The Price of Leadership

"...Slaves?"

The eyes of the people widened in shock.

Slaves?

Everyone seemed uncertain if this was the kind of "slaves" they knew.

Nox, as if to drive the point home, explained again.

"Yes, I mean slaves. Such a highly useful resource, don't you think? You can use them as you wish, give them only enough food to live, and it's entirely up to you how to dispose of them."

"Wait, wait, wait!"

Zachary shouted multiple times, his face flushed.

It looked more like he was trying to calm himself down rather than addressing Nox.

After taking several deep breaths, Zachary finally spoke.

"Slaves? Who are you planning to make into slaves?"

"The enemy's settlers, of course."

"Th-the settlers?"

"Yes. You all know it, don't you? Estates—safe zones—aren't limited to just this place. They're distributed at certain distances from here. Close enough to reach if you set your mind to it."

"Then this war…"