Chapter 39

Time rewinds a bit.

This is a story from shortly after the Golden Dawn Village had moved.

"Lord Zaid, a caravan is coming from the direction of Kyle's settlement."

"What?"

Zaid looked out the window of the small but comfortable house Kyle had left behind.

Indeed, a line of several carriages was heading towards the town. Given the timing, it was highly likely they would stay in this village.

Zaid went outside with his subordinates.

"Is this Lord Zaid? It is an honor to meet you in such a place. I am Akindo."

"Hmm."

The merchant, who had noticed Zaid, hurriedly came out and bowed deeply before him. He seemed more polite than the average traveling merchant.

"Are you from Kyle's village?"

"Yes."

"I see, I see."

Zaid looked unusually pleased.

Akindo, noticing this, thought to himself, "He must think we've run away or something."

"Do you plan to stay in this village?"

"Yes, if possible, that was our plan..."

The merchant glanced at the locked inn.

"It seems the inn is closed."

"Hmph. We just arrived in the village. Rather, do you want to buy some goods?"

"Goods, you say?"

"Yes, four barrels of mithril ore and nine barrels of stamina potion. Oh, the stamina potion is a special item..."

Just as Zaid was about to exaggerate the effects he had heard about to drive up the price, Akindo pressed in on him.

"Mithril!? Stamina potion!? Was this potion made by Craft!?"

"Huh!? Ah, yes, I believe so. If you have someone who can appraise it, feel free to check. However, this potion takes effect with just one spoonful and is easy to store..."

"Of course I know! Please, please, sell it to me!"

"Hmm, well, I might consider it. As for the price..."

Zaid's eyes nearly popped out at the amount the merchant offered.

It was a sum that rivaled the initial funds he had brought for the settlement.

Was it because mithril ore was in high demand?

No, it was more likely because the stamina potion, which took effect with just one spoonful, came in nine barrels, making it worth such a high price.

"Ah, yes, that's not a bad offer..."

"Lord Zaid seems to be a skilled businessman. How about we round up the amount and make it this much?"

"Hmm, not bad... Yes, that's fine."

"Thank you. I will prepare the payment immediately. Can I have the goods right away?"

"Immediate payment! You carry that much money with you!?"

"Actually, I heard that a large amount of mithril ore was found here, and I intended to buy it all if possible. Cash would give me a better chance against rivals. And if I could get some dragon materials too, that would be great. I didn't expect much, though."

"Ah, that news has spread that far."

"Merchants have good ears."

Zaid nodded, thinking that was probably the case.

If he tried to drive up the price further, the deal might fall through. The amount was sufficient. Zaid decided to agree.

"Hmph. In light of the immediate payment, I'll accept this amount."

"Thank you."

Akindo bowed deeply.

Of course, Zaid didn't know that the stamina potions made by Craft, which Akindo occasionally took out of the village, were being traded for exorbitant prices among some wealthy individuals.

In Golden Dawn Village, the sale of these potions was limited, making them highly sought after.

The retail price was several times, or even dozens of times, higher than what Akindo had offered.

"May I make a rather bold request to the generous Lord Zaid?"

"Hmm? A proposal? Well, go ahead."

"Yes. In return for the excellent service you've provided, may I be allowed to open an inn guild in this village?"

"What? An inn guild?"

"Yes. If I can get permission for my inn to operate exclusively in this town, I can increase the usual inn guild tax by about ten percent."

"Ten percent?"

Zaid thought for a moment.

If the village were to develop, inns would be necessary...

"Damn, if Jabeel were here, I could consult with him... He said he would come after his research was finished, the selfish bastard."

"What is it?"

"Nothing, never mind. If it's an exclusive deal, ten percent isn't enough."

"Then how about fifteen percent?"

"Hmm... Twenty percent, and I'll consider it."

"Twenty percent...?"

To Zaid, running an inn was something anyone who wanted to do it could do, so it was no big deal. The income from inns was probably negligible anyway.

"Alright, I'll pay an additional twenty percent. Please, give me an exclusive contract."

"Hmph. Fine. Have your subordinate draw up the documents. First, buy an inn."

"Understood."

Akindo bowed politely again.

Zaid nodded, thinking inns were necessary.

In terms of the outcome, this decision was not wrong.

Zaid's mistake was only in underestimating the number of inns that would be needed.

◆

"What in the world is this?"

The renowned alchemist Jabeel, having finally completed his paper and submitted it to the academy, arrived at Zaid's settlement village with a large amount of luggage. His first words upon stepping out of the luxurious carriage were these.

The petite and beautiful alchemist girl walked down the main street, observing the town.

When he heard that Zaid had started a serious settlement project, he was sure it would fail. However, the village seemed unexpectedly bustling.

—At first.

But after understanding the reason, he nodded, thinking it made sense.

Upon arriving at the mansion, he was immediately summoned by Zaid.

"Jabeel!! You're late!"

"Lord Zaid, it's been a while."

"Skip the pleasantries! What's going on here!"

Zaid narrowed his eyes, thinking that was what he wanted to know.

"Is it related to the fact that the entire village is full of inns?"

"Yes! No matter what I do, no matter how many I attract, all that increases are inns! And a few taverns and general stores! And a carriage repair shop! No one is settling in the adventurer's guild, and all the settlers pass through without stopping! What's happening!?"

"I just arrived today, so I don't know the details."

In truth, Jabeel immediately understood that the village had become just a transit point, but decided to play along, thinking it would be pointless to say so.

"Then, investigate immediately!"

"I am an alchemist, you know?"

"Shut up!"

"Alright."

Jabeel headed to the house that had been prepared for him. His first task was to move in.

Sighing, he thought, "Do I have to live here for the foreseeable future?"

Thus, Zaid's settlement village showed a little development but ultimately remained just a transit point on the way to Golden Dawn.

"Damn it!!!"

Zaid's cheerful scream echoed through the sky once again.

Akindo (smirking)