Chapter 140

I Quit Being a Court Magician Apprentice to Become a Magical Item Craftsman

The town of Paston, located to the north of the Wastent Republic, is famous for its herbal medicine market held on the first day of every month.

Since few types of medicinal herbs can be harvested in Wastent, the people came up with the idea of attracting sellers from other regions. They all worked together to promote the event, and now it has become a major event that draws both domestic and international visitors as buyers and sellers.

On the outskirts of the town, new stables and wagon parking areas have been built, guarded by security forces. These facilities can be rented at very low prices. Sellers come to retrieve their wagons while customers leave their horses, creating quite a bustling scene. The person who just arrived was riding a Pegasus – wyverns like the one Ekvar and Rini were riding cannot be housed here, so they had to dismount and separate some distance away.

Even before the official start, the town was already crowded with people. Stalls selling various goods lined the squares and main streets. I took a leisurely stroll around to check out the shops preparing for sales. If I found something I wanted, I could simply wait right in front until the sales began!

“These herbs can’t be sold if we don’t know what they are. If they turn out to be poisonous, it will damage our reputation.”

“But please, let me sell them…! My mother got injured while gathering these, and I’ve come in her place. After all that effort to collect them, you’re saying I can’t sell them?”

A young woman preparing to sell her goods was arguing with a patrolling soldier. It seemed she wanted to sell some unknown herbs. A man was squatting in front of the sheet spread on the ground, examining the products arranged in a shallow box. I casually took a look…

Small blue flowers. It’s Epialtium!!!

I want it! Derrick Elwood and Sebirino seemed to notice it too. I couldn’t help but vocalize my excitement. “This is Epialtium. It’s a legitimate medicinal herb.” “It grows in caves without sunlight and is said to be eaten by giants. The collection must have been dangerous. If no one else wants it, we’d like to buy all of it.”

When the soldier heard their words, he stood up and turned around. “Are you craftsmen?” Since everyone was wearing normal clothes today instead of robes, they didn’t look like mages. “I am a mage from Nijestonia, and these people are from the magical power Egdoarm.”

When Derrick quietly informed the soldier, the latter was surprised and bowed deeply. “My apologies! Then these herbs are genuine products!” “Not only genuine, but also precious herbs that can be used as ingredients for Nectar. You should keep the harvesting location secret from others.”

“What’s going on?” Thinking there was still an argument, more soldiers gathered! Three men in their early thirties and a physically strong, bearded man in his fifties – the same person we met in the Dead Sea town where I gave Amrita. He came to thank us because Cereustan and Pavari were cured, and it seems he’s completely recovered now, walking normally.

“General Lubeck!”

“I’m no longer a general,” he scratched his head awkwardly. Then he noticed me. “It’s been a while. Let me express my gratitude for the fine item you gave us last time.”

“The young lady from before! No, no, I should thank you for the good medicine. As you can see, I’m walking normally now.”

Seeing our interaction, the other soldiers seemed to understand what was going on. “So you’re the one who gave us that medicine!?” “We sincerely apologize!”

The soldier who initially argued with the woman apologized to both her and me. It seems the sales can proceed smoothly now, and the shopkeeper woman looked relieved.

“If anything happens, let me know. I can be flexible within reason.” “Then may I take you up on your kind offer? Is there a Gawkelena stall at this herbal medicine market?” “Yes! This time, they brought more than usual from Fen Duchy. Since the area has gained a dangerous reputation, merchants have been avoiding it. They probably want to sell here.” “Thank you very much! We’ll go check it out!”

That’s great news! After getting the location of the sales area, we headed there immediately. There were boxes stacked high, a larger sales space than others, and already a long line… When we reached the back of the line, the salesperson was taking orders and making notes. They probably knew how much stock they had brought in, so it seemed unlikely that those who queued wouldn’t be able to buy anything. People pulling empty carts would probably use them to carry Gawkelena.

We decided to join the queue.

As we moved behind the last person, Belial voiced his dissatisfaction. “I won’t stand in line!” “I understand. Please get the Epialtium from earlier. If you find any Moryu or Soma sap, please buy those too.” I hadn’t seen these two items during our walk here. If they might be available somewhere, I wanted to look around. Belial already looked exhausted. “…You’re actually going to make me run errands?” “Yes.” “You remain as audacious as ever, you little brat!!!”

He complained about something, but I didn’t pay attention! It’s worth a try even if it doesn’t work out.

“…Am I okay to stand in line?” “Thank you, Rini. Let’s queue together.” “…Mm”

Ekvar gave candy to Rini. I wish I had brought something sweet too. But I might end up eating it myself.

Rini-chan will queue with us. Since there’s a purchase limit, having more people helps! Derrick and Sebirino joined the line too. After all, it’s Gawkelena! The store clerk came to explain that each person could buy up to twenty items, and it would take about an hour after opening for everyone to be served. We shouldn’t leave the line.

There was still an hour until opening. I wanted to check other stalls too, but would that be okay?

“Rini, huh? Is that guy a contractor?”

About twenty minutes before the opening announcement of the herbal market, a small demon boy with horns like a cow approached us. “Yeah, but do you need something?” “Bro, are you new around here? During the herbal market, various people gather, so we hold a sabbath every six months coinciding with this event. If you’re free tonight, why not come?” I heard about being bothered by small demons before, but this wasn’t unpleasant. A sabbat, huh… Belial would definitely want to participate. He loves being fawned over!

“…Sabbath…”

Rini didn’t seem very interested. There might be unpleasant people there. “Well, here. This is an invitation.” “Can I have one too? I’ve made a contract with a demon.” “Sis too? Sure, here. But invitations are just formalities; you don’t really need one. Walk-ins are always welcome!”

After receiving it, I wondered if I should mention that my contract was with the King. But it would be troublesome if it caused a commotion. “Thank you. Belial-sama and I will participate. He loves festivals.” “There are many demons… they love parties and drinking. We’ve prepared plenty of alcohol!”

He left laughing happily. Was that kid looking forward to the alcohol too? “What about Sebirino and the others?” “I’ll pass. I want to depart as early as possible tomorrow.” Derrick declined. What about Sebirino? “If master participates, I definitely want to accompany you!”

Does Sebirino understand what a sabbat is? Well, he probably does. I hadn’t heard much about it in Egdoarm. Anyway, there aren’t any secrets about magic involved…

After a while, the herbal market opened and sales began. The line slowly started moving. More and more shoppers appeared, and the wide streets became crowded with people. It was quite a prosperous scene. Not just humans, but sheep people and cat people were also buying medicinal herbs. Beastmen tend to excel in herbal magic. I don’t know why, though.

By the time our turn came, more than an hour had passed. First, we confirmed the quantity, paid the money, then proceeded to receive Gawkelena. We handed over our share to Sebirino. Apparently, there was an incident where someone who couldn’t buy it before tried to snatch it.

If they saw me putting it away, rather than worrying about being robbed, I was more concerned about what would happen to the person who dared to rob me.

Owning an item box means being recognized as a top-level mage in the country, but women still tend to be underestimated. And Sebirino, who is tall and silent like a knight, looks strong and thus isn’t easily bothered. But in reality, he can’t fight at all.

Now, we need to meet up with Belial. Since I’m contracted, I’m always connected through mana, so I know his location when he’s nearby. If we separate too far, I won’t know, but if he releases his mana, I can sense him even in a neighboring country. As expected of the King.

And he stands out. His clothes are black, but his cloak and hair are red, so from behind, he looks completely crimson.

We decided to split up and explore separately. Before things sell out, we want to look for various herbs.

For now, it’s lunchtime, so I bought a sandwich first. Food stalls have set up tables outside, selling items that can be eaten with one hand, like bread and sausages, allowing you to eat while browsing the herbal stalls. Today, when many customers gather, it’s a great opportunity for businesses other than herbs too.

Many people are carrying lots of luggage, so we have to be careful not to bump into them.

So far, there haven’t been any rare finds, but I’m enjoying the market while selecting and purchasing herbs that seem to be in good condition. Suddenly, a familiar pair approached from the front.

Rieto, a lightly armored man with a spear. A B-rank adventurer appearing to be in his mid-twenties with short cyan hair and blue eyes.

And Lucia, a magician with a staff and short robes, with reddish-brown hair and brown eyes.

“Is this what we were asked to get?” “Looks like it.”

They checked the herbs while looking at their memo. Some herbs they had already bought were peeking out of their handbag. Ah, they’re for making antidotes.

“Long time no see. Are you on a shopping request?” “Oh, Iriya . It’s been a while. Yeah, it’s from someone who has given us requests since our lower ranks. We also accepted extermination and delivery requests while we’re at it.”

Lucia faced us while holding a memo. So they accept multiple requests with the same destination. Their approach to handling requests has certainly improved. “There were Raham and rainbow snake magic crystals being sold over there. Combining them with herbs yields better effects.”

When I pointed to a stall with a blue roof a little further away, Rieto looked puzzled. “…Huh? Do you know what we’re looking for?” “I thought you were searching for materials to make antidotes.” “Bingo. As expected of a professional. We were struggling to find other materials listed for antidotes. Thank you.”

Since I wanted to check other areas, I parted ways and walked in another direction. Belial was there, so we met up here. Despite his complaints, he had actually bought everything I asked for. Surprisingly dutiful.

“To make this me do trivial tasks, you insolent girl!”

Though he complained, as long as he got what he wanted, it didn’t matter!

By the way, who is this imp pushing the cart and carrying the luggage? “Are you a contractor? I’m Dan. This is Lord Belial’s luggage.” “Thank you. Lord Belial, you shouldn’t trouble strangers…” The King ordered it, so refusal wasn’t an option. What happened to this child’s contractor?

“We’ve already paid the reward. Quickly take it and put it away. This person needs to return to their original work.” To drag someone away from their job! As ruthless as ever.

It seems Epialtium has been bought out, so we’ll divide it among everyone later. Generally, it’s not a commonly used herb, so it’s rarely circulated and not many people know about it.

Dan, the imp, bowed and hurriedly returned. I felt bad about it. Belial couldn’t handle the shopping alone. While he’d gladly carry alcoholic beverages himself, to think he’d use a random imp as a porter because he couldn’t carry everything…

“Speaking of which, Lord Belial, there’s a sabbat tonight. You’ll attend, right?” I showed him the invitation. As expected, he looked pleased confirming it. “Hmm? A sabbat, you say. Well, without my presence, it won’t be lively! Is the location far?” “As it turns out, they’ve rented out a shop in this town. Quite unusual.” “Ho ho, sounds interesting. I’m looking forward to it!”

I knew he wouldn’t refuse! After thoroughly exploring the herbal market and shopping, we checked the location of the sabbat shop. It looked stylish and spacious. With various offerings besides alcohol, this was promising indeed!