Chapter 38 (1/2)

A master-slave contract may be recorded with the consent of both parties, even if not a slave.

High priority orders cannot be changed by themselves unless the master withdraws them... That's what that Slave trader told me.

”I'm just going to go over the rules and make sure the brainwashing isn't still present.”

”Okay.”

A middle-aged man sprayed a liquid on top of Nei's head.

From what I have heard, there are drugs that confirm the brainwashed state.

Once you put it in your body, if it reacts and glows pale pink, it is because the brainwashing is still at work.

Nei's body did not glow.

”There are cases of brainwashing people to make master-slave contracts. Our business is shady, but we follow the rules to the letter. If we make a contract that is unethical, we reject it instantly.”

”Is it really easy to brainwash someone?”

”There are only a limited number of forms of brainwashing in such a short period of time that an abnormal condition occurs. The first is hypnotic magic, which is contraindicated. The second is a brainwashing drug, which is also contraindicated. Lastly there's a skill known as the 'Demonic Eye of Seduction.'”

Nei sneezed, it looks like she's already coming down with a cold.

I decided to cover her with my cape.

I'm sorry, but I'm going to need you to stay a little longer.

It is very necessary for me to listen to the words of this old man.

”Magic and medicine are strictly guarded in all countries, so basically you can't use them. The only thing left is the demonic eye of seduction, but that is extremely rare to manifest, and there are multiple conditions, but if you eliminate them, you can easily dominate the opposite sex.”

”What would happen to me if I obtain such power?”

”That would definitely result in imprisonment or execution. There was a time when whoever had that ability did whatever they wanted, and since then, whoever possesses it is treated as a criminal.”

...After hearing these words, I have no doubt that Sain has this ability.

If it were magic or medicine, I would have been brainwashed as well.

First of all, I have never seen him use or see any indication that he had such a power.

But there was another moment when that guy was unusually happy.

This was before he was given the news that he could be the hero.

That must have been when the notice of the ”Demonic Eye of Seduction's” manifestation appeared before him.

Although, this is just speculation on my part.

I have seen his stats, and I did not see this skill reflected.

”I'll need you to sell me some of those medicines you gave Nei.”

”Sure, but they're not cheap.”

I bought about five medicines and put them in my pocket.

With this I will be able to confirm if Lisa and Soara have also been brainwashed by him.

Kaede has her appraisal ability, but it is impossible to identify brainwashing with it.

”Are you sure you want to make a master-slave contract?”

”I don't want to do it. If you refuse to accept it, I won't force you... But only if you promise me you won't kill yourself. And I'll pretend we never talked about this.”

”I can't make that promise. Maybe I'm going to end up doing it.”

”Then let's sign the contract!”

”I don't know. I just don't think it's right for me to be this happy after betraying you.”

Huh? What the hell is she talking about?

Does she have brain damage?

Nei covers her face with the hood of my cloak.

”Doing that would be a reward.” (so, she likes the idea of being a slave).

”Maybe I should have your head examined by a doctor.”

”You are so insensitive!”

Nei smacks her fist against my abdomen.

I'm not sure what's going on, but I don't think she turned down the contract proposal.

Then I remembered something I had wanted to ask a slaver for a long time.

”I'd like to know something - do master-slave contracts have any psychological impact?”

”No.”

”So, once you sign the contract, it's automatically a slave?”

”No. Basically, there is a rule that people who don't have a collar are not treated as slaves. On the contrary, if you have the collar, it's a slave even if you don't have a contract.”

Hmm, my theory is confirmed. I found out that Kaede's feelings were not affected at all.

It seems that her feelings for me are true.

I feel like it will be hard to look her in the face now.

”Okay, let's get started.”

The master-slave contract with Nei was a success.

Several days have passed.

Most of the city has been rebuilt and the stores are full of people.

From time to time, I saw a sign that said ”This place supports the Manyu Brigade”, I was very embarrassed.

My stone statue has not yet been built. But work is already underway. Arrangements are being made to start very soon.

According to the plans, Kaede and Frau will be on either side of me.

I was asked to come on the day when the stone statue of the Manyu Brigade becomes a symbol of the city.

I wouldn't want to come, I don't like the idea of standing out at all. But I have no choice.

”I'm ready now.”

Nei, who was carrying a backpack on her back, turns around and looks back.

There is still sadness in her expression, but it is somewhat brighter than when she was released from brainwashing.

I dare not ask what Sain did to her.

Because that would be the cruelest torture for her.

Maybe I should let her commit suicide.

But I don't have the courage to let the people I grew up with die in vain.

No matter what happens, I want her to live.