After completing the registration process, Riese, Alice, and I made our way to the rented retail space that was to be our base. On our way there, we decided to take a quick tour around the city to do a brief price-check at the market. This was essential given my unfamiliarity with the pricing in this world, especially in the Bezos region. On our journey, however, I noticed something unusual. Several individuals were wearing chokers despite not being dressed in what I'd call typical slave attire; slaves from both anime and reality I knew were clothed in rags. Driven by curiosity, I turned to Riese — who had become a walking encyclopedia to me.
"Riese, why is that person wearing a choker?"
"Oh, that would be a slave, uncle."
"But their clothes seem decent enough. Does it mean slaves here lead better lives?"
"Yes, indeed, Uncle. Slaves like the one you noticed are laboring slaves. There are different types, such as slaves taken in war, those who turned to banditry, and debt slaves."
"Could you elaborate on that, Riese?"
"Certainly. In essence, slaves are regarded as their owner's possessions. The lowest tier are the bandits, typically sent to work themselves to death in the mines. Then there are the war captives, individuals unredeemed by their nations after warfare, often employed as guards or sentries. They work for the remainder of their lives without the right to buy back their freedom. Lastly, there are the debt slaves, who are like ordinary people except they work without pay until clearing their debt."
"I see, thanks for explaining."
"Uncle, I want that!" exclaimed Alice, lured by the scent of skewered meats.
Ah, so they also call it skewers here? Worth a try, then.
"Hello sir, what might this be?"
"Greetings, sir. This is a brochette, selling for one silver a piece. Would you care to try?"
"Sure, I'll take three sticks."
We sampled the snacks as we walked.
"Uncle, these aren't as tasty as your cooking."
"Alice!!! My apologies, sir, please ignore her; this dish is considered quite delicious around here."
"Ahaha, no harm done. As her family, I naturally endeavour to provide the best for Alice."
"Yay, thanks, uncle. Ugh, Riese always scolds Alice."
"Eeh~, am I the bad one here?"
"Ahahahha," Alice and I shared a laugh together.
As we enjoyed the snacks and laughter, my attention was abruptly diverted by an impact; a small child, around 8 years of age, very lean, with piercing eyes possibly a boy, had bumped into me.
"I finally caught you, you little thief!"
"Ackkk..."
Eeeh~ what's going on here?
"Sir, we've apprehended him."
"Well done, bring the child here."
"Hold on, what's going on?" I blurted out in shock.
"I apologize for the disturbance, sir. The child just stole some goods from me," declared the middle-aged man.
I scrutinized the boy now restrained by the man's guards, noticing three loaves of wheat bread clutched to his chest. Judging by his attire, this child could be a street urchin.
"I understand; there's no need for fear."
Approaching the boy, I questioned him.
"Hey kiddo, why did you steal the bread?"
The boy remained silent, but his eyes betrayed a mix of concern and fear. I noticed Alice, seemingly quite disturbed by the incident; such events have dire implications for children. I felt compelled to intervene.
"Sir, how much for the loaves?"
I directed this question to the middle-aged man.
"Hmm, the total comes to two silver coins, sir. Why do you ask?"
"Here's four silver coins, and I'll cover the cost. Now, please release the boy."
I hoped the extra payment would soften the shopkeeper's stance.
"Hey, release him," instructed the middle-aged man.
"Hmph, you got lucky today, boy. Don't do this again; not everyone will be as kind as this man," the guard chastised.
The merchant and his guard departed, leaving us with the quiet child.
"Hey, you can go now. I guess you had an urgent need to steal, so off you go..."
The child remained frozen, looking up at me, and then, unexpectedly, tears began to cascade down his cheeks.
"Thank... Thank you, uncle."
"It's nothing."
I was about to leave when,
"Uncle, could you please follow me?"
"That's... "
After a glance at Riese and Alice, and with reassuring smiles, they nodded.
We trailed the boy down an alleyway, which I surmised to be a shanty area of the city. It's a common occurrence, slums everywhere. At the alley's end, my surprise heightened as I came across two identical little girls, around 5 years old, with hair white as snow albeit soiled by grime, roughly Alice's height.
"Aira, Airel!"
"Brother..." (Only one responded.)
Instinctively, I appraised them.
-----++++----
Name: Aira
Condition: Malnourished
------++++----
Name: Airel
Condition: Fever, Malnourished
------++++----
"Aira, how's Airel?"
"Airel's been feverish, bro," Aira sobbed.
"Airel, look, brother's got you food, and you can have this medicine after."
The boy handed a loaf to Airel and slipped out a small packet of powder medicine from his clothes—the kind wrapped in cloth, not plastic.
Reviewing the medicine,
-----++++----
Name: Fever Reducer
Effectiveness: 50%
----- ++++ ----
It appears medicine here isn't overly effective. I watched as Airel struggled to ingest the dry bread and medicine. I quickly drew a water bottle from my portable storage and offered it to Airel.
"...?"
Airel hesitated to accept.
"Take it, Airel; it's a gift from our savior."
Tentatively, Airel took the bottle from me.
"Thank you, uncle."
"Go ahead, drink."
Airel drank then handed the bottle back.
With my part done, it was time to head out.
"Uncle..."
"What's up?"
The boy abruptly fell to his knees, pleading,
"Please, could you adopt my sisters? I myself will be your slave, if need be."
"Eeh~"
I was at a loss, such an unexpected twist. The boy seemed desperate.
"I beg of you, Uncle!"
Confused, Alice suddenly clutched my hand.
"What is it, Alice?"
"Uncle, can we... take care of them, too?" Alice implored, eyes moistened.
I understood; Alice had been in their shoes. Such a compassionate child. I felt a tad ashamed, remorseful for not considering the situation sooner. Life had hardened me after my parents' passing; I'd relied on severance funds to survive. Thankfully, I'd had kind neighbors.
"Sure, Alice, but... shouldn't we see if they're willing first?"
I turned back to the boy.
"Kid, what's your name? And your sisters'?"
"I'm Rain, Uncle. This is Aira, and Airel."
"Alright, Rain, Aira, Airel, you'll come with me. I'll adopt you, Rain. And never steal again, understand? You're part of my family now, and a family grows and thrives together—no need to become slaves."
"Are... Are you serious, uncle?"
"Yes, you can follow me now."
We six made our way to the rented retail space, with me carrying the frail Airel. Rain insisted on doing it, but I wouldn't risk her well-being.
Twenty minutes past the marketplace, we arrived at the rather spacious, two-story building rented for twelve gold coins monthly.
Upon entering, we explored the shop before heading upstairs. There, a sizeable bedroom awaited, along with a kitchen and a living space. The facility included a toilet but required the purchase of a slime, a creature that devours waste. Though weak, free-roaming slimes were rare, quickly captured and farmed, much like chickens. In this city, a single slime went for three silver coins.
Given the large bedroom, I decided all six of us would lodge there together. Sharing rooms between genders was common in this world.
Using the online store, I bought six futons along with blankets and pillows, a comfort upgrade from the straw and feather mattresses we had initially used. When Riese and Alice experienced the sleeping bags during our forest campout, they were thrilled.
I laid one out for Airel immediately, wishing her a swift recovery. The pallor of her face filled me with sadness.
"Woah, Uncle, how'd you manage that?" marveled Rain, Aira sharing his astonishment.
"It's my magic, impressive isn't it?" I boasted with a chuckle.
"Amazing! Can you teach me, uncle?"
"Ahahaha, I'm afraid not; it's a unique skill of mine."
"Oh, what a shame."
"Hahahaha," we all laughed together, Riese, Alice, and Aira.
"So, is it lunchtime?"
"Ooooohhh, Alice can't wait, Uncle!" Alice exclaimed eagerly.
Indeed, Alice seemed the most eager of us all. And so, I began preparing lunch with Riese's assistance.
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