Chapter Eight

After inspecting the content, Hellen placed the bottle on the table without opening it.

"A balm oil... I am guessing the pain relieving effect is much better compared to the existing ones in the market. And based on the lingering scent, it has a scent similar to scented candles nobles would use.

It has to be capable of at least that much if Robin is not here"

"Do you have an idea where he might be?"

"Just like you, I do know where he is. He most likely went to his aunt to curry favor. This will be a hit for old people like us after all, especially since the scent is significantly better than other oils"

Lucifer took another glass bottle and handed it to Hellen.

"This is?"

"It is a conditioner. A type of lotion that can make your hair smoother and shinier. It also makes your scalp, where your hair grows, healthier which will prevent hair loss"

"Ooh~ Now we're talking! However, has this been approved after testing it by Robin?" Hellen asked as she opened the bottle to inspect the content.

"Even uncle has yet to see it. That is why I am giving this to you for you to find out yourself whether it will actually help one's hair or make them go bald. Just so you know, I am already using it"

Hellen looked up and noticed once more how glossy Lucifer's hair was.

"Fine, cheeky brat. I will use it. Just know that if my hair goes bad, I will tell Robin to make things harder for you"

Is... isn't this betrayal to your uncle? Jackie watched quietly from the sidelines as he realized that Lucifer did not sign an exclusive contract with their merchant group.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Madame, I have brought the individuals our guest is seeking out for"

"Bring them in"

As the door opened, a receptionist from downstairs followed by chained slaves accompanied by muscular men entered the parlor room one by one.

The slaves were haggard and lifeless base on their faces alone.

"Inside the envelope are records regarding the slaves' history, reason for their slave identity, as well as tendencies.

At the bottom is where the magic they can use, which we assumed base on their history, is written"

"Thank you"

Six old men and three young men.

It is truly unfortunate that there is not a single woman here but I will have to make do with what is available.

Lucifer stood up.

"I will be using my ability on them. Will that be alright, madame?"

"Go ahead. I am curious to find out what you are going to do"

"Ack!"

As Hellen said those words, the men who were accompanying the chained slaves forced them to kneel down.

"Now then..."

[Magic / Degree = Physical enhancement / 2]

[Magic / Degree = Fire / 1]

[Magic / Degree = Earth / 2]

[Magic / Degree = Wind / 3]

[Magic / Degree = Ice / 2]

[Magic / Degree = Space / 2]

[Magic / Degree = Plant / 3]

[Magic / Degree = Fire / 2

[Magic / Degree = Thought acceleration / 4]

Hmm? This one is...

Lucifer went back to get two vials from his suitcase.

"Gregory and Heinrich will stay here. You can take out the rest"

"Understood"

Led by the receptionist, some of the men took out the other seven chained slaves with them.

Weird... I am sure that Lalaine, the first daughter of Reosra, has the power she inherited from her father which is the ability to control plants... Is this a bluff or some sort of psychological test?

Hellen smiled with amusement while Jackie was confused as the two thought about the same thing.

"This is poison I made myself. I guarantee you that no one in the world is capable of making an antidote for this other than me"

Lucifer placed the vials on the floor, an arm's length away from the two slaves kneeling down.

"It is a slow acting poison where it will need two weeks to kill you through excruciating pain. But, I will give you both something to drink every week to prevent that from happening.

I plan on doing this until I fully trust you two"

Lucifer sat down on the floor in front of them with his legs crossed.

"Five hours of work a day and a day off once a week. You both will be able to eat three or four times a day, freedom to spend your free time however you want as long as you don't do anything illegal, as well as a salary of 500 Elbas a month.

The only condition I am putting on you both is that you two are to do everything I say without question or hesitation"

"....."

"If you want to accept my offer, drink those poison yourself"

"....."

Lucifer's words left everyone in the room speechless.

While slaves who are knowledgeable about medicine are considered precious, such treatment was unheard of unless they were being bought by someone with ulterior motives or nasty preferences.

But the old man being there made it contradictory for that to happen.

It then dawned upon him.

This... this is what she, no, he was talking about! About having the reason to do such a thing!

Jackie sat up straight, fixing his posture, as he finally understood why they went to the slave market.

Snap!

The men pinning down Gregory and Heinrich released the two with a snap from Hellen.

The remaining workers inside the room could not help but feel the suspense, even more as it was their first in a long time to see the devilish smile of their manager.

"I will drink it"

Gregory slowly took the vial and opened it.

"There is a bit of sweet but irritating scent. Then again, at my age I doubt that there is anything for me to lose out on"

With a chuckle the old man drank the entire poison in the vial in one gulp.

"I hope that you will adhere to your words, master"

Gregory, placed his forehead on the floor while curled up to prostrate himself.

"You're already old, so do not do things like that. I myself am not comfortable with such things to begin with"

"Understood"

"....."

Heinrich who was watching Gregory turned his eyes to Lucifer as he contemplated what to do.

"May I ask, Sir, what sort of role do you want us to play?"

He has a sharp sense. How intriguing.

"You and I will be acting as apprentices for Gregory in a shop. All the medicine that will be sold there are recipes I made myself.

If you want to know more, you will have to drink the poison"

"....."

Heinrich closed his eyes as he took the vial.

He then drank the poison till the last drop.

"I am an inexperienced apprentice as you may have red on those papers given to you. I promise to learn everything and anything quickly so as to not be a nuisance to you from now on, master"

"That's good. Also, I trust that whatever happened in this room does not leak out"

"Do not worry, my dear valuable customer. I assure you that we value our customer's private information the most here"

Hellen stood up and walked towards the door.

She stopped midway and without turning back, she said "You can use this room to get to know yourselves better. But make sure to leave before dusk"

After going out, the men removed the chains on Gregory and Heinrich and quickly left the room.

"I am sure you have other matters to attend to so you may now go Jackie"

"Yes, Sir"

With Jackie gone, only the three of them were left.

"Now then, to give you all a more detailed information about what to do, from now on we will..."

An old man who became a slave after misdiagnosing the child of a wealthy merchant which led to his demise and an apprentice who tried to steal confidential medical recipe from his mentor was taken in under Lucifer's wing.

_________________________________________________________________________

Introduction to this world's currency and their value

1 Copper coin = 1 Elbas

1 Silver coin = 100 Elbas

1 Gold coin = 10,000 Elbas

500 Elbas is the average amount of money needed to 'feed' a common family of three in a month.