Since then, a lot of ruffians attacked the store at night, while others tried to ambush Ryouma. But with the slimes, Fei, Li Ling, and Ryouma all working together, the ruffians were unable to win. As for the damages – such as when the ruffians tried to forcefully push their way into the store – it was only on the level that could easily be fixed with some materials and magic.
Of course, those expenses were more or less covered by the guards after the criminals were caught. Moreover, since right from the start Ryouma had used magic to build the store, the damages were fixed at little to no cost, causing the compensation to become a part of the day’s profit instead.
Speaking of which, the ruffians who broke the buildings were made to pay the repair expenses. When they didn’t have enough money to cover the bill, the guards covered it for them in advance. Of course, this isn’t free, but an advance. So the guards made the ruffians work as punishment until they were able to pay it back.
A lot of the ruffians have been caught since they started attacking, but they still didn’t give up despite having no other choice left but violence. Because of that, Ryouma has been the target of their attacks nearly every day. In response to this, Grisela, Serge, and even Wogan huddled together to discuss the issue. They then decided that all the assailants who have been injured or poisoned by the poison slime will have to receive treatment from the heal slime or an antidote, causing them to have a long list of medical expenses. With this, the risks will be higher, and the assailants will now have to think twice before attacking. This is something they decided after taking into account Ryouma’s strength and the store’s defense.
In this world, it’s legal to injure your assailants provided that it’s under the pretext of self-defense. That’s why the ruffians can’t complain. In fact no one would complain even if they were left alone after being injured. But if you do heal them, then you’ll have the right to demand payment from them for the medical bill afterwards. Beating someone up, and then charging them medical bills? No matter how you look at it, this is clearly extortion. However, since it’s self-defense, it’s still barely legal according to the laws of this world.
Ryouma wasn’t happy with this kind of method, but while the current situation wasn’t a problem for Ryouma, at the rate it was going it would eventually become dangerous for the employees except for Li Ling and Fei, so Ryouma had no choice but to agree.
As a result, Ryouma has been plucking apart the ruffians who have either attacked him or the store. And right after incapacitating them, Ryouma would then heal the ruffians, and then push a huge medical bill on to them. Thanks to this, a rumor started to circulate amongst the ruffians that a legal but ludicrously high medical bill was being pushed on to them, causing the number of assailants to greatly decrease.
“Here’s the payment for today. 70,000 suits all in all, please confirm.” [Guard 1]
“The amount’s correct, thank you very much.” [Ryouma]
Ryouma gave his thanks after he received the payment for the medical bill at the guardhouse.
“Don’t mind it. It’s not like it’s hurting our pockets or anything. All we’re doing is just shouldering the debt momentarily. We’ll have those guys properly pay up later. Besides, this is also beneficial to us. All the ruffians have been going to you, so lately, they haven’t been bothering other people much. Moreover, there are also those who have started to reform while under forced labor, so this really isn’t a bad thing.” [Guard 1]
“Hearing that makes me relieved. Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]
Ryouma gave his thanks one more time, and then he left the guardhouse.
“Good work.” [Guards]
“Thanks for today.” [Guards]