You'd always fancied yourself somewhat of a businessman, and seeing as you planned on running a kingdom in the future, it was only right that you knew the ins and outs of its finances. Even if nothing came of it, conversations with the merchants were always a good way of getting information on the surrounding lands.

You approached the groups of those looking to buy and those looking to sell, slipping into the conversations with the ease of one who'd been doing it since they learned to talk. The sack in your pants drew a few questioning gazes, and more than a few blushes from the ladies in the group, but your mind was occupied on the conversation itself.

Bartering back and forth with the merchants, you found that the whole exchange was going rather well. In two hours, you'd managed to negotiate a small trade deal with one woman who regularly traveled between Vorania and the neighboring Ataxia for some of their exotic spices (you would need to get approval from the current ruler before you could set up a full caravan, but first things first) and had even purchased a few trinkets for yourself.

It wasn't until the end that things got interesting though. As talk with the merchants was slowing down, one hooded man beckoned you to come closer.

"Thank you for hearing us out, my prince." He said, bowing his head respectfully. "I can't tell you how happy I am to know that the next in line for the throne takes an interest in our work."

"No problem at all." You assure him, taking note that your current conversation wouldn't be overheard due to its location away from the main group. "But what is it you wanted to discuss? I'm sure you didn't bring me over here just to hand out compliments."

He chuckled at that, casting a careful glance to the side before continuing.

"Of course sire! I was simply wondering whether you might be looking for a product of a more... private variety.."

"Private?" You question, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes... private. The hunger of your lineage is widely known after all..." That was hardly surprising. Monarchs of Vorania were known for their hunger across the world. Few nations could boast they possessed such accomplished predators. "I have certain stock that may please your pallet, so to speak."

Intrigued by the offer, you gestured for him to continue.

"Let us just say that I do some business with men and women who have acquired certain livestock of a less than public variety. The kind that-"

"Slaves?" You question, cutting off whatever obscure wordplay he was getting at.

"Yes. Slaves." He confirmed, nodding in a way that assured you he was unbothered by the interruption.

Slavery wasn't fully outlawed in the kingdom, but there were heavy restrictions attached to it. For rulers, such a thing was seen as weak and underhanded. Eating a slave was little better than eating game that had already been tied and trussed for you. A far cry from the strong, predatory reputation that your family upheld.

On the other hand, it was an easy meal, and there were plenty of other benefits besides. Even more than that, you knew some nobles were unhappy with the current state of affairs with the restrictions. Showing up with slaves in your possession could potentially sway some of them to your support and help ensure your claim to the throne was backed up by some powerful people.

Or, alternatively, you could hand this morally unscrupulous individual over to the authorities along with his slaving associates and be hailed a hero who looked out for his people. A king was only as strong as his kingdom after all.

With your options in mind, you took a short moment to decide before giving him your answer.