After making up his mind, Ryuto spoke again.

"Despite possessing outstanding talent, why choose to be a 'slave' instead of seeking other employment opportunities? Setting aside the salary issue, isn't it strange? After all... If they wanted to find other jobs, it shouldn't be difficult, or rather, it should be quite simple."

"If that's the case..."

"Ah, although it may seem that way to us, in reality, they cannot seek other jobs, right?"

With that, Ryuto turned his gaze toward the others.

"..."

The response remained silence, which was telling enough.

"They cannot seek other jobs?"

"Well, consider it from a different perspective. Would a business hire an employee labeled as a 'slave'? Given a choice, no, even without one, they probably wouldn't, even if you have talent, are suitable for the job, or don't require pay. Having the label of 'slave' changes everything."

"Why is that...?"

To this, Ryuto calmly replied, "Because it tarnishes their business. How would customers view a store with a 'slave' employee? Would they tolerate such a situation? No one would hire someone branded as a 'slave.' In this social context, doing so would mean going against society, against the very fabric of this named nation... And to safeguard their own livelihood, they have no choice."

"In this situation..."

"At the same time, for a 'slave,' being unable to find work means unemployment, which also affects the entire family. When a 'slave' exists in a family, how would others view the family members of a 'slave'? Although the treatment of a 'slave' family member may not be worse, it certainly isn't much better. In such circumstances, if the 'slave' family members desire a change, the only option is..."

Though harsh, Ryuto didn't intend to stop.

"Cut ties with the 'slave,' essentially abandoning them."

"What...?"

Miyuki's eyes widened in disbelief.

While Ryuto's words were speculative, they were likely accurate. Despite the possibility of family members standing by, facing an unchangeable reality and enduring prolonged discrimination, how many could bear it? Moreover...

If sacrificing one person could bring happiness to the rest of the family, there seems little reason not to do so. Furthermore...

Even if family members resist, the 'slave' themselves might demand it, unable to tolerate burdening the family due to their status.

Such actions may not eradicate discrimination entirely, but they are certainly better than inaction.

Hence...

"You all were also abandoned by your families, right?"

Once again, Ryuto scanned the silent group with his eyes.

...

But there was still no response.

It was this fear that made them dread the idea of being sold.

Once labeled, it's impossible to remove it for a lifetime. You can only choose to silently endure the endless life of humiliation, for those labeled as 'slaves' who cannot find work, are abandoned by their families, and are discriminated against in every aspect, the only way to survive is to...