“…I would like a job where I can use my sword, but as you can see, I can’t use my left hand. And I’m also not very affordable because of my debts. Are you still planning on purchasing me?” [Ox Lord]
“I think you’re at least strong enough to protect the store. As for the money, I’ll think about that after seeing your strength… Do you mind?” [Ryouma]
“It’s fine. Please go ahead.” [Orest]
Supposedly, that was precisely what the courtyard was meant for.
A place to test the strength of the candidates if the client so wishes. Of course, the place needed to be prepared first.
As for the contents of the exam, that was for me to consult after the slaves left the room.
After wrapping up the conversation like that, Ox Lord fell silent.
…It would appear that his mind was already focused on the upcoming test.
“Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]
The interview ended.
After all 10 slaves left, I asked everyone about their thoughts.
“As expected, that person called Ox Lord really stands out.” [Ryouma]
“Well, the documents weren’t lying. He is indeed the strongest of the lot.” [Reinhart]
“He definitely looks the part… Still, don’t you think he looks rather bullheaded?” [Pioro]
“Ah… I don’t know how to put it, but he’s kind of like a high-ranked military officer. A man devoted to his skill and to fighting. A man that can be trusted.” [Fei]
I more or less share everyone’s opinions.
That Ox Lord guy seems to be a little moody, but he looks strong enough. He also strikes me as an honest man.
Personally, he reminds me more of a craftsman, butI can also see where Fei-san is coming from when he says that he strikes him as a general-type.
But…
“Aren’t we been just playing into your hand?” [Serge]
“I simply recommended a good slave to satisfy the customer’s request. ‘Tis nothing but an act done in sincerity.” [Orest]
The handsome man sweetly smiled.
So he says, but when I look back at the interview, I can’t help but think that the rest of the candidates were just there to make him stand out.
“That aside, Takebayashi-sama. How do you plan to test his abilities?” [Orest]
“How is it normally done?” [Ryouma]
“Usually the slaves either fight each other, or they fight with a partner designated by the customer. Sometimes, they are asked to fight against monster beasts too.” [Orest]
…In that case, how about this?
I told him what I had in mind.
“Oh! What an interesting idea!” [Orest]
In no time at all, this handsome man who loved to watch others was in full agreement.
But compared to him, the rest of the adults were…
“Hmm… In a sense, this will be a continuation of the previous interview.” [Serge]
“We know how strong Ryouma is, so why not just let him do what he wants?” [Pioro]
The head of the two companies were in agreement too, although not to the same extent as the handsome man.
As for the remaining two…
“I can see where you’re coming from. But I don’t think this will end with just one match…” [Reinhart]
“This isn’t really on the level of an ill foreboding or anything, but I feel like you’re gonna end up causing something big to happen, Boss.” [Fei]
They showed their disapproval, but the handsome man was on the approving side.
In the end, it was decided that we will be doing things my way.
“By the way, we have healers here too, so please be at ease.” [Orest]