"This, this is a garment made from Arachne's silk. It's spun by the spider queen Arachne, a mystical thread that cannot be cut, no matter the sharpness of the blade."

Now that the conversation had entered his area of expertise, Ropermahn excitedly began explaining his collection. I humored him, offering the occasional nod while surveying the surroundings.

The building had three floors.

The walls were lined with paintings, and the third floor was an arcade, where glass cases filled with artworks lined the path.

Though I considered myself an expert on the value of slaves, I was clueless when it came to art. Still, even I could tell that everything here gleamed with an undeniable richness.

“Oh, this one. This was incredibly difficult to acquire. It’s said to be the helmet worn by the ancient warrior Ragna. They say that even the most cowardly person becomes a brave warrior when they wear it.”

“Have you tested it?”

Ropermahn’s voice stiffened.

“Ah, you must not know, Reaper. You don’t simply use rare artifacts.”

“Hmmm, I suppose you’re right. Using it might ruin the mystery and lore the artifact holds.”

“Exactly! The value of an artifact lies in preserving it as an artifact, not as equipment.”

“I understand. There are slaves I’m hesitant to handle as well. Sometimes I leave them untouched, fearing that handling them might tarnish their beauty.”

Ropermahn nodded solemnly.

“Mmm, I can relate to that. I feel like we’re on the same page, Reaper. I have a feeling we could build a good relationship.”

“Quite the coincidence. I was thinking the same.”

It never hurt to keep someone with influence around.

Of course, I’d discard him as soon as he was of no use.

“Hahaha.”

“Hahaha.”

By now, we had almost finished touring the building from the first floor to the third.

“This is the extent of my collection. There are rarer items, of course, but...”

“It’s only natural to hesitate showing such treasures to outsiders. I completely understand.”

“Thank you for understanding. Perhaps if our relationship deepens, I’ll show you more in the future.”

“I look forward to that day.”

Thanks to my impeccable charm, Ropermahn’s attitude toward me had shifted. He now treated me like a genuine guest.

It seemed like I might even end up becoming friends with him, though I had no interest in that.

“Well, let’s head to the reception room now. We still need to discuss the compensation I promised.”

We headed down to the second floor where the reception room was located. When the servant opened the door, Ropermahn stepped inside, but I stopped just outside the doorway.

“Huh? Why are you standing there?”

“I’d like to have a private conversation with the guild leader. Arpia, could you wait outside for a moment?”

“Uh, okay?”

“What? What are you saying?”

Arpia’s voice was laced with surprise.

I shot her a casual smile.

“Don’t worry. Nothing will happen.”

“But still...”

“Do you trust me?”

“...”

“I trust you, Arpia.”

After staring at me with a sullen expression, Arpia let out a deep sigh.

“You know, that’s not fair when you say it like that.”

“Haha.”

“I’ll wait outside, but if anything happens, you better scream. I’ll break down the door and come in.”

“I’ll do just that.”

With that, I entered the room, leaving Arpia behind, and the door closed behind me.

The reception room with just the two of us.

Ropermahn, his hands trembling slightly, sipped his tea.

His eyes flickered nervously, occasionally glancing up to check on the man sitting across from him. The man, holding his cup with an air of nobility, looked every bit like a lord.

The Slave Reaper, Karamir.

Ropermahn knew of his reputation. Unlike other slave traders, Karamir only bought slaves; he never sold them. If he tired of a slave or found them defective, he’d simply dispose of them.

A man who killed slaves for pleasure, Karamir had a terrifying reputation.

Ropermahn’s body shivered as if he could smell blood in the air. He clutched his teacup tightly to calm his nerves.

“R-Reaper, why did you ask to meet me alone? I still have business with the elf.”

“Before that, does this room have soundproofing?”

“...Just a moment.”

Sensing something was about to happen, Ropermahn tapped the crystal on the table. A ripple spread from the crystal, enveloping the room.

“This is a soundproofing magic tool. Not even an elf could hear us.”

“That’s a relief.”

Clink.

Karamir, who had been savoring his tea, set down his cup. Crossing his legs, he placed his hands on top, the slight lift of his chin making him seem as if he had the world under his feet.

Even the lord of Noctarne wouldn’t dare act so haughty in front of him. Ropermahn gulped, waiting for Karamir to speak.

“Guild leader.”

“Yes? What is it?”

“Do you want the elf?”

The bluntness of the question made Ropermahn spit out his tea.

“Cough! Wh-What?! What are you talking about?”

“I’ll get straight to the point—I don’t like beating around the bush.”

His tone suggested he already knew everything. Ropermahn’s pupils quaked as if in an earthquake.

Did he want the elf?

Of course, he did!

He had spent a fortune trying to kidnap an untainted elf to add to his collection.

When that failed, Ropermahn had fallen into a deep depression for weeks, even skipping meals.

Then, he had stumbled upon Arpia, the perfect specimen, like a bluebird lost in the forest. Her beauty perfectly matched every description he had ever heard of elves.

Ropermahn’s obsession had spiraled out of control. He wanted her at any cost. That was why he invited the two of them today and prepared thoroughly for the meeting.

Mercenaries he had hired were hiding somewhere in this room, ready to pounce and subdue them at a moment’s notice.

Ropermahn, who had been waiting for the right time to give the signal, was now completely thrown off balance by Karamir’s direct approach.

Was Karamir testing him? Those dark, abyss-like eyes seemed to pierce through all lies. Lying to him would be nearly impossible.

Ropermahn nodded.

“Y-Yes, I do.”

“You’re targeting the slave hunter outside, aren’t you?”

“That’s right.”

“Hmmm...”

Karamir let out a long sigh, causing Ropermahn to flinch. His bulky frame, now folded in on itself, looked like a scolded student.

“I understand the desire to own an elf. I’ve felt that before myself. But to forcefully add a guest elf to your collection? I’m disappointed.”

“But surely, as a fellow slave trader, you understand! She’s an elf! One of the higher races! Anyone who sees her beauty would be tempted to add her to their collection. If you’re not, you’re not a true collector!”

“Do you think an elf subdued by force would ever be obedient? An untrained dog is worse than having no dog at all. What good is a collection you can’t proudly show off to others?”

“...”

Ropermahn was speechless. Karamir had seen right through him.

Though collecting rare items held meaning on its own, a large part of it was showing them off to others, basking in their admiration and envy.

The feeling of being envied, the gazes of awe—it felt wonderful. So wonderful that Ropermahn had planned to host the Slave Festival, where the best slaves would be crowned.

But now, none of that seemed to matter. He wanted the elf, no matter the process or the outcome.

Her allure was enough to drive him mad.

“Is there no way? I’m begging you.”

“Are you asking me to betray my employer?”

“She’s just your employer! You paid her, right? Once the job is done, you’ll part ways anyway. Just think of today as the end of that.”

“Hmmm...”

Karamir pretended to consider it. Thinking this was his chance, Ropermahn pressed harder.

“If you help me... Yes, I’ll give you one of the rare items you saw earlier. No, make it two! How about that? You won’t find a deal like this anywhere else!”

Selling them at auction would fetch enough money to buy hundreds of slaves.

If Karamir was a true slave trader who cared about profit, he wouldn’t be able to refuse such an offer.

Karamir remained silent, a serious expression on his face. Meanwhile, Ropermahn, whose mouth had gone dry, could barely swallow.

Time dragged on.

Suddenly, Karamir smiled brightly, breaking the silence.

“Alright. I’ll accept.”

“R-Really?”

“With a deal so clear-cut, why wouldn’t I? Plus, I know her weakness, so we can capture her easily without much effort.”

Ropermahn clenched his fists in triumph.

See? No matter how fearsome a Reaper he might be, he was still just a slave trader. Meanwhile, Ropermahn was the guild leader of a powerful organization.

“I knew we’d see eye to eye! I was worried, but with your help, this plan will succeed!”

“It sounds like you already had a plan in mind. Care to share the details with me? That way we can make the plan perfect.”

“Of course! We’re practically friends now, aren’t we?”

Unable to contain his excitement, Ropermahn began talking eagerly, oblivious to Karamir’s hidden intentions.

The longer the time stretched on, the more anxious Arpia became.

Karamir still hadn’t come out, and she couldn’t hear any sounds from inside the room.

At some point, all sounds beyond the door had ceased completely. It was safe to assume the room was soundproofed.

What were they talking about? Had something happened?

...

‘Wait, why am I worried about him?’

Even if he had saved her, Karamir was still the man who enslaved her.

If Karamir died, the soul shackles would be broken. She’d be free to return to the forest.

‘Though my soul is already tainted.’

Would it even matter to return to the forest at this point? Maybe staying with Karamir wouldn’t be so bad after all...

...

‘Wait, what?!’

Her thoughts were spiraling in strange directions. This was all Karamir’s fault for getting her involved in such messes, making her worry about him.

Just wait until he comes out. She’d make sure to give him a piece of her mind.

Creeeeak.

Finally, the door opened.

Karamir stepped out, but he wasn’t alone.

“Don’t move. If you so much as twitch, I’ll slit his throat.”

A woman had appeared alongside him.

Her skin was pale and dark at the same time. Her hair was white, contrasting with her deep blue eyes, like the depths of the ocean.

She had long ears like Arpia’s—she was a dark elf. And she had a dagger pressed to Karamir’s throat.

“Haha, so it’s come to this. I didn’t expect mercenaries to be hiding inside.”

Arpia blinked in confusion at the sudden development, while Karamir, despite having a blade at his neck, chuckled lightly.

“Drop your weapon. Unless you want to see your friend die.”

“Uh... Arpia? I’m sorry to ask, but could you lower your bow for a moment?”

Arpia blinked for a long time before covering her face with her hands.