After parting ways with Claire, Fia returned to the slave trader’s residence.
Even though Fia tried to walk as quietly as possible when entering, she still woke the slaves sleeping in the courtyard.
The scene of Fia feeding bread to the cat-eared girl had been witnessed by these slaves, so when they saw Fia approaching, they all rose from their cages, clinging to the bars with eyes full of hope and longing, wishing for the same kindness to be bestowed upon them.
Being stared at by dozens of such eyes, Fia felt a prickling discomfort on her back.
It wasn’t dislike, but guilt, as she had nothing to give them.
Even if they looked at her with hopeful expressions, she couldn’t fulfill their wishes.
If anything, she was still on the same boat as their master, the slave trader.
If it weren’t for the slave trader taking in Anastasia, she wouldn’t even know where to stay now.
How ironic.
The concept of slavery wasn’t unfamiliar to Fia.
Despite the advanced technology of her time, the gap between rich and poor was vast, and keeping slaves was commonplace.
Of course, commonplace didn’t mean it was the norm.
In Fia’s memory, she seemed to have been involved in some activities opposing slavery, but what happened afterward, she couldn’t recall.
The outcome must have been successful, Fia guessed.
Although she had no memory, just thinking about it filled her with joy.
If it hadn’t succeeded, she wouldn’t feel such happiness.
Sorry, give me some time, and I’ll fulfill your wishes.
Facing the slaves’ longing eyes, Fia forced herself to look straight ahead.
She could indeed use flames to break the chains and quietly release the slaves, but they bore slave imprints.
As long as the imprints remained, they could never get legitimate work or be treated as “people.” To truly free them, she needed to obtain and destroy the slave contracts, which would make the imprints disappear.
Claire had mentioned that defeating the Grey Owls would earn a bounty of 1,000 gold coins at the Aurora City’s Adventurer’s Guild.
She could use that bounty to buy these slaves from the slave trader.
Of course, to avoid exposing her identity, she couldn’t go to the Adventurer’s Guild herself.
It would be better to find someone trustworthy.
As for proving she had killed the Grey Owls, nothing served as evidence better than their bodies.
Although most of those owl-like birds had turned to charcoal, leaving no corpses, there was something called a ‘magic core’ in monsters.
Magic cores were incredibly durable, and collecting them would serve as proof.
This was knowledge recorded in the “Witch’s Secret History.”
As for why Fia didn’t collect the magic cores at the time, it was because she found it too troublesome.
With thousands of birds, finding each magic core would take forever.
She preferred to find a soft bed and sleep.
Of course, this was also because Fia didn’t know the value of magic cores.
If she had known, she would have picked up a few to put in her pocket.
Quickly walking into the brightly lit first-floor hall, unlike when she left, which was empty, there were now several maids in simple long dresses in the hall and corridors.
The collars on their necks indicated their status to Fia.
Slaves.
It was quite obvious that they weren’t as emaciated as the slaves in the courtyard cages.
They had uniformly decent appearances and healthy skin tones, much better treated than the courtyard slaves.
There were also classes among slaves.
Just like in her world.
It was infuriating.
“Miss.”
Seeing Fia enter, a young slave maid nearby stopped her actions, showing no concern for Fia’s elf identity, and respectfully greeted her.
“Where’s Anna?”
“Miss, Miss Anna is in the room on the inner side of the third floor.
She seems to have something urgent.”
“I see, go about your business.”
“Yes.”
Fia waved her hand at the young maid, signaling her to leave, then headed straight up the stairs to the room where Anastasia was.
The room connected to the passage was on the first floor, a servant’s room, while the bedroom arranged by the slave trader for Anastasia and her group was on the third floor.
This was both to detect danger early and to provide a relatively comfortable living environment.
Before Fia could knock, intense debate erupted from inside the room, causing her to pause and listen.
“Captain, I know the princess’s safety is our top priority, but the other royals imprisoned in this city are equally important.
Are you going to abandon the royals?”
“Do you want to delay the opportunity to escort the princess home because of this uncertain news? The main force of the Knights is returning to Aurora City at any moment.
If we encounter the Inquisition Knights carrying the ‘Unsinkable Moon,’ who can guarantee the princess’s safe retreat?”
Anastasia’s firm retort silenced the room, and after a moment, a male voice earnestly replied.
“Even if things aren’t as the information suggests, and the imprisoned are royals, it’s a fact that our compatriots are held in Aurora City.
Captain, I can’t abandon them.
Most of Aurora City’s garrison is on the front lines now, making it a time of weak defense.
We should take advantage of this.
With the princess’s seventh-tier magic chanting ability, rescuing them would be a breeze!”
“How dare you! When did you gain the right to dictate to the princess?”
Anastasia’s rebuke caused the entire room to tremble slightly.
She was truly angry.
Now, how should she enter?
Fia felt a bit awkward.
It was like visiting a classmate’s house, only for the classmate to suddenly get scolded by their parents.
Leaving wasn’t an option, but staying felt awkward too.
Fortunately, Anastasia soon calmed down.
“Sigh.
I know you’re eager to save them, but our primary task is to escort the princess.
The princess was already gravely injured and lost her memory because we failed to protect her.
We can’t afford any more mistakes, or even a hundred of us couldn’t make up for our debt to her.”
“But—”
Before the other could speak, Anastasia continued.
“But we must also confirm whether the royals are truly imprisoned in Aurora City.
We’ll split into two groups.
At dawn, I’ll take a few people to escort the princess back home, while the rest will be under your command to rescue the captured royals before the Knights return.”
“Captain…”
The voice was filled with gratitude and admiration, causing the male elf to stutter.
“No need to say more, go.
I need to arrange everything before dawn.
The rescue is in your hands.
I know you feel guilty about the failed battle and are eager to make amends, but don’t let it cloud your mind and cost you your life.”
“Yes!”
With the sound of shoes on the carpet, the people inside the room moved towards the door.
