It Seems That the Slave Girl Is Actually a Count's Daughter. - Episode 3: A Man’s Honor

Episode 3: A Man’s Honor 

“……………What kind of problem is it?” 

I figured it wouldn’t hurt to at least hear them out. Definitely not because I was enchanted by her. Definitely not. 

“I shall explain,” 

Maini began, slowly curving her lips into a smile. 

“The first issue is the price. Ten platinum coins. In this area, only you, Ernest-sama, can afford such a sum.” 

The moment I didn’t outright refuse, she had already started addressing me with a respectful “-sama”. As expected of a slave merchant—she leaves no openings. 

Still, at that price, a noble should easily be able to afford her… which meant they weren’t planning to put her up for public sale. In other words, this was a behind-the-scenes matter. 

“The second issue is, as you can see, her appearance. Someone like her will undoubtedly attract unscrupulous individuals. And the only one capable of protecting her is you, Ernest-sama.” 

Maini stated this with absolute certainty. This was the first time I had met her, yet she seemed to have an awfully high level of trust in me. Was it because I was a Platinum-ranked adventurer? 

Well, if I didn’t care about the means, I *could* ensure that no one laid a single finger on her. Of course, the collateral damage would be massive…………… 

“And lastly, the third issue: her own wishes. She wants to be purchased by you, Ernest-sama.” 

…Wow. A reverse selection by the slave herself. Is that even a thing? I guess it must be. That would explain why I was specifically called here. 

But before anything else, I had to confirm one thing. Suppressing the growing thump of my heart, I narrowed my eyes at Maini. 

“…If you’re saying she wants to become my slave, then she does understand what that entails, right?” 

I lowered my voice as I spoke. My words were wrapped in indirectness. But the implication was clear—you realize that means I could do this and that, right? Some slave contracts strictly regulated such matters, making any contact off-limits. 

I was sure this one would have similar restrictions. No touching, no messing around—that’s just how it is. No doubt about it. 

“Of course. That is also her wish.”

…Huh? 

I reflexively turned to the girl. 

She met my gaze for a split second before lowering her eyes. She fidgeted as she intertwined her fingers near her navel. She didn’t seem uncomfortable. 

Wait a minute… could it be? 

Her real goal is to have my children…? 

“No way you’re turning her down after all that, right, Ernest? That would be a disgrace as a man,” 

A victorious voice chimed in. 

Damn it, the Guild Master was grinning at me. 

Sh1t—I got set up! He knew this would happen from the start! 

Looks like the Guild Master was dead set on getting me and this girl together. 

What do I do? Should I put up a hard refusal just to avoid playing into his hand? 

……Ah. 

She was about to cry. 

Her shoulders were trembling. 

Damn it, whatever happens, happens! 

“Hmph… Fine. I was just starting to find managing my home a hassle, anyway. Owner, I’ll buy her at your asking price.” 

Saying that, I pulled out ten platinum coins from my spatial magic [Abyssal Pit]. And I handed them to Maini. She confirmed them, then, for some reason, let out a relieved smile. 

Did she really think I’d refuse? Come on, after all that, how could I? That would be disgraceful as a man. 

And if I turned her down, this girl would definitely cry. 

The Guild Master had outmaneuvered me. 

“I have confirmed the payment. Now, let us proceed with the slave contract.”

“Hey, hey, is that really necessary?” 

I couldn’t help but raise my voice slightly. This wasn’t some formal master-servant relationship—she was seriously making this an official slave contract. 

A count’s daughter, bound by a slave mark… That had to be unprecedented. 

“Yes, it is a requirement. A master and slave must always be properly bound together.” 

Was this really okay? 

Is this really her will? 

If so… this was way heavier than I expected. 

………….…Could she be a yandere? 

That would be… a bit much. 

Maini led us to the room where the slave contract would be performed. 

While she gave instructions to the slave magic specialist she employed, I took the chance to ask the girl one last time—just to be sure. 

“Are you really okay with becoming my slave?” 

“Yes. I don’t mind. This is my decision.” 

She looked straight into my eyes as she spoke clearly. 

…How the hell did she fall for me so hard? 

Her parents must have had a hell of a time raising her.

Once everything was prepared, the slave contract between us was formed. A matching emblem appeared on the back of my left hand and her right hand. With that, the contract was complete. 

The mark on the left hand signified the master, while the mark on the right hand designated the slave. Simply showing these marks made it clear who belonged to whom. More recently, some people had begun putting collars on their slaves to make ownership even more obvious—essentially treating them like pets. 

“With this, the contract is complete. Thank you very much for your purchase.” 

Maini beamed and bowed deeply. Her chest looked like it was about to spill out—was she okay? I found myself worrying unintentionally. 

“Alright, that settles everything. Ernest, I’m counting on you for the rest.” 

“…I’m considering this a debt, you know?” 

At my declaration, the Guild Master’s shoulders twitched. 

“Hey now, that’s not fair, Ernest.” 

He raised both hands with a wry smile. But I wasn’t letting this slide. A debt is a debt. It’s not like I asked to come here in the first place. The Guild Master scratched his head with an exasperated sigh. 

Now, what should I do next? Taking this girl outside as she was would definitely attract attention—especially with that outfit. If she bowed, something was bound to show. 

“Master, I am in your care…” 

“STOOOOOP!” 

I immediately stopped her from bowing. 

My sudden outburst startled Maini and the others, making them flinch. Then, they seemed to realize why I had stopped her. They didn’t say anything, but their shoulders trembled as if they were holding back laughter. Yeah, yeah, laugh all you want… 

“For now, put this on.” 

I pulled out a hooded cloak from [Abyssal Pit] and draped it over her. 

That should do for now. The hood covered her completely, making her face less visible. And most importantly, even if she did bow, there wouldn’t be any unexpected “slips”. 

She seemed to like the cloak I had given her. With a happy expression, she… started sniffing it. 

I had washed it properly, so it shouldn’t smell… but for some reason, this made me feel weirdly conflicted.