Chương 42: Chapter 42
Chapter 42: The False Sense of Justice
The Eldorado Kingdom was fundamentally a poor country. More precisely, due to wealth being monopolized by a few powerful individuals, the entire nation suffered from poverty.
Nonetheless, the capital city, Drain, had a certain liveliness and was sufficient for sightseeing. With a modest sum of money in hand, Shu and Iris went around the capital, enjoying local delicacies.
"It seems like there's a lot of mutton available around here."
"They seem to have a significant number of sheep grazing. Besides, there's a demand for sheep's wool as clothing material. It appears that Eldorado Kingdom exports wool to the Subarokia Grand Empire."
"In exchange, Eldorado Kingdom imports expensive magical tools."
"Thus, the disparity between the rich and the poor widens."
Sheep's wool fell under the category of primary industry, making it subject to low prices in trade. On the other hand, the production of magical tools belonged to the secondary industry, with each item being costly.
The Subarokia Grand Empire exported expensive magical tools, while Eldorado Kingdom, in addition to low-priced wool, exported food. As a result, money flowed into the Subarokia Grand Empire, further expanding the gap between the rich and the poor.
Moreover, within the Eldorado Kingdom itself, the wealth disparity was significant. The villagers in rural areas engaged in food production and herding not only had a large portion of their income taken by the nobles as taxes but also faced exploitation from merchants. Lacking education, they were unaware that they were being severely underpaid. Additionally, having lived in such an environment since birth, they had come to accept harsh living conditions as normal.
They were unaware that their current way of life was being unjustly exploited.
"I recall we imported salt and pepper from the southern regions, right?"
"That's correct. However, due to it being distributed through the Subarokia Grand Empire, they are extremely expensive."
"That's why the taste is so bland. In this regard, the Sacred Grinia was better."
"They like the idea of equality in that country."
The Maoshinkyo religion valued compassion, respect, and wisdom. They believed in dedicating oneself to others, being dedicated to oneself, and sharing wealth with everyone. While not all of these principles were fully reflected in politics, even as a vassal state, one could enjoy a certain level of wealth in the Sacred Grinia.
Those in higher positions properly managed those in lower positions in that country.
Such was the nature of that nation.
On the other hand, the Subarokia Grand Empire was founded on pure capitalism. The strong thrived, and the weak were exploited. It was a country where one could gain freedom by kicking others down and raising their own value. As a result, both slavery and a lax overall ethical sense existed within the Subarokia Grand Empire.
In a different wording, it can be said that this is a country favorable to the strong.
"Oh, speaking of which, I should buy a book later."
"Why?"
"I need to study the local characters. It's inconvenient not being able to read them. Eldorado Kingdom has a low literacy rate, so you can get by even without reading. But I think it won't work that way in the imperial capital of Subarokia."
"Ah, that means I also need to learn the imperial language..."
"True. While the language of the Sacred Grinia is understood in Eldorado Kingdom, it might not be as useful when you get closer to the imperial capital."
Shu can understand and speak any language thanks to his telepathic abilities. However, Iris cannot. Since the language of the Empire is different from the Sacred Grinia's language, she'll be in trouble if she doesn't learn it in advance.
Eldorado Kingdom is adjacent to the territory of Sacred Grinia, so either language can be understood. It's better to learn it now.
"In that case, let's go to some shop! If it's a large trading company's branch, they should have books there."
"Alright, should we head to the first-class district?"
"Yes."
Having decided their destination, the two headed straight to the first-class district. This area is also known as the aristocratic district. However, it doesn't mean commoners are forbidden from entering. It's just that there are many upscale shops that regular people can't afford.
Moreover, there are many security guards here. If anyone behaves suspiciously, they'll be caught immediately.
Therefore, in a sense, it's a safe place.
Considering the possibility of corruption within the security forces, it's not entirely safe, though.
"By the way... It's true that the quality drops suddenly in districts below the third class."
"The citizens don't seem very lively here."
"It feels like they are merely surviving rather than living."
The capital city of Drain is divided into four districts: First Class, Second Class, Third Class, and Fourth Class, all centered around the royal castle. To prevent the threat of monsters, the entire capital is enclosed by fortifications, and these districts were planned during the city's design phase.
The first-class district, where nobles and other influential and wealthy individuals reside, has a beautiful streetscape. The second-class district just outside it is where the people serving those wealthy individuals live. They can still lead a decent life there. However, life becomes significantly impoverished in the third and fourth-class districts.
The residents of the third-class district make a living through manual labor and simple work. As for the fourth-class district, around eighty percent of it is in a slum-like state. If someone recklessly enters, they might easily be kidnapped and sold as slaves.
By the way, the tavern where the Black Cat operates as their base is in the second-class district.
"In the third district, there's even a mercenary guild, making it quite fierce."
"I'm delighted because I can eat a lot of cheap food, and there's plenty of magical energy for me."
"I agree with that."
Unlike the dominion of the sacred Grenea, in the Subarokia Grand Empire and its vassal states, civilian mage users are allowed to operate. As a result, it's not uncommon for mage users to form guilds or mercenary groups. If they become well-known mercenary bands, they might even be employed by nobles. Such individuals often make their base in the third district.
Naturally, the cityscape adapts accordingly.
Meat becomes cheaper for them to build their strength and replenish their magical powers, and items like weapons, armor, and other necessities for battles sell well.
It's unavoidable for the scenery to become a bit rough.
"Well, I'm glad there aren't many people blatantly engaging in criminal activities even in the third district."
"But it seems different in the fourth district, right?"
"No matter what, I have no intention of getting close to that place. It doesn't seem like it'd be fun there."
"I agree with you."
I have no intention of willingly entering the dirty, unappetizing, and crime-ridden fourth district. As of now, our lodging is in the third district, so we'll have dealings with the third, second, and first districts. There's no reason or need to be involved with the fourth district beyond that.
"Hey, Shuu-san, there's a mysterious magical tool over there!"
"What's that? The saplings are dancing...? And growing at the same time?"
"It looks like some kind of spectacle, doesn't it?"
"Let's go take a look."
"Yay!"
"Are they kids?"
On the main street, many performances that utilize magic are taking place, and they're all interesting. Shuu and the others decide to watch them for as long as they can before heading to the first district, their destination, after a while.
◆◆◆
Meanwhile, in a small diner in the second district, five men are having a meal. On the round table are various dishes like stew, grilled meat, bread, and alcohol, and there are several empty plates as well.
"Burp... That was quite a feast."
"You call that a feast? Marcel eats so little. Eat more! That's why you never grow taller."
"What? You got a problem, Gieze?"
Marcel, putting down his fork, glares at Gieze. However, he's quite small in stature, so his intimidation lacks power. Gieze just laughs it off and continues to drink his alcohol.
"Now, now, no fighting. We're on a mission, remember?"
"It's pointless to stop them, Donpa Captain. Those two are always like this."
"Well, Bail... But still..."
"Let's leave them alone."
"Until we reach Ryze... well, fine then."
While observing the two quarreling individuals, Donpa let out a sigh. Meanwhile, Baaru and Raizu had very delighted expressions.
The five of them served as Prince Linvrudo's personal guards. Donpa was the leader of this guard unit, leading his squad in carrying out their missions.
Their current task was to acquire a new woman for Prince Linvrudo. Officially, they had documents stating it was for tax collection, but in reality, it was kidnapping. They had come all the way to the second sector to find a beautiful woman who would please Linvrudo. They were not foolish enough to kidnap someone from the first sector.
If, by any chance, they accidentally kidnapped a nobleman's daughter, Prince Linvrudo's reputation would be tarnished. That would drastically reduce his chances of inheriting the throne, and their own prospects in the guard would also become fleeting dreams.
"By the way, Captain."
"What is it, Baaru?"
"We haven't found a suitable woman today. What are we going to do?"
"...The second sector might be aware of us. They could be deliberately hiding."
"I see..."
Baaru lightly nodded, accepting Donpa's explanation.
This wasn't the first time they conducted what they euphemistically called "emergency tax collection" by Prince Linvrudo, which was, in fact, kidnapping. Donpa's squad had been sent out to the town several times for such abductions. By now, their appearances were well known, and as soon as word spread that they were coming, all the beautiful girls in the town would hide.
In fact, even the waitress of this diner was hiding in the back.
Of course, Donpa and his men were unaware of this fact.
"What should we do, Captain? Didn't Linvrudo-sama say to bring about ten women? This is getting tough. Shall we try the third or fourth sector?"
"Raizu's suggestion makes sense."
"But are there really any beauties in the third or lower sectors?"
"Well, it's not like there aren't any. Probably."
Rise responded while avoiding Barl's gaze.
"In the first place, the third-class and fourth-class districts are filled with ruffians and impoverished people. Therefore, one can hardly say they pay attention to beauty, and you rarely come across beauties and such. If we were in the second-class district, where we can live decently, there would have been ample possibilities."
"Come on, come on. Marcel and Giaze, be quiet already and get back to work. If you stay late, you know Lady Linvruld will get angry."
"Tch... Remember this, Giaze."
"She'll forget by tomorrow."
Donpa stood up, followed by Barl and Rise leaving their seats. Marcel and Giaze, still glaring at each other, slowly stood up as well.
The owner of the dining hall approached the four of them.
"Um, your payment..."
"Huh? Can't be helped."
Donpa reached into his pocket and threw several coins at the owner. Surprised by the sudden action, the owner dropped some of the coins. He hastily picked them up and counted the money.
During that time, Donpa and the others gathered their belongings.
"Alright, let's get back to work, all of you."
They nodded and started to leave the shop. Just as they were doing so, the owner, done counting the money, hurriedly called out.
"Wait, please! The payment is not enough--"
"What did you say?"
"Uh..."
Giaze activated his magical equipment and pointed his expanded scimitar at the owner. Startled by the sudden appearance of the weapon, the owner's voice trembled as he spoke.
"N-nothing... never mind."
"I see. Well then?"
Without paying the proper price, they settled the payment with a random amount from their pockets. It was an action that made one doubt if they were really part of the royal guards.
However, this was the current state of Eldorado Kingdom.
Corruption ran rampant, and violence reigned.
Once outside the shop, Donpa and the others looked around.
"Well then, as Rise suggested, should we go to the third-class district?"
"The chances are low. But it's better than searching here, I suppose."
Everyone nodded at Barl's response, and they had made up their minds about their immediate plan.
As they started heading toward the third-class district, they noticed two figures walking from a considerable distance.
Both had black hair, and the sunlight reflected beautifully on their waving locks.
Judging by their build, it was apparent that one was male, and the other was female.
Donpa saw an opportunity.
"Hey, you guys. Looks like we're in luck."
Unaware that those two individuals were the worst demon lord and witch in history, Donpa and the others wore vulgar smiles on their faces, completely unable to predict the terrifying future that awaited them.
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