"Good morning Mary-sensei…" What is this, a cold shoulder? She simply ignored my presence and moved off. Well, it works for me, better than destroying the world.
"Chloe, what is your element?"
"Show me"
What? It ended up like a barrier similar to Jennifer's. But this? Are you trying to be a moving sunscreen by blocking the whole area into darkness?
I made sure there was no wind, I placed a strand of my hair on the tip of my finger, resting.
"Try black hole, 0.1 second."
"Dark magic activate."
…Wow?? The hair was extra.
And Chloe? Wake up! Don't lose consciousness on me!
———
Since my class prematurely ended, I had extra time. Heads to smithy and tails to depths of forest.
Heads. And here I am. This was definitely the correct place, the overwhelming presence of heat, the sound of metals being hammered.
"Oh, a guest who approached me? Instead of getting away from the heat, you are coming closer?" This old man, is short. Is he human or dwarf?
"I can't place my order without getting closer." Heh, never imagined the day I'd end up saying this. "Any sample weapon for me to hold before I place my order?"
"Someone who hasn't made up their mind huh...? You can try your hands on those on the corner. Those are what I made from leftovers."
He left, went back to the anvil. "What is that actually made of?" I asked, pointing to that very anvil he was going to use.
"This? Accident. Originally I was supposed to be making steel. But I dropped a copper coin into it and I doubt I could sell that. Might as well make it into something."
Steel? You have steel? "Would you know who introduced the idea of steel?"
"Of course, it was Hero Tomoya." The short guy replied impatiently.
"As in the Tomoya of Kingdom Tomoya?"
"Yes, aren't you the sensei who hit your head? You should visit the academy records or library or some sorts. Just look for it in history instead of fairytale."
"You have my thanks. I'll be back when I get myself something interesting." I left.
———
I am always headed to Sally's place. Not because I am particularly interested of her.
Even whem I boosted triple science PHD, the only cooking I knew is more towards nutritional based. Flavour wise? Maybe worse than Sally's. Unless I have free flow condiments.
Same as level 1 set. It now comes with 2 cups of milk instead of one. For just 25 copper coins! Limited new launch promo!>
Wow, level 2 is simply extra spicy and extra milk, top up another 10 copper? If the flavor were not currently monopolised by her she definitely can't do this.
"You must be thinking why does it sell right?" Sally initiated the conversation this time.
"You've seen right through me this time. And? What is it about?" Fulfil my curiosity.
"It was at the moment you dared me into tasting this thing…."
"Chili." I interrupted.
"Chili huh… Anyway, it was then you introduced the idea as for the steeled. Warriors here have their pride too. Being able to face dozens to hundreds of goblins but not able to handle a sting on the tongue is basically humiliation. There are already merchants asking for the recipe. But I haven't gave them a proper reply yet."
That? You just reminded me of fools doing idodic stuff in the name of viral challenge.
"Look, I think I know where you're coming from. But let's face it. Attempting to monopolise with your current status is asking for the impossible.
For a hefty price, go ahead and sell them the idea of chili. But supplying them is another question. Make the most out of it, and make sure you are properly acknowledged as the person they bought this info from.
Else, you can forget about using chili again."
"Cautious as ever. You had a plan in your mind?"
"For one, you can be my sole distributor, eventually growing your own chili. But if you are doing that. Not only you lose time for this tavern, a huge investment is needed, and a bad weather can ruin everything.
For another, you can try just sprouting it. Sell them actual, growing viable plant. It is up to them to trial and error. But it will still take up a lot of space. And you'd probably be too drained to be handling tavern activities."
"Pause. Tavern activity must go on. Regardless of reason."
Oh? Regardless of reason? Your reason must be huge. Let me guess. The tavern is actually a spot for info gathering, you are an informant or some sorts… To Baron Miller? To some other nobles or merchants? Or perhaps… to the king, as part of the kingdom's intelligence network? Heck, the secret shall follow me to my grave.
"You could've hired more staff… that aside." I deliberately made my eye very relaxed and expressionless. "So, let me be curious for a bit. How is a small, humble tavern being able to monopolise something safely for a few days? You had backing? The baron? Some other nobles? Guilds or factions? Or is it… directly from the king? Say, how far did the word chili went? On the way to His Majesty? Nope. My guess is it was done first day. You are waiting for someone's reply and is thinking of something to buy yourself time. Right? D.E.A.R. S.A.L.L.Y?"
"Urgh, you…"Sally took a deep breath. "Fine, you saw right through me again. I surrender. Didn't I mentioned the merchants are eagerly waiting for my good news? But here I was waiting for the K… their news. You see, I usually run a one woman show, it was only an occasional occurrence that I am being sent an intern."
SENT eh? Either they are true newbies or they were here to check YOU out. Seems like you survived their trials.
"Anyways, your purpose for talking to me is to gain an insight or trigger for an idea to delay them right? It is actually simple. Just declare the plant is now fruitless and needs another season to fruit. But you had no time to be searching for another new plant. And just commissioning someone on new food ingredient is simply not wise. Go back to your normal stew until reply comes. They can't do anything if chili didn't even appear."
I'd let her decide this on her own. I cleared my tab and moved on.
Possibility of black hole actualization, Hero Tomoya, the strong backing Sally avoids mentioning it. Today is too fruitful, too much fruit that I think I am so going to have a diarrhoea.