Chapter 6 - Slave Matters

The slave market lost its owner, but it doesn't mean that we will liberate all the slaves. Others might be prisoners or problematic people who always borrow money. We can't carry any weight anymore. But it seems that Ellena was really an incarnation of kindness. She didn't bother to think of helping them.

"We can't bring them to Ellena. More so, free them. It's not our job, and we don't know why they're slaves. "

I've been arguing with her, but she still can't convince me. Kindness is not a pretty word, it's a double-edged sword. Being kind to others doesn't mean that everything will be good for them. Maybe after freeing them, they will even find more unfortunate situations. It's also not a good idea to be kind all of the time. It doesn't mean that if you're kind, everyone will be kind to you too. Not everyone has the mindset of paying kindness. They will even think of it as an opportunity to move behind your back.

"But what if they have also been kidnapped like me, like this girl?"

Yeah, right, the girl was already clinging to Ellena. When we asked her why she was under the counter, we learned that she had been kidnapped. She was sold to a slave trader after her mother was raped by bandits. And it is for this reason that I was grateful that slavery was made illegal in my previous life due to its invalidity. You can't tell if a person is really supposed to be a slave. And it's inhumane.

Yeah, most slaves are drowned in debt and are criminals, but you can't prove that to people. There are no courts where ordinary people can prove their innocence. Bandits can always kidnap people and sell them to a shady slave trader, then merchandise them. I just don't see why slavery is necessary. It's just that they have the ability to lie about the reason you are bound to slavery. Because there is a lack of evidence, the debt can not be proven, and may even be fabricated. Signatures and contracts are not centered on commoners. That's why I don't like those times where Ellena was a slave.

It's a scapegoat to legally imprison random people.

"We can't free them, but I have a proper idea what's the best move," I suggested as Ellena's eyes started to shine. Ugh. This girl is really very kind. Why were you born into such a harsh environment?

"Then what is it?"

"Pray for them."

...

...

...

"Aaron! It's not a good idea!"

Oh, kawaii... She's making a pouting face right now. Her cheeks were puffy and her eyes squinted. I won't get tired of this view. She's just too cute.

"Eehhh... Make a good idea, Aaron! You're intelligent, right? You even helped me to live. You're smart!"

And she even made more cute pleas. But... how can I say no?

"Okay. Okay! We will just find a nice slave trader for them. I guess it would be sufficient, right?"

A sweet smile emerged from her face. Her eyes became smaller as the crinkles from smiling reached her eyes. But there's someone who's confused about the situation right now.

The girl was making a pondering expression looking at Ellena, who was talking without anyone talking to her. Yeah... she's confused right now.

"Big sister, who are you talking to?"

"Huh? Ah! Aaron, he's my friend. He lives here." Then she pointed at her rune. And more confused expressions emerged.

"Your hand?"

"No. He is my rune."

Ellena even described more about me. She told her how she escaped from the working site with my help. How she managed to have the powers and the ability to get her freedom. But that explanation might still be hard to understand for a 13-year-old girl.

"Okay... I believe you... but you are so cool!"

"No, it wasn't me; it was just Aaron's assistance."

It's okay to be mistaken. I don't care if anyone knows about my existence. I just want the best for Ellena. Her life to be happier.

"I forgot to tell you that you don't have to talk to me by opening your mouth."

'Really?'

"Yes."

She understood it right away as we got out of the slave market to not be caught by other people. It would be bothersome if Ellena got caught. Since it's her first time being free, I'll teach her everything I know, starting by blending into society.

Ellena is still mediocre. She thinks that what you do to others will go back to you. She thought that if she could prove something to her parents, she would be recognized. And everything she thought was not wrong, but also unacceptable. There are some flaws in her mindset. As of now, I am aware of a system that I can teach her to live by.

It is best to get out of people's eyes. It's not good to try to stand out. Maybe other people would love fame, but fame comes with a tight rope. You can easily be recognized and you can not hide. If you stand out, pursuers will noticeably come up with a plan to harm you. But for this one, it is also best not to publicize my existence. It was the wrong move to tell the kid, but it couldn't be avoided. Ellena is still innocent.

"So, Ellena, what will you do with the girl?" I asked her.

It is already past night, probably midnight. It's too late; the curfew has already been imposed. It was just nice that there were no patrolling night guards in this town. People are not that guarded, especially in public towns. Nobles don't think of commoners as important people. Mostly, in particular... not all.

'Can't we bring her?'

I think we can. Since we have 13 fear points right now, we can bring the child but it's too early to judge. We can bring her for a month since Ellena has the ability to survive, but it is not for the kid.

"The threat of bringing in the kid is low. Even though we don't know that kid, we can still take care of things. There are numerous abilities that do not require a large number of fear points. Especially the ability to flee. It's cheap and has a high chance of escaping. Mobility abilities are the best.

"Ellena, I have something to tell you."

'Yeah, what is it?'

"Do you want to change your hair color?" With that question of mine, an unpleasant expression was painted on her face. I see... it was insensitive of me. I forgot that she was still saddened by her past.

'Yes... I think people will be wary of me. I don't like that.'

"I see... Do you want to exchange for the ability Hair Disguise?"

Hair Disguise only costs 2 points. It's really cheap as it has little capability to help the host in a combat situation. The abilities that can be bought from the book are for combat situations. The greater the benefits and advantages, the greater the cost.

'Exchange points for Hair Disguise.'

Then, the colossal book appeared again. I took out the ability and installed it on Ellena. She can easily change her appearance in a short period of time this time. Hair colors have a significant impact on a person's overall appearance. And with this, she won't stand out for being a cursed child.

But there are a few things I need to get ready for. It is how Ellena collects points. She doesn't want other people to be afraid of her, as it was traumatizing in her childhood. She was only able to perform those acts earlier because of my guide. But right now, she has a limited grasp of reality.

"Do you really not want people to fear you?"

She was silent for a moment and didn't answer me. And after a few moments, she responded to my inquiry.

"Yes, I don't want anymore."

I see... But it is essential for her because she needs fear points. She only gained it by other people being afraid of her. Then... let's have another suggestion for her.

"Let's just make bad people fear me."

I was taken aback by her statement. That... I didn't expect that. She had already faced reality! She understands what evil people are. She can learn quickly if she has someone to guide her.

I see... you were born as a genius, Ellena.

'Nice idea.. Now, let's just go to a place to stay for the night.'