Edrin walked to the counter and spoke in a slightly respectful tone,
"Sir Nicole, we’d like to have your special dish."
Nicole replied in a firm voice,
"It will cost you one silver coin."
Edrin paid without hesitation and returned to sit beside Aaron.
"Well, Aaron, since you’re heading to Green Fort, which route will you take?"
Aaron looked puzzled.
"I’m not sure. Can you explain the options?"
Edrin’s words caught the attention of both the arrogant man nearby and Nicole, who subtly leaned in.
"There are two ways to reach Green Fort. One is by water, it takes about two weeks. But you’ll need your own boat, crew, and supplies. It’s costly."
"The other option is by road. That takes four weeks. You’ll face bandits, wild animals, and possibly monsters. Most monsters stay within the Forbidden Zone, but some do wander. Thankfully, they’re usually only apprentice knight level."
Aaron fell silent, weighing the risks and costs.
"Can’t I just hire a boat to take me there?"
Edrin shook his head.
"Most ships are owned by merchants. They only sail to profitable destinations. When they travel, they take specialists from Starfall City, and on the return trip, they bring back goods to sell here."
Aaron nodded slowly, absorbing the reality.
"So... what’s the cost of a ship?"
Edrin thought for a moment.
"Remember Garric’s boat?"
"It cost him ninety gold coins. It can carry up to thirty people and around fifty wooden barrels of goods."
Aaron weighed his options silently.
Traveling by sea seemed safer, no bandits, no wild beasts, no monsters.
But the cost... a third of his entire wealth for a single ship.
Just then, the arrogant man nearby spoke,
"Hello. Are you looking to buy a ship?"
Aaron and Edrin turned, surprised.
"What’s the price? By the way, I’m Aaron."
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The man gave a calm nod.
"Torvald. Torvald Ravenscar. I can sell you a ship for seventy gold coins."
Aaron’s eyes narrowed slightly.
"Mr. Torvald, I’ll need time, probably a week, to gather the funds."
Torvald considered this, then replied,
"Alright. One week is the most I can give. After that, I’ll look for other buyers."
"Where can I find you if I’m ready to buy?"
Torvald smiled faintly.
"I own a shop on Carpenter Road. It’s called Ravenscar. Your friend might’ve heard of it."
"Of course! I’ve heard of Mr. Torvald, the genius businessman. But I didn’t expect to meet you in person."
Torvald shook his head, his voice calm but distant.
"I’m not a genius businessman, as people say. Just a little luckier than most."
Edrin chuckled, clearly unconvinced.
"You jest. Everyone knows you became a master craftsman at just fourteen. I still remember watching you craft that lifelike portrait, it was breathtaking. After selling it, you earned your fortune and opened Ravenscar. Your shop sells everything from fine tools to the famous wardrobes that nobles rave about."
His eyes gleamed with admiration.
But Torvald’s expression remained unchanged.
"Even if I was a genius craftsman... so what? It didn’t stop others from suppressing me."
He paused, then added with a hint of finality,
"I’m selling the shop. Maybe next week, I’ll leave Starfall City and look for new opportunities."
Aaron’s eyes flickered with resolve.
"Mr. Torvald, would you consider coming to my territory and working there?"
Torvald’s gaze sharpened.
"So... you’re a noble?"
Aaron’s expression remained calm, unwavering.
"Indeed. I’ll receive my badge and certificate tomorrow. And Green Fort, my territory, will officially begin operations then."
Torvald’s voice rose, tinged with disbelief.
"The one near the Forbidden Zone? If you want to die, go alone. Don’t drag me into it."
His tone was excited, almost mocking, but beneath it was a flicker of genuine concern.
Aaron, unfazed, replied calmly,
"Mr. Torvald, since you’re not interested, do you have any craftsmen under you who might be willing to leave? I might as well try my luck."
Looking at the calm expression on Aaron’s face, Torvald felt a flicker of something rare, respect, maybe even curiosity.
This young noble was different.
In the history of the Verdia Kingdom, territories near the Forbidden Zone were considered cursed lands.
Most nobles, upon being appointed to such places, either fled or renounced their titles within months.
Few lasted more than three years.
Torvald shook his head, his tone firm.
"I doubt anyone would willingly travel with you. Of course, you could try your luck at the slave market."
Aaron nodded, his expression thoughtful.
Just then, Nicole arrived, placing two steaming plates on the table.
"Guests, the food is hot. Please enjoy it slowly."
Aaron offered a quiet thanks and turned his attention to the dish.
He stirred it gently, noticing its resemblance to oatmeal from his previous life, though this version was richer, infused with vegetables, salt, and spices.
He scooped a spoonful, blew on it softly, and tasted it.
The flavor was warm, earthy, and surprisingly good.
A few minutes later, Aaron turned to Edrin.
"Edrin, what about you? Would you consider coming with me to my territory?"
Edrin paused, then shook his head.
"Aaron, I’ve got a family to feed. I can’t take that kind of risk. But if you ever need help in Starfall City, you can count on me."
Aaron nodded, unsurprised.
He respected Edrin’s choice, it was grounded, practical.
"Can you lead me to the slave market?" he asked calmly.
Edrin smiled, standing up.
"Of course. But just so you know, slaves aren’t cheap these days."
Aaron stood up, curiosity in his voice.
Edrin rubbed his chin, thinking.
"Depends on the type of slave you want. The most common, illiterate laborers, cost about one silver coin for men, two for women. Children go for twenty to thirty copper coins."
Aaron blinked, stunned.
But the implications weighed heavier than the price.
Edrin watched his reaction, then asked,
"So, Aaron, do you want to visit the slave market now or in the evening?"