Chapter 51
“The result… it’s equivalent to a Red Potion of Grade 3… It’s genuine.”
The evaluation of the Red Potion is conducted using a special type of paper, similar to litmus paper. When a drop of the potion is placed on the pale blue paper, the color changes according to the potion’s grade. It’s the same method I used when I sold the Purple Potion earlier.
You can somewhat judge a potion’s grade by its color, but there are cases where the color doesn’t align with the expected grade, making it difficult to tell. That’s where the potion test paper comes in handy. By consulting the reaction chart, the specialized appraiser confirmed that the potion I brought was indeed a genuine Red Potion.
“The aura surrounding this potion is overwhelming, far surpassing anything a Purple Potion could offer. I had no doubt… but to think you truly brought a Red Potion…”
Red Potions have become exceedingly rare in recent years, and the situation seems dire. According to Banku, who knows a bit about the merchant trade, it’s unlikely any more will be discovered.
“There’s still a slim chance if an undiscovered dungeon is found, but the unexplored ones are incredibly dangerous. If by some miracle one is found, the price of Red Potions will undoubtedly skyrocket.”
Banku, though not making an outright declaration, subtly hinted at whether I was truly willing to go through with the deal. Perhaps out of kindness, he asked if I was sure about the trade.
“So, in terms of value?”
“Yes, there’s no comparison.”
Without directly stating what he was referring to, Banku implied that the Red Potion I was offering far exceeded the value of the elf slave in question.
(Well, I can make them given enough time…)
While I borrowed Grandpa Genji’s land this time, if I wanted, I could buy land on Earth or even cultivate it in a foreign world using my [Interworld Travel] ability.
Although it would take time and effort, if it’s something I can produce, its value will drop significantly.
“But, are you sure? You’re a merchant, right?” I asked.
“Indeed, I am a merchant, and it is crucial for me to sell goods to my customers. However, just as important to me is maintaining goodwill.”
It seemed he didn’t want to risk earning bad reputation by making a deal that would disadvantage his customer.
“I see… but no worries, please proceed with the transaction.”
“As you wish. I will summon her immediately, so please wait a moment.”
Though Banku was being considerate, I had no issue with going through with this. After all, I had prepared the potion specifically for the purchase of the elf. Hearing my firm response, Banku seemed convinced and put on a resolute expression as he began preparing the contract.
While Banku went to fetch the elf, I waited alone in the reception room. After a short while, the atmosphere outside suddenly became noisy. Though the building I was in had impressive interior decorations, it was a temporary structure, and I could hear some of the voices from outside. This made me slightly uneasy in terms of security, but since this room was used for slave transactions, it didn’t seem to be a significant concern.
“Thank you for waiting. Here she is—the elf slave, Eurua.”
About ten minutes after the commotion outside began, Banku returned, accompanied by an elven woman. The elf woman standing next to him was named Eurua. She was tall for a woman, slightly taller than Banku, who had the average height of a man.
Her light green hair extended just past her shoulders, with the ends slightly flipped. Her skin was pale, but had a gentle hue, and on her left shoulder, there was a tattoo-like design in the same green as her hair.
Her features were stunningly beautiful—so much so that her striking emerald eyes seemed capable of bewitching any man who gazed into them.
“…You are…”
Her attire was akin to some kind of ethnic costume, or perhaps a dancer’s outfit with layers of thin fabric. It wasn’t overly revealing, with only her bare shoulders exposed, the rest covered by her clothing.
I knew it wasn’t polite to stare, but as it was my first time seeing an elf, I found myself unconsciously staring in fascination. Eurua, too, seemed intrigued as she looked at me.
“Shall we begin the discussion?” Banku, sensing the lingering silence, broke the flow to move the conversation forward.
We sat across from each other at a long table, with Banku beside me and Eurua seated to my left, just within my line of sight.
“Let’s finalize the contract,” Banku said, clapping his hands lightly to focus everyone’s attention before beginning.
“At Eurua’s request, I have been facilitating her at various slave markets. The cost for this has already been covered by her, so I am not taking any additional commission for this transaction.”
During his explanation, Banku called his subordinate, who distributed pre-prepared documents to both Eurua and me. These contained details of the contract between Eurua and Banku.
“As for the contract within the Kingdom of Kainreise, Eurua will not be required to make any additional payments. Similarly, Mr. Issei, you will not be required to pay anything extra beyond the purchase price.”
Slaves, depending on their circumstances, sometimes had their debts covered by their master, which would then be paid off through their labor. However, in Eurua’s case, she had no such debts. In fact, she had paid Banku to take her to various slave markets across different countries.
Her contract stipulated that if a contract was successfully finalized in the Kingdom of Kainreise, a portion of the advance payment would be refunded to her.
“Regarding the specifics of this contract, Eurua has set the condition that a Red Potion be transferred as part of the agreement. Since Mr. Issei has already agreed to this and the potion has been appraised, let us now proceed with discussing the remaining details.”
“…To think that a Red Potion could truly be found…” Eurua murmured quietly as she glanced at the documents outlining the terms.
Banku coughed softly and continued speaking.
“Mr. Issei intends to contract Eurua as a servant and third-class labor slave. I believe a contract valued at 350,000 Gold per month, including room and board, would be appropriate.”
Third-class labor refers to general light work within the city. First-class involves dangerous work like adventuring, while second-class would be agricultural labor.
“Eurua can read and write, and she’s capable of performing basic calculations… Considering the value of the Red Potion, I believe 350,000 Gold per month is a fair wage.”
“I have no objections,” Eurua immediately replied to Banku’s proposed terms.
Honestly, the contract terms were quite favorable. Even Aina, who accompanied me last time, mentioned that a price of 10 million per month wouldn’t be surprising. Though she was exaggerating, it wasn’t entirely off the mark.
Elves are a rarity, and coupled with Eurua’s beauty and the fact that she was unmarried and a virgin, her value was even higher.
Naturally, in the past, those who purchased elven slaves often had ulterior motives. Legitimate purchases were only possible for powerful rulers who could afford such luxury.
Eurua was an unmarried, virgin elven woman, just 18 years old… How they verified that, I have no idea, but there were female staff, so perhaps they confirmed it.
Considering all of this, Eurua was a rare find.
Compared to the 30-year-old male human I saw earlier, who was literate and sold for 300,000 Gold per month, the terms of Eurua’s contract were exceptional.
Given the high cost of living in the capital, her wage was actually quite reasonable.
“Honestly, I would forgo the money entirely… If I can truly obtain a Red Potion, I would give my life for it.”
“I understand how you feel, but that wouldn’t be right. What would happen to those who depend on you?”
“Those who depend on me?”
Eurua’s desperate plea to give herself in exchange for the Red Potion was interrupted by Banku, who gently admonished her, almost like a priest offering guidance.
Her body flinched as she reacted to his words, and I became curious about what Banku meant by “those who depend on her.”
Despite being in the middle of contract negotiations, I reflexively asked, and Banku quickly answered.
“The one she wishes to use the Red Potion for… is none other than Aria Fainkis, one of the rarest beings in this world—a High Elf girl.”