Welcome to the Hidden Village!

…Slaves.

In simple terms, these individuals have traded their dignity for money, exiting the normal societal classes. Indeed, the line separating them from regular workers is rather blurred.

By the laws of the kingdom, they are unequivocally placed at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Yet, with few exceptions, they are citizens born and raised within the same nation. Rarely are they treated with outright disdain or considered inhuman.

Their tasks predominantly involve physical labour, a commonality in this era. For those who purchase slaves, it would be folly to squander the investment by working them to death or allowing them to suffer from severe hunger.

In truth, opting to sell oneself into slavery for a potentially better life in the city, as opposed to struggling with poverty in the countryside, emerges as a more viable solution for many.

Thus, the slavery system in the Lombard Kingdom serves as a comparatively lenient structure, bridging the economic divide between urban and rural regions.

Nevertheless, a significant distinction exists between slaves and regular workers. Given the nature of slavery, this is to be expected. Unlike free labourers, slaves possess no autonomy in selecting their employers or their tasks.

This time, about fifty males, new slaves ranging from their late teens to late twenties and each with their own stories of descent into bondage, were acquired from a renowned slave trader in Margrave Harkin’s domain. They were slowly coming to terms with their reality.

A common belief among them suggested that being purchased by this trader meant labouring as sailors or workers in the capital, Urones, of the territory.

However, this assumption was swiftly disproven. As the slave trader disclosed,

…they were to partake in developmental labour near the Land of Death border.

…That was their briefing.

The assignment came as a complete surprise. While development work was somewhat understandable, those condemned to such fates had no insight into the detailed plans of their lord. Yet, deducing the motive behind expanding human habitation for the territory’s enrichment was straightforward.

But the choice to undertake this near the Land of Death border puzzled them, as other locations seemed more fitting, prompting questions and doubts.

As slaves, they had no room for refusal. Branded on their shoulders, any discontent or attempts at escape would lead them to face the kingdom’s stringent laws, resulting in their immediate execution without a chance for rebuttal.

That was the reality… Eventually, after the disturbances caused by elven misjudgments and monster incursions subsided, the slaves, led by knights under Margrave Harkin, embarked towards their designated development site.

These knights, remarkably skilled and tasked with seemingly menial duties, were not only proficient in their abilities but also noble in character. The journey proceeded without incident, and they arrived at their destination seamlessly.

Upon arrival, they were struck by astonishment.

…There was seemingly nothing there.

…Or so it appeared.

The area was neglected due to its remoteness from major waterways, and it was merely a vast expanse of wilderness. Despite their mission to develop this land, no materials, tools, or construction essentials were present…

Only a single man was there to greet them.

“Hey there. Welcome. From now on, I will lead you in building a prosperous new village.”

His appearance was dubious, at best. With a thin fabric concealing his hair and black glasses obscuring his eyes, one might question his ability to see. His voice, surprisingly youthful, hinted at reasons for hiding his identity. Though dressed like an ordinary traveller, his demeanour only heightened suspicions…

“I have delivered the slaves as instructed by the Margrave. Additionally, he asked me to present this to you.”

“Oh, my apologies. I ran out of time to buy a souvenir for my wife during my last visit to Urones.”

The knight, receiving a package, handled it with care before adopting a grave tone to address his peers.

“I know the Margrave’s orders might have raised suspicions. However, understand that this mission isn’t dishonourable but a stepping stone for the future prosperity of this land.”

With that, he distributed individually wrapped packages in oiled paper to each knight.

“For now, enjoy some fine wine on me and keep this matter confidential. And please, continue supporting the Margrave.”

To some, this gesture could resemble bribery, yet there was a commanding presence in his speech and demeanour, almost as if he were bestowing royal favours.

“Well, then, off you go.”

“Haha!”

With a wave, the man saw off the mounted knights as they departed.

Once alone, he faced the slaves, who stood silently, processing the situation.

“Well, this marks the first crucial task I entrust to you…”

No longer needing to conceal his identity, the man removed his black glasses, though his face remained obscured.

“First, sleep.”

He then donned a sinister mask and simultaneously tossed a metallic cylinder.

Upon landing, the cylinder released a fierce pink smoke from both ends, catching the slaves off guard. Unable to hold their breath, they inhaled it and were swiftly overwhelmed by an intense drowsiness.

This must be some kind of magic! But to affect so many simultaneously…

“…It’s done. Prepare for their arrival.”

As consciousness slipped away, they heard the man’s voice.

And then, they awoke… Escorted by beastmen, a sight unseen before, they disembarked from an immense, unfamiliar vehicle, taking in their new surroundings.

Before them was a large spring, its waters bursting forth… Nearby, a well-kept, small rural area unfolded…

What drew their gaze was the crop, similar to wheat, being harvested by the beastmen. Everything, from the beast-like machines larger than cows, with wheels attached, moving as if alive, to the beastman holding a peculiar board, seemed otherworldly. Could these creatures pose no threat to humans…?

Yet, what truly baffled them was the massive bird or ship they had ridden, now lying dormant…

“Welcome to the hidden village. We welcome you all.”

Near the fields stood unfamiliar, narrow buildings, seemingly as numerous as the slaves themselves. The man, having removed his headscarf, turned and spread his arms wide.

The purpose of this hidden village, its origins, and what tasks lay ahead remained mysterious. However, a spark of excitement, reminiscent of childhood curiosity, ignited within the hearts of the slaves…