As morning arrives, I go downstairs to the dining area of the inn. Seems like not many people are up this early in the morning, as only one table was taken. I find a table in the corner near the counter to sit on, and raise my hand to grab the innkeeper’s attention. She notices and walk over.

“Hello, umm… can I have this for breakfast?” (Meirou)

“This? Oh, sure thing.” (Innkeeper)

She then raises her voice toward the kitchen.

“Dear, one more number 2!” (Innkeeper)

Dear? Is the cook in the kitchen her husband? I never would’ve expected for her to already be married.

“May I ask for your name?” (Meirou)

“Ah, my name is Sophie. How about yourself?” (Innkeeper)

“My name is Meirou.” (Meirou)

“Nice to make your acquaintance, Meirou.” (Sophie)

She smiles at me, and returns to the counter. As I was waiting for my food, some customers come in. I see a man holding a chain attached to a collar of a young woman with rabbit-like ears. I could not help but twitch from the inhumane spectacle before my eyes, as the man suddenly grabbed her hair and slammed her face onto the floor.

“Damn, such a useless slave! We lost track of our prey because of you! Don’t you know how to follow orders!?” (Man)

Suddenly, new information started to flow into my mind. Her race is beastkin. The beastkin currently has five different tribes living on this continent. The young woman in front of me is from the rabbit tribe. The rabbit tribe is known for their extraordinary hearing abilities, and leg strength. I also try to search my memory for information on ‘slavery’, but nothing comes up. This is the first time my blessing wasn’t able to give any information. Does ‘slavery’ not apply to 「Knowledge of the world」? I will need to figure out later what information could be learnt, and what information must be learnt through a different method.

I divert my gaze when my food finally arrives. I felt some sympathy for the young woman, but not to the point that I would meddle into that group’s affairs. I rip a piece of bread and gave it to Kanko that was hiding in the bag. When I finish eating, I start walking towards the counter to ask Sophie about details on slavery.

“Sophie, is slavery common around here?” (Meirou)

She stares at me, surprised by my question.

「Huh? Isn’t this common sense?」 “Yes, slavery is a common occurrence here. Rather, you would see slavery everywhere you go if you travel often. Is this your first time seeing a slave?” (Sophie)

“Ah… Yes.” (Meirou)

“Slavery has the approval of the royal family, and is recognize by many nobles. If you were to fall into slavery, then there is no saving you. The life and death of the slave is up to the whims of the master, and they are powerless because of 「Slavery Contract」. If a slave is somehow forcibly freed, it is known that a company under the direct command of those of royalty would come after you until you’re killed or recaptured. If they can’t find you, they will indiscriminately kill those who are related to the slave.” (Sophie)

“「Slavery Contract」?” (Meirou)

“Yes. It is a blood contract that binds the slave’s actions to listen to the master’s orders” (Sophie)

“Even if the person was forced into slavery?” (Meirou)

“「Slavery Contract」 is only given to those acknowledged by the people of the upper class. There has never been a case where a person was physically forced into a slave contract, but there were cases such as blackmail and deception.” (Sophie)

“I see…” (Meirou)

It seems slavery is a system created by the people of the country themselves. Is this why my blessing couldn’t give any information? Information that should be known as a matter of course for this world, and what is common sense by the people living in it. I am getting a clear picture now. If I think about it, buying a slave would align with one of my objectives. I want a companion with combat experience that I can completely trust, and not constantly worry about being backstabbed.

“How much does one usually cost?” (Meirou)

“Let me try and remember… I think they are about 5 gold coins.” (Sophie)

“I see, thank you.” (Meirou)

I exit the inn and start walking around the town. If slavery is common, then there should be a slave house somewhere in this small town; but first I need to earn more gold. Before I left, I asked Sophie one last question ‘Do you know if anyone in this town is hiring right now?’, and she replied ‘Ah, the best place to start looking for a job is at the Travelers’ Guild’. As I ask around for directions, I finally find the building. I enter and see a huge bulletin board fixed in the middle of the hall. I walk toward the reception area, and ask for details.

“Hello, how may I help you today?” (Guild Representative)

“This is my first time here, and I’m looking for a job.” (Meirou)

“Ah, hold on a second.” (Guild Representative)

The guild representative goes to grab a form, and starts questioning me.

“Then we would need you to join the guild. The rules are simple. There are seven ranks. The higher your rank, the higher chances you will be given priority to the job you want. Your pay will also increase with your rank. We will not concern ourselves with anything that happens outside of this building. Any questions?” (Guild Representative)

“No.” (Meirou)

“Then please sign your name, race, and age here.” (Guild Representative)

As I finish filling the form, it starts glowing and turns into light; then it enters my wrist. I was surprised it suddenly turned into light, and turn my wrist to see some sort of symbol on it. Seeing that the process was completed safely, the guild representative nods and continues speaking-

“This symbol will serve as your identification, and it is proof that you are a member of this guild. It is designed with layers of magic to avoid fabrication.” (Guild Representative)

“I see.” (Meirou)

“That’s it. You’re free to go ahead and choose the job you want according to your rank. Let me know which job you decided on before you go out. We will be rewarding you in place of the job poster.” (Guild Representative)

I thank the guild representative, and walk towards the bulletin board. There are a lot of requests to collect ingredients, and a few asking to search for missing belongings. There are some requesting members to join a party to complete a dangerous mission together, but that seems to be for the upper ranks. I rip out a few pieces of paper posted on the bulletin board that mostly cover collection requests, then walk over to hand them to the guild representative. As I exit the building, I prepare myself to head to the forest.

…

After completing my fifth job, the sun had begun to set. With Kanko’s help, I completed the jobs a lot quicker than anticipated. Within the day, we somehow managed to complete five difficult collection jobs. The difficulty of the ingredients asked to be collected was high, but it went smoothly with Kanko’s knowledge of the nearby forest.

“Thanks for all the help, Kanko. Because of you, everything went smoothly.” (Meirou)

“I-I’m glad that I could be of help!” (Kanko)

She smiles with a bashful expression. I grin at her and pet her head. It seems she’s not used to being complimented, but this time she really deserves the praise. As she returns to hide in the bag, I return to town to hand in the ingredients for my fifth job to the guild.

“I am amazed that you managed to complete all these jobs in a single day.” 「This boy is still young, yet so capable.」 (Guild representative)

I receive her honest thoughts right as I make eye contact with her, giving me an admiring look when I arrive at the reception area.

“I have a very reliable companion after all.” (Meirou)

“I see. That just means that you are someone worth respecting, if you have such a capable person to back you up.” (Guild Representative)

“Ahaha…” (Meirou)

I smile wryly. I don’t think I am a person worth respecting, but I’ll just leave it at that. I receive the money for my fifth job, and confirmed that I’ve earned exactly 4 gold coins today. I now hold 7 gold coins in my bag. I exit the guild and continue down the main road to return to the inn. At that moment, I felt something cold hit my back.

“Wh-What?” (Meirou)

I turn my head to look behind me, and see a beastkin. Information starts flowing into my head. ‘A beastkin of the cat tribe. The cat tribe is known for their extraordinary eyesight, and ability to hide their presence.’

“I have nothing against you. Blame your bad luck for getting involved in someone’s greed.” (???)

I hear a woman’s voice. Then the cold object was removed from my body and I started feeling pain. At the same time, the beastkin grabs my bag and quickly disappears into the alley.

“AHHHHHHGRGGHH” (Meirou)

Shit. I never expected to get stabbed in the middle of the main road. I stare at the disappearing figure of the beastkin. I fell to my knees, then fell to the floor as I pressed my hands against the injury on my left flank. At that moment, I suddenly black out.

…

I open my eyes.

“Ah, you’re awake! Are you all right!?” (Sophie)

“Huh? Sophie?” (Meirou)

“I was on my way home to the inn, but then I saw you fainted on the floor bleeding. I carried you back to the inn, and with my husband’s help, we patched you up.” (Sophie)

“I-I see, thank you very much for your kindness. How long as it been since I’ve been asleep?” (Meirou)

As I asked her with feelings of urgency. She replies-

“It’s been 5 hours since you were brought here.” (Sophie)

Dammit. How could this happen. Even if I had my guard up, I don’t have any abilities that can sense a presence behind me. Even if I did, I did not have any combat experience. AHHH! It would be pointless to regret over this. As I try and replay the scene in my mind the moment I was stabbed, a voice reaches me.

「Meirou… Meirou…」 (???)

「I’m guarding, I’m guarding. Don’t worry, I’ll be able to sense them if anyone is nearby.」 (???)

As I was remembering the scene, thoughts suddenly start playing in my mind. Was that Kanko’s voice!? The other voice also sounds familiar. I was able to make out the beastkin’s face, so I assume it was the beastkin’s thoughts. I concentrate to try and speak to Kanko.

“Kanko!” (Meirou)

Sophie jumped from my abrupt yell. I ignore her and continue to focus. I want to hope that I can start communicating with her using my thoughts.

“Kanko! Can you hear me!? Hey! Kanko!” (Meirou)

I-It’s no use. I will need to try another approach. I start preparing to stand up.

“W-Wait, you’re still injured, where are you planning to go!?” (Sophie)

“I need to go save a friend! She was kidnapped the moment I was stabbed!” (Meirou)

“Your friend was kidnapped?” (Sophie)

She grabs both my shoulders, keeping me from standing up from the bed, and gazes at me with clear eyes. I was taken aback from her gaze, and it helped me to calm down a bit.

“So you were stabbed, and your friend was kidnapped at the spot where I found you. Correct?” (Sophie)

“Yes.” (Meirou)

I return her gaze as I reply to her, showing my own resolve.

“I understand. I will help you find your friend.” (Sophie)

“Huh?” (Meirou)

“Me and my husband used to be adventurers. In our party, we have a friend from the dog tribe. He should be able to find your friend in no time. I will ask my husband to quickly call him, then we can start searching.” (Sophie)

Sophie smiles at me, and quickly runs out the door. I am thankful for encountering such a kind couple. I was at a loss of words from how decisive she was. Still, this is something I must resolve with my own power. I will accept their help, but I will follow them to see the situation with my own eyes.

As I struggle to walk out to the dining room with a pained expression, I see Sophie and her husband talking to each other.

“He said he’ll be here in 5 minutes. Luckily, he was nearby.” (Sophie’s husband)

“I see, I’ll go prepare our equipment in the meantime- Hey! Meirou, why are you out here?! You should stay in bed!” (Sophie)

Sophie slightly panics as she runs over to support me, with my arm over her shoulder.

“I want to follow you. I want to see for myself what the situation turned into. You also don’t know what my friend looks like, right? Even if I give details on her appearance, it would still no doubt be much quicker if I point out who my friend was if I spot her on the scene.” (Meirou)

It’s not like I don’t trust the couple, but I can’t completely ignore every possible scenario. I really blundered. I don’t know when they managed to catch a glimpse of Kanko, but it seems I underestimated-...

‘Blame your bad luck for getting involved in someone’s greed.’

…how much a fairy can push someone’s greed to this extent. I should’ve known that ever since I’ve been shown the details on the fairy race. I failed to discern the gravity of the situation. Sophie’s husband stares at me.

“I see, you have a point. Well then, you can come along.” (Sophie’s husband)

“Dear!?” (Sophie)

“This lad is already a man. I can understand the feelings of wanting to see the situation with your own eyes, and how it will be resolved. If he can’t run, I’ll carry him. Guhahaha!” (Sophie’s husband)

“T-Thank you! I think I can manage running though. Ahaha…” (Meirou)

As we were talking, a man with dog-like features enters the inn. The moment I see him, information starts flowing into my mind. ‘A beastkin of the dog tribe. The dog tribe is known for their extraordinary sense of smell, and magic concerning speed.’ Knowing this, I felt a bit relieved. This is a very reliable ally.

We quickly return to the spot where I was stabbed, and the dogkin started hovering his nose.

“It was a catkin, right boy? I found the smell. It’s this way, let’s go!” (Dogkin)

Me, Sophie, and Sophie’s husband followed the dogkin as he quickly ran down the alley. We turn a few corners and enter a smaller street. We then continue onwards for a while until finally after 20 minutes of running, the dogkin stops.

“The smell ends here.” (Dogkin)

Sophie’s husband nods, then we circle to the back entrance. At that moment, I see a familiar face. It’s the catkin. She’s standing guard while three people are carrying wooden boxes from the building into the cart.

“Ah, it’s her. She’s the catkin that attacked me.” (Meirou)

“Oh? So it’s her, huh?” (Dogkin)

“Alright, both me and Sophie will go and distract that catkin, while you and the lad enter the building to search.” (Sophie’s husband)

The three of us nod at Sophie’s husband’s orders. Seeing as he smoothly gave out orders, he must have been the leader of the party back in the day. Right when Sophie and Sophie’s husband run out the alley, the catkin instantly notices the two and prepares to counterattack. A heartbeat later, the two of us run toward the entrance of the building.

“Ah! Oi, you two! Stop!” (Catkin)

As the catkin was about to intercept us, Sophie’s husband swings his sword forcing the catkin to dodge backwards.

“Go!” (Sophie’s husband)

I nod and ran inside the house. While the Dogkin was knocking the three people unconscious with his scabbard, I was desperately searching every room for Kanko. Kanko, where are you?

“She’s not in any of the rooms on the first floor!” (Meirou)

“Hmm… the smell doesn’t lead upstairs. There should be a secret entrance that leads to the basement somewhere. Ah, here is the entrance. Boy, follow me. ” (Dogkin)

I am amazed at his sense of smell. I walk down the stairs following behind the dogkin. When we reached the bottom, what welcomed us was a horrendous sight. On one side, there were piles of cages here and there holding various creatures. On the other side, there was a pile of various horns, wings, claws, and skinned fur.

“W-Who’s there!?” (merchant)

My body instinctively moves out of rage, as I punch the person that seem to be the ringleader.

“GUWAH” (merchant)

I quickly turn to look around the room. There I see her. Kanko. I’ve finally found you. I walk towards her with feelings of relief, but my feelings instantly change to despair. I silently stare at Kanko’s body. One of her wings was missing from her back, seemingly ripped off forcibly. Although not profusely, she is still bleeding from her back; but the small pool of blood that built up overtime around Kanko- Both her legs were also twisted in a weird angle. She was in this state inside a cage. She slowly opens her eyes as she senses someone looking at her.

“Me…i…r-rou?” (Kanko)

I just stare at her.

…

And stare at her.

…

And stare.

…

Then something snapped inside me.