Chapter 37 - The Bustling Cart
I thought the adventurer looked familiar, and then I realized it was Franz and his companions whom I had met on the way to Nirouette.
“Who would have thought we’d run into each other again so soon, just a day later?”
“I was surprised too.”
Today, Eslina wasn’t wearing her usual deep green robe but was dressed in casual, easy-to-move-in clothes.
She wasn’t carrying her long staff either, and her braided hair was now flowing freely.
She looked completely off-duty.
Rick and Dormund had taken off their armor, but their outfits still gave off the same adventurer vibe as before.
“So, since you’re selling at a cart, does that mean you managed to register with the Merchant Guild without any issues?”
“Yeah. But as for Haku’s familiar registration, well... there were some complications...”
When I explained how I was immediately dragged off by the Merchant Guild Master right after registering, Rick nodded with a knowing look.
“Orlando-san used to be an A-rank adventurer, after all.”
I knew it—that old man wasn’t just anyone.
He had instantly recognized Haku as a White Fenrir. He must have been through some intense battles.
“But considering the future, it’s better to explain the situation properly. In the end, it worked out well since someone reasonable showed up.”
“You’re right.”
No matter how much of a fuss it might cause, I couldn’t keep lying forever.
In the end, it was good that I could discuss things calmly with the guild’s top brass.
“Are you all on a day off?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“We just got back from a quest yesterday, after all.”
“And we’ve got some damaged equipment that needs repairing.”
Dormund traced the dented round shield with a sad expression.
There were also deep scratches on the shoulder guards, chest plate, and gauntlets. Without repairing them, adventuring would be out of the question.
“Hey, hey, are you selling the outdoor goods you were talking about in the camper van, Tohru? Can I take a look?”
“Sure, but what about your equipment repairs?”
“I’m just tagging along.”
Eslina, being a rear-guard mage, didn’t need to worry about equipment maintenance.
“I’m curious about your outdoor goods, Tohru! We’ll come back as soon as we’re done with the repairs!”
With business at the weapon shop, Franz and the others hurried into the shop.
“So, Tohru, what do you recommend for me?”
“For you, Eslina, I’d recommend the Firelighters. They let you start a fire without using any magic.”
“Is it like a flint?”
“The image fits, but this one is far easier to ignite. You just strike the stick inside, called a match, against the side, and it lights up instantly.”
“Huh! Just this little thing can start a fire?!”
When I easily lit the match, Eslina’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Even people who struggle with starting fires can use this easily. And for mages like you who want to conserve magic, it’s super handy, isn’t it?”
“This is amazing! I can’t believe such a small tool makes it so easy to start a fire!”
“Want to give it a try?”
“Really?!”
I handed it to her, and Eslina carefully took out a match, striking it against the side of the package.
“It really lit up! This is incredible!”
“Told you.”
“But it’s not constantly channeling magic, right? It won’t go out immediately, will it?”
“The shaft of this match contains a type of fire starter made by soaking compressed wood fibers with plant-based wax. That lets it burn for about ten minutes.”
“Ten minutes?! That long?!”
It might not be enough for fresh charcoal, but it’s perfect for kindling like coniferous wood.
With two thicker pieces, it’s a sure thing.
“The fire stays steady, and there’s no weird smell either.”
“That’s the best part about Firelighters—they have no downsides.”
Most fire starters have some kind of drawback.
Whether it’s a strong smell, falling apart in your bag, or getting your hands dirty.
But Firelighters have none of those issues.
They’re easy to handle and stress-free, which makes them incredibly useful.
“But such a convenient tool must be expensive, right?”
Eslina stared at the Firelighters with a troubled expression.
As for the price of the Firelighters, I hadn’t decided yet.
“How much do you think it’s worth, Eslina?”
“Let’s see... Being able to start a stable fire without using magic? At least eight silver coins, I’d say.”
The CP required for a Firelighters is 70.
The magic stones needed for 70 CP cost about three copper coins.
So, selling one would net me over seven silver and seven copper coins.
That’s a pretty hefty profit.
“I see. But at that price, most adventurers wouldn’t be able to afford it, right?”
“Exactly. Even though it’s an amazing fire starter, most would only buy one for emergencies. Low-rank adventurers and regular folks wouldn’t stand a chance.”
In Nirouette, even low-quality fire starters cost two to three copper coins.
No matter how fast and magic-free it is, most people wouldn’t shell out eight silver coins for a fire starter.
“What if I sold these Firelighters for six copper coins each?”
I do want to make money with outdoor goods, but I also want adventurers to have a comfortable time out there.
My plan is to keep the profit margin low and sell to as many people as possible.
When I suggested the price, Eslina slammed down some silver coins.
“I’ll take them! At that price, I’ll buy five... no, ten!”
“T-ten?! A-alright.”
“Hey, Mister, give me ten of those too!”
“Five for me, please!”
“Make it twenty for me!”
“Whaaat?!”
As I handed Eslina her Firelighters, a crowd of people appeared behind her, money in hand.
“Since when did so many people gather?!”
“They started gathering when you lit the fire.”
While I was stunned by the crowd, Haku, who was lounging on a folding chair, spoke up.
I hadn’t noticed him at all. Wait, this isn’t the time to be zoning out.
I quietly activated my Item Box behind the cart to restock the Firelighters.
“O-okay! I’ll get them ready right away, so please line up!”
I organized the line to avoid blocking the street and started handing out Firelighters in exchange for coins.
The customers kept coming, and the crowd showed no signs of thinning.
...Just how many people are there?
As I was wondering, a woman with only gold coins showed up, and some adventurers started asking about other products.
I was definitely in over my head.
I could really use some help, but Haku was just curled up on the chair, completely carefree.
Such a refreshingly disloyal familiar to its master.
“Tohru! I’ll help!”
“Thanks. I really need it.”
Eslina, seeing me overwhelmed, offered to help.
I felt bad, but this wasn’t the time to refuse, so I accepted gratefully.
“Welcome! Six Firelighters, right? That’ll be three silver and six copper coins.”
Eslina seemed used to this kind of work, smiling at the customers and handling the crowd with ease. She even chatted with some adventurers she knew, recommending the Firelighters.
She was way more of a natural merchant than I was.
“Hey, Mister, are these utensils made of iron?”
“No, they’re made of stainless steel, a special metal. Unlike regular iron, it’s resistant to moisture and rust, so it lasts a long time. It’s lightweight, durable, and stacks neatly for compact storage.”
Meanwhile, I answered questions from customers interested in other outdoor goods.
“Wow, it’s really light.”
“Right now, a set of three is eight copper coins.”
“I’ll take it.”
“Thank you!”
I didn’t make these outdoor items myself, but it feels great to see people buying things I believe in.
“Whoa! What’s going on here?!”
“Tohru’s cart has a huge line!”
“...This is really popular.”
Rick, Franz, and Dormund, having finished their business at the weapon shop, exclaimed in surprise.
The bustling cart left them speechless, and Eslina and I exchanged amused smiles.
That day, the outdoor goods flew off the shelves.
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