I bought a girl – Chapter 4

Chronon: Sorry if it’s difficult to read. I use the same formatting that the author does.

This story is definitely like I thought it was. Prepare for more adorableness in the future!!

___

After that, I finished the various procedures and bought the girl.
I just signed the form in front of me without reading it. I have a copy anyway, so I’ll read it later.
As of now, the 9 year old Hasegawa Ruri will be living with me.
She looks just like a doll, with black hair and a well proportioned face.
It might be because she knows that she’s a slave, but she has stayed expressionless.
We hold hands as we’re walking together, it felt like I was a criminal somehow. It was fortunate that we weren’t spotted by the police. If we were, what could I possibly say?
Because we were going to live together in the future, I wanted to speak to her and get to know her better. However, all of her responses were either a head nod or a head shake.
With our friendship not progressing, we arrived at my home.
My house is a 1DK apartment.
I showed her in. She didn’t seem to know what to do.
I was thinking this would be pretty easy going, if only this child had some common sense.

「It’s slightly small, but this will be your house from now on」
「…….」

The usual silence.
Well, I wasn’t expecting such a good relationship straight away. I’m not that impatient.
I took off my shoes and went inside for now.
In my opinion, it’s quite a neat room. There’s a PC, desk, table, bed and TV with a microwave, fridge and stove in the kitchen.
Simple is best. However, the anime and novels in the corner of my room are destroying that image. There isn’t a lot, but because they’re not in a bookshelf, it looks untidy. I should buy a bookshelf for now.

「Oh? What’s wrong? Don’t you want to come in?」

As I sat in my legless chair, I looked at Ruri, who was still removing her shoes at the front door. When I spoke, she twitched and then slowly walked towards me.
She stood in front of me with a face like she would break into tears soon.
I’m momentarily disturbed.
Looking at Ruri, she seemed to be trembling uncontrollably. Then I finally understood.
Those who are young and bought as slaves. In order to make them easier to sell, knowledge would be planted into their heads. Even though she is so young, she must have been taught about it. I remember when I was taught about it in school, the classes were separated into boys and girls.
I guess there are people out there who would buy such a young girl for that.
She probably assumes I’m one of those people.
Even if it’s just my speculation, I’m pretty sure it’s true.
Slaves are probably taught that masters words are absolute. If you don’t follow them, you get punished.
Quite pitiful.
When I thought so, I hugged Ruri unconsciously.
As she was hugged, she started to wince. But I just kept on hugging her.

「It’s all right now. I want you to live happily, that’s why I bought you」

I told Ruri so.
This is the sort of thing I’d never readily tell a girl, I’m feeling embarrassed.
As I immerse myself in the afterglow of my red face. Faint sniffle sounds could be heard from Ruri.

「I’m sorry! Was it painful? To suddenly be hugged by a stranger, please don’t cry!」

I back away, raising my hands as if telling a referee「I didn’t do anything」.
However,Ruri suddenly started clinging to my chest.
She cried into my chest, which subdued her crying voice.
It wouldn’t be possible to cry this much without raising your voice.
Her small back was trembling in front of my eyes.
I had my heart set on making this child happy, I thought as I stroked Ruri’ head.