Having learned various things from Luke, Encia made a promise to help him converse with Tia once she awakens and then parted ways.
To be exact, it was more like stepping aside to give Luke the space he wanted near the statue.
Back in her room, Encia organized the whirlwind of thoughts in her head.
The prosperity of the Romania Empire stemming from human-sized statues wasn’t all that important, so she set it aside for now.
Though it might’ve been an astonishing fact to others, it simply didn’t matter much to Encia.
Returning to her room, Encia began contemplating the nature of magical power.
Magical power—what could be done with it? She neatly folded away all existing knowledge about its uses into a corner of her mind.
All the methods of using magic that had seemed self-evident until now, those rigid concepts, were all sealed away.
First thing on her mind: Magical power—what can it do?
Typically, mages converted it into elements to cast spells.
Elves used spirit magic, harnessing spirits’ strength powered by magical energy.
Dwarves utilized mana stones to craft magical items.
As for lizardmen’s shamanistic practices, they shared similarities with elves’ spirit magic, so let’s skip over that.
Monsters employed their innate mana stones within their bodies to perform quasi-magical feats.
Ultimately, despite originating from the same source, everyone utilized this power differently.
Judging from this, magical power was clearly an unpredictable force that changed according to one’s will. It could manipulate clouds, alter weather, scatter flames and lightning, and even substitute for the vitality of living beings.
Magical power represented possibility.
With such possibilities…was there truly anything impossible?
At one point, she even considered whether creating new life through magical power might be possible, but even so, Encia hesitated to commit what could be seen as blasphemy against the Goddess of Life, who might very well be Tia.
Anyway, magical power held immense potential.
Using this potential could resolve Encia’s current concerns.
Specifically, it might allow her to create the unexpected talent she sought.
Thus, Encia headed towards a certain place in Sirius.
It was a sparsely populated area with poor public safety, home to none other than a slave market.
There, Encia intended to find what she needed.
“By the way, this is quite a secluded spot.”
“Well, what can you do? Not everyone welcomes the existence of slaves.”
Upon hearing Encia’s mutterings, a man standing near the entrance of the slave market responded with a cunning grin.
“The priests of the Church of Life preach that all life has equal value, but reality isn’t like that. Is the value of a small rabbit really the same as that of a human?”
“But because the Church of Life holds great sway, we non-mainstream types have no choice but to settle in such remote areas.”
“That’s understandable. That Goddess of Life and her Church.”
Since the goddess cherished all life equally, it stood to reason that she would view slaves the same way.
Naturally, the stronger one’s faith in the Goddess of Life, the greater their aversion to slavery.
“So, esteemed mage, what brings you to this obscure slave market?”
“I need a slave.”
“Hmm, well, if you’re at a slave market, I guess you wouldn’t be here for anything else. I won’t ask the specific purpose, but if you can give me a rough idea of what kind of slave you need, I’ll try to find one for you.”
Encia nodded. It would be easier to use such a guide rather than search through each merchant individually.
“I need a young female child.”
“How young are we talking about?”
“Let’s say under ten years old.”
“Under ten? That’s a tough request. Still, I’ll see what I can do.”
After entering briefly, the man returned after some time.
“Fortunately, there seem to be a few slaves matching your description. If you’d like, I can bring one out for you to choose.”
“Is that really necessary?”
“Some people who need slaves don’t want to step foot in places like this.”
The man’s words made Encia nod slightly. Perhaps these were individuals who believed entering a place where humans were bought and sold would taint their souls.
Still, if they required slaves…
“I think it’s better to see them in person.”
“That’s true. You can check their condition and health firsthand. Though we’ll try our best to select good candidates, there’s always the chance they may not meet your expectations.”
“In that case, I’d like to see them personally. Please guide me.”
With that, Encia pulled out a silver coin from her pocket and tossed it to the man, who caught it with a delighted smile.
“This is too generous for just guiding you. With this, I’ll make sure to give you the best service.”
The man grinned and led the way into the slave market as Encia followed behind.
—
The man proved knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the slave market, sharing plenty of information with Encia.
One trader specialized in capturing people from beyond the snowy fields to the north; another dreamed of exotic-race slaves but that was wishful thinking; yet another was a pervert to avoid; while this particular trader operated relatively ethically.
Most of his advice could easily be dismissed, but the mention of an ethical trader was useful.
“Welcome! What kind of slave do you need?”
The trader greeted Encia with a smile upon noticing her elegant robe, which hinted at magical prowess. No one would dare provoke someone capable of shooting fireballs with a mere glance.
“I’m looking for a young female child.”
“A young girl, eh? Quite a peculiar request. But we do have some available.”
The trader opened a door leading inside.
“This way please.”
Beyond the door lay several rooms, each separated by translucent windows, where ragged slaves sat.
“Here in the corner are all the young girls we have. There aren’t many since fewer people seek children, especially females.”
Following the trader’s words, Encia spotted a huddled figure in the corner—a black-haired girl dressed in tattered rags, frail and motionless.
“Alright, I’ll take her.”
“You’re sure? Deciding so quickly?”
“There aren’t other options. A young girl will suffice.”
“If that’s the case…”
Encia purchased the young slave for three silver coins.
—
“Teacher, wake up!”
“Ugh…too troublesome…”
“Teacher! Wake up already!!”
The black-haired girl yanked the blanket off, causing the silver-haired woman, Encia, to tumble out of bed.
“Oof…that hurts.”
“Breakfast is ready, so hurry up and wash up. You need to eat breakfast.”
“It’s bothersome…”
“Your mother entrusted me with strict instructions! Make sure you eat breakfast!!”
Hearing this from the black-haired girl, Encia whined softly.
“How did this quiet doll-like child I first found turn into this?”
“It’s because Teacher is so pitiable. While I’m grateful for rescuing me from slavery and giving me a name, I didn’t expect such messy living habits.”
“When I lived alone, it didn’t matter!”
“You don’t live alone anymore, so please pay attention. Your parents aren’t coming back anytime soon to check on you.”
“Hmph…how did it come to this?”
Watching her disciple, Cecil, energetically tidy up, Encia sighed.
Certainly, when she first brought Cecil home, the girl had sat in the corner with dead eyes. What caused this change in personality?
Was it practicing converting magical power into vitality to heal Cecil’s wounds and weakened body?
Or recreating the beautiful night sky with a minor light spell when Cecil couldn’t sleep due to sadness?
Or perhaps seeing Encia display her own helpless side during their time together?
Telling Cecil she could become a mage too after taking her on as a disciple?
Whatever the cause…
“Hurry up and wash your face! The soup is getting cold!!”
Despite the trouble, life had become more convenient, so Encia reluctantly nodded and headed to the bathroom.
