Finley and Julian bid farewell and went on to their tasks. The life of a slave: Julian was getting all too accustomed to it. The whippings were more bearable, and at night he did not attempt things, granted he was sure he would later regret them.
"Even though I didn't agree to be placed into that team, for some reason, I don't wanna disappoint that little kid," Julian sighed.
"You! Line up!"
Julian was nudged, hit with a sword's hilt. Guided into a line of other slaves. He could hear the gates opening.
. .
.
I was anxious for no reason…
Julian let out a heavy, relaxed breath of air, sinking his body further into the warm water.
This is the first shower I've taken since I got here. Goodness! I feel so relieved! I really did need this. I was on edge, but I think I could figure out how to escape within days now.
"Looks like you're deep in thought."
Julian located the speaker. It was a familiar voice. It came from the straight-haired elf. He kept his circle-rimmed glasses on, even within the communal slave hot spring.
"I'm trying to think of the perfect plan."
"No you aren't."
"…"
He caught me.
"What was your name again?" Julian inquired. He was lowered into the water where it was just his nose and eyes sticking out.
"I don't have a name."
"What?"
"I don't have a name. I'm a slave. Slaves don't have names."
"…"
"When we get out of here— if we get out of here, I'll tell you. Alright?" He slapped Julian's shoulder.
"… Right."
Weird.
After a long time of relaxing, Julian placed his palms on the rock surrounding the hot pool of water and lifted himself out. He changed into his clothes. There was still a lot of time. But, considering how far out these springs were from the camp, he felt uneasy.
There's no way they're gonna let me return on my own.
The sun was still out. Although he couldn't return to the camp yet until the slavers decided the time was right, he was still clothed and outside of the pool, which made him feel several times readier.
Although, it's not like I'm necessarily strong. Would it even make much of a difference?
Julian thought, in a very self-deprecating manner. He sighed.
Wandering, Julian found a wooden fence that had been taken over by nature. Sitting on the wooden bench was another slave. He sat down on top of it.
"…"
The slave wanted to almost contest with him sitting next to her. But she held this thought.
"Were you going to say something? Is someone sitting here?" Julian asked.
"No, no one."
She kept her head tilted. Her dirty hair draped down, concealing her face.
"…"
"I don't know who you're trying to fool, but it isn't me. Your hair doesn't actually look dirty. As if you loosely throw dirt on it and call it a day. But, I've seen actual dirty hair. Knots form."
Julian shook, recalling the memory of Elyse.
The slave girl sighed. Groaned. You could hear her mouth parting.
"Do you think you're smart because you've made this analysis of me?"
"People make analyses on a day-to-day basis."
"You aren't special. Or smart. Just ignorant. With social cues, you wouldn't say those analyses out loud."
Julian was suddenly barraged with insults. She finally paused.
"But, you've caught me. Unfortunately, by all standards, I am still a 'slave.'" She lifted her head up, the hair that obscured her face falling down.
A chain around her neck that all slaves had proved she was a slave. But this sudden reveal also proved another thing.
"Y-you're… you're the slave masters person sl-slave?"
"How impertinent."
Her gaze sharpened.
"I'm sorry! I d-don't know how else I could refer to you."
"My name is Umilythe."
"Julian. What are you doing out here? Bathing with us inferiors."
"First of all, Julian, I did not step a foot into that water over there. I don't know how many parasites it's riddled with. And secondly, it's none of your business."
"…"
"And third of all, I suggest you get off this fence and get away from me."
"Why?"
"Don't be stubborn!"
"Umilythe!"
A sudden voice startled Julian but scared Umilythe. Her eyes became docile, along with her voice.
"M-miss."
The imposing voice came from none other than the head slave master. Her hair was no longer tied up, wild and free. She stood with crossed arms and eyes so furious it looked like she was trying to bore through Umilythe's forehead. And, she probably could.
Scary. Julian tensed up.
"I've been looking for you all day. Childish! You've spent the whole day lounging around with this, human filth— not even, less than human filth! Purchasable items! Are you a purchasable item, is that what you are?"
"N-No."
"Exactly! You've made your mother worry because you wanted to fool around. Come here!"
The head slave master walked toward, yanking Umilythe's arm. She marched forward, before stopping. Without even turning around, she spoke.
"I would have called for you to be executed right here, on the spot. But I will spare you, so as not harm my daughter's fragile mind. This is your only warning."
She walked away, Umilythe following at her side.
"…"
Slavery must be a huge part of this economy. Yet slaves are looked down upon.
Umilythe was a brat. Reminds me of any girl from back home. Agh, my day has suddenly been more ruined than it already was before! That hot spring did nothing.
But, there's an interesting theory I want to try out with her. She might be the key to escaping this place! Hah, Veind, glasses, Oscar, Elyse. You guys will all be praising me soon, just wait!