I arranged for the rescued elderly to stay at the lodging Torres had provided, which cost me nothing.
"You will surely be blessed. To show such kindness to people like us... we don't know how to repay you."
"Please don't think too much about it. I acted out of personal conscience."
As the sizzling sound of Wayji-grade beef filled the air, the elderly glanced at it longingly while stealing glances at me. While I found the beef unremarkable compared to the Bertisan beef I'd tasted before, it seemed like a rare delicacy to them.
"I'm Gordon. I used to be a middle-class citizen, but circumstances led me here…."
I've always enjoyed conversations with experienced individuals—not because of any cultural respect for elders, but because their words often felt like reading a book. There was always something valuable to learn, and today was no different.
"I once served as an assistant for the Cherville family. Though the family has fallen and I ended up captured by slave traders, back then nobles lined up to work with them."
"You worked for the Cherville family?"
I was surprised by the mention of this name.
If Arahan is synonymous with mages, then Cherville is synonymous with blacksmiths. Though now a relic of history, during its prime, the Cherville family attracted countless people seeking their magical tools.
"Ah, those were days of past glory. Sometimes I cry when I think of those times."
"I heard that a certain incident shattered the family. It's fortunate you survived."
"A few of us did survive—by sheer luck."
The Cherville family possessed a legacy of techniques passed down only to direct heirs. With no known heirs left, their loss was a significant blow to the empire, especially in its struggle against monsters.
"It's unfortunate. If Cherville's techniques had been preserved, they could have created incredible things in the future."
Gordon hesitated and looked around cautiously before whispering.
"I might not be much help, but… could you promise to keep this confidential? Even if I die as a slave, I don't want to be labeled a traitor."
"Of course. Please go ahead."
After some hesitation, Gordon finally spoke in a hushed tone.
"The true heir of Cherville is alive."
"Is that true?!"
"Shh! I'm only telling you because you seem trustworthy. I don't think you'd harm him."
"Where is he?"
"If everything went according to plan, he should be in Myers."
Could it really be true?
The survival of Cherville's heir was groundbreaking news. The family had been destroyed by imperial forces for treason; even if he survived, his life would be that of a fugitive forever branded as a traitor.
"...This is astonishing. Officially, they were declared extinct."
"The chief assistant sacrificed himself in his place. He switched clothes and disfigured his face with fire…"
Gordon trailed off.
I could imagine what must have happened.
So Racto survived…
"He's the eldest son, right?"
"You know Racto?"
Of course I did.
Though I'd never met him in person, he was occasionally mentioned in NPC dialogues in the game—blacksmiths boasting about their work saying things like, "Even Racto couldn't make something like this!"
'This game has more depth than I thought.'
I used to think it was just absurdly difficult, but now I realized how much detail was hidden in plain sight—hinted at through NPC conversations.
"Let's head back inside. We shouldn't stay away too long."
"Understood."
The information was so significant that even I felt cautious discussing it further. We quickly wrapped up our conversation and returned to the dining area as though nothing had happened.
When we returned, Liu sat there looking dejected and barely touching his food. It occurred to me that I hadn't paid him much attention while talking with Gordon.
I sat down and patted Liu on the shoulder.
"Liu, we'll find your sister soon. Don't lose hope."
"…Yeah…"
High hopes often lead to greater disappointment. Having worked for a trading company turned slave operation and now unsure of his sister's whereabouts, Liu had lost his appetite.
I fully understood how he felt.
"The slave trader we dealt with today was small-time. Tomorrow we'll confront Devito—I'm sure we'll find some clues there."
"Wait! Did you just say Devito?!"
One of the elderly men suddenly interrupted our conversation with a panicked expression.
"You can't! That man is on a completely different level from others like Harbor! He's infamous for his cruelty!"
"I have Bahl knights with me—what's there to worry about?"
"Do you know who backs Devito? He has connections across the empire! There are even rumors that his biggest client is Arahan!"
Arahan? A southern slave trader connected all the way to Arahan in the west?
It wasn't impossible but seemed hard to believe.
"There's no reason for Arahan to trade with him. The west already has many slave traders closer by. If they wanted powerful allies, they'd partner with Bahl instead."
"Bahl doesn't deal in backdoor trades or use slaves. But mages? They'll do anything if it benefits them."
Why did that sting so much?
Keeping my expression neutral, I asked calmly:
"What benefit would Arahan gain from working with Devito?"
"The enemy's loss is their gain. If Arahan takes all the southern slaves, it weakens this region's noble families."
I understood what he meant.
Nobles maintain power through slaves—they're cheaper than hiring workers who require wages since slaves only need two meals a day.
Arahan didn't need slaves; their goal was likely to drain manpower from Bahl's territory.
'Even as an Arahan myself… this is disgusting.'
No wonder knights despise mages so much.
Stealing manpower wouldn't significantly harm Bahl since they officially employ their workforce—but Arahan still indulged in such underhanded tactics.
'Should've realized when Black Knights were stationed here.'
Wait… could Devito actually be protected by Black Knights?
If true, this wasn't just about dealing with a slave trader—it would escalate into an undeclared war between Bahl and Arahan.
'If conflict breaks out… where do my loyalties lie?'
The answer came quickly: though I inhabited a mage's body, my values didn't align with this world's mages—or knights either.
If it were up to me, anyone exploiting my territory would pay dearly or face equal retaliation.
'Either way, Devito needs to be dealt with.'
For Liu's sake—and basic decency—a criminal slave trader like him had no place in this world.
The challenge lay in dismantling someone potentially backed by Black Knights…
Early next morning, I left my lodging and headed straight for Devito's base.
"I'm here to see Devito," I told the gatekeeper bluntly.
He sneered at me as if questioning whether I knew where I was—but before he could respond further, I shoved him aside and barged in.
Inside were several rough-looking men armed with high-quality weapons—a stark contrast from yesterday's encounter with Harbor's lackeys.
Despite feeling some tension creep up my spine, I maintained composure and demanded:
"Where's Devito?"
One man laughed mockingly: "Do you even know where you are? Nobles who act tough here don't last long—so scram while you can!"
Before dealing with them physically or verbally—I needed confirmation: Was Arahan truly involved?
Lowering my voice menacingly: "So bold after dealing with Arahan…"
"What?! How do you know about that?!"
Their sudden shift confirmed my suspicions—but before they could press further for answers themselves…
I slowly removed my colored lenses revealing crimson eyes beneath—a symbol they couldn't ignore:
"A-Arahan?!"
The room fell silent as men dropped to their knees trembling apologies—but one pale-skinned figure among them remained eerily calm despite recognizing me…
'Is this guy Black Knights?'
Just then heavy footsteps echoed from upstairs followed by an unfamiliar voice descending confidently:
"And what brings such esteemed company here today?"