Chapter 152
Boom! Rumble!
As the commotion grew increasingly intense, Romandro finally stood up from his seat. Then, pressing his ear against the door, his eyes darted around. It was clear from the curses and loud noises that the situation was chaotic.
Romandro called out to Ian with a grimace.
Th-This is definitely Beric, right?
What if it wasnt Beric but some other problem that had arisen? What if the slaves were escaping and fighting? Wouldnt even their own safety, as they sat in the office to purchase slaves, be in jeopardy?
However, Ian calmly rummaged through the office desk and drawers, nodding his head.
It should be. The mana has disappeared now, but I definitely felt Berics presence.
Th-Then thats a relief.
Kwang! Clank!
Aaaaargh!
At the same time, the door swung wide open. Romandro was startled and fell backward with a thud. The one who opened the door was Beric, his hair disheveled. He grinned broadly at the sight of Romandro and Ian.
IanIanIan!
Oh, Beric. Long time no see.
Ah, I really went through hell! It was completely exhausting!
You bastard! Die!
As soon as we get back, roast a whole pig for me.
Sure. If you thoroughly clean up here, that is.
Smack!
Behind Beric, a member of the slave caravan swung his sword. However, Beric naturally dodged by tilting his head to the side and seamlessly created a rotational axis to drive his fist into the mans face.
But Beric, why did you call for us? It doesnt seem like you have any trouble handling this on your own.
Ah. Thats because of Hasha.
-Sir Ian! Sir Ian!
Thud!
At that moment, a white dog dashed between Berics legs and leaped into Ians arms. Ian put down the documents he was reading and slowly stroked the dogs neck as he held her.
Hasha. Are you unharmed?
-Sir Ian, I apologize! I accidentally spoke human language in front of these morons! I thought they might overlook it if I panted like a dog, but guess what? I was caught right away! Grr, Im so furious!
Easy. Calm down. As long as youre safe, thats all that matters. Hasha, I have a lot to tell you.
-I do as well. Ian. But before that, the reason I asked Beric to call for you is
Along with Hashas words, about five or six people appeared at the door. They had blue hair and pointed ears. Ian instantly recognized them as Astanians.
Beric, quickly clean up this place. You can kill them all, but keep the caravan leader Fakens alive. Do you know his face?
Yep yep. I know.
Good. Astanians, all of you come in.
Ill be back! Ian!
Creak. Kwang!
At Ians gesture, the Astanians timidly entered the office. They all had shackles on their feet. Beric closed the door as if entrusting everything to them, and Romandro grabbed a broken wooden stick as a weapon, guarding the outside.
The Astanians were captured here, so Hasha couldnt escape alone. Even if Beric killed everyone and unlocked the shackles, if these foreigners with slave status were caught by the guards, they could be handed over to another slave trader.
Hasha, you did very well by calling for me.
At Ians praise, Hashas tail wagged, tapping the floor. They needed an imperial citizen with authority who could handle the situation.
And dont be too shocked to hear this. Wesleigh is dead. To be precise, its more accurate to say she self-destructed.
-What did you just say?
Its best for Hasha to always wear it before going to Astana.
Ian fastened the brooch around Hashas neck, then looked at the unconscious Fakens. Since all the caravan members were dead, he was pondering how to deal with this man.
Its the guards. Weve been dispatched after receiving a report of a disturbance, gasp!
Hey! Is anyone inside?
Whats going on here? Oh my god, theyre all dead.
Is there anyone alive? If someone is there, respond!
It was the guards. They were entering, stepping over the bloodied corpses. As Ian was about to step forward, this time Romandro stopped him.
Ill handle it. Ian, arent you on the verge of becoming the minister of the Ministry of Magic? If any noise gets mixed in, itll be troublesome. Leave it to me! I may not be able to wield a sword like Beric, but Im a man who has lived his entire life in the imperial palace with just a pen!
Ooh, thats cool, Romandro!
You, wipe off the blood! The guards might mistake you for a monster and charge at you.
Beric giggled and rubbed his face. The bloodstains smeared, creating an even more bizarre atmosphere.
Well discuss the details when we return to the residence.
-Right. That would be best. What about Fakens?
Were taking him with us. I have questions for him, and he might be useful. Beric, cover him with a cloth and carry him on your back.
Will you roast the pig as soon as we get back, Master? Actually, Im really hungry right now. I think it would be better to just drag this guy.
Beric deliberately staggered and groaned. The Astanians glanced at each other and offered to help. They would carry him instead of Beric.
Ill give alcohol to the one who carries him.
Out of my way!!
At Ians words, Beric instantly swatted away the Astanians hands. And as if he had never groaned before, he slung Fakens over his shoulder and stood up. Hasha, who was about to take the lead, paused and looked back.
-Ian. But there are more slaves in the basement. What will happen to them?
Slaves?
The Astanians were a tribal nation that lived in harmony with nature. Although they were aware of the slave system, it was their first time encountering it culturally. However, what was imprisoned behind bars was not just humans, but their dignity.
Just as Ian was about to say something, Romandros voice came from outside.
Hey, dont go inside! A highborn from the imperial palace is in there. If you see their face, youll be the ones in trouble, Im telling you.
A guard who was about to enter the corridor leading to the office stopped.
There were people who became slaves illegally, and there was a dispute while verifying them. Are these people authorized slave traders in the country?
It was highly unlikely that those who interacted with thieves would have permission. Moreover, if traces related to undead were discovered, it wouldnt be a big issue even if a few caravan members died here. Above all, they all seemed to be foreigners.
Uh, well have to investigate that separately.
You call yourselves the guards of Bariel, yet how did you fail to notice until a nobles servant was kidnapped by an illegal slave trader? This is a clear mistake! Give me your names and affiliations.
No, Advisor. With so many illegal immigrants here, how can we pay attention to every single one of them?
I know, I know!
And he slipped them some money. If they were demoted and assigned here, it meant they were guards who had caused quite a bit of trouble. Most of them were likely involved in bribery. The guards exchanged glances with each other while looking at Romandros identification and surveying the surroundings.
Then, please submit a report to the guards as soon as possible. We will also verify the legitimacy of the caravan. You mentioned there were illegal slaves?
Thats what Im saying! And they were kidnapped too!
Hmm. I understand.
Even though people had died, their attitude changed after receiving a few coins. Romandros heart was pounding as he handed over the money. The guard scratched his head and asked,
Were all the illegal slaves members of the Advisors household?
Huh? Y-Yes! They were!
I understand. Well provide a carriage for you. Please take the victims and return home for now. Well report to you after the incident is resolved.
All the slaves? Romandro turned around in bewilderment, and Ian simply shrugged his shoulders. As if asking, what are you doing?
