Chapter 41: Chapter 41: A Slave’s New Life

A group of slaves, shackled with chains and ropes, stepped onto the land of the Red Tide Territory under the guidance of the slave merchant.Their eyes were filled with unease, speculating on the fate awaiting them.However, as they entered the territory, they were stunned.Clean houses, orderly roads, and the smell of cooking smoke in the air.This was completely different from the slave camps they had in mind.No filthy, muddy tents, nor rotting food emitting a foul stench.Even the soldiers guarding them did not show the usual disdain and contempt, merely maintaining order calmly.They became even more fearful, because the more different things are, the more unsettling they become.But this was only a preliminary impression, what truly shocked them were the words of the Lord on the second day at the square.In the morning, the square in Red Tide Territory was packed with people.One thousand five hundred newly arrived slaves were neatly gathered here.Louis's voice echoed across the square, "Welcome to Red Tide Territory."The phrase left many stunned. They were sold here, yet they were "welcome"?Louis continued, "You can think of this place as just like where you were before, but I hope this place can be a rebirth for you."The slaves looked at each other, their eyes still wary."I won't have you work for nothing, Red Tide Territory will provide stable food, housing, and jobs. Your labor will not be wasted, and everyone's sweat will have meaning.""More importantly," he paused for a moment, then slowly uttered:"Here, as long as you work hard enough, you can rid yourselves of slavery."Bang - !The hearts of the slaves took a fierce jolt, and the square was in an uproar!".What!""What did he just say?""How is that possible!"Freedom?Is there really a possibility of gaining freedom?Would there really be a master in this world willing to forfeit slaves?They had long been accustomed to the restraints of chains, guided and traded, and dared not hope for a change in fate.This was a promise so beautiful it even seemed absurd.The whispers across the square grew louder, some were excited, some were lost and overwhelmed.But most sneered, their eyes full of doubt, having heard too many lies.Louis watched all of this, but he believed time would tell all.A few days passed, and the slaves gradually adjusted to the new environment.The morning sun cast its light upon the streets of Red Tide Territory, carrying a rare warmth in the Northern Territory.A young slave stood outside a wooden cabin, holding a steaming bowl of oatmeal, momentarily dazed.This was his breakfast, ample in portion, more than his entire day's ration before.Not far away, other slaves also came out of their homes one after another, gathering in small groups to warm themselves around a fire pit."The beds here are more comfortable than the straw mats I used to sleep on," an old slave whispered."Yeah."