Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 80: A Familiar Face Among the Slaves

”What do you think about my goods? You can have a closer look at them if you want.” The fat merchant studied his expression, but Alaric remained calm so he couldnʼt tell what he was thinking.

As an experienced merchant, the first thing he would do was to observe his clientʼs behavior and expression, even the little movements they do. This was important in closing a deal since it gave him a rough idea about the clientʼs interest in his products.

However, the young warrior in front of him showed no emotion. His face was calm and that indifferent look in his eyes made him feel unnerved.

At this moment, Alaric was looking at the slaves inside the wagons. Most of them looked emaciated as if they hadnʼt eaten for a while. There were some with stronger bodies, but they were covered in bruises and wounds.

Hm? That man…

Alaric suddenly saw a familiar face among the slaves.

Fredrinn Steelheart…

It was a face that he would never forget.

Fredrinn was one of the commanders who had served the crown prince during the civil war in his past life. He was known as the ʼSteel Bastionʼ because of his exemplary accomplishments in that war. His shield was like an unshakable wall that no warrior could break.

However, the man inside the wagon almost had no resemblance to the famous warrior in his past life.

The Fredrinn now looked like a beggar in his dirty linen clothes.

Is that really him?

Alaric turned his gaze at the merchant and asked. ”Can you get them out of the wagon? I want to observe them up close.”

He didnʼt want to make it sound obvious that he was aiming for a specific person.

Roy grinned at his words. ”Of course!”

The fat merchant clapped his hands and sent a signal to his servants.

The slaves were tied in chains so it was impossible for them to escape. The weight of the thick metal chains also made it hard for them to walk.

There were a total of twenty slaves. Eleven were men and the remaining nine were women. Their ages varied with some looking like they were under fifteen and the oldest one looking like they were in their forties.

Alaric approached the slaves one by one and pretended like he was inspecting them.

”What kind of slaves are you looking for, sir? I can help you choose if you give me some information.” Roy rubbed his hands while eagerly following Alaric.

From the way Alaric brings himself, his gait, his temperament, and his aura, Roy could already guess that he was someone of high status. This was also the main reason why he was willing to show off his goods to this young warrior.

Some slaves looked visibly terrified, while there were also some who looked like they had become numb to their cruel fate.

When Alaric stood in front of one particular woman- a pregnant lady who looked to be in her thirties, Fredrinn who was expressionless the entire time suddenly sent him a glare as if warning him not to do anything foolish.

When Alaric saw his piercing gaze, he felt like he was looking at the same Fredrinn he knew in his past life.

Itʼs indeed you, General Fredrinn.

And this woman must be his wife.

From what he remembered, Fredrinnʼs wife had already died even before the Civil War. She was also the main reason why he joined the crown princeʼs side. This was because the person who killed his wife was on the second princeʼs side.

I understand now.

Something clicked in his mind as if the last pieces of a puzzle had been found.

”I need an able-bodied man who knows how to hunt. I also need a woman who knows how to cook.” Alaric randomly responded to Royʼs question.

”I see.”

Roy rubbed his chin thoughtfully before he tapped a particular slave who looked fit and strong.

”How about this man right here, sir? He is one of the best hunters in his village.”

Alaric glanced at the slave he was suggesting and shook his head.

”I want that guy.” He muttered as he pointed at Fredrinn.

The merchant had a troubled look on his face. ”That…”

”This man is an Elite Knight so he is very expensive. Iʼm not saying that you canʼt afford him. Itʼs just that I already promised to bring this man to someone in Redonia.” He explained.

Alaricʼs face remained unchanged. ”One beast soul crystal for him. Thatʼs my price.”

”One hundred gold- huh? Did you just say one beast soul crystal?” Roy couldnʼt believe his ears.

Since when are beast soul crystals used in buying slaves?

”You heard me right. Iʼm willing to pay you one beast soul crystal for that person.” Alaric nodded with a calm look.

Roy gulped down hard. Even a normal beast soul crystal could fetch around 500 gold coins.

That man from Redonia only promised to give me 300 gold coins for this Elite Knight. This offer is good, but I might offend that person if I canʼt give him what he wants.

Roy was in a dilemma. He wanted to accept Alaricʼs offer, but he didnʼt want to offend the client in Redonia.

While he was hesitating, Alaric beckoned to Arthur.

Seeing this, the former mercenary immediately walked towards him. ”What can I do for you my l- ehem, sir?”

”Give me the beast soul crystal,” Alaric whispered.

Arthur was taken aback, but he still handed him the beast soul crystal.

”Iʼm sorry, Sir Arthur. This was supposed to be my reward for you.” Alaric apologetically glanced at him.

Arthur shook his head and smiled. ”Itʼs alright, sir. You donʼt need to apologize.”

Alaric sighed and tapped his shoulder. ”Donʼt worry. I will give you the one we got from the Saber-fanged Wolf once we return to the estate.”

Arthurʼs eyes lit up upon hearing this.

The beast soul crystal from the Saber-fanged wolf was a Disaster-grade so it was more valuable. If he could get it, his advancement was already guaranteed.