The Appraising-Eye Slave Trader ~ A Blind Boy Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble Dominates with the Power to 'See True Talent' ~ - Episode 5: Ouji’s Appraisal Service

Episode 5: Ouji’s Appraisal Service

“—Huh? Whaaat!? The money’s already this low!?”

In front of me were the mansion’s account book and the contents of the safe, all laid out.

The one who compiled the account book was the butler, Cruz—a slightly hunched, nervous-looking middle-aged man.

“Yes. At present, after deducting the household maintenance costs, food expenses, salaries, and equipment costs, the freely usable funds come down to… about 100 silver coins.”

“O-One hundred!? That’s all!?”

“Yes. As you know, Ouji-sama is the second son of a viscount family. You have not been given a formal budget.”

“…Well, yeah, I know that. But still…!”

Being confronted with the numbers like this really hit hard.

Even though I plan to make it as a slave trader, my starting capital is only 100 silvers—that’s just a bit over a single gold coin.

Once I cover Kariya, Lilia, and Varna’s living expenses—and my own food—just a few days’ worth would vanish.

“No way… how am I supposed to buy a slave with this kind of money!?”

“Therefore, you’ll need to refrain from making immediate purchases like before…”

“Even if Lilia and Varna were miracles… I can’t keep going like this…!”

I held my head in my hands.

Raising Kariya, awakening Lilia and Varna—that part was good. Really good.

But to further draw out their talents, I need more “comrades.” And that means funds.

(Even if there’s talent, without money, I can’t buy them… My entire vision hinges on money…!)

Suddenly, my brother’s face popped into my mind.

“…Borrow from my brother? No, that’s the one thing I absolutely won’t do…!”

Just imagining that smug face saying, “If you’re in trouble, I can help you, Ouji ♪,” makes me want to die.

I’d rather make money selling Slime guts than beg that guy for help.

“Alright then—if it’s come to this, I’ve gotta earn it myself!”

I slammed the table and stood up.

“Oh? So you’re finally starting a ‘business’?”

Kariya had somehow appeared beside me. She was pouring tea.

The teacup overflowed. It made a small pool on the saucer.

“Whoa, dangerous! Ugh, the plate again…!”

“A-Aah! I-I’m so sorryyyyy…!!”

Kariya overturned the tray and fled.

But I calmly said:

“It’s fine. You’re not just a ‘dish carrier’ anymore. I said I wouldn’t get mad even if you messed up, didn’t I?”

“Uuh… Ouji-sama…!”

Looking like she was about to leap into my chest, I slid a chair forward to avoid the impact.

Next to me, Lilia chuckled, “Again, huh…”

“…Alright.”

I moved the tea-soaked account book aside and opened an empty notebook.

“If I’m going to earn, where do I start… Okay—first, list out money-making plans!”

Yes—raising talented slaves takes money.

And to make money, the best move is to use my appraising eye.

Just like how I spot slaves—now I’ll try to spot “ways to earn.”

“Hmm…”

I sat on a bench in the central square of the royal capital, holding my head.

The notebook was filled with every kind of “money-making plan” scribbled everywhere.

Examples:

Plan 1: Buy cheap slaves, reform them, and resell.

→ With my current funds, I can’t afford even decent slaves. Plus, recovery costs money. Not enough initial investment.

Plan 2: Enter Kariya into a fighting tournament.

→ A flashy win in her debut could mean big money. But it’d be too harsh for her right now. She’s still not used to battle.

Plan 3: Offer free town healing with Lilia’s powers.

→ She’s very enthusiastic. But this could create issues with religious groups. I don’t want to provoke the church.

“Hmm… none of these really work…”

Making money isn’t just about talent.

You need risk management, effort, and trust—those things are essential too.

“Ouji-sama, um… how about something like a street stall in the capital?”

Lilia gently suggested beside me.

“I’ve heard people sell herbs, do fortune-telling, and so on.”

“A street stall, huh… But being too flashy is scary. And sometimes you need noble approval…”

While I was groaning about it, voices of some local boys playing outside reached me.

“Hey hey, you said you wanted to be a swordsman. But are you really cut out for it?”

“I-I don’t know! I mean, we’re poor, so I can’t afford training or anything…!”

“My brother at the guild told me to be a ‘Hunter’. But I don’t think I can hit anything with a bow…”

(…Wait a second.)

A ping rang in my head.

Come to think of it—

Plan 4: Make a business out of talent appraisal.

(…Neither the guild nor the temple can see “talent”…)

Only I can see it.

(…This is my exclusive weapon…!)

“Alright, let’s give this a try…”

As long as I don’t make a huge fuss, it should be fine…

◆　　◆　　◆

That evening, I quietly posted a flyer on a notice board at the edge of town.

“I can see your true talent.”

For those uncertain of their path, or struggling with their strength.

Fee: 10 silver coins

《Ouji’s Appraisal Service》

Appointment only / Strict confidentiality / No violence

“…This is starting to sound like a shady fortune-teller…”

I was a bit uneasy. But the results came the very next day.

◆　　◆　　◆

“Ouji-sama~! You have a visitor! The first customer!”

“Alright, let them in!”

My mansion’s reception room—well, it had been half-converted into a “diagnosis room.”

The first customer was a nervous-looking young man.

“N-Nice to meet you. Um, I’ve always wanted to be a warrior. But I haven’t been improving at all…”

“Okay, got it. Now, look over here for a moment—”

The moment I made eye contact, the appraisal window popped up.

Name: Halt

Age: 16

Occupation: Apprentice Swordsman

—Talent—

Swordsman: E 

Gatherer: B 

Chef: A

“…Hmm. Halt, you’ve got an E rating in swordsman talent.”

“…So it’s true, huh…”

“But instead, you have an A in ‘Chef’ and a B in ‘Gatherer.’”

“Ch-Chef!?”

“Yep. You’re way better off wielding a kitchen knife than a sword.”

When I said that with certainty, Halt’s eyes went blank—

Then—

“T-That’s true… I do like cooking. I used to help at an inn a lot… and got praised a lot during that time…”

“Right? Talent doesn’t shine on its own. If you’re not in the right place, it’s meaningless.”

Halt’s eyes widened. He then bowed deeply, over and over.

“Thank you so much…! I really feel like I’ve been saved…! I’m gonna consider pursuing a path as a chef!”

He left behind ten silver coins on the table and walked out.

(—This is it!)

I can see “true paths” that only I can see.

And there are more people who need this than I thought.

“Hehehe… So this is my exclusive business…!”

From that day on, the name “Ouji’s Appraisal Service” slowly spread through a corner of the royal capital.

A few days later—

My mansion’s reception room—no, the “appraisal room”—was packed with daily visitors.

“Ouji-sama, may I bring in the next person?”

Kariya was dressed in a maid uniform. She ran in holding a schedule book. She was dripping with sweat.

“W-Wait a sec! There are already fifteen people booked just in the morning…!”

“Hehe, but they all leave with such happy faces.”

Lilia was carrying herbs from the garden. She smiled warmly.

She played a big role as the “comfort agent” for emotional customers.

“I didn’t think there’d be this much demand for an ‘appraisal service’…”

I sighed. I glanced at the desk now piled with silver coins.

People unsure of their careers,

People feeling out of place in their jobs,

New adventurers anxious about guild recommendations—

Everyone wants to know their “true self.”

And my appraising eye reveals that truth instantly—of course it’s popular.

The consultation fee that started at 10 silvers had now risen to 50 due to demand.

“I think this is already entering the ‘business phase’… Should I hire staff…? No, I’m the only one who can appraise…”

“Ouji-sama, how about a break? You look a bit pale…”

“Ah, thanks. Then I’ll leave today’s accounting to you. Your reward’s the lunch cake.”

“Yay~!”

Kariya jumped for joy.

She used to not even be able to hold a dish properly. But now she was managing office work.

She was clumsy and full of mistakes before. Maybe gaining confidence helped her find her way of doing things.

She’d become capable of handling what she once wasn’t.

That must be because she found a field where she truly has confidence.

(So this is what it means for talent to blossom…)