By the Grace of the Gods (LN) - Volume 11 - Chapter 15

Chapter 7, Episode 35: Orest’s Woes

“Right, allow me to be frank. As you know, I am a slave trader; I was born to parents who were also slave traders, and have enjoyed a privileged life from my youth. That being said, most people see slave trading as little more than transacting people like products on a shelf. Personally, I can profess that things aren’t so simple... But it’s certainly true that we put prices on people. Not many have a good impression of the profession. Because of this, I never had anyone I could call a friend when I was a child. Because of the parents of my peers, more often than not.”

This I could imagine well—parents being overprotective and whatnot.

“I found myself seeking out every chance to speak to the service staff of the house, my parents’ employees, and the slaves. In hindsight, I was looking for whatever substitute I could find for friends my own age. When I started, I was no doubt calculating in the back of my mind that people who worked for my parents wouldn’t treat me poorly, and slaves couldn’t run away from my conversations. As I got to know more and more people, I began to realize that no two of them were the same. Their race, family legacy, birthplace, work history, their nature, down to their beliefs and preferences were all so different. I genuinely enjoyed getting to know them, learning about our differences, and gaining new knowledge and outlooks. At some point, I wasn’t looking for a substitute friend but wanting to know the person before me.” Now, Orest met my eyes with an intent look. “I used my profession to meet many people from all walks of life. And I strongly feel like you are different from any of them. That’s why I want to get to know you better. My personal curiosity was one of the reasons why I invited you to dine with me today.”

Most likely because I’m from another world. “I am aware that I don’t exactly fit into the parameters of normality. What are your other reasons?”

Orest gave a confident smile. “I want to form an alliance with you, Ryoma. What do you think of the slave trade?”

“What do I think of it...? I don’t know, if I’m being honest. I must admit I have some resistance against the term. But the practice is legal here, and you treat your slaves well enough that I struggle to find a practical difference between enslavement and long-term employment. I also learned that slavery is a final frontier for many who have fallen to poverty. So I can’t say for or against it at the moment, if that’s what you’re asking.”

Despite my purposefully vague answer, Orest seemed even happier. “Thank you. That was more than I had hoped for. Slave trading would be much easier if all of our customers were as understanding as you. If I may vent for a bit, many customers do not understand the nature of slavery or the practices of the slave trade. That’s considered an inevitability in our industry, and we’ll tell any newcomer to the business the same. But,” he continued, staring into my eyes, “I think that the slave trade, or slavery altogether, is outdated.”

Back in modern-day Japan, I could only find legal slavery in history or fiction. It was very possible that, as this world became more modernized, they would follow the same trend.

“As you’ve said, Ryoma, the official enslavement contract in accordance with slavery laws is very similar to a freelance contract signed at any guild. The difference, I suppose, is that the purchaser of a slave needs to provide the slave’s necessities, and they pay what they would pay as a worker’s salary to the slave trader upfront. The gap between these contracts have only lessened because, with the abolishment of the old slave laws that permitted inhumane treatment of slaves, new slave laws were established along with the concept of human rights that is now seeping into society. Just to be clear, I have no intention of denouncing the concept of human rights. In fact, I believe it’s an important value that all of us must keep in our minds at all times. That is precisely why I think the slave trade is outdated. The only reason why I am able to maintain my career as a slave trader at all is because slavery provides the last resort for destitute people to survive, and because the nobles who chart the course of society and value tradition but fear change consider the slave trade a part of their tradition. I couldn’t help but think that, in the near future, slavery will have no place in our world... I’ve been thinking about how a slave trader can adapt to these changing times.”

“I’ve heard that you began renting slaves, which is a more temporary and reasonable option.”

“That’s correct. I thought you would notice. You mentioned ‘human resources’ and ‘agency’ when I last spoke of it.”

“I said that...?”

“You muttered them while you were reading my pamphlet.”

“Past me let my mouth slip in front of you, of all people.”

“When I heard that, my opinion of you skyrocketed. You have tangible knowledge about the future of slavery as I envision it. Even if you don’t, I felt that you would understand my concern for the future. I know it.”

Understand his concern...

At this point, I finally felt like I’d realized something new about Orest. He must have been a truly talented businessman. Not just above average or top tier, but a once-in-a-generation genius. I didn’t know what kind of effort he had put in to get this far, and I might have been disrespecting him by chalking all of his work up to him being a genius. That being said, there was a real difference between a genius and a layman, a deep and cruel divide. Orest’s talent allowed him to foresee a future many in this world did not. Long story short, he was too ahead of his time.

“I don’t know much about the industry of slavery,” I offered, “but many slave traders believe that their situation will not change for a long time. You’re looking generations into the future, when your children or grandchildren would inherit the business.”

“Precisely. All we can do is imagine and speculate about the future... But I can’t help but think that a future of unknown change awaits us. That’s why I believe we have to search for a new adaptation of slavery.”

“And you arrived at a human resource agency.”

“I am not married to the slave trade, but when I think of a way to best utilize our accumulated knowledge and experience, I thought it best to provide training to applicants to raise their value as an employee and introduce them to potential employers.”

I admitted it was a good idea for him to use the tools he’d honed in the slavery industry. “I am concerned about the treatment of the employees. We can only imagine what future laws would bring to the table...”

Temp workers in Japan, for example, had suffered lack of work and low pay due to laws regarding the practice... It was easy for outsiders to tell them to get a full-time job, but that was easier said than done. Many became trapped in a negative spiral that was hard to get out of, and it was easy to blame the workers themselves for their predicament because they “didn’t work hard enough to get a real job.” At the end of the day, I was never able to give up my full-time employment, no matter how badly my company treated me. I had wondered many times if working as a temp would have made things much easier.

I used my memories to point out some concerns to Orest, and he listened so intently that I felt a physical pressure across the table. He kept me talking about what I knew about the temp work system from Japan, under the guise of a possible future I could envision, while we finished the rest of our meal, as well as a full dessert, and continued during our carriage ride all the way back to the security company.

When we were about to part, he said in a somewhat calmer manner, “Oh, I had such a wonderful time today. This is the first time I have been able to discuss the future in such detail and envision concrete possibilities.”

“I thought we had fruitful conversations as well.”

Orest was still hard to read, but he had helped me out a lot, so I was glad I could help him.

“If there’s anything I can be of assistance for, please let me know. Slavery or otherwise.”

“Thank you. I’ll take you up on that.” I thought my reply was inoffensive, but Orest stared at me thoughtfully. “Is something the matter?”

“Ryoma, I want to become closer to you. I really, truly do. That is why I want to give you advice, albeit unsolicited. Do you remember how I asked you if you were enjoying your life lately?”

Of course I did. And I answered honestly.

“I don’t doubt that you told me the truth,” he continued. “In fact, I could tell that you really treasure each day from the bottom of your heart.”

I felt a bit red in the cheeks to have someone tell me this head on, but I also felt a sort of joy or relief that even others could see that I was appreciating my life.

“Many people only realize what they’ve had after they lose it. The significance of ordinary, day-to-day life in particular is often overlooked. But in every one of your words describing how you enjoyed your days, I felt how strongly you appreciate your life...and a strong fear of losing it.”

“Fear?”

“You seemed like a man who finally grasped a treasure you’ve longed for years. Someone like that wouldn’t want to lose their treasure again. I felt like, subconsciously, you are trying to be the good boy who obediently listens to everything adults tell him... You seem very happy but very confined.”

I stood for a few moments, not quite understanding his meaning.

“It’s not worth worrying about,” he quickly said. “It was nonsense. Please forget about it.”

He bid me goodbye and took his carriage away. Orest was showing more of his emotions today, and after our discussion, he did feel more straightforward and easier to read. But looking back on it now, there was still much I didn’t understand about him...