Kapitel 15: Air’s Decision
To be honest, when Air first saw Wataru, she didn't have high expectations for her new master.
He seemed kind, and it didn't look like he would treat her harshly.
He didn't seem like a bad person, but he also didn't seem particularly exceptional.
So, as a slave, she would perform her duties as a bodyguard to the minimum standard required to maintain the pride of her tribe.
The more she expected, the more she would be disappointed later on.
That's how she thought.
"Air, it's your decision."
"Me...? I get to decide?"
"Yes. You're the one involved, so it doesn't matter that you're a slave right now."
"I understand... I understand!"
"Good, I'm counting on you!"
That's why Air was so surprised when Wataru asked for her decision.
It was rare to hear of a master asking for a slave's opinion.
Most masters just gave orders.
Her previous employer, in particular, had even forced her into unwelcome fights, telling her to hold back or pretend to struggle.
Air had begun to suspect that humans couldn't understand the pride of the Golden Tiger Tribe.
She wondered if she could trust anyone outside her own race.
Could she really express her thoughts? Would he be angry at her for making a selfish request?
She didn't want to hope, only to be crushed later.
It would be better not to have hope in the first place.
As Air hesitated, trying to voice her opinion with a trembling mouth, she looked far from the carefree demeanor she had shown earlier.
"I... I think—"
"—Um, may I interrupt for a moment?"
"Mariel? I'm asking for Air's opinion right now, but what is it?"
"I think it might be worth considering the weapon Air used before. I've heard she was accustomed to using certain weapons during her time as a gladiator."
"Oh, I hadn't thought of that. Air, were you a swordswoman?"
"Yes, that's right."
Air trembled at Wataru's casual question.
The pride of being a warrior, the anger at her fallen status as a slave, and the disappointment in herself for leading to this situation—all these emotions were mixed together, making it difficult for her to speak clearly.
Noticing Air's uneasy demeanor, Wataru asked her gently.
"Is it a weapon you have a strong attachment to?"
"It was the sword given to the bravest of my tribe. But when I became a slave, I think it was sold to repay debts. The man in charge took it away..."
"I see. That must have been hard for you. I'm sorry."
As Wataru gently patted her head, tears threatened to well up in Air's eyes.
Her beloved sword, Tiger Ice, which she had fought alongside countless times, felt like a part of her.
With this sword and her skills, she had believed she could defeat any enemy and overcome any challenge.
There had been a time when she was filled with confidence.
However, when she was enslaved despite her unbeaten record, and then lost her beloved sword, Air's pride was wounded twice.
And now, one of those wounds was about to be healed.
"Air, do you want to get that weapon back? Or would you prefer one of the three options we discussed earlier? I'll respect your opinion."
"I... I..."
She wanted it back.
She wanted to hold that sword, which had likely been sold, in her hands once more.
But her once-great weapon was surely very expensive.
It might even be worth more than she was, now that she had fallen into slavery.
Could she really ask Wataru, who seemed to be struggling with money, to buy such a thing?
Air didn't know.
She looked up at Wataru, trying to read his expression.
Wataru smiled and nodded deeply.
"Don't hold back. First, just tell me what you want. I'll make the final decision as your master. Since I'm asking for your opinion, just answer honestly."
"I... I want you to get it back! I want to regain the pride of my tribe, the pride of a warrior!"
"Thank you for being honest. I promise you, I will get your sword back."
"Master..."
Wataru, who had been patting her head, suddenly pulled her into a hug.
Though he wasn't particularly large, his embrace was strong and full of human warmth.
Ah, this person truly understands how I feel.
Tears welled up as Air felt the strength of his embrace.
"I'm so happy for you, Air. He's going to get it back for you."
"Yes, yes..."
"It seems my recommendation for Wataru-sama to purchase a slave was the right one."
Mariel gently patted Air's back.
Not only had she been blessed with a kind master, but also with a good colleague.
Becoming a slave hadn't been a happy event, but even within that misfortune, she had found some good fortune.
She had tried to live earnestly, only to be scolded for it.
She felt that her tribe's pride had been tarnished, and she had become indifferent to everything.
But perhaps it was all to meet a master who truly understood her.
The Golden Tiger Tribe pledges loyalty to a master they recognize and fights until their last breath.
Once they trust someone, they never betray or doubt them.
They entrust that person with their unwavering loyalty.
Though it might still be too soon to trust Wataru completely, Air was beginning to think he might be a master worthy of such trust.
When Wataru finally retrieves her sword...
Wataru turned to William with a serious expression.
"William-san, is there any way to find out what happened to her beloved sword?"
"Let's see... If we trace it back from Masso-san, we should be able to find out where it was sold and who bought it."
"I see. So there's a connection with the supplier."
William nodded at Wataru's comment.
It seemed that retrieving the sword might not be as difficult as she had feared.
Hope began to rise within her.
"It's likely that a merchant, a collector, or perhaps even a nobleman has it now. If you'd like, I could write a letter on her behalf. Even if you can't buy it back, they might at least be willing to talk."
"Thank you so much! ...But you've been helping me so much since the slave trader issue, are you sure it's alright?"
"Of course. But don't think of me as a saint who helps everyone like this. I'm a merchant, after all. If too many people started expecting this kind of service, I'd be overwhelmed."
"I appreciate your kindness."
Wataru bowed deeply.
Seeing her master bowing on her behalf, Air felt a deep sense of loyalty towards this kind and unusual man.
She was certain that there were many villains in the world who would take advantage of his kindness.
After William finished writing the letter, he handed it to Wataru.
But then Wataru handed the letter to Air.
Air's eyes widened in surprise as she accepted the letter.
"Please deliver this to Masso-san."
"Air, this is an important letter. Keep it safe. Got it? William-san, thank you again."
"I understand. I won't let go of it."
"Well, there's no need for gratitude. I had something I wanted to discuss with Wataru-sama as well."
"What is it? You've helped me so much, I'd like to assist you in any way I can."
This time, William began to discuss his own request.
His gentle eyes remained unchanged, but now there was a sense of authority behind them.
Air swallowed nervously.
(He may not carry weapons, but this merchant fights battles just like I do, though in a different way.)
Air couldn't understand how merchants fought with their minds, eyes, and words.
But she could sense whether someone was a novice or a seasoned veteran.
This was the beginning of Wataru and William's second negotiation.
AUTORENGEDANKEN 
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