Grizz quickly tracks down Chad.

"It seems that more than half of the slaves you're selling are actually illegal slaves."

"Where do you have proof of that?　Even if it's Grizz, I've got my own ideas if you're trying to make a fuss.



　Chad is still adamant about his position.

　Well, he hasn't proven anything yet. These guys are not going to be honest enough to say they did it.



"I'm going to go ahead and tell you something, but you better come clean soon."

　Grizz urges them to confess with an air of composure.

　He is indeed the son of a merchant. He had a surprisingly strong presence in his mannerisms and remarks.

"Hey, you guys, close that door!"



　The men who had led us to the room closed the door and began to cast a soundproofing spell over the entire room. It was as if they were trying to tell us something they didn't want the people around us to hear.

　Now, even if someone tries to eavesdrop from outside, they cannot hear what we say inside the room.



"And what do you know about it?　I underestimated you because I thought you were just a second generation idiot, but it seems I was wrong. Let's have a heart-to-heart talk.

"Too bad. I'm afraid I'm not just an idiot, I'm a big idiot. First of all, you're the one who takes orphans and vagrants and enslaves them wherever you go. And you've even captured a man from the city who was attacked by the White Wolf Wonder Wolf, haven't you?"

"Oh, so that's the rumor. Do you have any proof of that?"



　Chad said that he wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk with us, but he was going to ask us what kind of information we had. Chad was not at all surprised by this.



　Grizz pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket.

　It contained information on orphans and vagrants that Grizz had researched.

　It said that the number of orphans and vagrants was decreasing visibly through the interviews, although it was difficult to get an accurate count of the number of people who were living in the area.



"Unfortunately, I didn't have the exact information, but it was right around the time when you came to town."

"Isn't that a good thing. Isn't it a good thing that more people are getting well and working at the soup kitchens we run?"

"Vagrants may be, but orphans don't decrease so easily.



"That's true. But what do we have to do with the fact that they are decreasing?　It's just speculation, isn't it?"

"Oh, I'm afraid I couldn't find that out."

　This is still a small exchange, but Chad smiles a winning smile.



"That's too bad. I didn't think you'd be held up for that. I think you should just pay for today and go home.　If you stay any longer, you're just going to embarrass yourself."

"Oh, I couldn't check ......, but I could find a witness who says he was taken. Open the door there."

　There was a gasp from the men, and they were flustered, but Chad nodded and opened the door.



　There was Nayuta, Liran's sister, accompanied by Shannon.

"You're the ones who robbed my house last night!　I want my slave back!"

　It was Nayuta who calmly replied to Chad's words, which sounded almost like a shout.



I am not your slave. I am not your slave and I will not be held captive by you.

　She told Chad clearly, with a firmness that belies her small size.



"You make me laugh. Do you expect me to believe the story of that orphan or mine?"

"Everyone in this city is at my mercy. I've built up that much trust. And not just in this city. I'm not just a slaver anymore. I'm not a piece of trash like you.



"I see. ...... I knew you didn't realize it."

"What?　What are you talking about?

Nayuta there is a duchess. She's one of the rightful heirs of the Lewis family, the one you used Wonder Wolf to attack the city and bring it down. Your guardian made you attack the city without your knowledge, though."



What are you talking about?

What are you talking about? I know you're going to say this is a lie too, but his brother is in King's Landing with a relative arranged by Grizz. The Lewis family is originally parted from the royal family, so there will be people who know Rilan in King's Landing. Nayuta is smart, by the way. As soon as she realized that the White Wolf Wonder Wolf's goal was to overthrow the Lewis family and sell magical tools that can predict the abnormal behavior of demons, she hid her identity and ran away in a shabby outfit."

"So?　What proof do you have that it was me who did it?"

　Chad still refused to admit guilt.



"I can testify to that, of course. And that you caught me and locked me in the basement."

　Chad obviously thought we were stupid.

　He still didn't want to let go of his smug look.



"No, it's okay. It doesn't matter if you admit guilt or not. It's the people from King's Landing who will judge you. All we have to do is stay here and watch to make sure you don't run away."

"Kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk ...... Don't they say you are a terrible negotiator?　I thought it was funny. Why don't you bring your soldiers? I mean, you guys haven't even gotten a hold of my soldiers yet, have you?"



Are your soldiers ......?

Yes, many of the soldiers in this city have received bribes from me. Now, if you'll excuse me. I have no more use for this city that is about to be attacked and destroyed by half-fish.

　Chad turns to leave the room.



"You think we're just gonna let you walk away?"

No, they're not going to come after you.

　The open door is opened, and the city's soldiers enter.



"You weren't the only ones stalling for time. As soon as we used the soundproofing magic in this room, they would be notified. It's best to get rid of the disturbers when they're in our hands. Now, if you'll excuse me."






　Chad walked out of the room. It was just us and the soldiers.

　The soldier who came in looked familiar. They were the men who had told the man holding Drakul that Nayuta had gone into a back alley the other day.



"You guys don't ...... care if this town gets attacked by half-fish?　This is the town where you were born and raised."

　Grizz spoke to the soldiers.



"Oh?　What has the town where you grew up ever done for us? We're not going to be satisfied with our boring lives ending up here. We're gonna make a name for ourselves here and get Chad to hire us as regulars. Now then, let's let them die like adults."



"Rock, what are we going to do with these guys?"

"What are we going to do with them, Rock? I'll catch them and go after them in time.

　The people who think they have the absolute advantage are surprisingly oblivious to the fact that they're being set up. There's no way we're gonna let them get away with this.

　And we already know where they're going to go. All we have to do is follow them slowly.