Chapter 2:
The Slave Market
ALTHOUGH SLAVES WERE SOLD at an enormous, gated trading firm in Holfort’s capital city, its proprietor didn’t take kindly to his company being referred to as a “slave market.”
That proprietor was currently guiding a few customers who’d reserved his services for this particular time slot. He gestured exaggeratedly as he spoke to them, explaining his firm’s situation. A large man with a portly figure, he wore his finest suit, and gold and silver accessories covered his neck, wrists, and fingers. That opulence hinted at his business’s prosperity.
“Fools refer to this place as a slave market, but that was only true in the past. What our establishment does now is oversee employment contracts for workers. You could say we’re something of an intermediary.” Despite the fact that none of these visitors had even uttered the words “slave market,” he still went out of his way to address the matter, hoping to improve his patrons’ impressions of the place.
This group of customers consisted of three people, all of whom trailed behind the proprietor. The most important among them was the crown prince, Julius Rapha Holfort. The man accompanying him was his foster brother, Jilk Fia Marmoria. While Julius was the future king, Jilk was a viscount’s heir. Dealing with such important people made the proprietor sweat profusely, carefully considering each word that left his mouth.
Following several steps behind them was Olivia. As they traversed the gaudily decorated corridors, she noticed that the proprietor only gave her a single brief glance before practically ignoring her.
This place looks like the inside of a castle, she thought.
For a commoner like her, raised in the distant countryside, the extent of the luxury was intimidating. And Olivia could tell clearly that there were differences between the proprietor’s treatment of her and of the two men. That wasn’t obvious—he behaved politely enough toward her—but he was nowhere near as deferential and attentive as with Julius and Jilk.
Tired of the proprietor’s rambling defense of the company, Julius responded, “I understand. The past is the past, and you now comply with the established system of employment contracts. Nothing you do is illegal; everything’s aboveboard. Correct?”
The proprietor was visibly relieved. “I’m glad you understand, Your Highness. Men habitually misconstrue our business practices, which has often created great enmity toward us.”
Olivia, who was listening to their conversation, found the whole situation odd. She couldn’t tamp down her curiosity. “Um,” she said hesitantly, “how come men aren’t allowed their own personal servants at the academy?”
She was ignorant of the aristocracy and its many unspoken rules, and her question was a natural one, but it still earned her a brief glower from the proprietor. Then, before Julius or Jilk could notice the expression, he feigned uncertainty.
“I suppose you could say it’s historic precedent or custom. Signing a contract with a personal servant reflects poorly on a man’s reputation.”
“It affects his reputation?” Olivia asked in disbelief. “But that doesn’t—”
Before she could say what was on her mind—that the idea of a personal servant affecting a man’s reputation, but not a woman’s, was nonsensical as far as she was concerned—Jilk interrupted. “Miss Olivia, you mustn’t antagonize the proprietor. This has been customary for many, many years. Pushing for more nuanced answers will only place him in an awkward position.”
“Oh. Um, all right.” She still wasn’t satisfied, but since Jilk had shut the conversation down, she couldn’t pursue the matter.
The proprietor sagged with relief. “Thank you for your understanding.”
“At any rate, where are these personal servants you promised to show us?” Julius asked, anxious to move the whole appointment along.
“Right this way—over in this room here!” The proprietor motioned to a door and led them through. Inside, demi-humans dressed in suits were lined up. No metal bars or barriers separated them, nor did they wear any kind of restraints. There was a great variety of elves and beastmen alike. Each was incredibly handsome. Some were slender and androgynous, while others sported bulging muscles. They all held their heads up proudly.
“All our workers are top class, but these are the cream of the crop,” said the proprietor. “They’ve been taught the requisite etiquette to adapt to any situation. In fact, they can act as a tutor for their mistress, if required. Should you wish it, they—oh, pardon. Never mind that part.” He stopped short, censoring whatever he was about to say.
Julius gently nudged Olivia forward with his hand, making her stand in front of the demi-humans. “You can choose whoever you want. They’ll be your personal servant, after all.”
“Um, uh…” Her eyes wandered. Each servant wore a tag on their vest that noted their race, name, and the cost of a contract with them. They all smiled at her.
Olivia couldn’t possibly choose. I know His Highness said he would pay for me to have a servant, but these are absurd salaries for only a year of employment—so exorbitant, they’d cover all three years of my schooling. Still bound by the monetary values she had learned as a commoner, she was paralyzed in front of the prices she glimpsed.
Jilk noticed her hesitation and glanced at the proprietor. “She’s really looking for someone who can support her daily life. She’s in a bit of a unique situation at the academy and has a complicated relationship with her female peers, which has left her feeling somewhat isolated. She wants a servant who can help support her emotionally through that. She doesn’t really need anything else, so we’d appreciate your taking that into consideration.”
Olivia had no quibbles with what Jilk said. He’d hit the nail on the head.
The proprietor studied Jilk and Julius for a moment, stealing occasional glances at Olivia. He seemed to grasp the situation immediately. “In that case, I have someone in mind who’d be perfect for the job. He fits your criteria exactly. That said, he does have a bit of a…problem.”
Olivia’s stomach twisted with worry. This would be her first time signing a contract with a personal servant, so she was anxious to begin with. If the other party had issues, she’d feel even more nervous. “What problem, exactly?” she asked.
“He’s not always considerate with his words, although he does his work impeccably. I wouldn’t go so far as to say he’s rude—but he might be a bit insensitive.”
Jilk nodded thoughtfully. “Hm. If I understand right, he’s a bit rough around the edges but still fully competent as a servant. Correct?”
As Jilk looked at him, the proprietor tensed and became flustered. “Y-yes, of course, my lord. His previous contracts were annulled due to his lack of politeness and flexibility, but not for anything egregiously inappropriate. Beyond those few flaws, he’s exactly what you requested.”
Jilk placed a hand on his chin, turning over this new information in his mind. Finally, he turned to Olivia. “I recommend choosing him, then.”