Well, even though he really wanted to say it, Ryuto ultimately didn't utter a word.

"Well, you don't have to thank me for this, as the money for your room was paid by this person here. I am just a broke nobody," said Ryuto.

"This person..."

So, everyone's gaze shifted to the side where Miyuki stood.

"Um, how should we address you?" one of them asked.

"Well..."

After pondering for a moment, Miyuki replied with a smile on her face.

"If you could address this princess as 'Madam,' this princess would be delighted."

"Is that so..."

After a brief pause.

"We appreciate Madam's kindness," they all replied in unison.

"Well... well, oh, it feels really nice," Miyuki nodded with a smile on her face.

"Hey, what's with that title?" Ryuto asked.

"It's nothing, it's just that if they call me that, I'm happy."

"..."

Though a bit puzzled, Ryuto decided not to inquire further. However, he couldn't shake off a feeling that they were all being deceived.

"Well, the reason I gathered all of you here today is to ask you something, and I hope for your cooperation regarding this matter," Ryuto stated.

"Anything you wish to know, Amagi Ryuto-sama, we will answer truthfully without any concealment," one of them assured.

"Alright."

The others also nodded in agreement.

With their consent, Ryuto got straight to the point, but his expression was no longer as relaxed as before; rather, it was cold and aloof.

"Although this question may seem cruel, can you answer why you became slaves?"

"..."

Even though they had agreed to answer everything beforehand, upon hearing Ryuto's question, everyone fell into silence involuntarily.

The scene suddenly plunged into utter silence, and apart from Ryuto and his companions, the other nineteen people just remained silent with their heads bowed.

Though relentless questioning seemed cruel, it was an inevitable action.

No, maybe saying that was just to find a self-justified excuse, merely a self-deception, and I should be very aware of that, Ryuto thought to himself.

Because if I truly wanted to know, I could have found out in other ways; yet, even so, I must get them to speak, even if it's just to expose their vulnerabilities. After all...

I am not a savior.

"Darling..."

Miyuki, who was nearby, might have sensed something, as she furrowed her brows in pain.

Nevertheless, this had to be continued.

Ryuto once again reaffirmed his determination in his mind.

"Weren't you the ones who promised to say everything? Why is everyone suddenly silent now? Huh? Lost your voice all of a sudden? Are you mocking me? Thinking I'm an easy target because I'm from out of town? Huh? Let me tell you, even though I have a good temper, I detest fickle people — no, I despise them. I abhor those who talk nonsense. Look at you all, not even a day has passed, and you've already started deceiving me. There might come a day when you'll betray me. This is just my first request, and if you can't fulfill this, I may have to reconsider some things. I don't need those who don't listen; I find them irritating even to look at."

Yes, if you want to know why, it's because in the end, I'm just a villain...