Chapter Eleven

After getting themselves accustomed to the shop, it was time to open the apothecary by putting up a sign outside.

"Sir, do you think someone will come here today?"

The boy asked as he wiped the windows.

"Maybe. The shop is near where the people gather after all"

Knock, knock, knock.

After three knocks, a woman came in.

She had her brown hair in a bun. She wore a white shirt and gray pants with a whip on her waist.

Though she looked young, there was an unusual ominous air around her.

As the two recognized who it was, they could not help but frown upon seeing a familiar face who is affiliated from an unwanted company.

"Please wait here. I will be calling for someone suitable for the job"

The young boy stopped cleaning the windows and quickly went to the basement.

"I have yet to say what I came here for so... how come that child knew what to do?"

"Our boss said that someone from your place might come here today. And surprisingly enough, you did come here"

"I suppose this is one of the reason why madame Hellen has taken a liking to that good Sir"

A while later, Lucifer entered the shop through the back and scoffed at the woman as his premonition became true.

"Let me guess, you want to make an exclusive contract stating that we supply you with goods that is needed to maintain the slaves health condition"

"Yes, Sir Lucifer"

Natasha, the 'warden' of the slave cells and the one responsible for 'disciplining' them replied with a vibrant smile as she was pleased that the one she will be talking to is someone quick witted.

"Once a week, either you or Sir Gregory will come to the market in order to check on the condition of the other slaves. In return, we will be paying you per head that you will be checking on"

Natasha placed an enveloped on top of the counter.

"Baal. His name is no longer Gregory but Baal"

Lucifer took out the papers and read its content.

"Apologies. I will ensure not to get it wrong the next time" Natasha bowed sincerely.

"....."

After thoroughly reading the contents of the contract Lucifer signed it almost immediately.

"First thing in the morning at every Saturday. That is the time when I will come by"

"Thank you very much for your quick decision, Sir"

"....."

The woman left right after placing the contract back inside the envelope.

"If you do not mind me asking, master, why did you accepted their proposal?"

"Because they possess things we don't. Which is information"

As someone who wants to travel around the world, information was what Lucifer was lacking the most.

While N'hara was the strongest military dukedom among the four ducal families two thousand years ago, they are now the weakest among the four.

Unlike N'hara who relied on their manpower, strategical capabilities, and promising talent with unique magic, the other three ducal families were busy advancing their technology for thousands of years since the conquest of the empire.

Ableud that lies in the north were the ones to invent steam machinery. The drastic increase manufacturing rate thanks to their inventions allowed them to survive the climate in the north.

Alarier, the smallest among the four ducal families that lies in the eastern part, were the ones to invent rifles. Because of this, their land now possessed the strongest military power that allows them to further focus on improving themselves without needing to fear of anyone trying to make trouble with them.

Caxia were the ones to move the economy as they produced high quality products such as textile, flawless craftsmanship, music and arts and other bait that will always catch big fish in the empire. This allowed them to become as rich as the imperial family.

"Listen closely, this place will soon be attacked. Several months from now or two years at the latest. Both N'hara and Caxia are at war due to resource. But I doubt that is the only reason"

"Wait, wait, wait... what do you mean by this place being attacked, master?"

Baal asked with visible confusion.

"The great river of N'hara comes from the west and passes through Lerdin, right"

"Yes, that is correct"

"The river splits into two just a few kilometers from here. One goes to the Dukedom of N'hara and the other goes to N'hara's most loyal naval military family, the Ridone Marquisate"

"Yes. It is because of this that Lerdin is one of the three biggest supplier of-...!"

Baal then understood Lucifer's words.

"If they want to have the upper hand they will take over Lerdin as quickly as possible. Once that happens they will now have supplies for their army that will come here.

With that said, either the Haldren marquisate or the Lesser Noble Alliance has already been taken over by Caxia. At worst, both of them has already fallen"

"But still... what makes you so sure about this, master?!" Baal asked, his eyes filled with worry and concern.

Such news instantly gave fright to Baal.

While he knew the N'hara of this era was weak, he did not expect that N'hara will be at a complete disadvantage against Caxia.

"The flow of people here in Lerdin. To be more exact, the slaves that comes from Haldren"

"....."

"Compared to the past decade, ever since last year, more slaves are being sold to the Lesser Noble Alliance, in Lerdin, and even in Ridone. And most of them are coming from Haldren. This is something I found out yesterday.

It was as if they want to house a large amount of people. Also, the one fighting Caxia at the sea is Ridone, despite that, Haldren has been procuring slightly more ores that they normally would not use"

"So... they want the slaves to be strong enough to..."

"To be expendable meat shields for Caxia's invasion. Though this is just a guess from the little things I have picked up on the way, I am sure that those of high status has already guessed that Haldren or the Lesser Noble Alliance has fallen.

This is why I accepted the contract"

"....."

Baal's lower torso lost energy to stand making him fall down to the chair.

"Master. May I know what exactly it is that you are planning. I know that it is presumptuous of me to ask this after taking me away from that hellish place, however, will you please tell me just a shard of your intentions going forward"

Baal asked, unable to raise his head.

Despite being aware of all this his master, Lucifer, did not show any desire to seek shelter or run away from the very city that will soon be engulfed in the rage of war.

"I want freedom. To go wherever I want to go. That is why I will use this chance to explore the vastness of the world"