Bargaining.
As we entered the merchant district, the bustle and liveliness grew, and the streets became crowded.
The noble district, so to speak, is like a quiet residential area in the modern sense, and the closer you get to the palace, the more it becomes a high-end neighborhood for the elite—completely removed from any sort of hustle and bustle.
In comparison, the merchant district houses grand, prosperous business residences closer to the noble district, while storefronts and stalls increase as you get closer to the downtown area. This variety attracts a range of customers, and shouts inviting them in come from all directions.
Having lived in a downtown area in my previous life, I prefer this kind of lively atmosphere. Still, I don’t mind the serene vibe from my current life as a noble lady. I mean, high-class living is amazing! Though, I seem to be cooking more than I’d like to…
But, setting that aside, as we approached the center of the merchant district, our carriage gradually slowed and finally stopped at a designated station.
Since we couldn’t ride the carriage right up to the stall, we’d walk from here. With Shin leading and guarded by Mashiro and Kurogane, we headed towards the stall.
I spotted the spice stall in the same location as before, and there, a certain young shopkeeper was attending to a customer.
“That’s the guy—the one who told me to bring you here,” Shin said, confirming my suspicion as we approached. The shopkeeper spotted me, grinned, and greeted me.
“Oh, hey. So, have you used it on the person you had in mind yet? Or did your folks confiscate it before you could even try?”
What a rude and annoying line of questioning. But I was a little relieved, as it didn’t seem like he’d called me here just to complain or make trouble.
“Good day. Oh no, I don’t have any use for aphrodisiacs myself. But I did use the item you threw in as a gift for cooking. Thank you for that.”
“Wait, what? … For cooking?”
As I told him the plain truth, he looked at me as if he’d heard something absurd. How rude.
“No, no, no. Cooking? How could you turn *that* into a dish? And why would you even think of cooking it? Do you even understand what it is you used?”
I had to wonder—did he expect me to come yelling and demanding to know how to make and use aphrodisiacs from those cocoa beans? Was he planning to say, “That info comes with a price?”
“It took quite a bit of grinding to prepare, but our chefs are skilled.”
I replied with a calm smile. The shopkeeper’s frustrated expression hinted that, perhaps, people here use the beans to make something akin to a chocolate drink too.
“... Interesting. I don’t know where you got ahold of the secret recipe for our country’s aphrodisiac, but knowing the preparation method alone means you understand maybe half of its true worth, at best.”
Hmm? Secret recipe? Isn’t it just about grinding it?
“If you’re interested in understanding its value, I’d be willing to tell you for a price.”
He added, now eyeing me with the gaze of a hawk zeroing in on its prey.
Wait a minute—is he talking about the magic-boosting effects? That could be a valuable piece of knowledge in a world where magic power is everything.
Would he really share that kind of information with a young girl like me? Or is this a card he intends to hold over my parents later?
It’s a little unsettling that he seems to view me as some “fascinating girl,” but please, can we just buy the cocoa beans without any fuss? Before Shin gets an ulcer!
Also, it looks like the shopkeeper’s subordinates behind him are visibly anxious about what he’s doing. “Sir, you shouldn’t be saying this here!” they’re whispering in panic. And he’s just snapping back, “Shut it!” What a tyrant!
“So, you mean regarding the effect on magic power, correct? I am aware of that. Actually, I was hoping to buy more for further testing. So, if you have it in stock, I’d like to purchase as much as you have.”
I made my move, letting him know I’d figured out his angle. If this smooths things over with the Mayor Company, then even better. He’s run out of cards now, so just sell us the beans already!
“Wha—! You even know that much? Who… are you?”
He spluttered, his expression turning dark as he lunged toward me.
“Eek!”
Before he could grab me, Kurogane intercepted, seizing his hand and pulling him back.
“Ugh…!”
“Do not touch my Lord with your filthy hands.”
Kurogane growled.
“Do you want to be torn to pieces?”
Mashiro added, stepping in front of me protectively. Though he only looked like a boy glaring, the ground beneath him was frosting over, thin ice creeping toward the shopkeeper.
“Your Highness!”
One of the shopkeeper’s men called in a panic, reaching for a weapon, but Kurogane’s glare made them freeze in place.
Wait—did he just say “Your Highness”?
Did that man call him “Your Highness”?
Is this shopkeeper actually the royal envoy everyone’s been expecting? He’s our main guest!
What on earth are you doing here!?
“… What in the world are you doing?”
Came a familiar voice that seemed to echo my inner thoughts. Thank you, whoever you are—yes, please, let him have it!
“…Leo-san!?”
I blurted out, almost forgetting to address him properly. I turned around to find Leon-sama looking at us with a very unimpressed expression.
What do you think about this chapter?
