𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫
“It didn’t work out after all, huh.”
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While picking at her salad in the restaurant, Sicily muttered.
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“Guess impromptu attempts just don’t cut it. Especially in a foreign country.”
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In the three days since then, up to their rendezvous with the 《Blue Sky Hawk》, the trio had been scouring the city for new business contacts, but to no avail.
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“Seems like the unions are strong in a trading city like this. You need at least a letter of introduction to get anywhere.”
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“Or be subjected to some terribly unfair barter deals.”
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Luke and Alma nodded in agreement.
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Every merchant they visited first asked if they had a letter of introduction from a union-affiliated trader.
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They were even told that doing business in this city without connections was impossible, not just once or twice.
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They were either quoted ridiculously low prices or offered trade deals with unsellable goods.
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So, without finding any trade partners, they were approaching the day to reunite with the 《Blue Sky Hawk》 tomorrow.
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“Maybe it’s more practical to establish some credentials with the 《Blue Sky Hawk》.”
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“I guess that’s what it comes down to.”
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Sicily sighed and rested her chin on the table.
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“Now, Sicily, that’s bad manners.”
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“Even if you say that, we’re heading towards a huge loss at this rate.”
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“Speaking of which, we need to buy provisions for the expedition starting tomorrow.”
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“Really? Won’t they prepare that for us?”
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After finishing their meal, the three of them left the restaurant, discussing this.
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“I think they’ll provide it, but it’s better to be prepared for any situation.”
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“I agree. Otou-sama always made sure everyone had their own rations during dungeon raids.”
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“That means more expenses. But, can’t be helped, I guess…”
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“What the heck! You said you’d buy it last time, didn’t you!”
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It was when the three were passing by the side of the restaurant that a loud voice came from the back alley.
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“What could it be?”
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Curious, they peered in to see two figures arguing at the entrance of the kitchen.
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“That’s why I’m saying the situation has changed. It’s impossible if it’s impossible.”
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“Don’t joke with me! Are you breaking a promise we made once! How can you tolerate such a thing!”
A slender redhead woman was fiercely confronting a chef.
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“It’s impossible. Listen, you’re not affiliated with the union, right? If it gets out that we’re dealing with someone like you, it’s bad for us.”
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“Can’t help it! I can’t follow those who only demand bribes!”
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“No means no! If you keep pestering, I’ll call the guards!”
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The chef roughly pushed the woman away and closed the kitchen door.
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“Damn it! Breaking a promise! Is that how a businessman behaves!”
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The woman continued to shout, sitting on the ground, but there was no sign of the door opening.
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“Are you alright?”
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Luke rushed over to help the woman up.
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“Ah, thank you. Just you wait, I’ll never sell to them again after they sweet-talked and now refuse to buy.”
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The woman thanked Luke, still grumbling at the restaurant.
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“Is this… jerky?”
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As Luke picked up the scattered items from the woman’s bag, he muttered.
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“Yes. It’s made in a nearby village. It lasts longer and tastes better than the jerky sold in city. And it’s half the price!”
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The woman proudly puffed her chest but soon slumped her shoulders in frustration.
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“This restaurant was thrilled to buy at first, but when they found out I’m not in the union, this is what happened. Now I’m in a big loss.”
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“…Then, could you sell this jerky to us?”
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“Really, doing business in this city… What did you say now?”
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The woman was surprised by Luke’s unexpected words.
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“Actually, we are going on a hunt tomorrow and were looking for food to take with us. Indeed, this jerky seems of high quality, perfect for our journey.”
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“Is, is that okay? I mean, I’m still new and can’t do credit sales. But if you’re okay with cash, I’ll sell as much as you want…”
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“Of course, we’ll pay right away. If you can give us a better deal than the market price, that’s great.”
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“Luke, is it okay?”
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Alma asked worriedly, to which Luke nodded.
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“The quality is good. With this, we can stay in the dungeons for several days without a problem. Why don’t you try some?”
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“Ah, yes, please do taste it. You’ll understand its goodness once you eat it.”
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Luke cut a bit of the jerky and handed it to Sicily and Alma, also tasting some himself.
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“””?!”””
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Their expressions changed dramatically as they cautiously tasted it.
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“Delicious!”
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“This is… unexpected.”
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Luke’s eyes widened in surprise.
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The dried meat was well-seasoned with herbs and salt, edible as is.
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“Oh no, this makes me want a drink.”
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Sicily muttered while chewing.
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“Right? It’s made by the best craftsman in the village! Good enough for high-end restaurants. Great as is, but also makes excellent soup.”
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“With this, our meal becomes even richer. By the way, how much?”
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“One silver coin per pack, but I’ll give you three for two coins.”
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“So… can I take all nine packs here?”
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“””All of them?!”””
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Sicily and a woman exclaimed in unison.
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“Well, it’s a big help for me, but are you sure?”
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“Hey, Luke! That’s a bit much…”
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“It’s okay, I’ll pay. It’s good stuff, want to take some as gifts.”
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“Really? Then five silver coins for all! This really helps me restock!”
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The woman’s eyes filled with tears of joy.
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Sicily sighed as if making a decision.
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“Okay! I’ll pay for it!”
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“You sure?”
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“Yes! I’m the sponsor this time, so I’ll pay. It’s necessary, and besides…”
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Sicily said this and looked at the woman.
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“I understand the struggle of selling goods, as a fellow merchant.”
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“You’re a merchant too?”
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The woman looked at Sicily in surprise.
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“Yes, a newbie though. I’m from the Arrogas Kingdom, looking for buyers.”
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“Is that so… Oh no! Look at the time! Sorry, I have to go, I have other errands!”
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The woman hastily took the money, handed Luke the dried meat, and dashed out of the alley.
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“I’m Natalia! Hope we meet again!”
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She shouted and disappeared into the night crowd.
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“She was quite something, huh.”
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Alma said, astonished, watching her leave.
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“But this adds to the excitement for tomorrow’s dungeon adventure.”
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Luke said with a smile, taking a bite of the dried meat.
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