24 Chapter 24 ~ Tears of Happiness (1/2)

Shiro bought a total of 16 slaves from Carla: eight high-class and eight common worker slaves.

And here they are now, currently lined up in front of Shiro, from the left is the highest price and the last part is the lowest.

Among the 16 slaves that are currently lined up in front of Shiro, three have higher levels than his two Vampire Brides:

Nina - Tanned and has black hair. Her face immediately caught the attention of Shiro as it doesn't resemble any of the people he had met in this world so far. He thought that maybe because it was said that she came from a barbaric tribe far to the north of this city. But nevertheless, seeing her face, Shiro thought that she was cute.

Lumi - A demihuman that resembles snow wolves. She has two unique animal ears growing out of his head and a tail that is swinging from her backside. Of course, Shiro didn't get much surprised by her appearance; he already knows that all kinds of races exist in this world that Shiro had already expected to see one of her kind in this world.

Sarah - A tall girl with long blonde hair. Introducing herself earlier, she said that she came from a noble family who had sold her after they have committed a heavy crime that removed the entirety of their fortune. But nevertheless, she was a knight and has a lot of experience in combat.

The three of them are stronger than his two Vampire Brides when they're on their debuffs, and they might also come close to the hero's party.

Shiro has plans for the three of them.

[ Hmm... Right... From now own, I will become your master. My name is Vlad Alucard, call me Vlad-sama. ] Shiro had introduced himself as simple as possible.

[ [ Yes... ] ] the girls all nodded and answered.

Their eyes are looking at him with admiration but yet mixed with fear. As slaves, they are expecting that their master will treat them badly and might even do things to them that might destroy their entire being. Slaves often tend to be treated as mere toys or possessions by their masters, it has been the norm of this world and it always will be. The thought of serving someone against their will is unbearable, but they need to obey their master, or they will get killed.

The collars on their necks are imbued with magic that will kill them once they willingly disobeyed their master's wills. Disobeying their master is as close to committing suicide.

[ Now... ]

( They really looked they've been treated really badly... )

Looking at their pale faces, dirty bodies, and torn clothes, Shiro could only think that might be the case.

[ I think that you all already know that now that I'm your master, you will need to follow my instructions. You will obey all of my commands and will accept everything that I'll do to you. ]

[ [ Y-Yes...! ] ]

[ Then, that's all I want to say. All you need is to follow everything that I'll say and I promise that I will treat you all well. ]

Hearing his words, the slaves were only surprised. They looked at each other and then directed their eyes again to Shiro. They weren't able to believe that their master had said that he will treat them well. They thought that he must be lying. But they felt he was serious.

[ Stella, help them clean themselves up. Ayla, you prepare the dishes. ]

***

After Stella had assisted them to clean themselves up in the large bathroom, the slaves came back again in the living room with their appearances completely different from what it was before. They're now clean and the dresses their wearing are clean and spotless.

And now, all 16 of them sat beside the large rectangular table. Their eyes are almost about to pop out, looking at the dishes that are served before them. But for some reason, none of them are moving or even picking up their spoons; they were silent. Instead, they're all staring at Shiro who's sitting at the other end of the table.

[ Please eat. You didn't need to wait for my permission, you know? ] Shiro said to them in assurance.

But despite his words, the slaves only looked at their meals with eyes that are unbelieving.

...

..

None were saying a word... Until -

[ Vla-Vlad... sama...! Wha-what is this...!? ]

A girl's voice resounded through the entire room; disturbing the silence it was earlier.

The voice came from Lumi. One of the demihumans in the group.