Chapter 12

As we could see the outer walls of the town, we knew the distance left wasn't much.

The "outer" wall, however, was only the outer wall from when the town was first built. Now, a fence surrounds it, and there is a city inside that fence. This time, our business is on that side.

Though it's called a city, it originally started as an outdoor market. Merchants who could make a living by staying in the town began to set up shops and settle down, which led to the formation of this new city. We can enter and exit without worrying about tolls or other fees.

If you don't live or set up a shop, the cost is minimal. In return, those who don't pay taxes cannot receive the full protection of the lord.

However, even if you don't pay taxes, the guards will still enforce the law if the security deteriorates, as it affects those who do pay taxes. If a crime occurs, the guards will intervene. However, this is only a secondary function. If there are issues with interactions with the townspeople, we could be punished unilaterally.

As we approached the entrance to the new city, we could see the guards watching the road near the entrance. While anyone can enter in principle, those who have caused problems in this town or other towns are not allowed in. The guards are on the lookout to prevent such people from entering.

"Excuse me, can I ask you something?"

The guard called out to us as we tried to enter the town. He was a young man, wearing leather armor that showed signs of use. Despite his relaxed appearance, he was not careless with his short spear. He seemed to be a capable man, regardless of his age.

"Yes, what is it?"

I answered as cheerfully as possible. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Sermia trying to suppress a laugh. You'll remember this later.

"I haven't seen your faces around here recently. Can you tell me the purpose of your visit to this town?"

"We're here to sell scythes, axes, and knives. And hoes too."

"Anything else?"

"Nothing today. Do you want to check?"

"Wow, you're quick. Thanks for your cooperation."

If we had tried to bring in contraband, it would have been troublesome. From my previous life, I've always believed that it's best to be cooperative in such situations. Of course, due to my appearance, I've been suspected more than once or twice.

"Alright, everything seems fine."

The guard, who had been searching our belongings, said. I was a bit nervous when he saw the knives and scythe that Sermia and I were carrying, but he didn't say anything in particular. He probably thought they were the same as the items we were selling.

"Please make sure not to cause any trouble."

"Of course."

With that, we were finally allowed to enter the town. I felt a bit excited.

We asked passersby for directions and headed for the free market. The free market is a place where, for a set fee, you can sell goods. Conversely, it means you cannot sell goods elsewhere without permission. Since I want to live a peaceful life making things in this world, I want to follow the rules actively.

Shortly after entering the town, Sermia and I arrived at the free market. We paid a silver coin at the entrance, received a wooden permit and a sales stand, and then looked for an empty spot. The best spots were already taken by merchants who arrived earlier or local workshops, so we had to find a slightly better spot and set up there.

Once we set up, we arranged the knives and scythes on the sales stand and leaned the hoes and axes against it. With that, our sales preparations were complete.

"Let's do our best today."

I said to Sermia, who was our important bodyguard for the day.

"Yeah, but I think I'll just be standing around, you know?"

Sermia shrugged, but you never know what might happen.

About two hours passed without incident. It was good that nothing bad happened, but we didn't sell anything. Even when I called out to people passing by, they rarely bought anything. These products are durable, so people don't often need to replace them. However, there's nothing else I can make and sell easily. I might have to keep coming and wait for sales, but that would deplete my funds...

As I waited for customers with a growing sense of frustration, which made Sermia a bit nervous and kept customers away, one of the few familiar faces appeared. It was the guard who had checked us when we entered the town.

"Hey, are you selling anything?"

"No, not at all."

"Really? That's a shame."

"Yep."

"Well, that's perfect. Can you sell me a knife?"

"Huh?"

"When I checked you, I thought, 'These are professional-grade.' My current one can't be sharpened or repaired, so I wanted a new one. I would have been disappointed if you had sold them all before my shift ended."

"Thank you, that's very kind of you."

As I said this, I handed him one of the knives on display.

"Feel free to try it out."

"Really? Thanks!"

The guard eagerly drew the knife.

"Wow, this is great. How much is it?"

"It's five silver coins."

We had decided on this price before coming here, after discussing it with Sermia. It seems to be a price that people in the town can barely afford.

"Is that cheap enough?"

"Of course."

It's a bit rushed and not the best, but...

"Alright, here you go."

"Thank you, I confirm. Thank you very much."

I received five silver coins from the guard. This is the first money I've earned directly from something I made. It's quite moving.

"If this knife is good, I'll recommend it to the other guards."

"Really? Thank you so much!"

I said to the guard with a beaming smile. The guard waved and left.

In the end, this one knife was the only thing I sold that day. As we walked home, Sermia and I talked about how it would be nice if this led to more sales.