They were there. The Irufurito mansion.

As Viu and Meili approached the Irufurito mansion, the imposing structure rose up in front of them. The stone walls and tall windows gleamed in the sunlight, the garden around the building neat and well taken care of.

As they reached the main doors, they saw one of the servants waiting for them, a polite smile on his face.

- Master Viu, Miss Meili. Welcome back, the servant greeted, bowing slightly.

- Hello, my good fellow! What is your name? I imagine you are the chief servant of the manor, are you not?

The servant's eyes widened slightly, surprised by Viu's friendly demeanor. He wasn't used to such familiarity from a nobleman, but he replied politely.

- My name is Alfred, young master, he responded. And yes, I oversee the daily operations of the manor.

Viu smiled tenderly before closing his eyes. In a flash, he knew everything there was to know about this mansion. During that precise time, a gray aura invaded him to the point where the entire mansion felt it.

He walked accompanied by Meili with Alfred.

- Please give me the information that the council of elders gave you when I come to this domain as a new master.

Alfred, walking alongside Viu and Meili, replied.

- Of course, young master.

He proceeded to give Viu the information he had received from the council of elders, detailing their recommendations and expectations for Viu as the new master of the domain.

- They have provided you with reports on the various aspects of the domain, including its lands, resources, population, and finances, Alfred explained.

- .... Afterwards ?

Alfred continued,

- The council also gave advice on how to manage the domain's affairs. They gave some suggestions on how to improve the infrastructure, how to deal with disputes among the villagers, and how to make the most of the land and its resources.

Alfred looked at Viu, his expression calm yet eager to be helpful.

- Is there anything else you would like to know, young master?

- I would like to know the number of servants and persons in this palace.

Alfred nodded, understanding the request.

- Currently, there are a total of 50 servants working in the manor, he explained. This includes the butler, cook, maids, groundskeepers, and several other staff members who assist in various aspects of the daily operations.

He added:

- As for the number of people living in the manor, there are currently 20 permanent residents aside from yourself, Miss Meili, and myself. This includes members of the household and personal staff.

- 70 in all. So, explain to me - my good man - why I smell 130 slaves including demi-humans and non-humans in the basement of this mansion?!

Alfred's eyes widened, and his face paled at Viu's statement. The number of slaves was considerably higher than what was officially known, and it was evident that they were hidden in the basement.

Alfred took a deep breath, his voice a mix of shame and regret.

- Young master...it seems that there are indeed slaves hidden in the basement. It appears that the previous master was keeping them secret and not reporting them for his own benefit.

- By God, by Od, and by The Great Dragon, .... Gather as many people with you at once. You will free them all, except one. I need to see her. Meili, help with the Mabeasts. My adopted daughter can tame them with her divine protection.

Alfred nodded, looking both relieved and determined.

- Yes, young master. I will gather a group of people to assist us, he replied, his voice steady, yet laced with empathy for the enslaved individuals.

Meili, hearing Viu's command, stepped forward, her Mabeasts at the ready, prepared to help.

- I'm on it, Dad, she affirmed, a resolute look in her eyes.

***

He walked towards the last one left: a demi-human blond girl with dog-like features: ears, noses, and canines.

He then entered the cage giving him a red and white military outfit.

- Allen, is that it? The one with the divine protection of the fire spirits.

The blond demi-human girl, previously sitting dejectedly in her cage, looked up at Viu with a mix of wariness and curiosity. Her ears twitched slightly as she studied him.

- That's right, she replied quietly, her voice betraying a hint of confusion. I'm Allen, and I do possess the divine protection of the fire spirits.

- I am sorry for what this... character who was the former master of the manor did. My name is Viu Irufurito and I am the new master of this domain now called Irufurito.

Allen's eyes widened in surprise, her expression shifting from wariness to hope. She took in Viu's words, a flicker of disbelief crossing her face.

- The new master... she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. You...you're freeing us?

- Let's say you're the last one to be released. I'm not going to hold you back if you don't want to stay. I don't have that right.

Allen pondered Viu's words, her gaze still tinged with a hint of skepticism. Yet, a small measure of hope started to shine in her eyes. She had been trapped for so long that the concept of freedom seemed foreign, and yet, Viu's offer sounded sincere.

- You... You're not going to force me to stay here? she asked, her voice betraying a note of wary disbelief.

- Not after everything you've been through.

Allen stared at Viu, her eyes searching for any sign of deception. But his sincere expression and gentle tone reassured her. Her shoulders sagged slightly, the tension seeping out of her body.

- I... I don't know what to say, she muttered, her voice soft, yet filled with vulnerability. I've been trapped for so long... I had almost forgotten what hope feels like.

- .... I understand you on this point. You would be surprised but we had a similar life.

He freed and teleported him out of the domain with one last instruction.

- Go in peace.

Allen's eyes widened further, a mix of surprise and admiration in her gaze. Viu's words had touched a deeper chord within her, and she realized that they shared a common pain.

- You...you understand? she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. You know what it's like...

As Viu teleported her to freedom, Allen stood for a moment, her heart filled with gratitude and a newfound sense of purpose.

- I... I'll go in peace, she vowed, her voice stronger, yet tinged with a soft, gentle tone.