"Welcome, Absolute Ark-sama. Thank you for visiting us today. I have selected many slaves with self-defense capabilities, just as you requested. I have assigned Chris to guide you, so please tell him if you need anything. As for guards…forgive my rudeness, but they are unnecessary, aren’t they? We’ve taken the precaution of restricting the slaves' movements. Please, enjoy your time here.”
"Understood. I appreciate it. I'll let my father know of your assistance."
I thanked the Hosa Earl and entered the slave trader's mansion with Chris, where I was led to the largest guest room.
"From now on, I will bring the slaves here one by one. We've bound their actions with contract skills, so there's no need to worry about them causing trouble. If you find a slave you like, please let me know."
I see… an individual interview system, huh? This is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, so I have to choose carefully. It’s just like buying a house. Just then, Chris returned.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. I'll bring them in one by one. First, come in!"
A petite, beast-like girl entered, clad in thin slave clothes. Her face twisted when she saw me.
"Th-This is Uru, from the wolf tribe. I'm eight years old. Umm, p-please buy me…"
Ugh, she looks like she's about to cry. It always hurts when they hate it that much. Whoa, Chris looks like he's about to snap. Maybe I should say something.
"Chris, Uru may be young, but can she fight properly?"
"Yes. The wolf tribe are a warrior race, so even at this age, she's stronger than a mediocre noble. Her current level is 18, and her skills are 【Search】 and 【Beast Transformation】. Including her potential, Uru is the most recommended."
Hoh. 【Search】, huh… Perfect for preventing surprise attacks. And it's good that she's still young. She's scared now, but if I treat her gently, she'll get used to it.
"I see… she's a possibility."
"?! U-Uwaaah… hic… gwaaaah!"
She started crying. Maybe I should stop. Whoa, Chris looks like he's about to lose it again.
"Alright, I understand for now. Call the next one."
I forcefully had Uru taken away and had the next one called.
The next one called was a muscular woman around 40 years old. …Nah, not happening.
"I'm Elizabeth. 43 years old. If you buy me, I'll shower you with love, Young Master."
Ugh… no way. But isn't she stronger than me? If I buy her, I'll definitely get attacked. Plus, she's an old woman.
"Elizabeth was a mercenary, but she was captured in a war and sold into slavery. Her level is 40, which is quite high for a commoner. Her skill is 【Super Strength】. In terms of current combat strength, Elizabeth is the best."
Seriously? And she's looking at me with such burning eyes… Is the skill not working? She's breathing heavily and getting excited. I get it, she's got a thing for young boys! You can't give power to a shotacon! The shotas will be wiped out! No… that pervert must not be set free. Elizabeth should stay in this mansion for the rest of her life.
"Understood. Call the next one."
Elizabeth, sensing a chance, looked at me with hopeful eyes until the very end.
The next slave entered. She had the dignified air of a female knight.
"Maria Stella. 15 years old."
Maria said only that and remained silent. She was hated, but she didn't show it on her face. I thought it was a very adult response.
Hmm? Maria Stella… I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before.
"Maria was a noble, but she lost a succession battle and became a slave. She possesses skills as a knight. Her Unique Magic was not passed down because she was sold before she turned 15."
…I remembered after hearing Chris's explanation.
Maria Stella is the older sister-type heroine from Rainana Kingdom Story. At first, she's cold, but after being bought by the protagonist and spending time with him, she overlaps his image with her deceased younger brother and gradually dotes on him.
“Are you tired already?! …It can’t be helped. Here, let me lend you my lap. Once you wake up, it’s back to training, got it? Hehe… Such an adorable sleeping face♡”
“Hey! Get that towel away! How can I wash you properly like that?! Why, what are you making bigger?! Honestly, men are always like this. Here, I’ll wash you properly, so don’t be embarrassed.”
What a completely detestable guy, that protagonist. But if I put Maria on our side now, I can steal the protagonist's forces. Plus, if I complete Maria's events in the future, Maria will be able to use her Unique Magic, and she also has room to grow. It's decided.
"Chris. I've decided."
"Elizabeth-sama?"
Hey, don't try to sell me the pervert!
"I'll buy Uru and Maria. Prepare the contracts."
Chris looked somewhat disappointed as he began preparations.
Too bad, Chris… I'm counting on you to handle Elizabeth!
With the decision made, I called the Hosa Earl, and the contracts with Uru and Maria were completed.
I faced the two slaves.
"From now on, I am Absolute Ark, your master. From now on, you two will serve as my maids."
Hearing my name, the two changed their expressions.
"A-Ark House? You mean the one that's said to be the worst in this country? Noooo!"
(Uru… I won't deny it, but we're just causing trouble within the law… I won't deny it, though.)
"Tch! So you're from the Ark House… No wonder I felt such disgust. What do you intend to do to us? If you're going to kill us, then kill us quickly!"
(Just because I'm from the Ark House, huh? That's a terrible thing to say…)
"I don't intend to kill you. I want you to work as maids. …But you are my slaves from now on. It seems your way of speaking needs adjustment."
I activated the skill 【King's Rule】 and intimidated the two.
Pressure, as if being blown by a strong wind, assaulted the two.
It felt as if the air had thinned, and it became difficult to breathe properly.
The two turned pale and trembled violently.
Is… this enough?
I released the pressure.
"From now on, be careful how you speak… Understand?"
Seeing the two nod repeatedly, I pumped my fist in my heart.
I made those two women understand their place.
