Volume 2 Chapter 9 I Have Obtained The Long-Awaited Citizenship
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
There are groups in this world called clans. Their purposes are mainly threefold: taking up escort missions, acting as mercenaries in wars, or exploring labyrinths. Some clans specialize in one of these, while larger clans are virtually warmongers.
”What do you think we should do… escorting or exploring labyrinths?” I asked.
”Yes. Anyone with citizenship can establish a clan, right? So, I want you to buy citizenship and become the owner,” Shiori-chan said confidently.
”But we’re already a freelance clan, so even if we register officially, it won’t change much, will it?” I replied.
”No, it’s different. I want you, Takumi-kun, to buy advanced citizenship, which allows you to own slaves without limit. Then, buy lots of slaves and have them join the clan,” she explained.
Shiori-chan’s explanation was easy to understand. First, we’d take advantage of the 99% discount and buy out all the slaves from a sleazy slave trader who was on the verge of going out of business. Similarly, we’d buy all the questionable goods from a shady weapon dealer. After that, we’d organize the team based on their skill aptitudes and send them out on escort missions or to explore labyrinths.
”This way, we can legally put sleazy merchants out of business and save their victims. The slaves will be treated relatively well, and we can make money and expand our influence. It’s a win-win situation, don’t you think?” Shiori-chan asked.
”Well, I agree about the sleazy merchants, but it feels a bit sad if they have no connection to any families,” I replied thoughtfully.
”In that case, we can employ them at our clan’s headquarters—if we’re quick enough to save them before they’re taken as repayment for other debts.”
”Hmm, what about slaves who have no combat aptitude?” I wondered aloud.
My classmates have many combat skills, but the general populace in this world doesn’t. Especially those with magic skills beyond incantation—they’re quite rare. Having four such skilled people in our class, like Ginga-kun, Shion-chan, Haruka-chan, and Kano Sayo-chan, is extremely exceptional.
”Of course, we’ll primarily assign them to relatively safe escort or day labor missions. We can also have them handle housekeeping at the headquarters… We can offer higher pay to any women who volunteer as sexual partners and, if desired, send them to work at a brōtḥel (T/N: brothel),” Shiori-chan said matter-of-factly.
Hearing terms like ‘sexual partners’ and ‘brōtḥel’ from the accomplished Shiori-chan made me flinch. But I didn’t feel any revulsion. We have truly become accustomed to this world’s norms.
”We’ve already started compiling a list of shady dealers with questionable backgrounds, especially those connected to the councilors behind the scenes. Though you shouldn’t worry about my foster parents—they’re honorable people who are more interested in research than politics, despite their family connections.”
I looked over Shiori-chan’s list. Sure enough, some of the names mentioned were rumored to be involved in questionable practices.
”The blackest among them is…” I began.
”…Indeed. I agree with that,” Shiori-chan nodded.
Our opinions coincided on the ‘Merchant Guild Katarina.’ Though this guild is prosperous, it has constant rumors of dealing in stolen goods. What’s more despicable is their alleged connection with the thief gangs operating around the Imperial Capital. They pretend to rescue families victimized by burglary, yet ultimately enslave them and transport them to McGaref for sale. This is mostly fact, a publicly known secret.
”Let’s pay them a visit right away. But first, I need to obtain my citizenship,” I said firmly.
Holding the military funds entrusted to me by everyone, I received a goodbye kiss on the cheek from Shiori-chan.
”Sorry, everyone’s offering their virginity, and all I can do is this…” she murmured shyly.
”Don’t say that. We’re truly grateful for everything you do, Shiori-chan,” I reassured her.
Shiori-chan is particularly petite in our class, even younger-looking than Kahoru-chan. Her confession about being an A-cup didn’t help either… Though she’s the same age as the rest of us, she seems like a little sister. However, her standing in the class is uniquely different. Shiori-chan, whose talent has been acknowledged, has been adopted into a prestigious family and thus holds a provisional citizen’s status. In the future, she’ll…
”…I do have the urge to return to everyone’s side, but my foster parents are such wonderful people…” she trailed off.
”We’ll discuss that later. For now, let’s prioritize everyone’s happiness,” I said.
Then I headed toward the Autonomous Government Building in McGaref to purchase a citizen’s right and establish a clan.
* * *
McGaref is a vast city, boasting a regular population of half a million within its castle gates. The Autonomous Government Building within it exudes an air of seriousness. With its water moat, it’s evident that it was once a fortress residence of the ruler. We rarely visit this place, as we usually submit our dungeon exploration reports to an outpost.
”Good day to you. I believe you’re here to obtain citizen’s rights?” the sisterly receptionist greeted us with an unexpectedly pleasant smile, which fit uneasily with this being an otherworldly bureaucratic office.
”Yes. I’d like to purchase an advanced citizen’s right… and begin the procedure for establishing a clan, so I’d appreciate it if you could issue it immediately,” I replied.
”Oh, the advanced package with immediate issuance is quite expensive. It’s 30 gold coins more than the standard… May I ask if you have the budget for it?” she asked.
”Yes, it’s within our means. Five hundred gold coins minus a 99% discount, so 5 gold coins should do it, right?” I answered, placing the coins on the counter.
I placed five gold coins on the counter. It was my first time fully using both the ‘discount’ and ‘cognitive suppression’ skills on a purchase. My heart raced as I watched the receptionist’s expression, but she nodded so simply and naturally it was almost anticlimactic.
”I’m sorry for doubting you. Yes, the payment has been confirmed. Now, I will proceed with the paperwork… Oh, you’re from that group who fell into this world, aren’t you? Congratulations. You are now officially a citizen of McGaref. You’ve worked very hard,” she said warmly.
The citizenship I had longed for so desperately was now in my hands in an instant. The unbelievable reality stood right before me. Without the receptionist, I might have burst out laughing.
Citizenship must be purchased in person, so this transaction wasn’t for the rest of the group. I still need to earn gold coins to buy citizenship for the others. But that hurdle had dropped to a level I could surpass with effort.
Then I went to the clan registration window, completed a provisional application, and purchased the maximum slave ownership limit at a 99% discount. The final application requires screening, but it’s merely a formality.
Thus, the process of forming our clan proceeded quickly. All that’s left is to buy slaves… I restrained my excitement and headed toward the next target, the Merchant Guild Katarina.
(T/N: Clans can be formed with regular citizenship, but there’s a limit to the number of slaves you can own. Advanced citizenship, which Takumi-kun purchased, removes this limit.)
Advanced Citizenship: No limit on slave ownership
Citizenship: Slave ownership limited to 4 people
Provisional Citizenship: Slave ownership limited to 1 person (Shiori-chan belongs to this rank)
Notes:
• Haruka-chan – 3rd Division leader. Aspires to be Takumi’s GF.
• Shion-chan – Ginga’s GF. Archery, healing.
• Haruka – 3rd Division leader. Aspires to be Takumi’s GF.
• Shion – Ginga’s GF. Archery, healing.
• Sayo – A Cup. Non-virgin. The younger sibling in the fake-sibling couple.
• Merchant Guild Katarina – Described as the epitome of shady practices, this guild is notorious for its alleged involvement in theft and slavery. The public secret of their collaboration with thief gangs stains their prosperous facade.
• McGaref – Fortress city, adventurer hub.
• Kaho – 3rd Army leader. Worried, ceremonial magic.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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