311 The Hero the World Needs (1/2)
Tel'Hatra, the Northern Khanate's capital, a haven of sin and injustice where abusive slavery ran rampant, and the feeble could perish for a yes or a no. While the Holy Continent's denizens typically treated slaves like valuable commodities with output depending on the master's input, the Barbarian Continent's citizens thought otherwise.
Within this half of the world, slaves, especially those hailing from the Holy Continent, were treated no better than cattle. Their life expectancy was fairly low, and their existences tragic. Moreover, contrarily to the Holy Continent, the majority of barbarian slaves were not human, but beast descendants snatched from the Holy Continent with the occasional spirit appearing among them.
Naturally, spirit slaves were precious commodities the scions of powerful clans competed for. The right to abuse such goods was not cheap.
As Konrad's carriage approached Tel'Hatra, he could get glimpses of the massive megalopolis housing more than eighty million individuals on its own. Back when he'd first arrived in the Ancient Crystal World, such a population density would have undoubtedly startled him.
But now, it couldn't even cause a ripple within his eyes. Instead, it was the curved domes and structures evoking the Azari style of the Persian architecture that grasped his attention. How such a structure was reproduced god-only knows how many astronomical units from Earth was a mystery Konrad couldn't comprehend.
And as he reached Tel'Hatra's entrance, he couldn't help but wonder if the theory of the collective unconscious didn't hold more merit. Granted they could pay the entrance fee, Tel'Hatra's gates welcomed all. Therefore, Konrad's carriage only stopped for an instant to pay the toll before carrying in.
The streets abounded with life, legions of individuals that strutted back and forth, heading into another chapter of their lives. Little did they know that the entirety of their lives was about to undergo drastic changes due to the Profane Prince's machinations.
”Let's first settle in an inn. We should appreciate what the city has to offer before overthrowing the monarchy.”
Said Konrad, while the carriage approached the marketplace.
”I heard Tel'Hatra produces the finest wine within the Barbarian Continent. We should indeed enjoy a sip.”
Else replied with her head leaning against Konrad's shoulder. But in that instant, he felt it was a pity his empress wouldn't be there to enjoy it too.
And before they could bypass the marketplace, a commotion arose.Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click visiting.
”In broad daylight conducting such vile a deed as a slave auction, don't you feel ashamed of yourselves?! Release them at once!!!”
A voice thundered from within the marketplace, causing hundreds of footsteps to stop, and the eyes above to turn toward its origin. Slavery was common practice within the Ancient Crystal World, and Tel'Hatra was notoriously known for its empowerment of the practice. Here, slave auctions didn't need closed doors, and the traders were free to parade the captives for all to see.
Of course, a minority disliked the practice. However, even if they did, none would dare speak against it. After all, it was state-sponsored! Whoever challenged it was challenging the royal clan's will!
Who was that bold? Who was that fool?