Chapter 165

Chapter 165

Lady Melania, this is a serious breach of etiquette.

Never mind the informal speech, but to call him Ian?

Although Melania was the daughter of the Hayman family, the most influential among the aristocracy, Ian was one who governed the nation. Moreover, he was the Minister of the most important department, the Ministry of Magic. While he might be a lower-ranking noble, he could not be compared to someone who was merely treated preciously due to their bloodline. Not to mention, even the princes were currently in a position where they sought his assistance.

Iaan?

However, Lady Melania called his name once more, seeming unconcerned. This time, she slightly raised the end of her sentence, making it a question.

As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, her expression became visible. It seemed perplexed, yet she was frowning in a peculiar manner.

Lady Melania, youre quite intoxicated.

I suppose I am.

Melania smiled brightly and released Ians arm. However, her gaze remained sticky as she meticulously scrutinized his features.

Could it be that weve met before?

If you attended the New Years banquet, we would have seen each other there.

No, I mean when we were young.

No, we havent.

I see. Im truly sorry. Actually, I was a bit doubtful. The name Ian is quite common, and above all, I couldnt believe that such a dashing person could be the same one I knew.

Im flattered by the compliment, but please be more cautious next time, Lady Melania. It would have been troublesome if others were present.

The social circle was a place where even a small breeze could create a storm. Putting aside the fact that the ladys outrageous behavior would become the talk of the town, there was a possibility that Ian could be entangled in an unsavory rumor with her. It was a well-known fact that she was Gales woman, so if that happened, it would be truly bothersome.

I apologize.

Melania smiled and nodded her head. However, whenever she looked at Ian, she felt a sense of dj vu. Could it be because she had seen him at the New Years banquet or somewhere else? But at some point, when she recalled that child from her memories, it felt as though Ian was wearing a shell.

Well then, take care on your way back.

Lady Melania.

Yes, Minister Ian Hielo.

Thus, it seemed that if she called him familiarly by his name, the appearance she knew would emerge. As if it were a magic spell to break a curse. She must be quite drunk to have such absurd thoughts. Melania stood up straight and faced Ian.

Are you aware of His Highness Gales curse?

Of course.

The personal hardship Gale was hiding, aside from the publicly known one. Melania paused for a moment, then smiled broadly.

Since its related to the existence of Bariel, I will sincerely do my best to help.

It seemed Melania knew what Gales true curse was. But that was it. She bid farewell, saying she would really go in and see him, and left. Ian also left the palace without hesitation.

***

Is this the place?

Yes. Since its a job that provides room and board, Ive entrusted the management of the slaves to them for now.

Before long, Ian arrived at a small slaughterhouse in the commercial district. The main tasks here were cutting meat, removing rotten entrails, and washing away blood. Starting with the foul odor, the work itself was highly demanding, so it was rare to find ordinary imperial citizens here.

Come on! The next batch of meat is coming in! We need to cut it quickly before the ice melts, so move swiftly!

Most of them were either of slave origin or slaves themselves. The pay was decent for the hard work, so it was common for their masters to send them here. As Ian slightly wrinkled his nose, Romandro called for the factory manager.

Hey, where are our kids?

Theyre packaging in the back.

Ill take them for a bit.

At Romandros words, the manager bowed his head. Even though they were all slaves, their lives varied greatly depending on who their master was. Those who came here to die or be punished had to perform hard labor while covered in blood, while others could live relatively comfortably, doing tasks like packaging indoors.

Screech.

Romandro opened the thick iron door and guided Ian inside. From afar, the sound of quiet chatter could be heard. It was the conversation the slaves were having to alleviate their boredom while working.

How far has the investigation into that man Fakens progressed?

The last report mentioned not only the circumstances of illegal slavery but also the seizure of smuggled goods. When it came to smuggled goods, it probably included looted spoils associated with thieves, like Berics Black Sword.

Oh my, thats not it. It just so happens that we were short on manpower today, so we had no choice but to mobilize them.

Aha! I came here knowing everything!

Xiaoshis knife halted in midair. Judging by the managers flustered reaction, it was clear that his master had come. Xiaoshis odd-eye met Ians gaze head-on.

He has a good physique but looks agile. Hes perfect for an assassin. Above all, he seems to have a serious demeanor, the kind who silently carries out the task given to them.

Its really not true. Really! This is the first time! Right, Xiaoshi?

The manager subtly pressured and urged him. The master would leave, but the manager would be with him all day. He had to act appropriately and discreetly to make his life easier.

Its the seventeenth time.

However, Xiaoshi solemnly revealed the truth. It was unclear whether he was loyal to Ian as his master or if that was his original disposition. But either way, it was a satisfactory answer for Ian.

A slave is ultimately property. What will you do if there are issues with their stamina or health?

No, thats not it, well, I apologize.

For a breach of contract, you must bear the corresponding responsibility. Romandro.

At Ians call, Romandro showed his front teeth from behind, making a displeased expression. It meant for the manager to follow him out. As the manager followed Romandro out in a fluster, the surroundings became quiet. Only the faint breathing of the sleeping livestock could be heard.

Your name is Xiaoshi, right?

Yes.

Where are you from?

I dont know. I was born in a slave traders prison.

So he was a slave by birth. Ian nodded and glanced at the sleeping livestock.

You have a good physique. Have you ever engaged in combat?

I have.

Do you have talent?

I dont think Im bad. Thats why Im still alive.

When a slave said they had engaged in combat, nine times out of ten, it referred to gladiatorial fights for entertainment. The very fact that he had survived with all his limbs intact was proof of his talent.

You dont enjoy it?

No.

He was calm, unlike Beric who would rave wildly. As if he knew the weight of his words well.

Why?

Seeing blood isnt pleasant for me.

Ian smiled at Xiaoshis answer. Perfect. There was no one better suited as an assassin to be sent for show. Since it was literally for external use, if he even made a single guard bleed, Gale could find fault with it.

It must have been tough working here.

Then, Id like to assign you a different task. Can you do that well?

At Ians question, Xiaoshi lifted his head. His eyes were truly peculiar for a man. Considering he said he was born in a prison, one could imagine the depths of the twists of his fate.

Im not sure, but if you tell me to do it, I will.

I like your answer.

Perhaps it was because he had been a slave to the bone. His attitude was as if his master was the center of the world. Ian handed him a handkerchief and casually added.

Youll be going to kill a noble person.

He couldnt even kill livestock, and now he was being told to kill a person? A look of perplexity flashed across Xiaoshis face. But then came Ians subsequent order.

But you must not kill them. You just need to walk in on your own two feet and get caught as is. You wont even need to draw your sword from its sheath. Everything has already been arranged, so I will also guarantee your safety to the fullest extent possible. Well, will you do it?

Putting aside the suspicious nature of the order, a master asking a slave if they would do it? Wasnt that truly strange? He bowed his head and replied.

I will do it. If it is my masters command.