Chapter 86.2 - The First Year at the Academy - Invitation From A Merchant (2)
The preparations for [Magic Tool Creation] are making things complicated.
I have no choice but to leave the soaked magic stones unattended, which forces me to draw the line on what I can carry.
I could pay the dormitory fees and move the vat to the dorm, but I'd still have to visit daily to exchange the solution.
Wait, does this mean I won't be able to go on overnight trips?
That didn't cross my mind.
The solution exchange. I guess I'll have to ask someone for help.
It's just a matter of replacing the solution, so no special skills are needed.
In any case, these are valuable items.
I'll leave only the important things at the adventurers' guild.
If my home's magic stones are stolen, I'll have no choice but to give up.
I chose to rent a house for concocting and earn money for daily life.
I have no intention of converting the magic stones used for [Magic Tool Creation] into money, and nothing else would be troublesome if stolen.
As I'm pondering the situation, Samini speaks up casually.
"I have a suggestion. How about joining the Merchant Guild?"
"Does that mean… the Merchant Guild also provides storage services?"
"Yes, exactly."
According to Samini, they store a wagon's worth of goods for five silver coins.
It's a one-month arrangement with free access to the goods during that period, and the extension fee is the same.
If the payment is overdue, they confiscate the stored items, so most merchants pay several months in advance and then retrieve everything before the deadline, receiving a refund for the difference.
It costs one gold coin as an annual membership fee, but for an annual contract, it's only seven gold coins.
It's quite affordable, and I can store the vat for alchemical solutions that amount to a wagon's worth.
"Moreover, as a member, you can entrust us with high-value goods for sale or auction services. Additionally, when you encounter any business disputes, the guild will mediate on your behalf."
"That's reassuring, but…"
It would be even more reassuring if it didn't involve business.
As I'm pretending to be hesitant, I watch Sammyini closely. This was her aim, right?
She proposed the idea of slaves but then retracted it and presented a cheaper storage service than the adventurers' guild.
But I don't understand. Why does she want me to join the Merchant Guild so badly?
Let's probe a little.
"If I were to have a conflict with other nobles and couldn't receive support from my family, would the Merchant Guild help me then?"
"If it's a business-related dispute, and if it's proven that Alter-sama is not at fault, the Merchant Guild will provide full support."
"Even if it's against a major noble?"
"Our motto is smooth circulation and disciplined business practices."
Samini smiles.
With my arms crossed, I ask a mischievous question.
"That's reassuring. So, if the opponent is Sage, would you still help me?"
For a moment, Samini wears a wry smile.
Then, she bows her head slightly.
"Even if it means setting up base headquarters, I will maintain the merchant's principles."
Sage is a city-state similar to Selene.
It's the headquarters of the Merchant Guild and is effectively ruled by merchants.
It's also part of the Colges Confederation, which has had numerous conflicts with the Baromat Kingdom, whom the Reedwald Baron family opposes.
In ancient times, they monopolized the production of Veriates coins, and all the Veriates gold coins stored in the unseen warehouse were from Sage.
She seems serious about it.
Does Samini value me that much?
She knows about the incident with the unseen mansion, right?
It's possible, but councilors don't have significant information. Only Elphimia and I know the details, and we wouldn't talk about it.
If that's not the case. Oh, I see. Potions.
As I realize it, everything falls into place.
During the first-term exam, I concocted high-quality healing potions.
Although they are expensive, it's not that rare.
What's crucial is that the creator, me, is unaffiliated.
Typically, an alchemist of that level would be affiliated with the Magic Guild.
Not just the selling rights of potions, but also material acquisition, and extensive knowledge, there's no reason not to belong to it.
In contrast, my affiliation is solely with the Adventurer Guild.
Moreover, I'm a second son of a rural noble family, and there's even a possibility that I'll become a commoner in the future.
If they recruit me, they can procure excellent potions without intermediaries. I must be quite an attractive proposition for them.
"I wouldn't have to think about it that much if you put it that way. However, I'm a noble, and I'm not doing business. Selling potions is out of the question."
"Haha, that's too bad."
Samini removes her mask easily and grins.
"Well, it was all a joke. I appreciate the invitation, but I can't join the Merchant Guild. You know that, right? The Reewald family is at odds with the Colges Confederation."
"Only the Balomat Kingdom, right?"
"It's the same. While we won't assist with invasions, if you get attacked, we would give full support. That's the Colges Confederation's pact. If we were to retaliate, Sage would become a clear enemy."
"The intentions of the country and the guild's headquarters are different…"
Saying that much, Samini shakes her head, conceding.
"Even if I argue that would anyone believe me? Well, let's forget about it. Now, about the letter to my family…"
I hand over the letter, which expresses gratitude for the financial support and gives an update on my situation without stirring up any trouble.
"Understood. I'll arrange it immediately. Ah, the handling fee is not necessary."
Samini stops me as I take out a money pouch.
You're already trying to repay the favor, huh?
It's fine to have expectations, but I can't imagine having so many magical tools to make.
Oh well, let's start by delivering some potions at least.
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This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦