Chapter 57: The Consequences Of Malice

I intentionally sent Tiana shopping alone and caught Lily, who had tried to hurt her. Later, I called Lily's father, Joyce, to the town hall, but he showed no remorse at all. Like father, like daughter.

"You're making a fuss over a mere slave? Is that it?"

I remained expressionless and silent.

The official informed Joyce of Lily's actions up to this point in a matter-of-fact manner. Three times in total, including today. Tiana had been injured twice. One of the times, her injuries were minor, but the other time, when I took her to the temple for treatment, her injuries were severe. If the treatment had been any worse, she would have been left with scars for life. Certainly, slaves were treated as property, but if they harmed someone else's property, they would be held accountable for their actions, and the severity of the punishment would be proportionate to the value of the damaged property.

"Lily, who has injured the slave owned by Harris, will receive ten lashes. In addition, she must compensate Harris with three gold coins."

"Three gold coins!? That's absurd!"

Joyce shouted.

I had left everything to the official and watched from a distance. Complaining about the lashes was one thing, but the monetary compensation was the real issue. I scowled. The official replied to Joyce's vehement protests.

"Lily has admitted to injuring Harris's slave, and there are witnesses. Furthermore, a priest who treated the injuries stated that if the treatment had been delayed, the injuries would have left permanent scars."

"Even if that's true, it's just a slave. She's not a person!"

"That is indeed the case. However, she is also property worth thirty gold coins. She attempted to harm something of such high value. In normal circumstances, she could receive twenty lashes and even face expulsion. Harris, however, has shown leniency by settling for this punishment. You should be thankful."

The notion that Tiana was worth thirty gold coins might seem a bit exaggerated, but it wasn't unreasonable for a healthy and beautiful young girl. If one were to consider selling her to a brothel, such pricing wouldn't be out of the question. With a few dozen clients, the investment would be recouped.

Joyce was now sweating profusely, trying to argue, but since the facts of the case were not disputed, there was little room for negotiation. While he might not be unable to afford it, three gold coins wasn't an amount he could simply give away, and it would likely affect his business in the days to come.

In the end, the whipping was carried out in private, and one of the three gold coins was paid as physical compensation. It was decided that the whipping wouldn't be done in public because a young girl being whipped half-naked would make it impossible for us to live in this town. Although I didn't feel the least bit sorry, we compromised because Tiana didn't want a severe punishment.

After hearing Lily's stiff apology, I went to fetch Tiana, who had been waiting in another room. When I told her the outcome, her face clouded when she heard about the whipping.

"It'll just be a little painful. Ten lashes will leave her swollen for two or three days at most, and there won't be any lasting marks. It's nothing compared to the injuries you've already suffered."

Still, Tiana wore a gloomy expression. Gina, who had been accompanying her, chimed in.

"This is for Lily's sake as well. If there were no punishment this time, she might do the same thing again. The next person might not be as kind as you or Harris. If that happens, she could end up in jail."

"Hey, Tiana. There are all kinds of people in the world. Your kind heart is commendable, but not everyone is deserving of it. In any case, it's over now. Let's go home."

Tiana's silent and dejected appearance, as if she had heard that she would be whipped, was painful to see. While a kind-hearted nature was a good thing, sometimes she took it to extremes.

When we arrived home, the sound of hooves and a loud voice came from behind.

"Harris!"

I turned around, and Zeigt was riding towards us. He raised his hand, dismounted as he approached, and bowed formally.

"You said it would be ten days, but it's been fourteen. How is it that a holy knight makes a mistake in his promise?"

I invite Zeigt into the house when he apologize for the delay. Tiana serves him drinks and then retreated to a corner of the room.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. I have some time now. Shall we go out?"

"Right now?"

"I'm sorry for the suddenness, but I'd like to leave as soon as possible, even if it's late."

"But I don't have the vanguard ready since I was made to wait. The priest has been waiting for ages too."

"What about Eilia-sama? If she's there, we'll be fine. Now, let's go to the temple."

"Just wait a moment. I have something to attend to as well. I've also told Gina, our mage, that she'll be joining us on this trip."

"That's convenient. I appreciate your help."

"That's not so fast. If Gina comes along, I'll have to leave Tiana at home alone."

I explained the situation to Zeigt, and after thinking it over with his hand on his chin for a while, he nodded enthusiastically.

"Alright, here's what we'll do. While we're away, the Misha family can stay at the Bat Pavilion. Tuck can hang out at the guild too while we're working."

"What about Tiana?"

Zeigt grinned.

"She can come with us."

"What? What are you talking about? We're not going on a vacation, you know?"

"There's a safe place in Reckenberg. You can leave her there until you finish the job. Dennis and the others won't be able to touch her."

"What about the big tunnel?"

"I'll make up a carriage to take you there."

"Are you serious?"

As I said that, I already knew the answer. This guy was always serious.

"Of course. I'll cover all the expenses. Isn't that great? That girl needs a change of pace once in a while. Besides, some philosopher said, 'Let children travel.'"

That's a completely different meaning, you know.