Merchant Noble is out (3/3 chapters for today)
Gladiator Yulia (2)
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“Are you willing to sell that slave?” (A??)
When Yulia opened her eyes, a young man was standing at the door.
“Who are you?” (??)
“A customer. I want to buy that slave.” (A??)
Recognizing him as a customer, the owner put on a sales smile. However, since he still intended to use Yulia as a gladiator, he had no intention of selling her.
“This slave isn’t for sale yet. She’s one of the star players in this gladiator show. Besides, there are customers willing to pay 10 or even 20 gold coins. Eventually, when she reaches her limit as a gladiator, we’ll auction her off. Please look forward to it.” (??)
“I’ll give you 30.” (A??)
The man completely ignored the owner’s words and interrupted him with a price.
“Huh?” (??)
“I’ll give you thirty gold coins right now.” (A??)
“Uh, wait, what?” (??)
“What do you say?” (A??)
Completely setting the pace, the man left the owner flustered and stumbling over his words.
The average price for a gladiator at auction was 20 gold coins for men and 15 for women. Even for a highly sought-after female gladiator, 30 gold coins was unheard of. She would undoubtedly become the “most expensive female slave in history”.
“She’s a star player, you know. Even if you suddenly want to sell her…” (??)
“50.” (A??)
“What? Now you’re saying… 50?” (??)
As the owner struggled to grasp the situation, the man increased the offer. 50 gold coins was an unprecedented figure. Even buying two excellent male gladiators wouldn’t cost that much.
“Are you joking? You can’t possibly have that much money. Show me proof that you have that kind of gold!” (??)
Seeing such an unrealistic number, the owner regained his composure and raised his voice slightly. The man quietly took out a piece of paper and handed it to the owner.
“There you go. Take this anywhere in the kingdom to the Commercial Guild’s Warden Association, and you can cash it anytime.” (A??)
“A check from the Warden Association… ridiculous! Who are you?” (??)
The owner’s voice trembled with astonishment.
Yulia knew about the Warden Association. It was the largest organization of merchants in the kingdom, possessing significant power within the Merchant Guild. In fact, it was no exaggeration to say they practically monopolized the Merchant Guild. Their influence extended not only to the economy but also into politics.
“Arc Warden. I hold the title of Baron.” (Arc)
“You’re the second generation of Wardens!? The merchant noble who bought a title with 1000 gold coins…” (??)
“Well, are you going to sell her or not?” (Arc)
“……” (??)
For Yulia, who had been going back and forth between the lodging and the arena, stepping outside the premises was a rare occasion. The conversation was moving too fast for Yulia to fully grasp the situation. The only thing she could barely comprehend was that this man was going to be her new master.
“I’m Arc. Your name is Yulia, right?” (Arc)
“Yes, I’m Yulia.” (Yulia)
” Yulia, come with me.” (Arc)
Arc rode his horse slowly, and Yulia ran behind.
I could easily escape if I set my mind to it.
As Yulia ran, she suddenly realized that this kingdom wasn’t kind enough for an escaped slave to survive. Besides, Arc did not have the aura of a perverted owner that Yulia had feared, and she felt that he was a hit.
After a while, Arc stopped in front of a modest mansion at the far end of the noble residential area. Several maids came out from the mansion.
“Welcome back, Arc-sama.” (??)
“Take this person to bathe. Give her new clothes and a meal.” (Arc)
“Understood.” (??)
Yulia was drawn to the maid and took a bath. It had been so long since she had last taken a bath that she couldn’t even remember when it had been. The maids washed her hair and body. She was dirty with dust, mud, and blood, but she quickly became clean.
When she emerged from the spacious bath, new clothes awaited her. They were clean, without any stains or the smell of sweat. It was also her first time wearing colored clothes. The maids complimented her, saying the clothes suited her well.
Following the maids’ instructions, Yulia entered a room where Ark was sitting in a chair reading a book. She felt relieved when she saw that it seemed to be a study rather than a bedroom.
“Arc-sama, thank you so much for your kindness. So, what should I do now?” (Arc)
Ark looked up from his book.
” Yulia, you’re my bodyguard.” (Arc)
“A bodyguard?” (Yulia)
“I’m going to travel around the kingdom to gather talented individuals. It’s troublesome to rely on the Adventurers’ Guild for guards every time, so you’ll be my bodyguard.” (Arc)
“Why me?” (Yulia)
Yulia naturally voiced her question. Normally, guarding duties were for male gladiators. Female gladiators were supposed to simply please their masters.
“Over the past few days, I’ve watched quite a few matches, including male gladiators, but Yulia was the strongest. Weren’t you holding back quite a bit? I am a noble but also a merchant. I believe my ability to judge people comes from my father. That’s why I chose you, Yulia. That’s all.” (Arc)
Even when Arc stared straight at her, Yulia couldn’t look away. Since becoming a gladiator, she had been scolded for her strength, but she had never been praised for it. Today was the first time her strength had been properly recognized. It felt like her past efforts in the orphanage, where she had practiced diligently, were finally paying off. The endless cycle of auctions if she lost and the disappearance of her comrades one by one had become a thing of the past, leaving her to live in loneliness.
“I’ll be counting on you from now on.” (Arc)
“And I as well… I will protect you even at the cost of my life.” (Yulia)
Yulia answered in a quiet voice, afraid that letting her guard down would make her voice tremble with tears.
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