiting your fancy means nothing to me!」
≪I am alright. This is the surest way to find out where the freed slaves are. Besided, I can break out of this place whenever I want.»
「Hou… Such a strong-willed girl…that’s good.」
≪Well… I guess so. If it gets dangerous, get out as soon as possible, okay?≫
「Don’t look at me with those dirty eyes!」
≪Understood. Please leave this to me.≫
「Hey shopkeeper! How much for this one?」
「Have you taken a liking to this one? She just arrived and hasn’t been trained yet, so I will give you a discount for just 90 gold coins.」
「Don’t try to size me up. She’s certainly high quality but 80 gold coins should be enough, right?」
「Dear me, I am no match for you. Well then, how about 85 gold coins? I will also add a slave contract service to it. Would that be okay?」
With this, Shinku should be able to stay here until tomorrow.
In addition, should I use a little bloodlust to threaten the slave trader?
「Huh, that’s fine then. However, I don’t have that much on hand right now.
I’ll definitely come to buy her tomorrow night, so handle her with care until then.
If you damage her even a little… there will be no mercy. You got that?」
「Ye… Yes! O-Of course! I understand! I shall be waiting for you tomorrow night!」
After that, the slave trader politely guided me to the entrance of the shop and bowed his head deeply as he saw me off.
This confirms the fact that they are doing illegal business. Furthermore, even if I lose track of the free slaves, Shinku can guide me to them through telepathy.
Even so… I feel like Shinku is sacrificing herself too much.
I understand that normal humans can’t do anything to Shinku considering her level and status, but it still doesn’t feel right in my heart to have her do this.
I’ll give her a lecture when she comes back.
I wonder how Kinu and Drake are progressing.
≪Kinu, Drake, what is your progress? On my side, I found proof that they are dealing in the black market.≫
≪I haven’t found anything yet. There doesn’t seem to be anything in the west district.≫
≪I’m also searching from the sky, but I haven’t found any suspicious people.≫
≪I see. Alright then, return to the inn for now.≫
≪What about Shinku-neesan?≫
≪……I will explain that back in our room.≫
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
About 20 minutes later, Kinu and Drake returned to the room. I explained to them what had happened at the slave traders shop.
「Seriously… Shinku-neesan is too unreasonable…」
「Shinku is going to get a scolding when she comes back…」
Kinu was unusually angry. I felt the same way.
However, it is also true that things have become easier thanks to Shinku.
After that, it was decided that Drake would look around a little more, and Kinu and I would prepare for tomorrow while organizing information through telepathy with Shinku.
NEXT CHAPTER
RELEASE RATE
I Became A Zombie After Being Deceived And Killed
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Current schedule: Every 70 hours
Best girl doing some work!