Chapter 89: Good deal or bad deal?
"Serfs are like slaves?" Greldo asked.
Irwin could hear the annoyance in the other's voice as he stared at Dautubim. He was lying on his bed, back against the wall, while Ambraz sat on his chest. The Anvil had a wide smile as he listened to the two bickering.
"No. That's not what I said. Slaves are born in servitude, as are their children. Serfs have lost their freedom because they are unable to pay something, usually a debt. In our case, I think it's because we are not expected to be able to pay for our presence in this city."
"And so we are seen as his property?" Greldo asked, raising an eyebrow.
Irwin flinched. "You are not my property. You are my friends!" he said.
"I know that," Greldo said, shaking his head. "But apparently, from these people's points of view, we are."
Daubutim shrugged. "It would seem that way."
"Well, then you had better work hard," Greldo said as he leaned back, grinning at Irwin.
Irwin raised his eyebrow but wasn't able to hold back his own grin.
"Usually, serfs are expected to work for their master so they at least earn some money," Daubutim said.
"Sure," Greldo said, his grin widening. "But he just said it, right? We aren't his serfs but his friends."
"Ugh. Why do I feel like I got the worse end of the deal here," Irwin grunted before laughing.