We Talked With The Man In Charge
I sat down on one of the chairs after Sebastian.
“So… What are you looking for in particular?”
“Indeed… I hear that a disease has been spreading in this town. Can you show me something that would be effective for that? I do not live here, but I want to have some, just in case. Buying things in advance is one of the basics of business.”
“Of course, of course… I see you have a good eye! In fact, we detected the spread of the disease earlier than anyone, and have prepared some medicine!”
The mad sauntered away to the counter on the right.
And then he came back with a bottle of light purple liquid, which he placed on the table.
…Thanks to my enhanced senses, I had seen the man’s face twitch at the mention of a spreading disease.
“This medicine was made with herbs. One sip of it and you will be healed… Quite wonderful!”
“Hmm… Yes, it seems to be of good quality.”
While he listened to the man’s explanation, Sebastian pushed the suspicious looking bottle towards me.
I picked it up and pretended to inspect it while singing its praises.
“Yes, it is! It is! In this store, you will find only the best medicine!”
I did not miss the smirk on his face when I said that the medicine was good.
“Now, let’s see something else…”
Sebastian urged, and a few other herbs and medicines were brought out.
All of them looked quite strange in color, and it was obvious that they had been diluted.
As for the herbs, most looked wilted.
…The man insisted that this state made them more effective, but I knew that it wasn’t the case.
As for how I knew, it was because I had made the same thing for Mr. Kalis’s store.
Through Weed Cultivation, I transformed them into the best state. And they did not look like they were on the verge of dying.
“Hmm… What do you think?”
“Yes. They are all of astonishingly good quality.”
When Sebastian asked me this, I exclaimed that the herbs and medicine were all excellent.
I was not a very good liar… I felt nervous, and knew I wasn’t being very convincing.
…And even though I smiled… I probably looked very tense.
“I see… Well, Mr. Wood. What would you say to a contract with His Grace, Duke Liebert?”
The man was startled when he heard this.
Well, it had come so suddenly.
“Yes. In fact, I am a servant of that house. And I heard that you are well-connected to a certain count… And since you have such an undeniable reputation, His Grace thought it would be a gesture of goodwill to the count.”
“I-I see. Of course. Yes, the count will be very happy to hear it! …I thought that I heard of you… So you must be the butler… Yes, what an opportunity this is.”
The last part was muttered quietly, but I still heard it.
While he had been cautious at first, the idea of being able to sell great quantities of medicine to the duke had eased his mine.
“Well, we must make a contract at once then! Which medicine will you buy?”
“Mr. Wood, please calm down. These things should not be rushed.”
“Ye-yes, of course. Hahaha! I forgot myself for a moment. Do forgive me.”
“Hohoho. It is not a bad thing for a merchant to be very aggressive.”
Due to this sudden opportunity presenting itself…the man became rather flustered and hurriedly tried to move things along.
But Sebastian stopped him. Also…I was not sure that I agreed with him that merchants should be so aggressive..
Well, nevermind that.
I saw that Sebastian’s eyes looked sharper. Was it time…?
“Mr. Wood. Before we get to the details of the contract, I have something from His Grace.”
“Oh…you do? And what is it?”
Sebastian took out the two bottles and placed them on the table.
It was the bottled wine that had been prepared at the mansion.
“My master was incredibly pleased when he heard of the splendid quality of your products, and how you have contributed to the unfortunate townspeople. And so he wanted to make a gift to you…of wine made on his own lands.”
It seemed rather odd for a duke to send a mere store some wine…but the man was just staring at the bottle. It seemed like he hadn’t even been listening to Sebastian.
…Well, at least things were going according to plan.
“Excuse me, but could you provide the wine glasses? We will make a toast to celebrate the contract. My master wanted me to make you drink it immediately, to see if it is to your liking.”
“Bu-bu-but… Is that wine…”
“What about it? This wine was selected by the duke himself. The taste and quality is among the best…”
“I-I see… Very well. Hey! Bring some glasses!”
Sebastian began to push, as if this was the pivotal moment. He emphasized that this was the duke’s wish.
Which had a lot of sway… For who could deny Mr. Ekenhart. While he still hesitated, the man called the clerk in the back and had him bring wine glasses.
“Sebastian, things are going well.”
“Indeed. He hasn’t noticed how strange this is… Though, he clearly knows about the wine.”
As the glasses were being prepared, Sebastian and I whispered to each other.
Thanks to the sense enhancements, we could talk even though our voices were barely audible.
Apparently, Sebastian had been making doubtful excuses on purpose.
But the man didn’t notice. And because he knew about the wine, he didn’t realize how strange this turn of events was.
Why would wine be prepared for strangers who were not favored? And why should the duke insist on it being drunk right away?