CH 69

Chapter title: Crime Slaves

「So, what do we do with these guys?」

I stripped them all down, tied them up with rope and rolled them on the ground.

I couldn’t let the ladies neutralize the bandits, so I did it all by myself.

「The equipment of the captured bandits belongs to the person who defeated them, so it belongs to you, Elt.」

Alice said, looking at the pile of equipment.

「But I didn’t defeat them all by myself.」

It’s not like there’s a great deal of equipment in there, and I don’t really want to keep it around because it was used by bandits.

「I don’t want it. It’s Elt’s.」

「I don’t need it either. I can’t go to the store to sell it.」

Serena and Alice each refused to share their portions. I look at Alicia, thinking about what to do…….

「I, I didn’t do anything to deserve that!」

She refused with an exaggerated wave of her hand, looking flustered. I’ll think about the equipment later for now. I looked at the bandits and…….

「What are we going to do with these guys anyway?」

Most of them were knocked unconscious by Alice and Serena. But some of them are conscious or groaning in pain.

They were shivering and shaking as I stared at them.

「The bandits could be turned over to the city’s soldiers for some money.」

As I pondered what to do, Alice held up a finger and explained.

「What are we going to do with all these bandits?」

Serena asked Alice a question as if she was interested.

「Well, you know. There’s a common law in almost all countries that people who commit crimes are reduced to slaves during their imprisonment, depending on the severity of their crime.」

I’ve heard that before, too.

During the period of imprisonment, slaves are forced to live on unclaimed land or in mines. In any case, they are sent to places that are physically and mentally demanding.

There, under the supervision of the government, they are forced to work hard.

「So, if we hand them over to the government, you will be paid for the time the bandits’ spent in prison.」

Alice explained to Serena how human society works……

「But Elt has plenty of money, right? It’s a bit of a hassle to turn around after coming all this way, isn’t it?」

Serena nodded her head and said.

「It’s true. If we have to turn back with this many people, it will take several times as long as it took us to get here.」

Not to mention the bandits’ equipment. They’ll have to walk with me and Alicia as well, since our luggage will be full just from packing it inside.

「Then kill them?」

「Eh, Alice-sama! Are you going to kill them?」

When Alice said this, Alicia looked at her with a shocked expression.

「I don’t blame you. When I think of all the merchants and girls who have been victimized so far…….」

I didn’t have the option of just letting it go.

I can’t leave out the possibility that there will be new victims because of what I missed.

If we won’t hand them over to the government, the quickest way would be to kill them.

「Th, that’s right…..」

Alicia’s expression soured as well. No wonder. She has healed many people’s injuries in the past. Even though they are criminals, she probably doesn’t want to see them die in front of her…….

「What are you going to do, Elt?」

In spite of Alicia, Alice pressed for a decision. I’m sure it’s because she knows that I’m the leader of this group.

「Alice, can you write a letter to the higherups in the castle?」

「Sure, but what kind of letter?」

「I’ve caught the bandits and I want you to come and get them.」

「I don’t mind, but it will take a long time to get back to the kingdom, won’t it?」

Alice seemed to think that someone would take the carriage and deliver the letter to the kingdom.

「No, that won’t be a problem. …..Marie」

「Yes!」

I called out and Marie appeared.

「Marie. When the letter is ready, deliver it to the Prime Minister at the castle.」

「Yes…. I’m going to have to leave master and…. go to the human race?」

Marie looks very unhappy.

「I’m sorry, but can you do me a favor?」

I know Marie hates people, so I know it’s a terrible request. I ask Marie to do me a favor…….

「I can’t deny Master’s request. I must quickly go and come back.」

She changed her mind and said that.

「Thank you.」

I patted Marie’s head.

「Ehehehe. If I can be of service to master, that makes Marie happy.」

She leaned in close to me.

「Elt-kun. I’ve written the letter. I’ve also written them to collect the bandits’ equipment.」

「That’s very thoughtful.」

We’re going to the Forest of the Lost, so the lighter the luggage, the better.

「So, Marie, please take care of it.」

「Yes. I’ll see you later.」

Marie floated up and flew through the air. If she looks like that, she’ll be back soon.

After that, we heard a reply from Marie, who came back a few minutes later, “He said he will send someone soon.” We locked the bandits in Marie’s barrier and proceeded to the lost forest.

Chapter number looks good.