Noein, having received soybeans from the Miles Trading Company, promptly began cultivating them upon his return to the territory capital, Noeina.
The cultivation took place in an experimental field created behind Noein’s manor. Since his knowledge of soybeans was limited to what he had read in books, he had prepared the experimental field in advance to experiment through trial and error.
“It seems that, for now, the soil here is suitable for their growth,” Edgar remarked.
“I’m glad to hear that, especially if you think so too, Edgar.”
It had been about two weeks since they started cultivating. Noein was now having Edgar, the person in charge of agriculture within the territory, check the soybeans’ growth.
When it came to agriculture, Edgar had far more practical knowledge and experience than Noein. Even though soybeans were an unfamiliar crop originating from a distant region, Edgar’s expertise would be valuable for the cultivation experiment.
With this in mind, Noein regularly had Edgar check the experimental field.
“The harvest period is about… three to four months, right?”
“That’s right. If everything goes well, we should be able to harvest around summer. The growing process should be similar to other beans, so I’ll have you check it periodically.”
“Please leave it to me.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your help.”
Although producing oil in his own territory would open up many possibilities, for now, Noein focused on increasing the number of soybeans through steady care. He tucked this aspiration into the back of his mind for the moment.
At that moment, Pence approached.
“Noein-sama, I apologize for interrupting your conversation.”
“It’s fine. We just finished… Is it about the arrival of the slave traders?”
“Yes, I came to inform you. They are currently waiting at the village entrance.”
“Thank you. I’ll head there right away.”
Noein had been informed beforehand that the slave traders, who had been mediated by the Miles Trading Company, would be arriving in Noeina within the next two to three days. It seemed they had finally arrived.
Noein had already communicated with the slave traders about the number and types of slaves he needed. Since many retainers who wanted to purchase slaves could not leave Noeina easily, the slave traders had been asked to come in exchange for guaranteeing a purchase of a certain number of slaves.
When Noein arrived at the village entrance, two large carriages, likely carrying slaves, were parked there. At the front, the man who had represented the trading company during their previous meeting in Retvik was waiting.
“Baronet Earlkvist, thank you for having us today.”
“Thank you for making the effort to come all the way to this rural village.”
“Not at all. It is our job to deliver slaves to where they are needed… We hope you will continue to favor our trading company for your future purchases.”
With a shady smile and a slight wringing of his hands, the head of the trading company made a statement befitting a slave trader.
“Did you manage to gather slaves according to my specifications?”
“Yes, of course. We have brought plenty of high-quality slaves, more than enough to meet your needs. You are welcome to select as many as required.”
“Thank you. Please follow me to the square.”
Personally escorted by Noein, the slave traders’ party made their way to the square of Noeina.
In the square, which had temporarily been turned into a slave market, the slaves were lined up after being unloaded from the carriages.
In the Kingdom of Lordberg, approximately 20% of the population held slave status. People could become slaves for a variety of reasons—selling themselves due to unpaid taxes or debts, being punished for crimes, or even being sold by their families to reduce the number of mouths to feed.
Slavery was such a common part of life in this kingdom that the sight of humans lined up as “merchandise” did not elicit disgust from the locals. In fact, the rare spectacle of outsiders crowding the square gave the atmosphere a festive feel.
The primary buyers today were Noein and his retainers. Additionally, the carpenter Dmitry was planning to purchase slaves for manual labor, and some farmers with large families and extensive lands were looking to buy serfs to assist with farming.
“This one here is a former farmer who fled from the war-torn western regions of the kingdom. He’s still in his twenties, with a sturdy build, well-suited for agricultural work.”
“This girl comes from a family of tenant farmers. She has been trained in both farming and household chores, so she should be quite useful.”
As the retainers and villagers walked around inspecting the slaves, the employees of the slave trading company provided explanations for each “product.”
The number of slaves brought today totaled several dozen. The buyers would now choose slaves suited to their specific needs.
Meanwhile, even those who had no plans to buy slaves wandered around the square with curiosity.
Some among the crowd called out to the slaves, saying things like, “Hey, you should promote yourself so you can be bought,” and “The lord here is kind even to slaves. You’ll definitely be happier if you’re bought here.”
The people of this territory were mostly those who, with one misstep, could have fallen into slavery themselves. They likely felt something when seeing those who had actually become slaves.
“There seem to be a lot of slaves who are still quite young and healthy,” Noein muttered as he selected slaves, assisted directly by the head of the trading company.
Slaves who had been enslaved for a long time typically became thin, and many ended up as slaves due to old age, being unable to cope with work or taxes.
By that common understanding, the slaves brought by this trading company head appeared to be mostly young people who had only recently fallen into slavery.
“Recently, conflicts have continued both in the west and the east, causing economic decline. Many young people are falling into slavery, even those who normally wouldn’t have. It’s truly a sad situation.”
“I thought so. But isn’t this a good opportunity for you?”
“You’re right; as a slave trader, I certainly don’t have trouble acquiring quality stock. However, looking at the bigger picture, the worsening situation in the kingdom is something that I worry about. After all, I am a citizen of the kingdom too.”
Noein inwardly revised his evaluation of the head of the trading company, who had a more reasonable perspective than he had expected.
Although the head of the company had a somewhat shady appearance and mannerisms, on reflection, he was a legitimate businessman who conducted his trade based on the kingdom’s laws, fulfilled obligations such as registering his company and paying taxes.
That must be why he was the top of the largest slave trading company in Viscount Keinitz’s territory, and why Benedict had introduced him to Noein as a trustworthy slave trader.
Noein quietly reflected, realizing he shouldn’t judge someone solely based on the negative connotations of the term “slave trader.”
“By the way, do you see any slaves that meet your standards, Your Excellency?”
“Ah, yes…,” Noein replied, proceeding with the main purpose of the day: selecting slaves.
The farmlands owned by the lord were vast compared to those of the retainers and commoners, and there were also new facilities like the watermill and bathhouse that required workers. Many physically strong slaves were needed.
He selected slaves who seemed to have no physical or character issues and asked the head of the company, “Do you have anyone suitable to be a foreman for these labor slaves?”
Although Mathilda was already the head slave for Noein, she always stayed close to him as his deputy. Having someone among the labor slaves who could lead and manage them would be more convenient, which is why Noein asked.
“In that case, I have someone perfect for the role… though, he’s a beastman. Would that be acceptable?”
The head of the trading company glanced at Mathilda, who was standing beside Noein, as he asked.
“Yes, that’s no problem. As you can see, I have no issue with having beastmen close to me.”
“I’m glad to hear that. This way, please.”
The man led them to where a large tiger beastman was waiting.
“Look, this is the lord of this village. Greet him,” said the head of the company.
“My name is Zadrek, Lord,” introduced the tiger beastman, kneeling and clasping his hands in front of his abdomen, demonstrating the formal greeting of a slave.
As Noein glanced at him, the head of the company began to explain, “This slave was born into the chieftain’s family in a tiger beastman village. He would be ideal as a foreman. He’s strong and reasonably intelligent, so I guarantee he’ll be useful.”
“I’ll take him as well.”
And so, Noein decided to purchase over fifteen labor slaves. These slaves would work on the farmlands and facilities, as well as in the labor-intensive tasks in the Restio Mountains, including the upcoming oil production.
The expenses amounted to hundreds of thousands of Rebro, but considering the profits expected from their labor, it was a small price to pay. Moreover, having this many slaves under his control would likely relieve the commoners from much of their forced labor.
“Lastly, allow me to introduce a slave capable of doing intellectual work.”
“You’ve managed to acquire one? Please, I’d love to see them.”
With the expansion of the Earlkvist domain, Anna, who handled finance and administration, was already overwhelmed. Noein had wanted to bolster the workforce with someone literate and capable of doing calculations, but such slaves were rare. The head of the company had mentioned before that he couldn’t guarantee he’d find such a slave.
Since he hadn’t brought it up earlier, Noein had assumed he hadn’t managed to obtain one. However, it seemed the head of the company had been saving this particular slave for last.
The slave, a special acquisition for Noein, was not in the public square but waiting inside a carriage.
“Here she is.”
Inside was a girl with blue hair.
