PS. The chapter title was posted incorrectly, but the backend doesn't allow modifications. The correct chapter title is "Nitpickers and Reverse Tropes".
"In Marinburg, business is just business."
—— The Duke of Marinburg "The Lender" Van der Gubben-Schultz.
The Marinburg talent market is the largest slave trading venue on the Continent. Here, as long as one has money, buyers can purchase almost every being available on the Continent.
Whether it be peasants, defeated soldiers, or even the daughters of bankrupt nobles, from Half-Elves skilled in domestic work and serving as stewards to the brutish Barbarians only suited to be bodyguards, from the blond-haired, blue-eyed Nord people to the black-haired, black-eyed Southern Realm People, and even Dwarfs and Ogres, all can be obtained at the Marinburg talent market.
But if there's a most valuable commodity, it would undoubtedly be the Elves with their pointed ears.
Elves are divided into three types: High Elves, Dark Elves, and Wood Elves, abbreviated as High Elf, Dark Elf, and Wood Elf, collectively known as the Three Elves. Whenever elf slaves appear in the talent market, they spark a frenzy. Elves are beautiful and graceful, making them particularly favored by human nobles.
Only High Elves do not appear in the market, as the High Elf Embassy intervenes when High Elves are captured. The High Elf Envoy negotiates with the Marinburg Upper House to redeem the precious population through a negotiated process, whereas Dark Elves and Wood Elves receive no such protection.
"A Dark Elf? That's rare, but it's no surprise. For some reason, humans always have a special inclination towards Elves," Laine casually remarked to Amelia.
"Does Mr. Laine also like Elves?" Amelia, not dressed as a maid today and appearing more like Laine's companion, asked curiously, her big eyes blinking, seeing Laine speaking in such a casual tone.
After spending over two weeks with Laine, the girl had become much more cheerful, which also puzzled Laine.
"I don't really care. Today, I'm here to buy a maid to help you, not to see who looks pretty. As long as she's able-bodied and can work, that's enough." Laine intended to take a stroll to relax and, simultaneously, find a helper for Amelia. As for the so-called Dark Elf, he honestly hadn't planned on bidding.
However, with his recently skyrocketing reputation, as soon as he entered the talent market, swarms of nobles and merchants flocked to greet him warmly. On this continent, strength is revered. At just twenty-five, Laine was already a Legendary Middle-tier Knight, stronger than many second-rate Knight Corps leaders. Even a fool could see he was destined to become a Holy Sanctuary Grand Knight, so nobles and merchants all sought to make a good impression on him.
Having money is useless without the life to spend it. Marinburg's big merchants spare no expense in befriending the strong and hiring bodyguards.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Laine! Are you here for that female Dark Elf today?" Viscount Adelbert Casanova, Chairman of the Gentleman's Alliance Commerce Association and the second figure in the Marinburg Upper House, approached with a smile: "If Mr. Laine is interested, we can definitely sell her to you!"
"Yes, indeed!" The crowd around Laine unanimously agreed. All the heads of Marinburg's major associations were present. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ noveⅼfire.net
"Hahaha! Thank you all, but today, I'm just here to get a maid for my household, and to enjoy the spectacle, not what you guys think. Otherwise, someone might suddenly drop from the sky and give me a hard time," Laine responded politely, humorously indicating that he was just here to look around, implying someone would disapprove if he dared to act recklessly.
Everyone burst into laughter. All knew Laine was on good terms with the Jialan Witch. It seemed she was a jealous and possessive witch!
Nobody knew Laine wasn't referring to Veronica at all.
"Alright then, whichever female slave Mr. Laine fancies, just name your price; we understand." Several Great Nobles indicated their comprehension, and seeing the auction about to start, everyone dispersed.
"Let's head in as well!" Laine's seat was already arranged by the market's manager, so he and Amelia took their seats. Their spot was a small box, and Amelia adjusted her coat hem and skirt before sitting beside Laine.
The auction began, with all guests seated around the giant stage in the market center. Under the illumination of magical lamps, slaves were led in one by one by slave traders, carried in cages, or led by hand.
Initially, it was just some minor figures, like peasants selling themselves or civilians captured amidst war chaos. Laine showed little interest in them and instead continued chatting with Amelia: "Amelia, if you hadn't escaped to be a mercenary, would you also have become a slave?"
"Maybe, or perhaps something even worse than slavery." Amelia sat dutifully, her small hands on her lap. She wore long cotton socks today, revealing only a short section above her boots and below her skirt. Laine had bought her various clothes and stockings that day, but her best outfits were too precious for her to wear out, carefully stored in her room.
"I think you could definitely fetch a good price~" Laine teased playfully: "You're so pretty; surely many Great Nobles and wealthy merchants would buy you as a wife, especially with your knowledge of High Gothic Language, literacy, mathematical skills, and etiquette."