Fateful Encounter

Anyway, I didn't need to cut parchment right now, so I browsed for other magic items.

"We don't carry them here, but there are Golems. Interested?"

"Golems? Those exist?"

"Sure. They're pricier than a wagon and horse set, though."

Don't try selling that to a peddler.

"Got anything more practical?"

"Well, one of our best-sellers is a firestarter. Three silvers."

"Can I see it?"

He produced a tangerine-sized sphere. You stick it in firewood and press a switch to ignite it. Supposedly it's reusable about ten times.

"… Kinda expensive and awkward."

"Noble households use them in their fireplaces. The fact that they break after a while makes them a nice cash cow."

"I see. Anything more suited to adventurers or peddlers?"

"Hmm, we might not have anything like that. Oh, how about that thing on the shelf? Five large coppers — pretty affordable."

The shelf held another tangerine-sized orb. What's this?

"Press the button and it makes noise and vibrates. I made it ages ago for practice — it's a toy for entertaining babies."

"Hoh… Hm?"

A vibrating orb…!?

"Can I try it?"

"Go ahead."

With permission, I pressed the switch. It let out a toy-trumpet toot and started buzzing.

"… Hrm."

It was vibrating. Even when I gripped it firmly, the vibration didn't weaken — pretty strong.

"The sound is annoying. Do you have one without the sound?"

"Huh? The sound is what entertains the kid. When my daughter was a baby—"

"Don't need it. I'll buy a silent one."

"… Then let me pop it open and remove the sound module."

He pulled out a flathead-like tool, popped the orb open, and removed a part. Huh, so that was the sound unit.

"That should do it. Without the sound part, three large coppers."

"Seriously? Then I'll take two more. Here's one silver — consider the extra a labor fee."

"Fine by me… For the lotion, let's say 10 pouches with 10% off — 11 pouches for 10 silvers. How about 33 pouches total?"

Hm? That math doesn't quite add up to 10% off… but whatever.

Considering the usual travel costs, stuffing my backpack full wouldn't yield much profit. But more importantly, there were these orbs.

"Heh heh heh, this will sell. It will sell…!"

"Really? Without the sound? Even an alchemy beginner could make that."

Oops, I was thinking out loud. Oh well — product development is key for a merchant.

"How about it, shopkeep. Want to sign a contract with me?"

"Contract? That's a sudden escalation."

"I've got an idea to make it even more sellable. You won't lose out… I think. Probably."

"Sounds fishy. No thanks. I'll sell you the lotion, but then please leave."

Mm. He didn't trust me enough.

… Well, if vibration alone is simple enough for a beginner alchemist…

That means I can make it myself!!

In fact, for fine-tuning, I should make it myself!!!

"Then teach me how to make it. Or tell me where I can learn."

"I've got an old alchemy textbook. Ten silvers and it's yours."

"Sold!! That's 41 silvers total!"

"Can you even pay—… yes, you can. Come again."

Heck yeah! Alchemy knowledge, acquired!

Once I pick up alchemy, combined with woodworking, I can make all sorts of things… like a massager!!