Chapter 177

Raul, an honorable citizen of the Empire, was a vegetable wholesaler. A man proud of his work, he traveled to various estates exerting influence over farmland, bought vegetables at reasonably cheap prices, and provided quality vegetables to his customers. There was even a joke that all the vegetables in the imperial capital passed through his hands. That just showcased his remarkable business skills.

His contributions were acknowledged, and among vegetable merchants, he had the largest warehouse and the most customers, and for some vegetables, he even supplied directly to the imperial palace. The achievements he made within just a few years were almost surreal.

"Offering quality products at a fair price, consistently. That's just doing my duty as a good merchant. Repeating customers will naturally follow," Raul said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Of course, from his perspective, he was actually doing just that, but other merchants found it hard to understand.

"Consistency, sure, everyone does that. But matching the quality and price like you? Impossible."

"Why is that?"

"It's obvious! If the quality is good, the cost doesn't match, and if the cost matches, the quality isn't as… That's why we compromise somewhere in between."

"A merchant isn't someone who sells well, it's someone who buys well. You can sell well only if you buy well."

His words left the other merchants dumbfounded. It wasn't something they didn't know; it was just practically unachievable.

But Raul wasn't the type to blatantly belittle others. If he were, he wouldn't have gained such reputation and trust.

"Read it again between yourselves. If you still don't understand, there's nothing more I can do for you."

Raul willingly shared his know-how, which included what certain nobles liked, who was moody and could be easily persuaded to lower prices, and who seemed rational but was easily swayed by rumors.

The merchants were grateful but also intensely curious about how a commoner like him managed to obtain such intimate knowledge of nobles' lives.

When asked if he used magic, Raul scoffed and replied, "If I had magic, would I be selling vegetables here? I'd be reading books with the high and mighty in that tower. All that stuff is just what the grand and mighty nobles themselves have babbled about. I never even asked about them."

Of course, it was Raul who had instigated those conversations. But what could anyone else do about it? It wasn't something that they could do just because he told them about it.

Raul's benevolence only went so far. A lucky and diligent merchant, skillful in his own way.

However, the visitor who suddenly sought him out today seemed to expect more.

"Shahav?"

"Yes, Shahav."

"Never heard of it."

Raul tilted his head at the stranger's odd question. He couldn't comprehend it. Why would someone come to him, a mere vegetable wholesaler, with such a query?

"A desert city. Located in the Sleeping Desert."

"A desert city. Desert… A frightening place for someone who sells vegetables. No, wait, crisis is an opportunity. Maybe the prices are higher there? If I could safely distribute there…"

"Maya and Jin remember you."

"They're names I don't know."

"Even though they're elves who lived in the desert?"

"Why are you even here… I'm not sure what you have in mind by approaching me, but I have a lot to take care of. More than you can imagine."

"That's why I'm here."

"Not in that sense. I'm saying there's a lot I can do to you after all the trust I have gained and the money I have invested. Are you doing this because you want to experience the dungeon or something?"

"Raul."

Raul shook his head as if giving up.

"Fine, fine. That's my name. What do you want? If it's about cheap, quality vegetables, I'd be glad to help."

"You haven't been here for many years, have you?"

"True. Haven't settled for long. Why, planning to threaten me? To destroy everything I've built?"

"Hardly."

"Then? Well, anyways, I need to sleep. Do you realize what time the market opens?"

"Raul. How much do you think you can gain with just a few words?"

"A great deal."

"And the other merchants don't know that."

"They know, they just can't do it."

"They don't realize how remarkable it is."

"You're starting to grow on me. But like I said, I have work. If I'm going on a business trip…"

"What if I do it for you?"

"Why would I trust you? This isn't just about going and buying stuff."

"What do you need to buy, and from where?"

"Oh?"

Raul paused from packing his sacks of vegetables, finally understanding what the mysterious visitor wanted.

"You want to be my successor? Or a competitor? Either way, it's fresh… Have you done this before?"

"If it's about selling vegetables, no. If it's about gaining something from a few words, quite often."

Raul finally turned to face the visitor.

"A fresh response. Are you an adventurer?"

"Yes."

"ID."

"You can take a look at it later. Prejudice won't help when working."

"Prejudice? What's your class?"

"It's somewhat far-fetched from this."

"A thief?"

"Oh please."

"Why should I entrust you with this job?"

Raul was now fully engaged in the conversation. Until now, he had only humored the sudden visitor, but not anymore. He had successfully piqued Raul's interest.

"You should get some rest, you've been on your feet every day, since you don't have a replacement."

"I enjoy what I do."

"I can see that. A man who can live comfortably and still do his work."

"You talk as if you know me?"

"I know you're remarkable."

"Sounds different from what others mean by 'remarkable'… Fine, since you insist."

Raul's interest grew even more.

A mysterious visitor, an adventurer, revealing nothing of himself. In fact, that was part of the appeal.

"There's someone named Count Kensillis in the western part of the Empire. He loves growing plants, despite his appearance, and personally waters them."

He gave just enough information, no more than what he'd given to other merchants. Raul had two requests: to ask him to increase his supply of kail while significantly lowering the supply price. Raul was already getting a huge amount at a cheaper rate than other merchants. He would understand if the adventurer wanted to back out.

"The warp gate will be provided by you, right?"

"I have more than enough networks for logistics. So, can I take that as a yes?"

"Yes. Is that all you'll tell me?"

"What else do you need?"

"Something I can give. What you have, Raul."

"Nothing."

"When should I finish this by?"

"By three tomorrow morning."

"I'll be off then."

That was all the adventurer said. No complaints, no whining, as though that was all he needed.

'He probably won't make it.'

Raul watched the adventurer leave the warehouse, a smirk forming on one side of his mouth. The guy had guts, passion, and enough self-confidence.

Raul liked his attitude, but liking someone, and believing in their ability to complete a task were different matters.

'What kind of guy is he? Well, I'll see tomorrow.'

Raul didn't have high expectations. It was a given he would fail; he was ready to be impressed if even one of his two requirements was met. Complete failure was the expected outcome. He even considered the possibility of their relationship worsening.

'He's got me curious.'

The payoff was satisfying his curiosity. In a few hours, after a short sleep, he would know. Was this guy just another average Joe or someone truly intriguing?

* * *

And at two-thirty the next morning, Raul stared wide-eyed at the heaps of kail bags in the warehouse.

"…The supply has increased by 20% compared to before. The price?"

"I got it down by another 5%."

Raul was tempted to ask how he did it, but restrained himself. He didn't want to end up like the other merchants.

"Is it luck or skill?"

"You'll know after a few more times."

"Sucre fields are next to Count Kensillis's territory. The land is fertile, but the crop yield per area is low, always making supply difficult."

"Should I increase the supply?"

"You can raise the price up to 20%."

Sucre. A tasty and nutritious crop. However, once harvested, the land needed at least a year of rest, and it almost entirely consumed the soil's nutrients, requiring a large area for cultivation. The conditions for growing it were extremely demanding.

'There's no way he'll make it this time.'

It was extremely unlikely. Raul purposely chose the area next to Count Kensillis's territory because rumors spread quickly among lords with shared hobbies.

The next day.

"…Hah." Raul was at a loss for words.

"Did they just give this to you?"

"I asked for it."

"And they just handed it over?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I raised the price."

Raul's head spun.

"You didn't pay three times the price, did you? Surely not?"

"I raised it by 20%, as you instructed."

"Are you a wizard?"

"No."

"Did you steal this?"

"No."

"Did you buy it with your own money?"

"Do I look that rich?"

He didn't. The adventurer looked rather impoverished, typical of those new to this world from outside the Empire.

"Then what?"

"Now we're really talking. How curious are you?"

"Enough to vaguely remember things outside the Empire."

"How about the name Shahav?"

"Barely."

"Seems I need to show you more."

"Curiosity fades over time. Getting vegetables cheaply won't pique my interest any further."

He had entrusted an impossible task and witnessed its completion. Now, anything else would seem like a repeat performance.

"Did you know adventurers each have unique abilities?"

"Spill it. I'm ready to listen."

"I'm good with words."

"Not a bad opening line."

"That's my ability."

"I liked the first sentence."

The excitement quickly faded. Raul had no intention of showing more interest in the adventurer, especially not for cheap wordplay…

"…?"

Raul paused, feeling a familiar sensation. The adventurer said nothing, but his intent was clear.

"I have a feeling I should believe whatever you're about to say from now on."

"I'm serious."

"You were. Not because of this, but because that was really your ability."

Raul adjusted his posture, feeling more intensely interested than he had in a long time.

"I remember Shahav now. And our elf friends too. Got anything else to show?"