CHAPTER 62: INVESTMENT

The mood in the trio was somewhat gloomy as they watched a slave auction commencing in the heart of the Trader’s Market.

The slave trader’s announcement in each bid, and the buyers’ enthusiasm and lack of feelings toward the slaves, made the scene somewhat grotesque.

No killing or fighting was involved—at least it hadn’t happened, but it was somehow more disturbing than the former.

"Is this what people refer to as the trade crown and not some depraved lives?" Mirelle flashed a disdainful expression.

Leonard said nothing. His eyes quietly swept over the lineup of men, women, and even children on display.

Previously, he didn’t inspect much, but now he has decided to pay some more attention to it. This was something he had to face and not avoid if he sought to maintain his role as a merchant later on.

As his eyes trailed toward the lineup of slaves, they were chained, branded, and stripped of all dignity. Some trembled under the sun, while others stared blankly ahead, their souls already gone.

Not far off, a pair of well-dressed merchants clinked goblets of wine as they laughed over their recent purchases. They were comparing muscle tone and obedience as if picking out cattle.

"Heh, looks like you bought an inferior slave." One of them giggled and slapped one of his slaves’ naked back. "Look at how tough this slave is."

"Whatever. Tough or not, I bet they’re going to turn limbless once they suffer your methods later tonight." The merchant’s buddy snorted and seemed to be used to their antics.

While they continued to discuss which slave to buy next, a servant brought over a plate of food.

However, the food wasn’t for them to enjoy. Instead, it was specifically prepared for the recently purchased slaves, who were clearly malnourished.

Although the food was roasted meat, it came from a shabby nearby food stall, mixed unpleasantly with the stench of sweat and a disgusting odor.

These particular food stalls were set up to sell garbage but edible food to the wealthy to feed their slaves.

"Haha, it’s really a fortune that slaves like them get to enjoy roasted meat."

"Indeed, but if you dare to feed me this kind of meat, then I will cut off all ties with you."

"Naturally. Why would I feed you this rubbish meat that contains a lot of bacteria? I still need your cooperation to earn more money."

While their conversation continued to increase in volume, Mirelle could barely contain herself from rushing over to thrash them.

Were these the words that a human should spout?

"These bastards..." She gnashed her teeth and was about to dash out, only to be halted by Leonard. His hand grasped her arms as he shook his head, clearly warning her to stay put.

"Even if you rush out there, could you save the slaves?" Leonard questioned her.

"And by chance that you succeeded, can you rescue all the other slaves?"

His remarks were cold and detached, but she knew it made perfect sense.

Indeed, she was powerless to reverse the situation of such a scene, which had long been integrated into everyone’s mind as the norm.

"This kind of slavery exists because of hesitant people like you." Claudia suddenly snickered when she saw Mirelle’s frowning expression. It was the exact expression of the past when she begged her. The same helpless kind who couldn’t lend a hand.

"I know you despise her because of whatever past event you two had. But trying to pin the blame on her for slavery is far-fetched." To the surprise of these two women, Leonard suddenly spoke up and defended Mirelle.

Claudia glared at Leonard in astonishment, whereas Mirelle glanced at him in disbelief, clearly shocked that he actually went to defend her.

"Save your glare and sardonic remarks, Claudia." Leonard was unfazed by her glaring. "You kept saying Mirelle was the cause of this and failed to change anything, but what about you? Have you done anything to resolve the situation?"

"I’ve killed many corrupted nobles. You would have been one of them too if it weren’t for her presence." Claudia hissed.

"Yeah, and did those killings change anything?" Leonard sneered.

"I’ll have you know now. The corrupted nobles you killed were swiftly replaced by even more ruthless ones. The lives that were lost after your deed had nearly quadrupled, and the living conditions worsened because of the resentment."

"You’re lying!"

"Am I though? I still have the report with every detail listed."

Thump!

Unable to refute him, Claudia’s face turned slightly pale. She had thought the lives she meant to save would have an easier life after she killed the corrupted nobles.

However, such a naive thought had been thoroughly shattered by Leonard’s revelation. As much as she wanted to call him a liar, there was honestly no reason for him to lie.

He held all the advantage, and lying to her wouldn’t do him any good either.

"Anyway, that’ll be the end of your jab at Mirelle. Otherwise, I won’t guarantee what kind of order I will make." He gave an ultimatum and proceeded to turn around and leave the area.

The slave auctions were still ongoing and exponentially increased in fervor.

Some depraved merchants who bought slaves would immediately order them to fight to the death among each other to see which one was the strongest. To summarize, a mini life-and-death betting fight scene erupted, with the majority of the wealthy merchants joining in on a gambling session.

As the punching sound echoed in the market, blood splurted out and dyed the ground crimson.

These merchants considered the fighting as an investment. After all, they didn’t need any weaklings because feeding them would be a waste of money and effort.

In the blink of an eye, three slaves were beaten to death.

Leonard, who heard the slight "plopping" sound of the slaves dying, turned around briefly.

His eyes narrowed in a cold light. He watched how the merchants who orchestrated this event cheered loudly and shouted to the remaining slaves to fight harder.

’An investment, huh?’ Leonard grinned and promised to do some investment in the future as well.