“Don’t worry. Although the color is a bit eye-catching, when mixed into red wine, it’s completely undetectable.”
Sensing Mu’en’s concern, the shopkeeper patiently explained:
“Besides, compared to its minor flaw of being slightly conspicuous, its advantages are far greater. Just a tiny drop, and even an elephant would go limp and collapse.”
Mu’en’s eyes lit up: “That powerful?”
“Of course, you get what you pay for. We’ve always run a small, honest business, fair to all.”
After shamelessly boasting, the shopkeeper spread out her overly pale and delicate hands in front of Mu’en and the other cloaked figure, smiling cheerfully:
“That’ll be 130,000 Emirs, no bargaining or credit, thank you.”
“130,000…”
Mu’en’s mouth twitched slightly.
The Emir was the universal currency of this world, with a purchasing power roughly equivalent to the RMB from Mu’en’s previous life.
So, he quickly realized that the shopkeeper’s talk of running a small, honest business was pure nonsense. What kind of knock-out potion costs 130,000 Emirs!
Luckily, he was still the all-powerful son of a Duke, so 130,000 was no big deal.
“Would you like to pay by card or cash?”
The shopkeeper rubbed her hands together with slight excitement. It wasn’t often she’d stumble upon two big spenders at once, so naturally, she aimed to make the most of it.
“Card.”
Mu’en grandly tossed out his crystal card. Cards of his level had extremely high-security measures, so he wasn’t worried about his identity being exposed.
“Alrighty.”
The shopkeeper briskly charged 130,000 Emirs, then took a small bottle from a nearby shelf, presenting it along with the crystal card with both hands.
“Take care, Young Master. Here’s a little gift for you.”
“A little gift? What is it?”
“Hehe, gotta keep a bit of mystery, right? But I suggest using it with that magic potion—it’ll have a special effect.”
“A special effect?”
Could it amplify the potion’s strength?
Mu’en frowned slightly. Not being too knowledgeable about magic potions, he didn’t pay much attention and casually tucked both bottles into his pocket, ready to leave.
After pocketing Mu’en’s 130,000 Emirs, the shopkeeper turned her gaze to the other cloaked figure.
“And you, ma’am? Card or cash?”
“I don’t have enough Emirs, nor do I plan to pay with them.”
The cloaked figure spoke calmly, but the words were quite dangerous. Hearing this, Mu’en couldn’t help but stop and cast a curious glance at the cloaked person.
Could it be that even in a place like the underground black market, someone dares to rob in broad daylight?
“Oh? What does the guest mean by that?” Sure enough, a chilling aura seeped from under the shopkeeper’s hood.
“Though I have no money, I can sell you a piece of information.”
“130,000 isn’t a small sum.”
“This information is definitely worth 130,000.”
The cloaked figure handed the shopkeeper a note: “For some, it’s worth even more than 130,000.”
“Oh?”
Though the face couldn’t be seen, Mu’en could imagine the shopkeeper raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
“Interesting.”
The shopkeeper took the note, unfolded it, and quickly scanned it.
In an instant, Mu’en felt the air freeze for a moment.
“Oh my, oh my, this is something.”
The shopkeeper looked up at the cloaked figure, a hint of seriousness in her tone.
“Are you sure this information is genuine?”
“Whether it’s genuine or not, with your abilities, you’ll find out immediately.”
“…You really trust me. But as you said, this information is indeed worth 130,000.”
The shopkeeper tossed the bottle to the cloaked figure: “Take it, it’s yours.”
The cloaked figure took the potion and, silent as ever, turned and left.
Efficient and cold, like a machine.
Mu’en was still a bit slow to react, his curious gaze lingering on the note.
What kind of information could be worth 130,000?
“Oh, Young Master, interested in this information too? Why not sell it to you on the side? Since we’re old friends, I’ll give you a discount, just this price.”
The shopkeeper extended nine slender fingers, indicating the price.
“90,000?”
“Haha, Young Master has quite the sense of humor. If it were 90,000, this little shop would be ruined.”
The shopkeeper paused, then said, “900,000 Emirs.”
“…”
Mu’en’s mouth twitched again. Without another word, he turned and left.
Trying to sell information obtained from a potion of dubious value for 900,000 Emirs?
Truly, this guy was nothing but a pure-blooded swindler.
…
“Oh my, oh my, this is something.”
After Mu’en left, the shopkeeper continued staring at the information on the note.
The disguise of the hood had already faded away, and her willow-leaf-like eyebrows were raised high, as if lifted by the wind.
“Originally, tomorrow was just the coming-of-age ceremony of Duke Campbell’s incompetent son, but with this information spread around, things are about to get very interesting.”
“Now, who should I sell it to? The second prince would be a great choice. He’s always resented his talented sister. With his status, asking for two million wouldn’t be excessive.”
“And old Duke Raymond would definitely be very interested too.”
“Oh dear, killing two birds with one stone. I’m being quite naughty.”
The shopkeeper rested her cheek on her hand, a captivating smile on her lips:
“But after all, no one said information can only be sold to one person, right?”
…
“Young Master Mu’en.”
When Mu’en returned to the Duke’s mansion, he happened to meet An, who was just returning from her busy day.
“How are things? Have the maid matters been resolved?”
“They’ve been taken care of. The head maid will recruit new people tonight, and we’ve rearranged the staff. There shouldn’t be any issues with manpower tomorrow.”
“That’s good. With such a tight schedule, it’s been hard on all of you.” Mu’en nodded.
“No, this is all due to our lack of proper preparation. We’ve troubled you, Young Master.” An bowed apologetically.
“There’s no need for that. This is what I should do.”
Mu’en waved his hand, signaling An to straighten up.
“You should rest early too. Tomorrow won’t have any breaks.”
“But I still need to attend to you, Young Master…”
“No need. I’m not a child who needs looking after. Besides, I’ll be resting early tonight too.”
With that, Mu’en didn’t give An any time to respond, turning and heading straight to his room.
Tonight, it would be better for him to be alone. The sins he was meant to bear shouldn’t involve an innocent person sharing the burden.
“…”
Left behind, An stared at Mu’en’s retreating figure, the lingering confusion in her eyes now deeper and more intense.
“How strange.”
An bit her lip absentmindedly as she pondered.
Until blood seeped from her lip, dripping onto the pristine white apron of her maid’s uniform, she remained oblivious, her gaze fixed on Mu’en’s back as he disappeared from view.
“Young Master Mu’en, when did you become so gentle?”
—
