After 15 minutes of walking, Cass and Adeline arrived at the slave market. It was a small store, not like an actual open market, and Cass could see that at the back of the store, there was a small stage with a large red curtain behind.
The seating in front of the stage was a comfortable leather sofa. Cass guessed that slaves would be paraded on the stage like fashion models, and then they could be bought directly by stating your wish to purchase.
Adeline made a face like she had just smelled something foul, turned to Cass, and handed him a small coin pouch.
'There is 15 gold in this pouch. That is your limit today to buy a slave maid and get any necessities she might need when she starts working at the manor. Who you choose is up to you, you will talk to the merchant, choose someone, and then negotiate all by yourself. I will step in or ask questions only if I need to.
You will also be recognized as her master, but there are some things we will discuss after with the person you choose. As a general rule, nobody in the household likes slavery, it's frankly quite distasteful unless we are talking about criminal slaves, and so our family has rules about slavery that must be followed.'
'I understand, step mom, I will take full responsibility and select someone appropriate.'
After entering the store a little more and ringing the bell on the countertop near the entrance, a squat bald man with a large moustache, bulging stomach, and bejeweled walking cane, entered from behind a curtain and made a bow. 'Good morning, esteemed customers, how might I assist you today?'
Adeline, still making the same face, sneered at the man. 'Talk to my son, flesh peddler, he will be the one making the purchase.' Cass could feel the disdain oozing out of her, it was evident that she did not like the slave merchant.
Seemingly unbothered by her attitude, the man turned to Cass. 'Young sir, how may I help you today?'
'I am in the market for a personal maid, someone to attend to my daily needs. If the person can also defend themselves and maybe act as a bodyguard, that would also be good, but not a requirement.'
'I see. Very well, why don't you and your mother take a seat on the sofa, and I will bring out some candidates'
The slave merchant disappeared behind the curtain, and Cass and his stepmother took a seat on the sofa facing the stage. A middle-aged woman served them some tea, and they sat in silence while they waited. Soon, the slave trader stepped onto the stage, followed by a young woman.
'First of all, young master, I would like to tell you about our standards here at the market. Firstly, we do not deal in Criminal slaves. Secondly, all our slaves have been checked for illnesses and diseases, so there is no need to worry about this. Thirdly, all of our slaves have been properly trained for their functions. And finally, all slaves are controlled with a magical slave collar, the cost of which is included with the slave. We will not try to sell you a slave who does not meet your requirements. May I proceed with presenting the merchandise?'
The word 'Merchandise' hit a nerve with Cass, but he swallowed his tongue and nodded his head.
'Thank you, young sir, now, the first candidate I would like to present to you is Mira'. He pointed towards the girl on stage, who bowed towards Cass, and surprisingly, winked at him. She was a beautiful young woman with short blonde hair, and the tight dress she was wearing made all of her curves very obvious. She had larger-than-average breasts and wide childbearing hips.
'Mira just turned 18 years old. She is a debt slave who came to me around 20 days ago. She was already a maid for a merchant before she became a slave, however, her previous employer did not wish to buy out her debt, and so she ended up like this. Her system is related to pleasing young gentlemen. Mira's current price is 12 gold coins. Mira, please introduce yourself.'
Mira bowed once again, and shot a seductive smile towards Cass. 'Nice to meet you, young master, hehehe', her greeting was followed by a dirty giggle. 'I am fully trained to serve as a maid for the young sir. I can cook, clean, read, and write, and I am very proficient in ..... other services, hehehe'. The same dirty giggle made it quite clear what services she was referring to.
She reminded Cass of the prostitutes at the brothel he had visited with some Army buddies back on earth, so the thought of buying her did cross his mind, but he knew she would never be permitted in the house. Before Cass could open his mouth to decline, Adeline had already interjected herself. 'Flesh peddler, get this one out of here. We are looking for a personal maid, not a bed warmer.'
'I understand my lady. Mira, you can return. Evelyn, you can come out now.'
Mira returned behind the curtain, and the next girl stepped out with her head lowered. A short woman with long brown hair and a very pleasing figure. The merchant once again indicated the direction of the slave and began to explain her circumstances.
'This is Evelyn. Evelyn is 29 years old. She was a housewife before she became a slave, but she came to us 6 months ago and has been through all of the training she needs. She is also a debt slave, just like Mira, however, her story is a little different.
The debt was originally her husband's, she inherited the debt when he died and was unable to pay. So that her son would not go hungry, she sold herself into slavery to cover the debt and leave her son with a few gold coins. Her system is related to household chores, and her current price is 8 gold coins. Evelyn, introduce yourself.'
The woman lifted her head, looked in the direction of Cass, and started speaking in a quiet and monotonous voice. 'Greetings, young master. I can perform all manner of household tasks, however, I cannot read or write.'
Her introduction was very brief, and when Cass looked into her eyes, he could quite clearly see that there was zero will to live. This slave woman had given up on life and was obviously resigned to her fate. Although it pained Cass' heart to see it, he also realized that he couldn't buy her.
'I don't think that Evelyn meets my requirements, I am afraid. Do you have anyone else behind the curtain?'
'Unfortunately, no, young sir, those were all the girls I was prepared to show you today. Perhaps, sir would entertain purchasing one of them at a slightly lower price?'
Noticing the speed at which the man offered a discount, he guessed that he desperately needed to sell one of his slaves. 'Even for a discount I am afraid not. That is a shame, oh well, mother, shall we go to the ...'
'Wait...' The trader suddenly stated. 'I have one more who fits your requirements, however, she ... is a little complicated. I did not present her to you as she is currently being disciplined. Since I received her a few weeks ago, she has been quite rebellious despite the slave collar, however; since the young lord seems to be in need of someone, might I introduce you to her?'