On the surface, Qiong Xing acted as if Leander were his slave and the two of them explored the town together for the first time since arriving.
Rows of shops lined the streets, with merchants calling out "Come in! Come in!" in a rush to attract customers, reminding Qiong Xing of a market from his previous life.
Food stalls were scattered here and there.
He wandered around and buying snacks with Leander and checking out various shops.
As for money, he had realized that the bag he carried, which the gods had given him and which Leander didn't notice was actually a magic bag, would produce the exact amount of coins he needed simply by saying the sum and reaching inside.
Since then, he had been using it frequently.
Apparently, there were no paper bills in this world.
Coins came in gold, silver, and copper, and there were also even larger coins called platinum.
"Hey there, beautiful one. Do you interested in a slave?"
Qiong Xing was suddenly addressed like that while passing by a certain shop.
"W-wait, wait! Hold on, please!"
He hadn't realized the words were meant for him and tried to pass by without paying attention, only for the man to hurry after him in a panic.
"What is it?"
Before he could react, someone grabbed his arm from behind, but Leander immediately pulled the man's hand away from Qiong Xing.
"What an undisciplined dog you are. How about it? Perhaps you'd like to choose a new slave from our store?"
The man who had been interrupted sneered at Leander and suggested that Qiong Xing could pick a new slave.
"That's fine… no, wait! Actually, could I take a look?"
"!?"
"Right this way! Please, follow me!"
The shopkeeper whose evidently delighted to lead someone inside smiled eagerly, but Leander's expression had turned pale.
Did he really think Qiong Xing would consider such a thing?
Of course, Qiong Xing had no such intention.
He simply wanted someone to help him and assist him in raising the egg since he know nothing about it.
"How about this one? He's only sixteen, young and fairly attractive. He also skilled at household chores..."
"Anyone else?"
According to the shopkeeper, a well-appearing young beastman was recommended.
But someone who knew nothing yet, being the mind of an old man, had no interest in surrounding himself with young boys.
Besides, the shopkeeper kept saying "fairly attractive," which was rich coming from someone who had no right to judge his appearance.
He himself had a thick roll of fat wrapped tightly around his stomach and jiggling with every movement, which a typical case of being overweight.
His greasy face was full of pimples and far from clean and the way he looked at him and grinned made him feel utterly disgusted.
"...…."
Since entering the shop, Leander had remained completely silent, but despite not saying a word, he kept gripping the hem of someone who knew nothing yet's clothes, making it difficult for him to move.
Qiong Xing let it be.
It was his way of getting back at him for tricking him about the collar.
"If possible, I'd like someone who can take care of daily needs and handle some self-defense," Qiong Xing said.
He hadn't decided exactly what to do next, but even if Leander was competent, someone who couldn't protect themselves or assist him while he carried the egg would only be a burden.
Even after the egg hatched, Qiong Xing who is never raised a snake needed someone who could give him an advice.
He doubted he'd find such a skilled person, but in the worst case, he could hire two people with complementary skills.
The slaves recommended by the shopkeeper did not match Qiong Xing's requirements, so he asked to be allowed to look freely.
The man reluctantly agreed, likely thinking it would be troublesome if someone left after being poorly recommended.
Seeing the shopkeeper head off to attend other customers, Qiong Xing moved further into the back of the store.
"It's strange… or even frightening… seeing people being sold like this," he said.
Several cages were set up throughout the room, containing beastmen and humans, children and the elderly alike. It was not a pleasant sight. Yet, in this world, it was normal.
However, just because it was painful to watch didn't mean everyone could save each other.
"Buying someone who's this scared… it's difficult..."
Feeling a gaze, Qiong Xing turned toward a cage deeper in the back. Through the iron bars, he saw a man staring at him in surprise.
"Cat? No… slightly different? Leopard or cheetah, maybe."
The figure was slim but muscular, his body toned without any wasted flesh. His face was neat and attractive, with clear pale green eyes. Though his skin was dirty, it was white underneath and his short hair and matching black ears twitched adorably on top of his head. He did not look feminine, but somehow exuded a quiet charm.
"What is your name?"
"Elias."
Qiong Xing spoke softly, so as not to scare him and was surprised when he answered clearly.
"Then, Elias, what are your skills?"
"I was formerly in service at a noble house, so I can handle daily care and some basic protection," he replied.
He could fight to some extent to protect nobles who were sometimes being targeted for assassination.
This was perfect.
Qiong Xing did not treat him like an object, but Elias met his requirements and even matched his preferred appearance.
Nodding in approval, Qiong Xing felt a slight danger and saw Leander tug his arm from behind.
"You don't need to look so worried. Unless you want, I won't let go or sell you," Qiong Xing said.
"…Is that true?"
He must have been overwhelmed with anxiety.
Leander had been freely expressing his love toward Qiong Xing, but he had never done the same.
The love Leander felt for Qiong Xing and the affection Qiong Xing could return were not yet equal.
Still, he cared him deeply.