Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are So Hot! [BL]-Chapter 251: The Bargain for Yor

While Damien couldn’t be sure how much of the talk was genuine, it was clear that compared to the average price of 50 gold coins for a standard first-class slave, Yor’s price was undeniably a bargain.

"Taking into account this product’s circumstances, we’ve reduced the price to 250 gold coins. Furthermore, as a special Mr. Crowell discount, we’ve brought it down to one-fifth of that—50 gold coins as the final price."

Mr. Crowell discount? What even was that?

"Why is it so cheap?" Damien asked, skeptical.

Even considering the circumstances, it was an incredible drop—from 500 gold coins down to 50.

Hearing the question, the merchant’s constant grin faded, replaced by a serious, almost somber expression.

"High-value products often come with proportional risks," he said in a weighty tone Damien hadn’t heard before.

He took a sip of tea, as if to wash away a bitter taste.

"There are cases where families were overthrown because they purchased a slave who was too capable. Or noble lords became obsessed with murder after acquiring slaves who were too strong. Then there are those who ruined their reputations after enslaving rare and exotic species. In my long years in this business, I’ve seen many such unfortunate dealings."

The merchant paused and fixed his gaze on Yor, who was still crying softly in Damien’s arms.

"And then," the merchant continued, "there are slaves so adorable that they bring misfortune to everyone around them—including their master. I’ve seen this happen many times."

The merchant gave a deep, weary smile that seemed to carry a lifetime of exhaustion.

"This is merely my instinct speaking, but this product... Yor... gives me the same feeling as those other cursed cases."

He ended with a resigned smile, as if to say, What a troublesome situation.

Damien’s voice rose instinctively. "Then why are you introducing someone like that to me!?"

At his outburst, Yor flinched and looked up at Damien with tearful, wide eyes.

"Oh no, no! I didn’t mean I’m not going to buy you, Yor!" Damien said hurriedly, trying to reassure the frightened boy.

Seeing Yor’s anxious expression only strengthened Damien’s resolve to help.

"Master."

"My Lord."

Before Damien could regain his composure, two familiar voices called to him from either side.

"Ithnan will sulk if you continue."

"Lysander will sulk if you ignore him."

This wasn’t even remotely about that!

Damien sighed in resignation. "Alright... I’ll be careful."

He shot each of them a sheepish glance. "I’ll make it up to both of you later, okay? I promise."

They looked satisfied at that, though the merchant watched the scene unfold with an amused smile, clearly enjoying Damien’s predicament.

"The fact that it’s Mr. Crowell makes me feel confident in selling this product to you," the slave merchant said with a smile.

What!?

"I’ve never heard of anyone who, despite getting involved with every slave they’ve purchased, still manages to maintain order and harmony."

He knows!? Damien thought, panic-stricken. My crimes have been exposed!?

"Ah, well, um, that’s..." Damien stammered.

"Hahaha, as long as the product doesn’t experience misfortune, that’s all that matters," the merchant said with a hearty laugh.

Did he let it slide?

Or was that a veiled threat, warning me not to bring misfortune to anyone?

Damien wondered nervously.

That’s fine—I’ll do everything I can to keep everyone happy.

Although, just for the record, I haven’t made a move on Sitta or Tis’a yet.

Not that I need to make a move to cherish them, of course!

"It might even be better if you went ahead and claimed this product early on," the merchant suggested casually.

"Wait, didn’t you just say not to do that?" Damien countered, incredulous.

Shouldn’t this be the part where you tell me to not get involved inappropriately?

"Since it’s a third-class slave, there’s no issue," the merchant replied matter-of-factly.

"That’s not the point!" Damien protested.

"Besides, there’s the matter of age to consider!" he added, trying to shift the argument.

"In paper, he is an adult, so there’s no problem," the merchant said smoothly.

"But, um, isn’t there some report or expert opinion that—"

The merchant clapped his hands sharply.

In response, a staff member entered the room, carrying a metal tray on which a piece of paper was being burned.

"There is no such report," the merchant declared, watching the ashes scatter.

Oh... uh... right, Damien thought, at a loss.

"Well, then, let’s just leave everything to, you know, the natural course of things..." Damien said hesitantly.

"Indeed," the merchant agreed, nodding his head wisely.

"However," he added with a hint of warning, "the Rabbit Men is well-known for their... high libido. So, you need to make sure to not let your guard down."

That sounded like a threat.

Hahaha, Damien thought nervously, looking down at Yor, who gazed up at him with innocent, wide eyes.

There’s no way this sweet, pure child could do anything like that.

Even if Yor was pressing up against his stomach... Damien decided to ignore it.

The sight of Yor, half-clothed and utterly vulnerable, was almost too much.

To spare himself, Damien draped his jacket over the boy.

...I’ll manage it.

Somehow.

Now that Damien had resolved to make the purchase, and the slave merchant seemed equally determined to sell, the negotiations resumed.

Damien’s entire fortune amounted to slightly less than 400 gold coins, a reward he’d received from Theo.

While he had an income as a baron, that money was intended for the upkeep of the barony.

Since Damien wasn’t yet prepared to fully embrace the responsibilities of a baron, he couldn’t justify dipping into those funds.

Theo managed all of that, leaving Damien with just his personal savings.

The cost of Yor was set at 50 gold coins—an eighth of Damien’s entire savings.

While it was a bargain considering Yor’s original value, it was still a significant expenditure for Damien, especially since Yor couldn’t perform any work and would require care and protection.

"Um, is there anyone else who might be a better customer?" Damien asked cautiously.