The Slave Trade

Daisuke and April took a moment to look around.

Inside the manor, they were swept into a realm of refined luxury that was worlds apart from the slums they knew. The walls were ornamented with intricate tapestries depicting ancient tales of valor and heroism. A grand chandelier, crafted with a myriad of bizarre crystals, hung from the ceiling, casting a shimmering cascade of light that danced upon the polished marble floor.

Before they could begin admiring the furnishings—

"She will guide you both to your rooms and help you freshen up in time for supper," the butler said with a stoic expression, gesturing toward a lone female on the stairs. "Well then... Master Langley, Young Miss," he bowed courteously before excusing himself.

The young woman who received the task of caretaker only slightly lifted her head as her superior departed. She was a Beastkin garbed in a maid's uniform. Daisuke didn't miss the metal collar around her neck, which hinted at her social status within the Percival household.

Her gaze shifted around awkwardly as she hesitated on where to direct her attention. Finally, she turned around and meekly began leading the way. "I-I will show you to your rooms now," she stammered softly.

A red carpet edged with gold trim layered the grand staircase leading to the second floor. Mosaic windows bathed the space in natural light, casting shimmering reflections upon the imposing suits of armor stationed at each corner.

Along the extensive corridor, framed paintings showcased the portraits of past Percival leaders through the ages, a visual chronicle of their lineage and legacy.

Daisuke's gaze shifted to the maid's drooping ears perched atop her head and the listless tail trailing behind her. It prompted him to ponder the living conditions that Sheba and the others would have to endure.

"Hey you," Daisuke called offhandedly, staying in character. "What's your name?"

The girl offered a sidelong glance, her eyes shimmering with a hint of confusion. "Umm. I don't have a name."

"You… don't have one?"

April exchanged a curious glance with Daisuke. She was pinching the hem of his shirt, walking closely at his side.

"What do you mean? Explain."

The girl's lips pressed into an uncomfortable line before she spoke. "With the exception of the Superior Races, demihuman and noxsian slaves aren't allowed to have names."

Setting aside his ignorance about the aforementioned races, Daisuke persisted. "And why is that?"

"…Demihumans are widely perceived as monsters," the girl explained in a dejected tone. "Names, according to humans, are only reserved for the civilized and refined. Here, we are generally identified by our gender or by numbers."

Daisuke sighed inwardly. So demihumans face discrimination and are often enslaved. From what I've gathered from the slave merchants, females especially are vulnerable to exploitation. They're either sold into sex-trafficking rings or forced into domestic servitude.

I suppose that's why there were so many female Beastkin in the wagon with us. It seems that no matter the world, racism and prejudice persist. People struggle to accept those who are different from themselves.

***

The air carried a subtle scent of polished wood and aged leather, lending an air of antiquity to the expansive bedroom. Priceless antiques and ornate artifacts adorned the space. A large four poster bed sat in one corner and a heart in another.

The Beastkin who had covertly introduced herself as Sylvia was engrossed in rummaging through an ancient trunk near the wardrobe. With swift movements, she sifted through the belongings, sending clothes once worn by the family's children swirling into the air as she searched for something specific.

After his embarrassing display of ignorance, which should have been common knowledge even for a commoner, Daisuke humbled himself and reassured Sylvia that she was in good company. In response, the girl's ears perked up with excitement, and her bushy tail swished with newfound animation.

Meanwhile, April adamantly refused to loosen her grasp on Daisuke's shirt, let alone consider being placed in a separate room. When a dress accidentally landed on her head, she swiftly retrieved it and held it before her face.

"Wow—so pretty!" she exclaimed with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with admiration as she admired the garment.

Daisuke observed her with a tender smile, noting the subtle flush that graced her cheeks for the first time since their departure from Dusthaven. He desperately wanted to preserve that glow.

"Master Langley," Sylvia called nervously, even as her deft hands continued rummaging through the trunk. "I appreciate your leniency, but you should really be cautious about how you express your views on Beastkin around others. You could find yourself in a lot of trouble."

"Thanks, Sylvia. I'll keep that in mind," Daisuke replied, turning towards the bathroom. "I'll go ahead and take a bath first."

"I'll go, too," April chimed in.

Sylvia was evidently far more shocked by those words than Daisuke. "A-Aprilena… perhaps you should let Master Langley go first, then you can go afterwards?"

April pouted, her cheeks puffing up like a balloon. "No, I want us to go together!"

Sylvia looked around awkwardly, her cheeks flushing. "A-Aprilena... at your age, boys and girls shouldn't be taking a bath together. Because… well, it's umm—"

"It's fine," Daisuke interjected, only to note Sylvia undoing her bowtie sheepishly before slowly rolling her stocking down the length of one creamy leg.

Daisuke cringed. "Umm. What are you doing?"

"Offering myself in her place."

"And why exactly would you need to do that?"

Sylvia paused, gathering her thoughts. "…From what I've observed, human men are devils who only live to feed their desires. Among all the species, they are known to be the ones mostly consumed by greed and lust, mating with practically anything that moves."

Daisuke stood motionless, pokerfaced. It was shameful, but he couldn't quite deny that horrible truth. "That may be so, but humans generally don't mate with their siblings."

His conscience, depicted by a small chibi figure, averted its gaze with a guilty expression. Though… April and I aren't technically related.

"I'm going!" April declared, throwing a tantrum as she clung to her pretend brother. "I don't want to be alone!"

Sylvia's lips quivered with disapproval, concern evident in her eyes. Daisuke observed the genuine care and determination reflected in her gaze. Just before she could respond, he posed a question to her.

"Sylvia," he began, his tone serious and commanding, almost tangible in the room, "can I trust you?"

His intensity caused her to swallow nervously before she replied, "Y-Yes! Of course!"

Daisuke's gaze narrowed to dangerous slits, his butterscotch eyes practically smoldering with intensity. With a steely expression, he delivered his warning. "If you betray me and endanger Aprilena's life, I'll do everything in my power to kill you."

Sylvia's hair bristled in response to the chilling threat, but she clenched her fists and nodded with solemn resolve.

Daisuke's hostility ebbed away as he relaxed his shoulders. He crouched down to meet his makeshift sister at eye level, gently stroking her hair. "I'll go freshen up and then head down for supper," he said softly. "I need you to stay here and lock the doors while I'm away. I'll bring you something to eat later."

April hugged her knees, tears welling in her eyes. It was clear she was more distressed about being alone than her rumbling stomach. "Big Brother, please don't leave me," she pleaded, her voice trembling with regret. "I'm sorry I acted without your permission."

She must be referring to the food run Brek organized. "I'm not mad about that," Daisuke reassured her gently.

"…You're not?"

"Of course not, silly," he replied with a small smile. "I just want you to stay safe." He glanced meaningfully at the attentive Beastkin beside them. "And while I'm away, Sylvia will be here with you."

"T-That's right, Aprilena!" she exclaimed, throwing herself on the ground beside the brooding child. "Why don't you lend me a hand with starting the fireplace? Afterwards, we can make sure you're all cleaned up before Master Langley returns."

April glanced up at Daisuke, as if seeking his approval, and he responded with a reassuring nod and a warm smile.

"You lost Mr. Honeykins back in Dusthaven, right?" he asked softly. "I promise I'll find you another friend if you're a good girl and stay here."

"H-Hn! I'll do as you say."

"Atta girl," Daisuke praised with a gentle pat on her head.