I Quit Being a Court Magician Apprentice to Become a Magical Item Craftsman
“I want to visit the Free Nation of Spinon again. Why don’t we try setting up a shop there?”
While discussing our route home, I remembered the country we had stopped by on our way. It was a wonderful place where various races lived in harmony.
“A shop? I think the market there is open to anyone, right?”
“Are you planning to sell Master’s potions?”
Ekvar and Sebirino both turned their gazes toward me.
“Yeah, and you should sell your potions too, Sebirino! Oh, I know—let’s make it a competition to see whose sells better!”
“A competition with you, Master?!”
“Potions don’t sell overnight, you know. But I guess we can give it a try.”
And so, we found ourselves once again in the capital of Spinon. The same gatekeeper was on duty and recognized us, so we passed through without trouble. This country generally welcomes everyone, so explaining the rules to foreign visitors is the main duty of the gatekeepers.
First, we arranged for lodging. Then, we headed to the commercial guild!
Since the market was coming up, the guild was crowded, and we had to wait a while at the reception.
“Next, please.”
“Yes!”
Finally, it was my turn. I wonder if there are any available spots in tomorrow’s market?
“Excuse me. I am a craftsman from another country who specializes in making magical items. I would like to participate in the market and register. What are the necessary procedures?”
“Certainly. Please fill out this form first. For healing items, we require a sample of each one for safety reasons.”
The receptionist, a man, smoothly opened a drawer in the table and pulled out some documents.
“I’ll need two copies, please. He will be participating as well.”
Sebirino, who had been standing behind me, stepped forward and bowed.
First, we registered for participation and paid the registration fee.
Next, we checked for available spaces in tomorrow’s market. It wasn’t the best location, but there was space for the two of us to set up side by side. After paying the location fee and completing the paperwork, we moved to another counter for a product inspection.
This step was necessary for items like healing potions, weapons, and armor—anything that could impact life and safety. General goods and ordinary food only required a simple application. Once an item passed inspection or was registered, further checks were usually unnecessary.
“U-uh… Are you sure these were really made by you two…?”
“Yes, of course.”
I knew it. They’re surprised because the quality is too high. We got the same reaction in Chenkaslar. But this time, I have an ace up my sleeve!
“He is a court mage from Egdoarm. He wishes to participate in the market to observe sales interactions and customer behavior.”
I glanced at Sebirino.
Understanding my intention, he quietly pulled out his court mage insignia.
The receptionist examined it closely, then bowed deeply.
“M-my apologies! There’s no issue—please feel free to sell your items at tomorrow’s market. Would you like us to arrange a better spot for you?”
“That won’t be necessary. We must not inconvenience others. I have no complaints about the location.”
“U-understood…!”
Thanks to the prestige of a court mage, we received swift approval to sell our items.
This would be my first time selling directly instead of going through a shop or a vendor. I was excited!
The next day, our stall was set up near the wall, away from the main square.
Even so, adventurers and locals came by, and our potions and medicines sold steadily. So far, it seemed Sebirino was selling more than me.
His potions were made using ingredients he had gathered for his barony rather than those crafted for his court mage duties. He had left about half of them behind, planning to sell the rest to fund a charity soup kitchen.
While this area wasn’t as busy, that meant customers had more time to browse. The main square was so crowded that it was hard to see what was even happening.
Ekvar was wandering around the market with his familiar, Rini.
Next to me, a woman was selling bamboo crafts. They were very well made, so I bought two. She said she had chosen this location because the rent was cheaper than in the main square.
After a while, a tall man and woman approached.
A tiger beastman and a rabbit beastman—an unusual but charming combination. The tiger beastman had a face resembling an actual tiger, while the rabbit beastman looked mostly human, except for her long rabbit ears.
I must have been staring because the man suddenly turned toward me.
“…You’re not from around here. What do you want?”
“Hey, don’t be like that. She’s just a lady,” the rabbit beastman said, tugging at his sleeve to calm him down.
Whoa, intimidating.
“S-sorry. I just noticed that tiger beastmen walk without putting their heels down.”
“Apologies, my master and I are from Egdoarm, so beastmen are quite rare to us. We meant no offense.”
When Sebirino bowed his head, the tiger beastman looked a little awkward.
“No, it’s fine. I was just a bit irritated. There’s not much discrimination in this country, but once you get a little farther out, there are some who won’t sell medicine to beastmen.”
“We’ve had trouble with that ourselves…”
I see. So that’s why my selling medicine, as someone from another country, made him uncomfortable.
“I wasn’t aware of the situation, and I deeply apologize. The medicine we sell doesn’t discriminate based on race. If you need anything, please feel free to ask.”
“Oh, no need to be so polite. I’m just an ordinary adventurer.”
The rabbit beastman woman quickly waved her hand.
Her flustered reaction made the tiger beastman awkwardly rub the back of his neck.
“Well, yeah, but right now we’re looking for high-level potions. We’re tougher than humans, so minor injuries don’t bother us. Even a high-level one might not be enough.”
“In that case, it’s this one.”
I answered easily, and the man looked surprised.
“Huh? You can make it?”
“Both of us can make it. Oh, but I don’t know the price. Sebirino, do you?”
“…Master. Are you planning to sell without knowing the price?”
“Well, I usually get a summary later, so I never knew the unit price…”
Since it was a handful of different items, it was too much trouble to calculate, and I never really cared since I was paid fairly. I’d forgotten about it.
I’m usually only interested in making items, the materials, and their effects.
“Then, I’ll handle the negotiations. I’m your number one apprentice, so it’s only natural!”
Rather than being exasperated, Sebirino seemed energized.
The man bought several of my high potions and advanced potions, clearly pleased. Since I was able to sell some other medicines as well, did I finally catch up to Sebirino in terms of sales?
Just as the man left, Belial returned in high spirits.
“Iriya ! Look, they’re selling homemade liquor here! There’s even a tasting—this is a good market!”
He had hurriedly disappeared at the start, so he must have been looking for something like this. I thought he’d left because he found it boring.
He had bought quite a bit in Egdoarm and put it in Sebirino’s item box, but it seems he still hadn’t had enough.
A court mage’s item box is bigger than an apprentice’s.
Normally, I would’ve had to return it when I resigned. But since I faked my death, it felt odd to return it, so I kept it. Now, I’ve met with His Highness and received direct permission to keep it.
These boxes are made by craftsmen with specialized techniques and are considered confidential. The maker isn’t even publicly revealed. Those who work in this field must keep it a secret, even from their family.
Each country has developed them, and there are differences depending on the nation. Apparently, Egdoarm’s are generally larger. Of course, I’m not planning to tamper with it. I haven’t even considered it.
Belial, in a good mood, was opening a bottle right there.
At a stall selling glassware, he had even bought a glass to go with it.
“Excuse me! I heard there’s someone selling excellent medicine here at the commercial guild! Please, sell me the most powerful antidote you have!”
A man dressed casually, blending into the town, hurried toward Sebirino. Since Sebirino had mentioned he was a court mage at the guild, it seems they introduced him.
“In that case, it’s this one. An antidote made with serpent’s magic core and Aruluna. I could also cast a detoxifying spell for you, if you prefer…”
“…! No, I’ll take this!”
When Sebirino offered to use magic, the man flinched, clearly hesitant. He might have been concerned about bringing an unknown person into his master’s room. Maybe he was a servant, and his master was a noble or wealthy person?
The man quickly bought three antidotes and left in a hurry.
“The Aruluna His Excellency Celestan gave us is already proving useful. I’m so happy!”
“Yes, Master. However, you sold them at quite a low price.”
“Really? Isn’t that the usual price for antidotes?”
I had set the price higher, thinking it was a strong antidote, but apparently, it was still considered cheap. Since I used the Aruluna I received and the magic core I gathered myself, I didn’t know the exact cost.
“I heard you used a Sea Serpent’s magic core, Master.”
“Yeah, that’s right. I found it weakened in the Dead Sea and defeated it.”
“With that, it’s actually cheaper than the Sea Serpent’s magic core…”
Sebirino looked hesitant as he spoke.
Wait, the Sea Serpent’s magic core is that expensive?!
“What? But it’s a Sea Serpent!”
“Yes, it lives in the sea, uses flying magic, and to defeat it, you need a group of mages with sturdy ships. It’s a Sea Serpent, after all.”
“When compared to a sea dragon, it really is just a snake.”
“That’s why you’re so unreasonable.”
Ekvar, who had just finished shopping, suddenly commented.
Compared to a dragon that uses breath attacks, a Sea Serpent, which can’t use breath and generally has fewer ways to attack, isn’t as dangerous. Its impact on the sea is small too.
“My contractor’s behavior is naturally beyond the scope of human reason.”
Belial was happily drinking, enjoying himself.
No, I’m just a normal person! Don’t let Rini-chan get involved either!
I should have left all the sales to Sebirino…!
