hotmtlnovel Chapter 110
Chapter 110
Side Story: Eugene
“Now then, let’s go over our objective, before starting the mission.”@@@@
I started the strategy meeting as we were traveling with Schlie and Kei. That being said, we’d only discuss things that wouldn’t be a problem even if someone overheard. Those two were used to going on investigations, so they knew the drill, and I was relieved that I didn’t have to worry.
“Confirming the goods they’re handling, right?”
“And if possible, their source? Documents, concrete evidence would be ideal, but as expected of them, they’ve been operating flawlessly up until now. We probably won’t be able to find anything.”
The goods Schlie was talking about were, of course, “people.” They claimed to be a talent dispatch agency, but I couldn’t imagine them being able to dispatch people who perfectly matched the situation so readily. It wasn’t like they could post job listings on the internet and get applications from all over the world, like back in Japan. Well, maybe they could, with magic? If they had branches everywhere, it would be possible, but I hadn’t heard anything like that. And many of the reports said that the dispatched personnel, while properly dressed, were malnourished, so it was all very suspicious.
Slavery, I wouldn’t complain that much if it was done properly, by an organization that had applied for it, that was officially recognized by the nation. I’m not comfortable with it because of my own values, but debt slaves would be freed after working for a set period of time, and criminal slaves, while not mistreated, would be given hard labor, legitimate, but harsh. That’s how this world works. Even if we crushed it with emotional arguments, we’d just end up with more people on the streets, turning to crime.
That was the point. Slaves from officially recognized slave traders were on contract, for a limited time. And while some wanted to continue working at the same place even after their contract expired, not all of them did. That’s why it was strange that Nemo, a large talent dispatch agency, could find capable individuals and “purchase” them so readily. And it was official that they also dealt in slaves. They claimed to be buying them from officially recognized slave traders, but I was suspicious.
“Half of them are legitimate clients, who actually want them to introduce them to jobs. Those are the troublesome ones. They’re the perfect cover. And if we crush the organization, many would suffer, those who rely on them. That’s why we can’t act openly. Seriously, the nation should be taking care of these refugees.”
“Don, please be careful about what you say.”
Oops, I let that slip. Unlike Japan, in this world complaining about the your country can be a crime. Well, it doesn’t really apply to me. I’d earned some favors by saving the world, so I can get away with a flippant remark. Besides...
“You’re blocking the sound with wind magic, right?”
“Yes, but why waste magic power?”
“Hmm, with your magic recovery rate, Schlie Letziano, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“You’re right, it’s just an excuse. It’s just that the Don’s always letting things slip. This is a necessary intervention, to make you be more careful.”
Schlie’s acting like a nagging wife. It was so nostalgic, how frightened he was, trembling when I rescued him. At first, he’d resisted, but once he swore his loyalty, he was like an obedient puppy, doing whatever I said. How did it come to this?
“What?”
We didn’t have much time. I was implying that they should finish investigating before then, and it seemed like those two understood. How reliable.
When the time comes. And that time would be when our guild is attacked. If they give us a reason, then we can retaliate. It would probably be a far-fetched reason, considering the time difference and all, but I’m sure Nemo would come up with some ridiculous excuse, so we’d be even.
“Well then, let’s get moving so we can spend as much time as possible on the investigation.”
“So you do want to hurry? I was getting worried, with how relaxed you were.”
“It’s fine to take it easy every once in a while. I’ve been working nonstop, you know?”
As I said this, I activated a spell, materializing a four-seater car. This would make traveling a lot easier. It was the same car I’d used to commute back in Japan. I prefer something familiar, not some luxury car!
“How about taking a long vacation after this is over?”
“I like that. Agreed.”
“Hmm, even though I’ve seen it many times, it’s still a strange contraption. And how much magic power does it consume?”
We chatted as we got into the car. I was in the driver’s seat, and they were in the back.
“Ah, Schlie, I’m going to use magic power to drive, so conceal us.”
I could handle both spells myself, but since Schlie was here, I’d ask him to make it easier. He sighed lightly. Why?
“I cast it the moment we got in. Something like this would cause a commotion, you know, if people saw it.”
“Don’t call my beloved car, Kakeru-kun ‘something like this.’ ”
“Yeah, yeah. Let’s go, whenever you’re ready.”
He’s a bit cold, isn’t he? Haa, I miss having someone who can keep up with my jokes. Well, it’s pointless to dwell on it. Well then, let’s enjoy the drive to Nemo.