An amused smile spread across his face as he watched the bustling townscape.
“But who can blame them? They’re obeying the status quo. In business, the presence of winners necessitates the existence of losers. Everyone wants to be on the side making a profit, so it’s only natural to cozy up to those with good prospects. Sympathize with one unfortunate soul and you might as well sympathize with them all—there’s no end to it. So they turn a blind eye to the weak, the losers, and those with no potential. This is the city of trade, after all; it was built on apathy toward the weak.”
“The weak and the losers, huh?” I repeated.
“The most fitting example of which are beastfolk slaves. If anything, many depend on the fact that they’ll continue to suffer and lose.”
“In what sense?” I asked, following Rashid’s gaze to the beastfolk girl still speaking with Lynne and the others.
“The world of commerce is as impartial as it is cruel. For one person to ‘gain,’ another must ‘lose.’ Beastfolk slaves like that girl, on top of being born with sturdy bodies, are obedient and docile. They’re goods to be traded that bring vast sums of wealth to their owners. They carry out whatever tasks they’re given with excellence, and they fetch a high price on the market. Sometimes, they even take pride in those facts and, as sad as it is, grow into adults who maintain that the sole reason for their existence is to serve.”
“But that can’t be the norm, can it? Don’t they ever aspire to more?”
“Some do, but very few beastfolk slaves receive a proper education. Most adults can’t read, which cuts them off from the insights of literature, and what options do they have then? Quite honestly, they’re such a good-natured people that it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. But as a result, they’ve ended up weak, ignorant, and pitiable, fated to be used by utter incompetents who somehow managed to solidify their position as the winners of society. In a sense, the beastfolk are the ‘perfect’ losers—prey born into captivity who keep on giving.”
Rashid gave an exaggerated shrug of his shoulders and shook his head, chuckling. “But I suppose none of that really matters. You won’t be able to enjoy this city if you let such things get to you. We’ve dealt with the trouble, so why don’t we do a bit of shopping, as we originally intended? You wanted to see that golem workshop, didn’t you? It’s just up ahead.”
“Yeah, I did, but—”
“Noor. A moment of your time?”
“Rolo?”
“Oh, the demonfolk boy,” Rashid said. “Do you object to our destination?”
“No, not at all. It’s just...the girl. She hasn’t told us about her little brother yet.”
I glanced at Rolo. “Her little brother?”
“Mm-hmm. She’s been thinking about him this whole time, but she’s holding back because of us.”
We all returned our attention to the girl, who recoiled in the face of our stares. She opened her mouth for a moment, then closed it, seemingly thinking the better of saying anything.
“If you feel comfortable, could you tell us about your family?” Lynne asked gently, still crouched down next to her. “Do you have a little brother?”
The girl looked over at me, almost as if seeking my approval. Only when I gave her a small nod did the words start trickling out.
“M-Mom and dad died...when I was little. But...but, my brother and me have always been together. From when we were small until...y-yesterday.”
“What happened?” Lynne asked.
“H-He’s not as tough as me, so he gets sick really easily. And medicine costs a lot. My old master thought he was too much of a bother, so he bought only me. M-My brother’s really weak right now, so...so...”
The girl’s eyes wandered downward, her voice becoming weaker with each word. She spoke between sniffles, tears welling in her eyes and running in rivulets down her cheeks.
“A-As I was leaving, the trader said he was no good to sell and took him away somewhere. A-And then...then... I don’t know... Sorry. I’m sorry!”
She curled up into herself, unmoving.
“You’re very brave for telling us,” Lynne said, placing a hand on the girl’s back. “Thank you. I’m sorry for making you relive such a painful memory.”
“She said her brother was sick, right?” I mused. That must have been why she was cowering on the street in the first place.
“Yes,” Lynne said. “If only we knew where he was.” Her expression was grave—yet Rashid appeared to be having fun.
“Hmm... I see,” he muttered. “Perhaps I was right about who sold her...”
“Have you figured something out?” I asked.
“The emblem on the black collar around her neck—I’m fairly certain I’ve seen it before. I suspect she was purchased from one of the slave trading houses belonging to the Galen Company—the employer of those thugs we just sent running. It shouldn’t be far from here, if my memory hasn’t failed me.”
“So you think her brother’s there?”
“That would be my bet, yes.”
As ominous as Rashid’s never-faltering smile seemed, I exchanged glances with Lynne, and we both nodded.
“Lynne, do you mind if we leave the golem workshop for another time?” I asked.
“Not at all. It seems haste is in order.”
“Are you okay with that too, Rashid? Sorry for the trouble.”
“No need to apologize. If that’s what you two desire, I see no reason to object. It’s your coin, after all.” His smile grew even more mischievous. “In fact, I rather think this shopping trip is shaping up to be much more enjoyable than any visit to a golem workshop.”
“In that case, I don’t mean to rush you, but could you show us the way?” Lynne asked.
“But of course, Lady Lynneburg. As luck would have it, I should have an old friend in the Galen Company. This is the perfect opportunity to brush the dust off our relationship.”
“Then let’s go. Ines, may I trouble you to bring Mina along?”
“As you wish, my lady. Come now, Mina; hop on my back. My armor isn’t the most comfortable, but you shouldn’t need to tolerate it for long.”
“H-Huh? Who are...?”
“I am Ines, Lady Lynneburg’s attendant. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“I-In... Nice to...”
As Ines lifted the girl onto her back, I walked over to where I’d left the Black Blade in the middle of the street and picked it up. It appeared to have been blocking traffic.
“All right,” I said. “Let’s go.”
Rashid took the lead, guiding us farther into the city.