20demayo Chapter 160
Chapter 160
The Real Truth
The three of us decided to head for Ravi-san’s cabin. Because my stomach chose that moment to growl! Ugh, how embarrassing! But it lightened the mood, and Ravi-san, chuckling, invited us in. Thank you for having us...!
As we walked, Licht explained what had happened. Ravi-san’s expression grew increasingly grim as she listened.
“Hmm, I see. I understand why Licht suddenly disappeared. And those two over there, it was also sudden for you, right?”
Ronny and I both nodded. It was really sudden, without warning, really! Even Maille-san had been surprised... But it’s a good thing someone was there. I’m sure they’ve told everyone about it. They must be worried...
“Well then, let’s have some lunch! You can’t think on an empty stomach. Come on, sit down!”
Ravi-san must have noticed that I was getting depressed, thinking about everyone. She suddenly said this in a cheerful voice. She even patted my head, she’s definitely trying to cheer me up. Her first impression was a bit rough, but she’s really kind! Ehehe.
Warm soup was placed on the table. Consommé soup with vegetables, bread, and some kind of meat. It looked like chicken.
“Sorry it’s nothing special. But I used some special meat, since we have more people!”
Special meat! Is it really okay for us to eat it...? Ravi-san, maybe reading my mind, grinned and said,
“Now’s the perfect time. It’s already cooked, I was just going to eat it tonight. Don’t worry about it, eat up.”
“Ah, thank you vewwy much!”
She’s a good person after all. I happily accepted her offer.
The soup was just ordinary soup, but it warmed my body from the inside out. The bread was a bit hard, but when I dipped it in the soup, the flavor spread, making it delicious. The meat, judging from the texture, was indeed chicken. But it was different from any chicken I’d ever had before. Juicy, bursting with flavor. Maybe it’s roasted with herbs. So delicious!
“Fufu, you’re eating so heartily. It was worth making! Well, it’s just leftovers though.”
“I figured Meg’s probably used to eating good food, that she might not like a commoner’s meal, but it looks like it’s fine.”
It’s true that I’m used to Tio-nee’s delicious food, and eating delicious food at restaurants. But I’m not unfamiliar with a commoner’s meal. I mean, they serve it in the city too, and I eat it sometimes. I actually think it’s delicious!
“...But you know, so the country’s behind this, huh?”
Ravi-san said this after she and Ronny had briefly introduced themselves. She leaned back in her chair.
“Do you know something?”
Licht, leaning forward, asked this. Ravi-san sighed and crossed her arms. Then, nodding slightly, she started talking.
“You know that this country and the Demon King’s country on the Demon Continent are trading through the mines, right?”
I think I’d heard about it when we were at Demon Castle. Something about them trading minerals. So basically, this country is trading with the Demon King’s country, mainly for minerals. I nodded. It seemed like Licht and Ronny already knew. Well, it’s only natural for Ronny to know, since he’s from a mine.
“It’s mostly minerals and food, but... there’s also human trafficking going on behind the scenes. But, even though it’s an underground trade, it’s officially sanctioned by both countries. It’s not really something you can openly talk about, after all.”
“Officially sanctioned? Even though it’s like slave trading?”
Licht, clenching his fists, furrowed his brow. He looked disgusted by the very existence of slaves. Yeah, well, I get it.
“Of course, they’re not just selling anyone. Only criminals. Criminals sentenced to death. They make it seem like they’ve executed them, but they’re actually sold as slaves and transported across continents. Well, it’s not like they sell everyone sentenced to death, I’m sure there are various things to consider. It’s sad, but there are those with such terrible hobbies. But I guess most are bought by the country and then made to work for free.”
Licht relaxed a bit, saying, “If they’re criminals, then...” So, they’re atoning for their crimes while they’re alive.
But Ravi-san, resting her elbows on the table, her expression grave, continued:
“Behind this official trade... there are bad people doing bad things.”
“Bad... things?”
Feeling uneasy, I clutched the hem of my shirt. “That’s right,” she said.
“There’s an organization making a killing off kidnapping young, talented, individuals, and selling them off to wealthy people.”