Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World

Botus was at a loss for words, likely because I had hit the mark.

Samini gave a sympathetic nod.

“There may be a slight increase if we negotiate, but it still won’t exceed twenty coins.”

“O-Okay! I’ll sell it! Thirty gold coins!”

“Well then, please sign this contract.”

Hugging the gold coins, Botus signed as Samini instructed.

I also gave the contract a quick read and signed it.

Samini carefully reviewed it.

“There are no issues. The contract is now in effect. From this moment, all of Botus-sama’s rights over Emiri will be transferred to Alter-sama. Please don’t forget that, Botus-sama.”

Even as Samini made this declaration, Botus didn’t seem to be listening.

He was grinning, clutching the gold coins in his hands.

Even though I failed to hide my sigh, he didn’t notice.

“No need to see me off.”

Without waiting for a reply, I left the room.

As I descended the dim staircase, I heard loud laughter coming from above.

I pushed aside the discomfort that welled up and left the apartment building.

The carriage started moving, with both of us remaining silent.

After a while, Samini handed me the contract, placing it on a tin dish.

As always, he was meticulous in his preparation.

I threw the contract into the dish and lit it with a flint.

I absentmindedly watched the smoke as it drifted out of the window.

“With this, both ownership and guardianship rights over Emiri-san have been nullified.”

“There will still be records, right?”

“Yes. They will be managed by the Merchant Guild. Unless a lawsuit is filed, they won’t surface. However—”

Hesitating for once, Samini continued.

“If you inform her, Emiri-san may feel relieved, no?”

“She’s already at ease. She doesn’t need to know. If Botus tells her—then I’ll explain again. Once we’re back, can I leave that to you?”

“Leave it to me.”

I nodded and returned my gaze to the blue sky.

Was it right to keep this from Emiri? I couldn’t make that judgment.

She had the right to know, as the one directly involved.

If Botus told her, the shock would be immense. I also felt it should be explained to her beforehand.

But would that really be the best for Emiri?

In this world, all rights to children were held by their parents.

Even if parents sought to sell their children out of greed, the children had no right to refuse.

A person could be bought and sold for as little as thirty gold coins.

I felt Emiri was too young to know such a harsh reality.

“By the way—”

Samini suddenly broke the silence.

When I turned to face him, his usual cool gaze was on me.

“Does Alter-sama dislike slaves?”

It was an unexpected question.

I hesitated and thought for a moment.

“I understand their role.”

Hearing that, Samini quietly nodded.

In this world, slaves had an aspect of necessary evil.

Debt slaves worked to repay their debts or were released after a set period.

It was essentially an advance on wages, and those sold like Emiri were also treated as debt slaves.

Except for severe criminals and captured war prisoners, even criminal slaves could be freed after serving their time or paying reparations.

What they were doing wasn’t much different from what was done in my previous life—just called something else.

But that didn’t mean I could condone the slavery system in this world.

A person who had lost their rights would never be treated properly, and if the employees of small towns or villages and the Merchant Guild were corrupt, contracts could easily be violated.

Moreover, children born to slaves had no right to freedom.

Even if I understood the necessity, there were many realities I couldn’t ignore.

Suppressing the unease in my heart, I returned the dish to Samini.

“There’s one more thing I’d like to ask. Could you inform Kinele Saburoa of the recent developments?”

“To the councilman?”

“I actually know his grandson. He asked me to handle this.”

“I see.”

“Please don’t mention my name. Perhaps later, but for now, they might get overly cautious after yesterday.”

Samini acknowledged with his usual smile.

Kinele Saburoa must be in a tough spot.

It would be hard to ignore his grandson’s request to save a young girl, yet he couldn’t bend the law.

Now that someone had purchased and annulled the slave contract, Emiri was truly free.

Even if Botus tried to cause more trouble, I could confidently step in to help.

With this, Emiri’s problem was finally resolved.

“I’m sorry about this. You weren’t even in charge, but I dragged you into it.”

“Not at all. Alter-sama always takes good care of me.”

“We help each other out, right? Especially today. So, as a small token of thanks, I’d like to introduce someone to you.”

“That sounds intriguing.”

Samini leaned in slightly.

“There’s a craftsman named Katie. She’s young but full of ambition. I vouch for her skills.”

“A craftsman—interesting. I’ll definitely consider it.”

“I’m counting on you. Her work and skill deserve more recognition.”

With Katie’s abilities, carving a Majumag should be a simple task.

She had been improving her craft by learning the techniques of the Rag, and Samini was sure to appreciate her work.

That said, I myself still lacked the skill.

When would I ever master the heat treatment for the Majumag?

“I have a suggestion as well.”

As I was thinking about that, Samini suddenly spoke.

I instinctively braced myself, thinking he would lecture me about the heat treatment.

“I’d like to introduce you to an excellent tailor. Please visit upon your return.”

With a deeper smile, Samini pointed to my sleeve.

Seeing my exposed wrist, I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Haha, I see. I’ll gladly take the recommendation.”

“If you’re interested, shall we go now?”

“Half a year from now. I’ll probably grow by then.”

Samini remained silent as I laughed it off.