The slaves, now unrecognizable from their former selves, were escorted into a dining hall furnished with large, grand tables laden with luxurious dishes none of them had ever tried before. They all examined the scene from a distance, not daring to approach, until they were gently urged into ornamented chairs by the black-suited employees serving as their guides. Apprehension curbed their appetites—but when they finally tasted the food, the dam burst, and they all tucked in with enthusiasm.
There was enough food for everyone, portioned into individual servings. The girl’s first venture was a spoonful of soup, which she could only describe as a wave of pure elation that spread all the way through her body. Each sip filled not only her stomach but her heart as well. Slurping down the last drop felt like waking from a dream.
Those sitting at the other tables wore bright, satisfied smiles as they chatted merrily and praised the deliciousness of their meal. The day before, they had been stuck in a cramped, dark room, waiting to die. Now, all their unease—their fears for tomorrow—had vanished into thin air. People laughed together, sharing their delight. Though the understanding that this was reality had gradually begun to creep up on her, the girl refused to accept it. For what could this be if not a dream or heaven?
If the world around her truly was a figment of her imagination, she hoped it would continue forever. She wanted nothing more than to cling to the joy she was feeling. Even if none of it made sense, the thought of everyone having fun together made her feel all warm inside.
Little did the girl know, she wasn’t the only one lost in reverie. Every single slave was envisioning a brighter tomorrow—one they’d never even considered before. But their pleasant thoughts lasted only as long as it took them to be guided into the next room.
“What’s this, now?” The long-haired, sharp-eyed man from outside now stood on a stage at the center of the room, glaring down at them. “Having fun, are we? Perhaps you think this is heaven? Your expressions certainly seem to say so.”
A jolt of nervousness rippled through the crowd, and blissful faces stiffened with unease.
“There’s no need to hide it,” he continued. “You sorry lot have received the finest hospitality the City Forgotten by Time has to offer. To enjoy it is only appropriate. Unfortunately, I’m here to tell you that this lucky windfall of yours ends today! There won’t be any more handouts. You’re going to work here from now until your dying days!”
The long-haired man’s ominous words stirred a sense of dread in his audience. He grinned and gave a menacing chuckle.
“That’s right. Let it sink in. Every single one of you is here for good. You’ll be forever tied to the City Forgotten by Time!”
The slaves’ faces turned pale. An uncomfortable-looking woman on the stage—the same lady who had taken charge before—shuffled over to the long-haired man and murmured, “Kron? Proprietor Noor’s instructions did mention guaranteeing them lifetime employment, but isn’t your phrasing somewhat...?”
“They’re about to become our coworkers,” he muttered back. “We can’t let them feel like customers forever. I’m just getting them into the right headspace.”
“If you say so...”
Kron turned away from his colleague—who still looked uncertain—and raised his voice. “Listen up, rookies! Carve this into your hearts! As of this moment, you’ve shed your past as lowly slaves! That means no more groveling, no more cringing, and no more falling over yourselves to obey your masters’ every whim! From now on, you’re all proud employees of the City Forgotten by Time! You’ll receive a full education from scratch, after which you’ll assume your duties. As first-rate workers, you will provide first-rate service for our patrons and strive to uphold our establishment’s first-rate reputation!”
Whispers spread through the crowd. Employees? Education? Were their ears deceiving them?
“As per the generous wishes of our esteemed proprietor, you are free to pursue any career path you desire,” the long-haired man continued. “Please write down your top three choices on the papers you’re about to receive. If you can’t read or write, simply ask one of the nearby staff members for help. Should you have any questions, come forward and ask them.”
The former slaves exchanged puzzled glances, their confusion deepening as they were handed small paper cards covered in writing. Since the girl couldn’t read, it wasn’t until she asked one of the nearby black-suited employees for assistance that she learned the cards contained a list of occupations. Guard, stock procurement clerk, face-to-face customer service representative, shipping and transportation worker, hair and beauty worker, cook, doctor, lawyer—the array of options was exceptional.
“Huh...? Doctor? Lawyer?”
Of all the questions running through the girl’s mind, one stood out above the rest: Why were two professions famously known for the high cost of their education among her choices? Her bewilderment was so intense that, despite her hesitation, she approached the man on the stage, who seemed to be scowling at the room in general.
“U-Um, excuse me!” she called out. “C-Can I ask a question?”
“I said you could, didn’t I? Out with it.”
“C-Can we pick anything? Can I, f-for example, choose to become...a d-doctor?”
“Hmm? Were you not listening, little brat?” Kron fixed the girl with a glare. “Of course you can. The proprietor made it clear that your education will be provided free of charge. If you want to become a doctor, you’ll be assigned to a practicing professional who will guide you firsthand. Funds have already been provided to cover your teachers’ contract fees. Know that you—all of you—have a duty to make the most of your blessed circumstances.”
“D-Duty...?” the girl questioned.
“Yes. Duty. But make no mistake—you will receive your desired occupation only if you put in the work! The lazy and indolent will get not a single grain of sand from the City Forgotten by Time! Prepare yourselves, because no matter what you choose, the path to becoming a professional is fraught with hardship!”
“Y-Yes, sir!”
“That’s your question answered. Anyone else?”
Despite her eager response, the girl was still confused. She had more questions, if anything. She could choose a profession and learn it for free? What did that even mean?
“In case anyone was wondering—and remember, this only applies once you’ve been trained and stepped into your full-time roles—you will be entitled to a hundred days’ worth of paid leave per year. On top of designated rest days, of course,” the long-haired man explained. “Bonuses are provided twice yearly as a general rule, and raises are given once per year—provided you’re working to an acceptable standard. Otherwise, your salary will remain the same! Got that?!”