The Appraising-Eye Slave Trader ~ A Blind Boy Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble Dominates with the Power to 'See True Talent' ~ - Episode 4: The Magic Swordsman

Episode 4: The Magic Swordsman

One day, on the way back from the Adventurers’ Guild. I was walking through the market with Kariya.

“You know, I really want a companion who can do long-range attacks. You’re dependable enough on the frontlines. But it’s tough when the rear is exposed during a charge.”

“A rear guard… in other words, are you saying that Lilia-san isn’t strong enough in offense?”

“No, Lilia shines in support and healing. What I want is a partner with offensive skills—like a mage or an archer.”

“I see… so that’s why we’re going to the slave market today?”

“Yeah. If we’re going to scout for talent, there might be a hidden gem among the slaves. Even if we don’t know their background.”

With that casual banter, we made our way to the “low-rank slave market” located in the back streets of the royal capital.

Unlike the high-end markets, this place had a thick, gloomy atmosphere.

The smell of dirt, hoarse voices, the creaking of iron cages—signs of life from the “merchandise.”

“Now then, where’s today’s ‘treasure’…”

I walked slowly down the aisles. I examined each person with my appraising eye.

Status windows appeared as semi-transparent panels in my vision.

(I want someone suited for combat. But none of these really stand out…)

All of them had magic aptitude ranked C to D, or at best B for archery talent.

There was one girl with an A rank—but it was in cleaning magic. She was specialized for “housekeeping” rather than offense. Disappointing.

“Ouji-sama, over there…”

Kariya pointed to a dimly lit area in the very back.

There was a cage labeled “Clearance Price” and “Problematic.”

Inside, a girl sat cross-legged—with her arms folded.

Her clothes were in tatters. Her bare shoulders and stomach were covered in scars from battle.

Short hair, sharp eyes. I had imagined a slender frame. But she was actually quite muscular.

“…That her? She totally looks like a problem child, but—”

I focused my eyes and opened her status window.

Name: Varna

Age: 16

Gender: Female

Occupation: Slave (Former: Apprentice Swordsman)

Basic Stats

Attack: B

Defense: B

Magic Power: A

Physical Ability: A

—Talent—

Swordsman: F

Spearman: E

Offensive Magic: SS

Affinity with Fire Spirits: S

Magic Swordsmanship (Hidden Talent): A

—Got it.

(This is clearly someone with the potential of a “Magic Swordsman”…!)

And the “Swordsman F” rank—

She tried her best to master the sword despite having no talent. And she ended up covered in scars.

“Hey, mind if I talk to you for a sec?”

When I spoke to her, Varna looked up.

Her gaze was serious and straight—but absolutely brimming with caution.

“If you’re not buying, don’t talk to me. You’re in the way.”

“No, I’m interested. Just let me ask you a few things.”

“I’m not a girl. I’m a swordsman. Don’t get that twisted.”

“…Is that your way of introducing yourself?”

“I’m not used to being treated like a girl. Anyway, I—”

“Love the sword. You didn’t fight to survive, you fought to win—that’s the kind of face you’ve got.”

Varna’s mouth snapped shut.

“…How the hell do you know that?”

“It’s obvious. I’ve met others with ‘those eyes’.”

A lie. It was my appraising eye.

Just then, a slave trader appeared from the back as I closed the window and stood up.

“Looking at this one, sir? She only ever swings her sword and won’t listen to a thing. On top of that, she’s weak. She was returned after being deemed useless in battle… Honestly, she’s on clearance!”

“…How much?”

“Three silver coins! We’re open to bargaining!”

(Cheap…!)

Three silver coins for this level of talent?

Honestly, I almost felt bad.

“I’ll take her.”

“Sold—wait, seriously!?”

“But I’ve got one condition. I’m making her a ‘magic user’, not a swordsman.”

“Wh-what the hell!? Don’t screw with me!!”

Varna stood up and slammed her fist against the cage bars.

“I’m a swordsman! I’m not doing magic—!”

“Then let me ask again: Do you want to live as a ‘weak swordsman’ or become the ‘strongest magic swordsman’?”

Her eyes wavered.

Anger. Confusion. Frustration—and the faintest glimmer of hope.

“…If you promise me, ‘Don’t abandon the sword’—then I’ll follow you.”

“Deal. I never said you had to give up the sword. I’ll show you another path.”

“Really…?”

“Come on, the carriage is waiting. Your room’s already prepared.”

The purchasing process was over in no time.

Maybe because she was only worth *that much* in his eyes, the merchant happily brought out the documents. And the other slaves murmured in surprise.

“She got bought!?”

But Varna didn’t care about their reactions.

If anything, her expression said, “Ugh, sold again. Wonder what kind of scumbag noble it’ll be this time.”

“…This your carriage?”

“Yeah. You’ll be living at my estate.”

“Tch… I’m telling you now, don’t treat me like a girl.”

“I know. Don’t worry—I won’t.”

She grumpily climbed into the cart.

I sat beside her, with Kariya and Lilia already onboard. We were ready to return to the estate.

◆　　◆　　◆

Back at the estate, I immediately called out to Lilia.

“Lilia, sorry. Can you check her body?”

“Yes!”

Without hesitation, Lilia nodded and knelt in front of Varna.

Varna was on guard. But Lilia’s gentle smile made her ease up a little.

“Um… Your body looks pretty injured. Can I take a look?”

“…Sure. Whatever.”

Varna silently removed her top. It revealed a torso covered in wounds.

Cuts from blades, burns, even old injuries with bones that had set incorrectly.

And she took it off right in front of me, without a second thought…

(Jeez… It’s like she’s been on a battlefield for years.)

“Lilia, please.”

“Right. …‘Light of healing, gently embrace pain and suffering—Heal.’”

Soft light spread from Lilia’s hands.

As it wrapped around Varna’s body, her wounds visibly began to fade.

Her skin regenerated, bruises vanished, and her stiff right shoulder began to move smoothly.

“Wha—!? Huh, this…!? It’s really healed…!”

Varna’s eyes widened as she touched her own body.

“Unbelievable… My shoulder hadn’t moved properly in forever…”

Lilia smiled gently and spoke softly.

“Those sword wounds, that reckless training… it’s all proof that you worked hard to become ‘someone’. …But even more important is finding a path where you can shine.”

Varna stared blankly at Lilia. She then looked away.

“…What’s with you… You’re too damn kind…”

Her voice trembled.

At that moment, I noticed something—

A faint, warm surge of magic was rising from Varna’s body.

(It’s starting… Her magic is beginning to flow. The foundation is there.)

I nodded slightly and stood up.

“Varna. We’re heading to the Job Change Temple. Right now.”

“…! So, I’m really becoming a ‘magic user’? I’m not giving up the sword, okay!?”

“You don’t have to. You’re going to become a ‘warrior who strengthens the sword with magic.’ You’ll keep the sword—and now, you’ll gain the power to make it even stronger. That’s all.”

Varna stayed silent for a moment—then smiled.

Not a sarcastic grin. Not a shy smirk.

Just a warm, genuine smile—like someone who could finally see a future.

“Heh… I’m actually kind of excited.”

◆　　◆　　◆

At the far west end of the capital stood the Job Change Temple.

A solemn building made of marble. The Altar of Divine Oracle was enshrined within.

After completing the necessary paperwork with the priest, I stood before the altar with Varna.

“…So this is where my ‘job’ will change?”

“Yes. Changing your job alters the way magic flows through you. It’s a ritual necessary to awaken your talent.”

Varna looked slightly uneasy but stepped forward.

The magic circle beneath her feet began to glow faintly. It was enveloping her.

“—O unseen god of fate. Guide this one to a new path.”

When the priest finished chanting, the magic circle glowed even brighter.

And then—

A radiant, crimson light burst from Varna. It surrounded her entire body.

“…Hot… What is this…? It’s like I’m burning… from the inside…!”

(It’s here…! Her magic is responding to the “Offensive Magic SS” talent!)

At that moment, her status window updated.

Occupation: Magic Swordsman

—Talent—

Offensive Magic: SS

Affinity with Fire Spirits: S

Magic Swordsmanship: A

As soon as the temple’s prayer ended, fire spirits faintly appeared around Varna.

Flame-like red butterflies perched on her shoulder. They were spinning in circles.

“…This is… reacting to my magic power…?”

“That’s proof of your affinity with fire spirits. You’re compatible with the fire element. You should be able to use a ‘flame-cloaked sword’.”

“…A sword… cloaked in fire…”

Varna slowly raised the sword at her waist.

“…Can I do it… No, I want to try…!”

There was no edge in her voice now.

It was filled only with the desire to believe in herself.

I stepped forward and spoke.

“When you swing your sword, focus on the tip of the blade. Try channeling your magic from your fingertips. Feel the flow of heat—”

“…Like this…!”

Varna took a breath and focused.

Then—

*Whoosh!*

In an instant, her sword was engulfed in flames.

“What…!?”

*Fwoooosh—!*

Blazing crimson flames roared on the blade.

It was as if the sword had been reborn into a crimson weapon.

“I did it… I really… infused fire into my sword…!”

Varna’s eyes trembled with surprise and joy.

While still holding her sword at the ready, she shouted toward me:

“Ouji-sama…! Thank you…!”

“…Y-Yeah.”

“I really didn’t have to give up the sword… I can still grow stronger…!”

She looked like she was about to cry.

She had once believed everything about her as a swordsman was being denied.

Now, she had obtained a “new form of the sword.”

“You’re… really amazing… I’m glad I decided to believe in you…”

That one sentence—was likely her true feelings.

Varna sheathed her sword and bowed her head deeply.

“From now on… I, as a ‘Magic Swordsman’, will serve under you, Ouji-sama. I’ll repay the debt of you saving my life—on the battlefield.”

Those words were spoken as if hiding her embarrassment. I answered her with just one line:

“I’m counting on you, Varna.”

◆　　◆　　◆

And so, a new companion joined my party.

Kariya on the front lines, Varna in the middle, and Lilia handling recovery.

However—

“Well… a new problem’s starting to appear…”

I stared at the ledger spread across the desk in my mansion, clutching my head.

Money.

At this rate, I won’t have enough.

“To buy and raise a slave, to support daily living—everything needs funds…”

Yes, before the next battle—I must first “earn money.”