The Slave Contract (1)

The capital city was home to three major slave trading companies. Every day, hundreds of slaves were bought and sold, with a steady flow of individuals arriving from across the kingdom and moving from one owner to the next. As Wataru led Cloche to the merchant's office, she couldn't stop trembling.

"H-h-hold on! Am I really going to become a slave?" Cloche stuttered, her voice trembling with fear.

"You agreed to that during our duel, didn't you?" Wataru replied calmly.

"I did! I did, but…!" Her voice trailed off as panic overcame her.

"But?" he prompted.

"I-I only thought about winning... I never considered what would happen if I lost!" Cloche said in a small, pitiful voice, her shoulders slumping. Her recklessness and naivety were evident. To risk her entire life on a single duel without a plan—it left Wataru wondering if he could even handle her as a slave. She might not be as balanced as Eir, who, while playful, knew when to be serious.