Chapter 50.3 – Autumn Leaves Scatters as Ties Piles Up

「Sawadi-sama is a legend among the slavers. These people are those who have volunteered to be slaves if they can be treated.」

「I see. So there are no normal ones.」

「When we recruited musicians, the slots were filled with disabled slaves. All of them have proven track records.」

「Fuhn, could it be that there are people like them in every field?」

「I dare say yes. Young and old, men and women.」

「If I say I’ll buy them, will they come?」

Perseus smiled, baring his teeth in the evilest expression I’ve ever seen on him.

「I’ve been waiting for that command of yours.」

「…..No, I’m just asking. Just a simple question.」

This is scary. I won’t go that path.

Even now, we don’t have full control over it.

Skilled workers who’ll be sent for simple labor will be a waste of time and money if the current middle management is not trained.

However, if the slaves want to learn something, I would be willing to buy one or two teachers.

A group of musicians would be just right in that respect.

Many of the slaves wanted to play music as a hobby or as a job so after this conversation is over, I’ll have them give private lessons.

If they can play piano, it might be advantageous for their married life…above all, music will enrich their lives.

There’s really no entertainment in this world.

However, since we’re talking about married life, should I also buy them some poetry or embroidery teachers later?

There are many women among the slaves who are at an awkward age so this is an urgent issue.

-0-

I treated a group of musicians and brought them back from the slaver.

After that, we moved the slaves to an apartment in a somewhat remote area.

It will be noisy when they play music so it’s better to have them stay on the outskirts of the city so there won’t be neighbor complaints.

Then, I decided to gather them and explain the job as soon as possible.

I have a lot of work to do and if I don’t get it done quickly, I won’t make it in time.

「Let’s do it right away. I was asked by a noble to compose music for him. I know how to compose but I don’t know how to arrange so I decided to have you guys take care of the complicated parts. So, I want each of you to arrange a melody that I have taught her as the main theme. Moimo, come here.」

「Yes! Sawadi-sama!」

「She knows how to play small instruments and she also has knowledge about composition and arrangement to some extent so ask her any questions.」

「Please leave it to me!」

「Sawadi-sama, if I may.」

An old rabbit man with white beard raised his hand.

By the looks of it, this guy would be the elder of this group of musicians.

「You may.」

「Who is the noble that asked you to compose?」

「Former army Major General Suriyawa-sama.」

「Ohhh….」

「What an honor….」

「Who is Suriyawa-sama….」

「I met him once…..」

「He is the guardian of musicians….」

「How wonderful…..」

The musicians murmur like that to each other until a loud “Silence!” shout came from next to me.

….that surprised me.

My ears even rang a little.

Moimo, who looks fired up, has a red face and is clenching her fist in front of her chest.

「You bastards! Why are you acting like commoners! You are in front of master!」

「……….」

「I don’t know what kind of people you used to be but, you are now slaves! Remember that well!」

I don’t know why she’s like that but I feel like I better not talk since she’s really pissed off.

When Moimo saw that the slaves had quieted down, she bowed to me while saying “I apologize for my rudeness”.

This girl….what kind of world did you live in? Are you okay?

「Any other question? One at a time.」

A middle-aged woman raised her hand in fear and I pointed at her.

「M-my apologies for asking but, when is the deadline?」

「Right, it should be a month.」

We still have two months but if I say so, it will be delayed.

「O-one month….understood.」

「My apologies but, I wish to ask a question, is it alright?」

The one who asked the question was a young catkin guy.

He’s so nervous that his mouth is not moving well.

I pointed at him silently.

「The arrangement……h……how mu-mu-much c-can we arrange?」

「As long as you can make something that sounds good, you may arrange as much as you want.」

「T-thank you very much」

He’s trembling so much that I feel sorry for him.

I wonder if he has never been yelled at before.

I’ll tell Moimo not to teach with an iron fist later.

Mince brought this kind of education to our slaves so they are very army-like.

「Anyone else?」

Looks like none.

「If you have any questions, you can ask them through the band. Then, Moimo, take it away.」

「Understood.」

When Moimo set up her trumpet, everyone held their breath and braced themselves.

The “Ride of the Valkyrie” began to sound and it seemed that it seeped into their hearts.

They should feel like hell soldiers.

I open the window of the apartment in high spirits.

I caught a handful of leaves that are beginning to turn red.

Breathing in the dry air filled my chest. I feel a light coolness under the sunshine.

Autumn has arrived in Torquiva.