𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬
“It’s good that we’re back, but won’t we just get rejected again like before?”
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“Yeah, so this time, I’m thinking of going to master’s place first.”
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Having returned to Mercapolis, Luke and his companions, led by Natalia, were walking along a road on the outskirts of the city.
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“Master?”
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“Yes, the person who taught me the basics of business. You might be surprised when you meet them.”
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“And this is my master.”
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“Who’s your master?”
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A hunched-over, eagle-headed beastkin frowned as he cut in.
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Luke and the others were led to a dilapidated, leaning hut barely standing on the outskirts of Mercapolis.
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“You must have come uninvited.”
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The elderly beastkin grumbled but still offered tea to Luke and his companions.
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“Sorry for intruding.”
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“No worries. My name is Falx Condor. I used to dabble in business in this city, but as you see, I’m retired now. Occasional visitors are welcome, except for self-proclaimed apprentices.”
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“Don’t say such cutting things~.”
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Natalia didn’t seem to mind at all.
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It was probably a common exchange between these two.
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“Hmph, always bringing impossible tasks to a poor old man. So, what brings you here this time?”
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Falx eased himself onto a worn sofa that seemed to be his own, saying “yoisho”.
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“Hehe, but first, a gift for master. Just a sip and you’ll be surprised.”
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Natalia, with a mischievous smile, took out a bottle of Crete liquor.
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“What’s this? Always bringing strange things. . .this, this is. . .?!”
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Falx, who had been suspiciously eyeing the Crete liquor poured into a cup, changed his expression the moment he brought it to his nose.
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His eyes sparkled even more after taking a sip.
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“This is. . . Crete liquor, isn’t it!”
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“I knew you’d recognize it. As expected of master.”
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“But I’ve never seen Crete liquor like this before. It’s clear too. What kind of magic did you use?”
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“That’s all thanks to Luke-sama here.”
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Natalia proudly pointed to Luke.
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“Yours. . .?”
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“No, it’s not exactly that I did it.”
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Luke introduced himself and then explained the events that had led them there.
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How the Crete liquor turned transparent and what changes it underwent as a result.
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“. . .I see, so that’s what happened. . .”
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After listening to Luke’s explanation, Falx leaned back on the sofa and let out a deep sigh.
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“They’re still making Crete liquor over there. . .”
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There was a faint trace of nostalgia and melancholy in his voice.
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“Master is originally from Crete Village.”
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“Don’t talk unnecessarily. . . but yes, that’s right.”
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Falx admonished Natalia, who was explaining in a low voice, with a wry smile.
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“Is that so?!”
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Leah widened her eyes in surprise.
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“It’s quite an old story, miss. Your face seems familiar. Perhaps you are Diana’s child?”
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“Diana is my grandmother! She passed away before I was born.”
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“Ho! Is that so, Diana’s granddaughter! You resemble that beauty. But granddaughter, huh, I’m getting old indeed.”
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Falx, smiling with narrowed eyes, sighed as if overwhelmed by emotion.
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“I’ve been frantically doing business since I left the village. Decades have passed without me returning. Hardly anyone would remember me now. This Crete liquor is entirely different from what I drank in my youth. The passage of time is indeed cruel. . .”
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The deep wrinkles at the corners of his eyes spoke of the years he had spent.
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“Master, I plan to sell this Crete liquor in Mercapolis.”
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Natalia began to speak.
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Her eyes were more serious than ever.
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“You know about the taste, master. Besides, this Crete liquor is different from before; it can be stored for a long time, reducing waste. Selling it could enrich your homeland. It’s an opportunity not to be missed.”
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“. . .Hmph, you’re speaking quite confidently now. It seems you are serious about this.”
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Falx grinned.
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“Alright, I’ll lend you my approval certificate. I’ll also talk to my acquaintances for you. But whether it sells or not depends on you.”
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“Thank you, master!”
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Natalia stood up excitedly.
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“Alright, now I can sell it with pride! I must get going right away!”
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“Hold on. We’re not done talking yet.”
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Falx firmly grabbed her shoulder.
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“What? I’m busy, you know.”
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“Not so fast! As a merchant, you should know to first make a contract! I’ll remind you, lending my certificate means I’ll take my share of the profits!”
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“Stingy! That should be fine!”
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“Fine? No way! Now, prepare the paper, we’ll draft the contract. Really, you always overlook such important matters. . .”
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“Wait, wait! Include me too! I’m involved in this project too, so I’m a stakeholder!”
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Sicily intervened between the two.
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“Sicily, was it? Fine, you can join. I’ll also teach you about the business customs of this city. They’re different from those in St. Arrogas.”
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“Thank you so much!”
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Luke could only smile wryly at the three, engrossed in their business talk.
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“Haha. . . what an incredible team.”
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“But Sicily seems to be enjoying it. Business must really suit her.”
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Alma smiled, watching the three engaged in their enthusiastic discussion.
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