Chapter 13

Chapter 13

That statement implied that he was willing to let the dwarf follow in the footsteps of the Hamar clan, which had vanished beyond the massive mountain range that stretched across the southern part of the continent. To the dwarf, a half-elf who typically lived for 300 years, 20 years to gain freedom did not seem like a particularly long time.

Humans are good at lying. Do you think I can trust those words?

However, the dwarfs distrust of humans was profound, and the look of resignation in his eyes did not waver. It was then that Logan gently pulled out a piece of paper shimmering with bluish energy from within his clothes.

Do you know what this is?

The dwarfs eyes trembled upon verifying the item.

A magic contract?

It was a spare he had prepared when buying a magic contract to bind Philip, thinking of this very day.

Youre not going to use that for me, are you?!

Well observed. If you really cannot trust me, then I could draft a contract for you.

Lets write the contract! Absolutely! Ill make anything for you!

Logans lips curved into a faint smile at the radically changed attitude of Hamar. Without delay, he proceeded to draft the contract for the enthusiastic dwarf. To Logan, it was merely bait to ensure his eagerness.

However, upon seeing the light of the magic contract enveloping both him and Logan, Hamar, contrary to his usual stoic countenance, let tears roll down his cheeks.

I cant believe you would actually do that for me. Thank you, human. No, thank you, Master!

It was a strange sight to see someone destined to 20 years of forced labor expressing gratitude and even using honorifics, difficult for a dwarf.

Logan couldnt help but chuckle at the odd disconnection.

If a single contract can inspire such motivation, then its a profitable deal.

The weapon he intended to create required only a slight edge over the skills of a human blacksmith, which was within reach even with a disillusioned dwarfs ability. However, Logans promise of freedom was influenced, perhaps, by memories from his past life.

A thousand years ago during The Great Migration, most dwarves also vanished beyond the southern mountain range. Consequently, master dwarves, who were rumored to be found only in the great cities of the dwarves, became even rarer. And those master dwarves, once enslaved, could no longer display skills that matched their reputation.

But Logan had once witnessed, in his past life, the true capabilities of a master dwarf in a piece crafted with the joy of liberation.

The craftsmanship of a master dwarf infused with genuine willpower. It truly was impressive.

Such skill was worth the investment if he could draw it forth. For Logans plans, 20 years was more than enough time.

Unless it all falls apart before then.

Shaking off those ominous thoughts, Logan turned his gaze from Hamar, who now looked elated, to Kai, whose expressionless face kept vigilance behind him.

Anyway, Ive achieved my purpose of coming to Harun.

A contented smirk appeared on Logans lips as he moved forward with a lighter heart, reassured by the smooth unfolding of the plan.

But the relief was fleeting. As they were leaving the slave market, Logan and his party encountered a raucous incident.

Seize him!

The slave has escaped!

Catch him! Catch them, you fools!

A middle-aged man with a hooked nose and blood streaming down his forearms pointed at a spot in the slave market and bellowed loudly. A blue-haired boy carrying a girl who resembled him was rushing through the crowded people, with five or six individuals who looked like mercenaries in pursuit.

The boy, with his surprisingly nimble movements unsuited for his emaciated frame, managed to escape the mercenaries grip time after time. However, the chase was not to last.

Thud! Thud!

You damn dog!

Thump.

You think you can bite me?!

Crud.

Angered beyond reason, the hooked-nose man mercilessly trampled the child. Even as he spat out his fury, it seemed he wouldnt care if the child died from his violent kicks.New novel chapters are published on

The blue-haired boys unyielding posture during the onslaught, if anything, only intensified the mans rage as time went on.

His sister?

What kind of

Red hair approached him, but not a single one of his guards noticed in time.

By the time the bodyguards were alerted and began to draw their swords, it was too late.

Moreover, the person following the red-haired individual appeared to be Kai, a renowned mercenary of Harun.

At last, seeing the flame emblem engraved on the armor of the red-haired individual, hooked-nose instinctively bowed deeply.

I did not recognize someone of your stature. Did I somehow offend you?

Just passing by, but I became interested in the merchandise you were a bit too rough with.

After some hesitation and an awkward chuckle, hooked-nose responded.

Oh, you were a customer? What an embarrassing timeaha!

Thats enough. Is this how you usually treat your slaves?

No, no, not at all. These ones are just particularly stubborn Haha, I showed an unsightly side of me. So, youre interested in these siblings?

While continuing to bleed from both his forearm and shin, he managed to laugh awkwardly and rub his hands together. Logan paid more attention to his words than his hideous demeanor.

Customer, and merchandiseare you a slave trader? Excellent. Can we proceed with the transaction now?

Showing eagerness would typically be a disadvantage in trade negotiations, but the situation was different now. Everyones attention was on them, and Logan had indirectly demonstrated a position of power over the merchandise, putting him in a psychological advantage.

Despite this, the slave traders market experience kept him from capitulating too easily.

these children have the rare red and blue odd eyes, and both siblings share this trait. They are a precious commodity, so their price is quite high will that be alright?

That doesnt matter. How much?

Well, at least ten thousand each

Logans brow twitched at that remark. A healthy young slaves price was usually around 300 gold.

The slave trader was asking for a price tens of times higher for the frail children, solely for their odd eyes. Although Viktors true worth could be easily tenfold that amount, Logan had no intention of paying such a price for the siblings who were currently valuable only for their unusual eyes.

More than anything, I dont want to enrich this scum.

The moment he locked gazes with the girls eyes, which brimmed with tears as she fretted over her unconscious brother, they became more than just someone elses slaves he had encountered only five minutes ago. Consequently, his tone grew colder.

The price for frail children nearing death is thirty times that of a robust slave, and one looks about to perish, doesnt it?

Ah, brother

At his words, the girl cried out in alarm, tears cascading down her face. However, the target of his remarks, the slave trader, laughed unabashedly.

Ahaha. You have quite the sense of humor. Even in this state, he is tough and will bounce back quickly.

Hmm, but the treatment would be expensive. And who knows how much it would cost to feed and train them for a while.

Well, you see, as you can see in this slave market, they are a unique item

Five hundred gold each. Any more than that for a healthy slave is excessive.

Oh, my customer, that would barely cover the cost of sale.

Hmph. Do you think Im ignorant of the cost of slaves?

Still, considering it is such a difficult item to find

Youre too greedy. One thousand. Be satisfied with that.

The slave trader started to retort but silenced himself as Logan gripped the hilt of his sword. It was essentially a threat. Swiftly calculating, the slave trader made his decision.

That Viktor has always been trouble. Hell likely continue to be.

His gaze swept over his bleeding limbs as he thought.

A unique appearance may have value as a decorative piece, but if that decoration attempts to stab its owner, the significance is lost.

After a moment of hesitation, the slave trader nodded.

Thank you for your business, customer.