Merchant Noble is out (1/3 chapters for today)
Former Warden Territory (1)
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The day after purchasing Yulia, I immediately set out for the former Warden territory. The objective was to recruit the subordinates who had once served me. Since the new territory was in the countryside, it was unclear how many would come, but we were desperately short on manpower, so I wanted to gather as many capable individuals as possible.
“Well, I’m off.” (Arc)
“Arc-sama, I’m still worried about what will happen if the House of Marquis Ivan finds out.” (Sebas)
“Don’t worry, Sebas. I’ve hired Yulia, and I don’t plan to stay long.” (Arc)
The servants saw me off with concern. Sebas, the butler who had been with the Warden Household since the days of the merchants two generations ago and was currently managing the mansion in the capital, had tears in his eyes.
“It’s alright, Old Man. We’re currently developing the Mikanda region, but we desperately need more hands. I’d like you to send as many people from this mansion as possible.” (Arc)
Father believed that having reserves was crucial during emergencies, so he employed a considerable number of people at the mansion. Since they are likely all capable individuals, I wanted to send some of them to the Mikanda region.
“Understood. We have about three people available right now, so I’ll dispatch them first.” (Sebas)
“Thank you. Now, Yulia, shall we go?” (Arc)
I also asked him to scout for any talented individuals in the capital. The Old Man’s extensive experience as Father’s right-hand man, dealing with many people, would surely be helpful. It usually took about a week by carriage to reach the former Warden territory from the capital, but since we were riding horses at a fast pace, we should arrive in about three days. Traveling too leisurely increased the risk of being targeted by bandits or monsters.
This visit needed to be as covert as possible because if the new lord, Marquis Ivan, discovered us, it could lead to complications. Therefore, we didn’t hire adventurer guards and are traveling just the two of us.
“Yulia, why did you become a slave?” (Arc)
Ark asked on the second night as they prepared to set up camp. The previous day, they had been too considerate of each other to talk and had fallen asleep without much conversation, so he decided to boldly ask about her background.
“Oh, if it’s a difficult question, you don’t have to answer. I just wanted something to talk about.” (Arc)
Yuliatook a moment to recollect her thoughts and then began to speak slowly.
“I grew up in an orphanage. The orphanage was poor, and the young children couldn’t get enough to eat. During winter, we survived by huddling together under thin blankets. So, I decided to become strong for everyone’s sake.
From around the age of six, I practiced swinging a sword every day. When I was about 10, I started participating in local sword competitions, and at 15, my performance caught the eye of a merchant, and he bought me.” (Yulia)
Arc was impressed by Yulia, who had been striving hard for the sake of other children since she was young. His judgment had not been wrong. Strength built on a foundation of effort was unwavering.
“I see. I might have made you remember some painful things.” (Arc)
“Not at all.” (Yulia)
A brief silence descended in the darkness.
“Hey, Arc-sama, may I ask you something?” (Yulia)
“What’s up?” (Arc)
“If there had been a stronger gladiator than me, would you have bought that gladiator instead?” (Yulia)
Arc hesitated for a moment but decided to be honest.
“I was looking for a gladiator to protect me on the journey we’re about to start. Of course, personality and age matter, but yes, basically, that would have been my intention.” (Arc)
Yulia understood, but hearing it again was still a shock.
What if I hadn’t been able to show my abilities that day?
What if I hadn’t had my turn that day?
What if there had been a stronger gladiator than me?
If any of those had been true, she wouldn’t be here now. She would still be sleeping in that damp barracks. Thinking about it made her current situation feel like a fragile dream, one that could shatter and pull her back to reality at any moment. She didn’t want to go back to that place. Yulia silently prayed that this wasn’t a dream.
Arc gently placed his hand on Yulia’s bowed head.
“Don’t make that face. You were the one chosen, Yulia. You were the strongest there that day. That’s what drew me to you.” (Arc)
“…Thank you.” (Yulia)
After comforting Yulia by patting her back, Arc waited for her to calm down and then spoke softly.
“We’ve only known each other for three days. We can get to know each other sincerely from now on.” (Arc)
“S-sincerely!” (Yulia)
“Huh?” (Arc)
“Oh, nothing. It’s nothing.” (Yulia)
Knowing the fate of female gladiators, Yulia couldn’t help but wonder when Arc might claim her. She had barely slept the past two nights, worried he might come for her. Her mind was completely consumed by such thoughts. While Arc likely had no such intentions, she kept overinterpreting his words. It almost felt like she was anticipating it!
“We have an early day tomorrow, so let’s get some sleep.” (Arc)
“Yes, good night.” (Yulia)
Yulia closed her eyes, chastising herself for her strange fantasies.
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