Bowen asked, "Do you have change?" casually, without reading the atmosphere.
Rephael wanted to shout at Bowen[Change you ask? Change for such a big amount? Do you think money grows on trees? How will a small blacksmith like me ever have change for such big money?] But he swallowed his words. Ruby felt embarrassed when she remembered her earlier words. She felt too dumb for not recognizing a big shot.
"Umm, this Bowe... cough, cough... Master Bowen," Rephael changed the way he addressed Bowen, "my apologies, I may not be able to provide you with such a big amount."
"No problem, take your time," said Bowen.
Rephael's face burned with shame as he remembered how he offered the same words to Bowen previously. "Yes, I will try my best to make change for it by talking to merchants."
"Why merchants? Don't you have a bank?"
"Bank?" Ruby and Rephal looked at each other in confusion.
Bowen tried to explain the concept of a bank in simple words. "Like an organization that deals with money….."
"Ah, it seems wonderful," said Ruby.
"That's right. If there is something like that, it will be more useful, but we don't have it here. I don't know about other continents, but to my knowledge, there is no concept of banks in Yuria," said Rephal.
Bowen thought that if possible, he would bring the concept of a bank to Grimesphere in the future. "Fine, how many days should I wait?"
"That... like a week or so," said Rephal, scratching his head.
"No problem. I will believe in you, Mr. Rephal," said Bowen.
Rephal posed a big smile and thanked Bowen for the business. He offered 50% of it (25 small silvers) to Ruby for her to take it to Lady Grace. He also paid 2 bronze coins to Bowen for his wooden logs. After unloading all the wooden logs, Uncle Toto came from the backyard.
"It's all unloaded properly. Can we go?"
"Uncle Toto, can you please wait for five more minutes? I am having to talk to someone here," said Bowen, looking at Ruby.
Ruby was scared of Bowen's sudden proposal. "Umm, sir... I am sorry if I offended you with my previous words. I will take any punishment."
"No, Ruby, you are mistaken. I just want to talk to you about something, that's all."
"Umm, just talk... yes, yes, please ask me whatever you want."
"My stomach grovels a lot. Can we talk over lunch?" asked Bowen.
"Ah, yes," said Ruby.
Bowen took Ruby to a food stall where he bought some simple bread and soup. Ruby remained standing even after Bowen took up a seat for the customers.
"Why don't you sit?" he asked.
"Sit? Ruby looked at Bowen in confusion. "That.. I am a slave, so sitting with you might not be apt."
"Hmm.. is there a rule saying slaves cannot sit in diners?" asked Bowen.
"No, it's not that, but..." Ruby hesitated.
"Then take your seat," said Bowen.
"Oh, okay," said Ruby, sitting opposite him hesitantly.
Bowen offered a part of the food, but Ruby was adamant about refusing it. Bowen didn't want to force her more than that. She was someone else's slave, after all. Bowen took one bronze coin and slid it on the table towards Ruby. "Take this," he said.
"This...?" Ruby stared at the coin, confused.
"You are a slave, right?" asked Bowen.
"Yes, sir, I am," replied Ruby.
"Then you must know enough about slaves. I want to know about the concept of slavery in this world. In exchange, you can take this bronze coin. Consider it as payment for your information," said Bowen.
"Ah, about slavery? It's just common knowledge, sir. You don't have to pay for it," responded Ruby, returning the bronze coin.
"Okay, I won't compel you anymore. Can you tell me everything you know about slavery?" asked Bowen.
Ah yes. Ruby started telling about the beginning of slavery “ In the history of Grime Sphere, the concept of slavery is deeply rooted. Thousands of years ago Demons and humans were the dominant races, constantly waging wars for supremacy and suffering losses in manpower and resources. In response, other races like elves, dwarfs, giants, fairies, and demihumans formed an alliance in secret called the Allied Forces of Minority Races (AFMR) to voice for the rights of minor races. The growing influence of AFMR weakened the power of humans and demons, leading to the development of the concept of capturing human and demon nations and bringing them under the control of minor races through slavery.
However, humans and demons could not tolerate being enslaved by what they considered inferior races, so they too began enslaving other races out of ego and retaliation. The war for domination continued for hundreds of years, accompanied by brutal treatment of slaves who were treated worse than animals. They were given meager food, ragged clothing, and used as cannon fodder in wars. Female slaves faced even worse treatment, including rape, torture, and public exhibition naked for the pleasure of their masters. Old and sick slaves were condemned to spend their entire lives in mining sites until death, and they were denied the right to speak or even look others in the eyes.
Amidst this darkness, a great person emerged from among the slaves. Despite being insulted for his unattainable dream of obtaining rights for slaves, he fought tirelessly without losing hope. No one knew how he became strong or where he obtained his powers, but he introduced a new element of magic that had never before existed in Grimesphere - the element of darkness. With his superior power, he revolted against demons, humans, and other races alike, becoming a feared and powerful figure known as the Lord of Darkness or the Dark Lord. It was said that he could slay millions with a single wave of his hand, becoming a complete overlord who struck fear into the hearts of people.
A part of the demon race decided to surrender to the Dark Lord, and together they formed the Great Central Empire. The Dark Lord preached the magic of darkness to all in his nation, and many powerful demons emerged and started capturing other nations to merge them with the Central Empire. Some other races also formed alliances with the Central Empire, seeing its rise in power. The Dark Lord ruled for almost 500 years, capturing most of Grimesphere. However, his descendants, though talented, were not as powerful as him, and their efforts to abolish slavery were suppressed by other nations. They remained emperors only in name.
Two hundred years ago, a great phenomenon occurred in the sky - the birth of a child with a special symbol, destined to attain power beyond immortals as the descendant of Dark Lord. That child is none other than our current Dark Emperor who now indirectly rules over 85 percent of Grime Sphere. Unlike his predecessors, the current Dark Emperor imposed severe taxes for owning slaves instead of abolishing slavery altogether. He also formed an organization for slaves that was run by slaves themselves, introducing rules and laws to ensure their safety and well-being. Slaves were allocated positions in the military, court, finance, security, etc., based on their talents and merits. The status and power of slave owners increased dramatically if their slaves made distinct contributions to the country, leading to better treatment of slaves with respect.
Over time, slavery became normalized, and noble and wealthy people began recruiting individuals for slave positions and the pay was better than other jobs. Its all thanks to our current dark emperor who will be a great hero in all our minds.” Ruby ended her long explanation displaying her reverence to the great dark emperor of current era.
Bowen was surprised to learn that slavery had such a deep history, and he was most shocked to discover that over 85 percent of the world's population was under the rule of a single person. He could only hope that he would never have to confront that person in the future.
"Who are made to be slaves nowadays?" Bowen asked.
"There are slaves of all races," Ruby replied. "Most of them are debtors or criminals. War slaves are rare because there is a rule that the people of the nation who lost the war can only be treated as refugees and not as slaves. But it's another story if they willingly become slaves for the winning nation."
Bowen looked at the plain leather collar on Ruby's neck and asked, "Is the collar a symbol of slavery?"
"Yes, it's a normal slave collar," Ruby confirmed. "There are also magic-induced collars to apply restrictions on slaves."
"Restrictions?" Bowen asked. "Like what?"
"Like limitations on betrayal and killing their own master," Ruby explained.
Bowen nodded. "That makes sense. How is the safety of the slave guaranteed?"
"As I said before, there is an organization called the White Order that deals with everything about slaves," Ruby replied. "They check the background of the people before giving them a slave master permit. If a slave's master mistreats their slave and the White Order finds out, the slave master will be sentenced to become a slave for a particular period of time, depending on the severity of the mistreatment."
"That's pretty strict," Bowen remarked. "They don't impose a fine, but make you a slave instead?"
"Exactly," Ruby confirmed. "Nobles and wealthy individuals cannot escape punishment by paying money. Umm.. If it's okay, can I ask you a question, sir?" she hesitated.
"Sure, what is it?" Bowen replied.
"Are you, by any chance, planning to buy a slave?" Ruby asked, thinking that Bowen was wealthy.
"Nope," Bowen chuckled. "Someone asked me to be their slave. That's why I want to know the benefits of the job."
Ruby started panicking. "I'm sorry, I didn't know," she stammered.
"It's okay, Ruby. I don't plan to be a slave...well, at least not yet," Bowen said casually, smiling.
That’s right, indeed someone came to Bowen to propose a slave offer to him. It was none other than his own dear disciple Renault. Bowen cannot contain his laughter when he recollected that scene in his mind.
Bowen asked, "Do you have change?" casually, without reading the atmosphere.
Rephael wanted to shout at Bowen[Change you ask? Change for such a big amount? Do you think money grows on trees? How will a small blacksmith like me ever have change for such big money?] But he swallowed his words. Ruby felt embarrassed when she remembered her earlier words. She felt too dumb for not recognizing a big shot.
"Umm, this Bowe... cough, cough... Master Bowen," Rephael changed the way he addressed Bowen, "my apologies, I may not be able to provide you with such a big amount."
"No problem, take your time," said Bowen.
Rephael's face burned with shame as he remembered how he offered the same words to Bowen previously. "Yes, I will try my best to make change for it by talking to merchants."
"Why merchants? Don't you have a bank?"
"Bank?" Ruby and Rephal looked at each other in confusion.
Bowen tried to explain the concept of a bank in simple words. "Like an organization that deals with money….."
"Ah, it seems wonderful," said Ruby.
"That's right. If there is something like that, it will be more useful, but we don't have it here. I don't know about other continents, but to my knowledge, there is no concept of banks in Yuria," said Rephal.
Bowen thought that if possible, he would bring the concept of a bank to Grimesphere in the future. "Fine, how many days should I wait?"
"That... like a week or so," said Rephal, scratching his head.
"No problem. I will believe in you, Mr. Rephal," said Bowen.
Rephal posed a big smile and thanked Bowen for the business. He offered 50% of it (25 small silvers) to Ruby for her to take it to Lady Grace. He also paid 2 bronze coins to Bowen for his wooden logs. After unloading all the wooden logs, Uncle Toto came from the backyard.
"It's all unloaded properly. Can we go?"
"Uncle Toto, can you please wait for five more minutes? I am having to talk to someone here," said Bowen, looking at Ruby.
Ruby was scared of Bowen's sudden proposal. "Umm, sir... I am sorry if I offended you with my previous words. I will take any punishment."
"No, Ruby, you are mistaken. I just want to talk to you about something, that's all."
"Umm, just talk... yes, yes, please ask me whatever you want."
"My stomach grovels a lot. Can we talk over lunch?" asked Bowen.
"Ah, yes," said Ruby.
Bowen took Ruby to a food stall where he bought some simple bread and soup. Ruby remained standing even after Bowen took up a seat for the customers.
"Why don't you sit?" he asked.
"Sit? Ruby looked at Bowen in confusion. "That.. I am a slave, so sitting with you might not be apt."
"Hmm.. is there a rule saying slaves cannot sit in diners?" asked Bowen.
"No, it's not that, but..." Ruby hesitated.
"Then take your seat," said Bowen.
"Oh, okay," said Ruby, sitting opposite him hesitantly.
Bowen offered a part of the food, but Ruby was adamant about refusing it. Bowen didn't want to force her more than that. She was someone else's slave, after all. Bowen took one bronze coin and slid it on the table towards Ruby. "Take this," he said.
"This...?" Ruby stared at the coin, confused.
"You are a slave, right?" asked Bowen.
"Yes, sir, I am," replied Ruby.
"Then you must know enough about slaves. I want to know about the concept of slavery in this world. In exchange, you can take this bronze coin. Consider it as payment for your information," said Bowen.
"Ah, about slavery? It's just common knowledge, sir. You don't have to pay for it," responded Ruby, returning the bronze coin.
"Okay, I won't compel you anymore. Can you tell me everything you know about slavery?" asked Bowen.
Ah yes. Ruby started telling about the beginning of slavery “ In the history of Grime Sphere, the concept of slavery is deeply rooted. Thousands of years ago Demons and humans were the dominant races, constantly waging wars for supremacy and suffering losses in manpower and resources. In response, other races like elves, dwarfs, giants, fairies, and demihumans formed an alliance in secret called the Allied Forces of Minority Races (AFMR) to voice for the rights of minor races. The growing influence of AFMR weakened the power of humans and demons, leading to the development of the concept of capturing human and demon nations and bringing them under the control of minor races through slavery.
However, humans and demons could not tolerate being enslaved by what they considered inferior races, so they too began enslaving other races out of ego and retaliation. The war for domination continued for hundreds of years, accompanied by brutal treatment of slaves who were treated worse than animals. They were given meager food, ragged clothing, and used as cannon fodder in wars. Female slaves faced even worse treatment, including rape, torture, and public exhibition naked for the pleasure of their masters. Old and sick slaves were condemned to spend their entire lives in mining sites until death, and they were denied the right to speak or even look others in the eyes.
Amidst this darkness, a great person emerged from among the slaves. Despite being insulted for his unattainable dream of obtaining rights for slaves, he fought tirelessly without losing hope. No one knew how he became strong or where he obtained his powers, but he introduced a new element of magic that had never before existed in Grimesphere - the element of darkness. With his superior power, he revolted against demons, humans, and other races alike, becoming a feared and powerful figure known as the Lord of Darkness or the Dark Lord. It was said that he could slay millions with a single wave of his hand, becoming a complete overlord who struck fear into the hearts of people.
A part of the demon race decided to surrender to the Dark Lord, and together they formed the Great Central Empire. The Dark Lord preached the magic of darkness to all in his nation, and many powerful demons emerged and started capturing other nations to merge them with the Central Empire. Some other races also formed alliances with the Central Empire, seeing its rise in power. The Dark Lord ruled for almost 500 years, capturing most of Grimesphere. However, his descendants, though talented, were not as powerful as him, and their efforts to abolish slavery were suppressed by other nations. They remained emperors only in name.
Two hundred years ago, a great phenomenon occurred in the sky - the birth of a child with a special symbol, destined to attain power beyond immortals as the descendant of Dark Lord. That child is none other than our current Dark Emperor who now indirectly rules over 85 percent of Grime Sphere. Unlike his predecessors, the current Dark Emperor imposed severe taxes for owning slaves instead of abolishing slavery altogether. He also formed an organization for slaves that was run by slaves themselves, introducing rules and laws to ensure their safety and well-being. Slaves were allocated positions in the military, court, finance, security, etc., based on their talents and merits. The status and power of slave owners increased dramatically if their slaves made distinct contributions to the country, leading to better treatment of slaves with respect.
Over time, slavery became normalized, and noble and wealthy people began recruiting individuals for slave positions and the pay was better than other jobs. Its all thanks to our current dark emperor who will be a great hero in all our minds.” Ruby ended her long explanation displaying her reverence to the great dark emperor of current era.
Bowen was surprised to learn that slavery had such a deep history, and he was most shocked to discover that over 85 percent of the world's population was under the rule of a single person. He could only hope that he would never have to confront that person in the future.
"Who are made to be slaves nowadays?" Bowen asked.
"There are slaves of all races," Ruby replied. "Most of them are debtors or criminals. War slaves are rare because there is a rule that the people of the nation who lost the war can only be treated as refugees and not as slaves. But it's another story if they willingly become slaves for the winning nation."
Bowen looked at the plain leather collar on Ruby's neck and asked, "Is the collar a symbol of slavery?"
"Yes, it's a normal slave collar," Ruby confirmed. "There are also magic-induced collars to apply restrictions on slaves."
"Restrictions?" Bowen asked. "Like what?"
"Like limitations on betrayal and killing their own master," Ruby explained.
Bowen nodded. "That makes sense. How is the safety of the slave guaranteed?"
"As I said before, there is an organization called the White Order that deals with everything about slaves," Ruby replied. "They check the background of the people before giving them a slave master permit. If a slave's master mistreats their slave and the White Order finds out, the slave master will be sentenced to become a slave for a particular period of time, depending on the severity of the mistreatment."
"That's pretty strict," Bowen remarked. "They don't impose a fine, but make you a slave instead?"
"Exactly," Ruby confirmed. "Nobles and wealthy individuals cannot escape punishment by paying money. Umm.. If it's okay, can I ask you a question, sir?" she hesitated.
"Sure, what is it?" Bowen replied.
"Are you, by any chance, planning to buy a slave?" Ruby asked, thinking that Bowen was wealthy.
"Nope," Bowen chuckled. "Someone asked me to be their slave. That's why I want to know the benefits of the job."
Ruby started panicking. "I'm sorry, I didn't know," she stammered.
"It's okay, Ruby. I don't plan to be a slave...well, at least not yet," Bowen said casually, smiling.
That’s right, indeed someone came to Bowen to propose a slave offer to him. It was none other than his own dear disciple Renault. Bowen cannot contain his laughter when he recollected that scene in his mind.
