To Get Stronger, I’m Forced to Grind Their Affection

Chapter 31

After inquiring at the front desk, Luolin learned where he needed to go.

The person in the room was the client for this commission, which meant he was Luolin's patron.

Luolin and Ailuka stood at the door. After mentally preparing themselves, Luolin pushed the door open and walked in. Inside stood a short, fat man.

"Hey, hello."

Before Luolin could say anything, the other party had already greeted him first.

His entire outfit was basically black, and his slightly weathered face was completely uncovered.

"H-hello."

Luolin also spoke, while Ailuka looked like she didn't want to deal with anyone at all.

"Since you came here, that means you're the mercenaries taking on my commission, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."The other party's directness made Luolin relax considerably.

"Great, I thought you wouldn't come today. It seems my wait was worthwhile after all."

The short man said again.

"Thank you for coming."

He extended a hand toward Luolin, who had to bend down slightly to shake it.

"Well then, my name is Pichu. Don't let my short stature fool you—I'm not a dwarf, but a proper human."

Pichu said. Luolin nodded slightly and also gave his and Ailuka's names.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. We were delayed earlier due to some other matters..."

"Eh, in business you can't worry too much about the details. So, the guild should have already told you about the specifics, right?"

"Yes."

Luolin nodded.

"The deposit has indeed been received, so the commission is now established. As for more detailed content, let me explain it to you now."

As Pichu spoke, he moved aside slightly. Only then did Luolin clearly see what was behind him.

To be precise, it was a person—a somewhat disheveled-looking girl. The difference was that both her ears were pointed.

"That is..."

Both Luolin and Ailuka were stunned.

"As you can see, I'm actually a merchant, and my main trade is... slaves."

"Slaves..."

Luolin looked at the girl whose hands and feet were completely bound by chains, couldn't help but frown, and felt somewhat uncomfortable in his heart.

"It's actually quite simple. In Xikaer City over there, there's an auction house. In a week, they'll be holding an auction, and she's one of the items up for sale. I have some reasons why I can't go there myself, so I issued this commission."

Having said that, he turned his gaze back to Luolin.

"Looking at your expression, you don't seem very satisfied with this commission. Well, if you back out now, it's still not too late. I'll find someone else. Don't worry, the guild can still refund the deposit. But if you accept it, then you can't back out. So, what will it be? Will you take it? Or not?"

Faced with the slave merchant Pichu's question, Luolin inexplicably fell silent.

"What kind of joke is this?"

Ailuka stepped forward somewhat displeased. Given her personality, it was hard for her to tolerate such things happening. However, Luolin stopped her.

"I'll take it."

Luolin said with a gloomy expression. Pichu nodded with satisfaction.

"That's right. I was too lazy to find someone else anyway."

After saying that, he walked toward the door.

"Well then, I'll leave her in your hands. You can treat her however you want, but if she dies or for any other reason can't be delivered to the people at the slave market, then you'll have failed."

Before leaving, Pichu kept talking.

"To be honest, I don't really care either way. The price for selling her to the slave market is only 20 silver anyway, so no matter what, I won't lose money."

Pichu's purpose of making money ended here. Whether or not the person could be delivered to the slave market, he would profit.

The only difference was whose hands the money came from. In fact, if the commission failed, he could even save the 5 silver commission fee.

"By the way, if you're thinking of saving her, I'd advise you to give up that idea... She bears the 'slave mark' and will be treated as a slave for life."

After saying that, Pichu left just like that, while Luolin could only watch helplessly.

"Hey! Come back here! Explain yourself!"

Ailuka was about to chase after him, but Luolin grabbed and held her back.

"What are you doing!"

Ailuka forcefully shook off Luolin's hand and glared at him angrily.

"Do you really want to take this commission? Luolin! Would you really do this kind of work just for money?"

Ailuka shouted like this, but Luolin seemed unmoved.

"Luolin!"

Ailuka shouted again. Seeing that Luolin remained unmoved, she became extremely angry, stomped her feet hard, then turned to leave.

"Fine, I understand now. I was wrong about you. If you really want to do this, then go ahead by yourself!"

With that, Ailuka slammed the door and left.

Luolin remained silent alone for a while, then sighed helplessly. If it were simply for money, he wouldn't be like this. However, what truly made him hesitate was another reason.

The note that Pichu had placed in Luolin's hand when they shook hands earlier.

It read—