Volume 2 Chapter 43 Work at Frontier Count Shield V
"So, how'd Barvish end up as a slave?"
Cain decided to befriend Barvish, so he threw a curveball, figuring it'd be better to know now than be shocked later. He also wanted to feel secure with his bodyguard.
"Straight to the point, huh? Well, as your servant, Sir Cain, I can't lie. It's a long story, if that's alright?"
"Sure, but if I get sleepy, we'll finish it tomorrow."
"Thank you. Let's rewind about 20 years..."
Barvish then began to explain his past and how he became a slave. To sum it up: After becoming an adult (at 15), Barvish left his small village in the dwarf-inhabited Domaney Kingdom to become an adventurer in the royal capital. But before he reached the capital, the stagecoach he was riding in was attacked by bandits, and he was saved by a passing mercenary group. The mercenaries escorted him to the capital, and he became friendly with one of the members, and joined the mercenary group instead of becoming an adventurer.
After joining, he did chores like carrying luggage and cooking while training to become a full member. Even though his [Skill] was that of a dwarf, it was geared towards scouting, so he was assigned to the scout squad and participated in various operations. He grew so much that he was promoted to squad leader of the scout squad in less than 10 years. Afterwards, he survived many battles and became the first unit leader from the scout squad.
During his fifth operation as unit leader, his unit was ambushed. Barvish, the unit leader, was taken hostage. The remaining members paid for the treatment of a severely wounded comrade, and then paid his own ransom by becoming a slave. Because of the high cost of the debt slave, he had ability, but couldn't find a buyer, and ended up in Margrave Shield's territory, where he was bought as Cain's bodyguard.
He was a mercenary, unmarried, and without family; apparently, there was someone he cared for, but Cain didn't pry. His skills included [Presence Detection], [Presence Concealment], [Physical Enhancement], [Dagger Arts], [Hand-to-Hand Combat], [Arithmetic], [Engraving], and [Etiquette] – quite the skilled individual.
Besides combat skills, Cain thought he could get help with various things, not just guarding, thanks to his [Arithmetic], [Engraving], and [Etiquette] skills.
"Well? Did you find it uninteresting?"
"No, I'm relieved to know more. Knowing you won't betray us even without a slave contract was worth it. I'll have you working hard for us, so please take care of me!"
"Yes, understood. If I can have 2 meals a day, I ask for nothing more. I look forward to working with you."
"Ugh, sleepy... it's gotten late. My introduction will be tomorrow. Good night!"
Barvish said, "Excuse me," and left the room. Cain, watching him go, thought he might have found a good partner, and got into bed.
* * *
The next morning was clear and sunny. The sky was bright and clear, with few clouds. Today was the final day of the "paving" in Margrave Shield, and Cain went to the site with more enthusiasm than usual. Knowing it was the last day, many spectators had gathered, and the knight guards were shouting to organize the crowd.
"Good morning, Sir Cain. I look forward to working with you today."
Doughton greeted him. He had dark circles under his eyes, likely from the continuous "paving" and the reports he was doing late into the night after Cain finished working. The Maintenance Bureau staff were also working hard, but fatigue was evident. Cain was impressed once again by the Margrave Shield's administrator's grasp of the situation, stopping the extended work.
"Sir Cain, preparations are complete. Please, whenever you're ready."
"Thank you, understood. Alright, let's give it our all today!"
Cain replied energetically and began [Mana] Circulation.
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