Chapter 12: Resilient Samurai

He grimaced. "Another clause is that she's entitled to a private conversation with any prospective buyer. This means I can't even find out why she's refusing everyone because I'm contractually bound not to eavesdrop, like all our staff here. After each conversation, no one wants to proceed with the purchase. I can't even get details from those who've spoken with her due to the accursed contract..."

I could see a small tear forming in his eye. "I don't know what to do anymore… No one seems willing to take her, and those who do are rejected by her. I'm selling Ayame, yes, that is her name, for 1 gold coin, at a record-breaking loss of 7 gold coins! It's unprecedented in our long history. And what's funny is that I still can't get rid of her! We've even resorted to chaining her to her bed with so many restraints that she can barely move a muscle. She gets only one meal a day which is a gruel that is spoon-fed to her by a caretaker. She's allowed to move for only one hour a day to prevent significant muscle deterioration. Despite living like this for three months, she's as determined as on day one."

Damn, what a resilient woman. I feel a twinge of sympathy for this slaver, a sentiment I never thought I'd have, however, I much more so admire the slave for her pure determination. Her situation is certainly not enviable yet she fights on with unyielding resolve.

A bodyguard with the Samurai lvl 14 Class could be a great asset to start my journey. However, even after lowering the price to such an extent, I can't afford it. "I understand your predicament, Marcus, but I only have three silver coins."

His expression contorts into a mixture of pain and frustration. I can see a 'then why the fuck are you here?!' shout form on his lips before it disappears as he bites down on his lower lip. "Rent… No, I'll allow you to buy her with a weekly payment plan. You'll pay three silver coins every week until the full price is settled."

Noticing my distinct advantage in this negotiation I press further. "Could I have a trial week with the option to return her at no cost? I'm not sure if such a troublesome slave is worth going into debt for."

He glares at me with near bloodshot eyes for a moment. Did he just bite his lip so hard that it's bleeding? I can't help but chuckle inwardly at his intensity. You can't win them all, man. Silence descends on the room for an entire minute before Marcus speaks up with a strained voice. "Seven-day trial period with the option to return her within that time frame to annul the contract."

Hell yeah! "Great! Before we proceed, may I ask two more questions that have come to mind? First, how binding are these slave contracts? I understand she can't betray me or run away, but what if a mage slave intentionally casts a spell on an enemy that is near me with the intention to harm me in the process for example? Second, can I add a clause of my own to our contract?"

He seems to calm a bit, perhaps relieved that my questions aren't making his life more difficult this time. "The contract senses the slave's intent. If a fire mage wants attacks with the intent to harm you, the contract will trigger, causing them to stop their casting due to experiencing excruciating pain and alerting both you and our establishment. The slave will be branded a criminal, subjected to torture and then execution. As for your second question, we can modify your contract only if she accepts your clause."

"Alright. I'm very interested, then. My clause is that she is not allowed to divulge any information regarding my person in any shape or form. My actions, my affiliations, my strength, items, backstory and wealth, none of it. Is it possible? If so, when can I have my conversation with her?"

He exhales, his stress seeming to dissipate completely. "It is possible to add that clause, normally I would charge for such an intricate one but I will waive the fee this once since sir seems to be very strapped for money. As for the other question, as mentioned, her living situation is rather precarious. One of our female employees will unlock all her chains and help her freshen up to be presentable. It should take about 20 minutes."

I shamelessly ignore his jab of calling me a borderline beggar. I'm about to sign the steal of the century, we will see who gets the last laugh, Marcus. Well, that is if after my chat with her both of us consent to the transaction.

Marcus steps out to make arrangements, returning to sit down after a short while. "I must warn you that she's not a sex slave. I can sense that you're a kind and noble individual, but we all have our moments of weakness as men. She has every right to resist, even to the point of defending herself violently if molested or worse by her owner. Of course, if you manage to win her affection is another matter entirely. The contract can sense when she mentally 'consents' to your advances, in which case it won't do anything."

Sounds fair to me. I'm not some loser in need of resorting to buying a sex slave for companionship. Besides, if she were one, her price would be much higher- beyond my budget, even with this kind payment plan. Plus, I suspect that a 'trial run' wouldn't be possible.

After the warning, Marcus leaves me alone in the room. I wait patiently, imagining what Ayame might be like. I hope she's as beautiful as I've imagined. I also ponder why she'd choose to endure being chained in a basement cell for months rather than serving as a combat slave. A level 14 Samurai would undoubtedly be valued as a skilled teammate, not considered as a mere cannon fodder to be used for a while and thrown away.

Lost in thought, time slips away, and finally, the door opens. I glance up eagerly, and my jaw drops. 'Holy Mother of God!' I exclaim internally. She is the most stunning woman I've ever laid eyes on, in either worlds!

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