142 - The Freed S*aves Became Obsessed

The situation swiftly settled with Zeke's defeat. The humans who brazenly claimed dominance over the North were defeated by a mere woman. They huddled together before Ashies, kneeling. No one had died, though some were wounded. A few had been frozen, and a few slightly cut. Thanks to Ashies diligently following Karami’s order to never kill, this outcome was possible. ‘How can someone like that even exist?’ Bifen, observing the situation from a corner, was struck with disbelief. To his knowledge, there was no one as strong as Zeke. Yet, even Zeke had been defeated without resistance. He had boasted of being the strongest. Regretting his reliance on a savage, Bifen blamed himself. ‘The business is ruined.’ He planned to quickly return and wind up the business. With Zeke defeated, those whom he swindled were bound to come seeking revenge. Despite his bitterness over not being able to avenge himself against Karami, he figured they would cross paths again in the world of trade. “Clean your neck and wait. I’ll make sure you can never show your face here again.” A typical flag of a defeated man's assertion. Having sworn revenge, Bifen discreetly turned to leave. Thwack! “Ack?!” An arrow whizzed past Bifen’s nose and embedded itself in the wall. As he felt a stinging pain, a drop of blood formed on the bridge of his nose. Had the arrow been slightly to the side or had he moved a step faster, his cheek would have been pierced, leaving a hole. “Who shot that? Who would recklessly shoot an arrow?!” Who would do something as insane as this, Bifen wondered as he checked the direction from which the arrow came. “It was me, you con artist.” It was Rinbar. "Do you intend to kill me with such dangerous acts?" “That’s right, you scoundrel. I’m here to claim the price for what you stole from our tribe—with your life.” Rinbar nocked another arrow. A chill ran down Bifen’s spine. His merchant’s instinct told him Rinbar was serious. He could not die at the hands of a mere savage’s arrow in a remote place like this. “Wa-wait a moment! I will give it all back! Everything I took, I’ll return! And if you kill me here, you won’t be able to obtain any necessary goods in the future!” “Ah, I’ve already taken care of that.” Behind Rinbar. Emerging from the shadows was Karami. Bifen’s eyes widened in surprise. “A slave executor?!” “Haha, don’t be so alarmed. Anyone would think a real reaper had shown up.” Of course, since Ashies was here, it was only natural that her master, Karami, would be too. “What do you mean you’ve taken care of it?” “I have quite the connections. I’ve already found someone to take your place. And they won’t be pulling any stunts like backstabbing clients.” “Already found someone? So quickly?” Bifen couldn't believe it, considering he parted ways with Karami only a week ago. Finding and transporting goods, much less people, seemed impossible in such a short time. “Hmm, how should I deal with you? There’s no particular use for you… perhaps you could be a sacrifice to appease a tribe member’s anger?” “Eek?! I’ll do whatever you want, just spare my life!” Bifen dropped to his knees instinctively. For a merchant, pride held no greater importance than life. “Oh. Will you really do whatever I say?” “Yes! Absolutely!” Bifen answered without a moment's hesitation. He needed to escape from here somehow. He had the resources, and as long as he lived, he could bounce back anytime. “Fine. I don’t enjoy harming others either.” Despite the absurdity of a reaper claiming not to enjoy harming people, Bifen felt hope for escape as a smile dawned on his face. “You just need to hand over all your assets, trade rights, and even the information on the merchants' guild. Then you’ll be spared.” “…What?” That is until Karami voiced those conditions. “Wa-wait a moment. If you take everything, how am I supposed to make a living?” “Is it my job to worry about that? If you’re truly a competent merchant, you should be able to rise from the bottom again, right? Why? Lacking confidence? I’m quite confident myself.” Karami squatted before the kneeling Bifen, showcasing a smug smile. “I suggest you dismiss any idea of hiding things. My mercy is a one-time offer.” Bifen realized too late. That this slave executor was indeed a ruthless merchant toying with people's lives. *** After securing an advantageous deal with Bifen, Karami left him in Rinbar’s charge. Whether Rinbar would unleash personal feelings on Bifen was not Karami’s concern. Returning to Ashies, Karami found the tribesmen bound with ice cuffs before her. Zeke glared fiercely at Karami and scolded him. “So it’s you, the so-called slave executor! Hiding behind a woman and just giving orders… For someone with such a grand nickname, you lack even a trace of masculinity!” “Hahaha, what need do I have to fight personally? If I did, I’d be a knight, not a merchant. Besides, how humiliating to be beaten by a woman.” “You useless rascal!” As Zeke attempted to stand, ice encased him. From the neck down, he was immobilized. “It’s wise to watch your words. If I kick you, your body will shatter like ice, you know.” “Grr…!” Karami pressed his foot against Zeke’s chest, causing Zeke to grit his teeth in silent fury. “Rami… cannot break.” “Sorry?” Ashies, standing nearby, interjected. “This… is my magic. Rami can never break it…” Ashies knew how frail Karami truly was. He couldn’t handle magic at all. There was no way he could break an ice formed from magic, not regular ice. Silence ensued. Karami picked up a weapon that lay scattered on the floor. "Haha, if you don't answer me willingly, I'll use this weapon on you…." "That's impossible with that…. " "……." Karami tossed the weapon aside. “Hahaha! If you show any sign of resistance, my slave will shatter you into pieces. You’d best comply.” He studiously ignored the barrage of stares directed his way. “What do you want?” “First, I plan to free the people you’ve kidnapped and brought here. Now, bring the first two people over to me. Whoever comes first.” Few understood the meaning of “first come, first served.” Two who usually excelled in cunning dashed out. “You traitorous bastards!” Latecomers spewed curses, but it was futile. They were a disorderly gang greedy for personal gain. Loyalty was never part of their concern. The two who left soon returned with the captives. Most of them were women. None of them looked unscathed, indicating they had been treated harshly. The women looked on in shock at the sight of the kneeling tribesmen, but another fear arose as they set their eyes on Karami, who subdued them. “Hello, everyone. You must have endured much hardship, but there’s no need to worry now.” “…Who are you?” “I am a slave trader.” “Ah….” Misery followed misery. The thought of their bleak future made one woman stagger. “Uh, sister!” “Oh dear, I didn’t realize you’d be in such weakened states. But do not worry, I’ll make sure you regain full health.” “Ah….” Women began to faint one by one. *** The trauma must have been severe for the victims to collapse as soon as we spoke. These heartless savages. How could they leave people in such a state? I gathered as much clothing as I could to cover the women and sent them off to the city in the carriages I had summoned earlier through the Serun Un.’s assembly. The remaining care would be handled expertly by them. The subdued tribesmen were handed over to the knights of Brund. They seemed eager for this and sent them off with bright faces, repeatedly thanking me. A perfect wrap-up. ‘I also obtained a valuable item~’ A bejeweled ring in my possession, an item previously worn by Zeke. It would narrate new tales if entrusted to Darka. The Frost Hollow was now empty, devoid of all people. As I stood at its center, Ashies was gazing around, seemingly lost in thought. “What are you doing?” “Just….” She seemed to be soaking in a new spectacle. “Ashies, how did you feel when fighting against those people?” “Well…?” “Did you not feel anything like their expressions or voices?” Ashies recalled the recent battle before replying. “They… looked scared.” “Anything else?” “Angry…?” Ashies's voice was uncertain, illustrating her unfamiliarity with such emotions. It felt unsettling for her, who had only been exposed to positivity at Lake Fortress. “How did you feel when wielding the sword, Ashies? Was it fun?” Ashies shook her head. “It wasn’t… fun. I don’t want to… do it….” Her characteristic slow speech was there, yet it carried a new-found determination not typical for her. A smile crept upon my lips. I was worried about what I'd do if she found enjoyment in it, but thankfully, that wasn’t the case. “Hmm, I see. Since Ashies doesn't like it, I won’t make you participate in such matters anymore.” “You won’t… make me?” “Of course. A master shouldn't force a slave to do what they dislike.” Ashies tilted her head. She seemed unsure, yet didn’t ponder deeply about it. As if the simplicity of not being forced into what she disliked was enough. Ashies, who was currently restrained by her buried emotions, needs to experience a variety of them. Not just positive ones, but negative ones too. Emotions, more often than not, precede rationality. Even those who lack deep thoughts can naturally feel emotions as life progresses. The new emotions she encountered today will certainly influence Ashies, awakening her frozen sentiments. They would surely impact her in a good way. “Now, let's leave this gloomy place swiftly and return to the town. Everyone must be eagerly waiting for you, Ashies.” “Yeah….” I moved towards the exit when I noticed Ashies wasn’t following but standing still. “Is something wrong?” “No… it’s nothing….” What’s going on? It's unusual to see her so hesitant. Her gaze was slightly lingering downwards…. Could it be? “Were you perhaps sneaking a look at my butt?” “No….” “Aha, just as they say, kids always pick up on the bad things first. Who would have thought Ashies would be interested in a man’s behind?” “That’s not… it.” Judging by her inability to speak clearly, it seems like she might be telling the truth? I’m in shock. “A slave eyeing their master with lustful eyes, no less. Hoo…. This cannot stand. Ashies, you walk ahead first. I’ll follow behind.” “…….” Barely noticeable, but Ashies pouted slightly. Apparently, she had a grievance. “Oh? Rebelling against your master?” Ashies, who was looking at me with narrowed eyes, started walking without a backward glance. Even Ashies is looking at me like that now. ‘Is she perhaps entering her rebellious phase?’ The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree; if only my slaves resembled their wonderful master even half as much, I would have no regrets. Too Sexy for Her Own Good 2025.01.08 01:43 Report To be exact, you like drooling over the idea of a naive girl learning love and spiraling into despair, but pretend to be normal! 0 DespairLover 2025.01.13 02:30 Report Oh, I’ve been found out…! Damn it haha 0 Chief 6th Grade Dazzle 2025.01.14 02:22 Report I also want to take someone who loves despair and turn them naive…. 0 DespairLover 2025.01.15 22:34 Report ?? No, that can't be!! 0 IntoTheMaze 2024.12.10 13:38 Report I feel like I like this one the most out of all the slaves in this novel. 0 qhtm 2024.12.10 16:26 Report Oh my, what’s all this? 0 Novice09173 2024.12.10 18:15 Report If Lin saw Karami getting anxious with Mirabel watching LOL 0 Hking0848 2024.12.10 23:03 Report They would feel the same if their roles were reversed, I suppose. 0 Karon 2024.12.10 19:24 Report This episode is the most fun by far. 1 382716830 2024.12.11 00:46 Report Hey, you’re going to get into serious trouble like that. 0 SisExcitesMe 2024.12.11 05:59 Report So sneaky, so sneaky~~ 0 ThankYou 2024.12.12 07:14 Report Her hobby is looking at butts. 0 tokieu 2024.12.17 09:10 Report Ashies aiming for Karami’s behind. 0 TopOfTheMountain 2024.12.23 11:15 Report Even with that flat tone, she somehow comes off a bit sassy, which makes her charming. 0 Milaro 2024.12.23 20:10 Report Not looking at the butt, but wanting to be patted on the head. 0 Adiche 2024.12.30 20:25 Report A master's role is not to force a slave into things they dislike. So if Ashies dislikes being prevented, then… 0 Moving1 2025.01.02 19:01 Report Do you want to be patted on the head? 0 DogAndCat 2025.01.10 15:56 Report Maybe she didn't look at his behind but his arms? 0 Only logged-in members can post comments. Weekly Bests Adult BL/GL +3041 Even in Ghost Towns, Work Persists +992 Mistaken for a Legendary War General +363 Declaring a Breakup with the Heroine Who Hates Me +2884 Living as a Wizard at the Magical Academy +1245 Obsessed with My Freed Slaves +316 Crazy Cleric from the Slums +937 Normalizing Dark Fantasy +408 Mistaken for a Ruinous Ghost Temple +809 Former Vtuber Wants In On It +1910 When the Heroine Took My Time Loop +4011 Surviving This Damn Fantasy World +16812 Medicinal Genius Sorcerer +17313 The World's Greatest Friend's Childhood Girlfriend +1514 Prince’s Side Character Development +7515 Martial Arts Isn’t All That +5616 Thirty Years of Rebirth, Turns Out It’s Rom-Fan +9117 Being Handsome Makes Life Easier +5418 Isn’t This Supposed to Be a Dating Game? +5119 I Keep Insisting I’m Not the Boss +2020 Mistaken for a Genius Wizard in a Game New + More New Delicious Monster Dated hit hooks …. A prospective bride works at a company with hot shares + races + delivers fast shots like zombies falling from the sky…. So New Accumulated Webcomics 02.23 Oh! The Chef Putting Joseon on the Menu 02.23 Requesting Please Don't Become a Monster ~~Translating and interpreting the interactive aspects and comments from the web novel context into English, while maintaining authenticity and engaging with linguistic nuances. As a translator, one must ensure all elements harmonize with the intended sentiment to captivate the target audience.~~