Chapter Seven

As soon as we arrived at Lerdin's commercial city, uncle parted ways with me saying that he had to visit grand aunt, while Jackie will be the one to escort me.

"It really is amazing my- I mean, Sir"

"It is nothing grand"

"Did you perhaps 'did it' while you were in the carriage? If so, what was the boss' reaction?" Jackied asked calmly, but his voice had curiosity in them.

"At first, he was mad. After all, mother will kill him if she founds out I cut my hair. But he was also intrigued on the process of me becoming like this"

Unlike what he saw the previous days, Lalaine now actually looks like an entirely different person.

It was to the point that even with his discerning eyes and sharp ears, Jackie himself found it hard to believe that the person who looks and sounds like a young man in front of him is actually the eldest daughter of Reosra.

"Is this the place?"

"Yes, Sir. It is a two story house with a basement. The first floor is the shop, the second floor is where you will be living in, and the basement can be used as a laboratory and a storage for your creation"

We entered the house which was surprisingly in a much better condition than I initially thought.

"This place is located near the wet market as well as the guard station that the Lerdins built for public order"

A spacious house fit for a few people. The location is the best possible one I could ask for.

"The rooms my 'employees' will be using?"

"It has been thoroughly prepared. The size of the room is similar to servants of knights who have their own house. It is located at the back of the shop"

"You sound oddly polite compared to before"

Jackie placed his right hand on his chest and bowed slightly.

"During your time with our merchant group, I have deemed you to be worthy to be one of our V.I.P. not because of your relation to my boss but because of the products you have shown.

Just like Sir Robin, I believe that investing on you will not be a loss"

"So I am a valued partner?"

"Yes"

Jackie who was acting friendly with me during our journey together on behalf of others in uncle's merchant group is now showing his own self and is expressing his own opinion.

"There is no need to be so formal"

I am starting to envy uncle to have someone as passionate and sincere of a worker as him.

"We will be communicating a lot so it would be better going forward with a warmer atmosphere, no?"

"If that is what you want, then I will happily Oblige, Sir Lucifer"

Overall, the first floor had the shop at the front and two bedrooms at the back, a small storage room, a bathroom, and a kitchen. The second floor had a smaller kitchen, two storage room, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a balcony.

After checking out the house, they then headed to the slave market to get his employees.

"Is it necessary to buy slaves, Sir?"

"Yes. I want the justification to do what I am about to do later. In any case, you will understand soon what I mean"

Hearing his answer, Jackie remained quiet on the way, expectant as to how eldest daughter of Reosra was going to handle slaves.

Those who became orphans, those who are debt ridden, and criminals and others alike become slaves.

In a world where manpower is needed, instead of killing people, it was approved by the imperial family and four ducal houses hundreds of years ago regarding the use of the slave system for the betterment of society.

A life worse than death.

Just the possibility of being treated well is a miracle itself for those who become a slave.

It was for this reason why Reosra, the barony who does not discriminate, is so famous.

"May I know who you are?"

The receptionist asked.

"I would like to talk with the manager"

Jackie showed the receptionist a golden token with a harp symbol.

Seeing this, the receptionist was momentarily taken aback.

"Understood. Please follow me"

The receptionist who stood up and acted docile was a signal to the others that someone of important status arrived and begun to whisper to each other.

After following the receptionist to a parlor room at the second floor, he excused himself and said that the manager will arrive shortly.

The parlor room was extravagantly decorated with shiny furniture.

At the center of the room was two sofas facing each other and at the center was a rectangular coffee table made of wood.

"Jackie, what is up with that thing you are holding?"

"The boss frequently come here to buy slaves and turn them into workers. Because of that he has a close, almost like family, connection with the manager here"

So it is like that, huh.

The two sat down nonchalantly as they looked around the room to pass time.

Bam!

The door opened violently.

"Robin! Long time no- oh, he is not here"

A middle aged woman with clear skin barged into the room with excitement who was then disappointed not to see the person she was expecting.

The woman then briefly looked at Lalaine with a penetrating gaze.

"Hmm? You... why is the eldest daughter of Reosra here?"

".....?!"

The woman sat down on a chair after closing the door.

"I do not know why you are hiding your identity nor how you were able to pull off your current appearance, however, I assure you I only need one look to know who you are"

"....."

How does she know? Is my voice off? I'm sure I practiced well on the way though. My mannerism? I also practiced that! I even switched to using soap, shampoo, and cologne used by noblemen!

While maintaining her composure, Lalaine was frantically panicking inside.

"Do not worry, I do not want to get on Robin's bad side so I will not disclose your information to anyone"

With a doubtful look, he asked "How did you know, madame?"

The woman smiled with amusement.

"I have a sixth sense for things like this. To negotiate with people, reading their movement, and to pick up the slightest bit of information I possibly can in order to have an advantage in talks is natural for me.

In short, it is a skill I picked up with time and experience"

"....."

Unknowingly, Lalaine frowned that someone managed to see through her with a glance.

"Do not be upset, child. The other reason why I was so sure it was you is because Robin's token was used. A woman in her early twenties being escorted by Robin's right hand man... it would be weirder not to think of you as Reosra's eldest daughter"

"Thank you for saying that you will keep my secret to yourself"

Instinctively, for the first time ever, Lalaine felt danger from someone other than her mother.

"I am Hellen. Manager of the Lerdin slave market.

Now then, let's talk business. What sort of slave did you come here for, good 'Sir'?" Hellen asked as she emphasized on the last word.

"....."

Decisive and straight to the point. I can see why uncle referred me to her.

"Two slaves knowledgeable about medicine and plants. Someone in their forty's to fifties while the other is someone in their early to late teens"

Hellen wrote down what I said on a piece of paper.

"To my knowledge, there are no women who fits your criteria. Will men be alright?"

"While it is unfortunate, that will do"

"I understand"

Hellen stood up and slip the paper into a notification pipe.

"In about ten minutes from now, my workers will be bringing those who fit your requirements.

To pass time, how about I make a contract with you"

"You want to make a contract with me?"

"Yes. That young man over there..."

Hellen pointed at Jackie which took him by surprise.

"There is a weird air of admiration and respect coming from him. As far as I know, I have only felt that whenever he is around Robin.

And the fact that you want a slave knowledgeable regarding medicine means that you are far better than average medicalis"

"....."

Hellen then continued "Someone of your status only have to ask for a tutor if you wanted to learn more about the field of medicine. And yet you didn't. If I were to add that to you hiding your identity... must mean you are planning on earning money for personal reason during your stay here by selling your products to Robin.

Did I get it right?"

"....."

Jackie was speechless and could no longer keep up his poker face.

"Impressive. To the point that it is terrifying even"

She said with a defeated smile.

"I will take that as a compliment. By the way, I have yet to hear your name, good Sir~"

Lalaine opened her suitcase and handed a small glass bottle to Hellen.

"My name is Lucifer. Lucifer Morningstar"