So I have an issue with Authors putting slavery and abuse into their stories and then not thinking about, first of all the actual historical reality of slavery, and second of all how serious a violation of human rights it is. MC seriously is shocked that some new outfits and food and pretty stars didn't immediately erase this man having his freedom robbed from him and being whipped? Are you fucking joking?
The minimum reparations would be back pay for his labor and his freedom. He needs to be compensated economically for years of stolen work and given the freedom to spend those funds as he sees fit, give him his fucking freedom, and then we can start discussing resentment. If authors are not ready to think seriously about serious issues, why the fuck are they throwing this shit in their work??? Nobody told you to put slavery in your story, but you did and your plot revolves around making reparations for slavery. The author's cavalier attitude towards slavery is coming out by making the main character look stupid and callous. You didn't bully that man at school. You whipped and abused him and stole his freedom what the actual fuck.