Chapter 78 I Next
The steady thumping of drums resonated through the air thump, thump, thump! Startled, a flock of seagulls that had been idling near the quay abruptly took flight, their wings fluttering in response to the unexpected noise. A multitude of citizens had congregated beneath the fluttering wings, their collective gaze converging on a single focal point.
Amidst the sea of onlookers, at a podium erected on one flank of the quay square, Raciel made some final adjustments to his shirt collar.
Ahem.
An involuntary cough escaped his lips; he had already cleared his throat numerous times before.
Phew, these nerves.
Addressing a crowd was a more formidable task than he had initially conceived. It was particularly daunting to be thrust into the spotlight in front of thousands, as opposed to mere dozens or hundreds. Raciel raised his head, catching sight of a sign hung prominently on the podium.
[Commendation Ceremony for the Prestigious Medal of Cremo City.]
Upon laying eyes on this, a memory from two days prior flashed through his mind.
Pardon? What are you trying to tell me?
Two days earlier, within the garden of the mayoral residence of the city.
The mayor of Cremo was summoned in the midst of daylight and involuntarily flinched. Was it due to the astonishing tale he had just heard? Or was it the imposing presence of Uruus, who had consumed the Minotaur-bile Clear Heart Pill and now lay in a profound slumber? It could have been a combination of both.
A notion sprang forth in Raciels mind, prompting a chuckle to escape his lips. To avoid unsettling the mayor, he proceeded to elaborate on his scheme.
I was contemplating the notion of organizing a ceremony to bestow medals as a means to publicize my new medicinal creation.
A ceremony for promoting a new medicine?
Indeed.
The mayor nodded, intrigued.
It was precisely as Raciel had articulated.
There are various reasons, but anyway, Cremo City has recently suffered. Many people were surprised, suffered property damage, and are now facing a difficult recovery due to the Minotaur. So, I thought about awarding medals to those who tried to protect me that night, those who dedicated themselves to others, and those who showed examples of courage and sacrifice.
Are you to be the one personally presenting these medals?
Indeed. I possess ample justification. Ive contemplated coupling these medals with an accompanying reward.
What might this reward entail?
The mayors head tilted inquisitively.
Held in the Crown Princes palm was the object he had referred to as this a golden bead, slightly smaller than a candy eyeball. A distinct, tangy yet invigorating aroma emanated from it. The Crown Princes lips curled into a smile.
The Minotaur-bile Clear Heart Pill.
Pardon?
A novel formulation, designed to combat heart ailments like angina. As an added boon, it induces a serene slumber that engenders physical comfort much like the profound sleep the Minotaur currently enjoys.
Are you implying that you administered this to the Minotaur?
Indeed.
Your Highness, did you craft this remedy yourself?
Affirmative. Given my role in its creation, it is only fitting that I oversee its distribution. Given its precious ingredients, its cost is substantial. Thus, the notion arose to pair it with the medals during the award ceremony.
Ah, I comprehend now.
Does my intent resonate with you?Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only
Certainly, Your Highness.
The mayor nodded sagely. A seasoned politician with decades of experience governing a domain, he astutely grasped the Crown Princes intent based on the provided information alone.
A medal commemorating the triumph over an exceptional catastrophe, coupled with the celebration of its achievement were such a medicine to be bequeathed alongside a medal bearing the Crown Princes name the nobility throughout the empire would undoubtedly be piqued by the identity of this remedy.
Exactly. Youve encapsulated the essence.
With succinct clarity, Raciel affirmed the comprehension, eliciting a satisfied smile to grace his features.
How intrigued they will be by the medicine bestowed as a prize by the Crown Prince. Its practically a Crown Prince-exclusive edition. A luxury product with the Crown Princes stamp of approval.
Yes, I believe so.
Exactly. There will certainly be a considerable number of nobles who will feel a sense of prestige just by possessing it. Or those who perceive the trend and wish to acquire it, even if not immediately needed.
Once that notion takes hold, further advertising becomes almost unnecessary. They will naturally gravitate towards it, money in hand, eager to purchase. This is the allure of a high-end luxury brand.
Ive observed this phenomenon a lot in Korea how people can be swayed by the power of a brand logo.
In retrospect, it held true.
Mercedes-Benz for automobiles. Rolex for timepieces. Objectively speaking, their features werent drastically superior to those of competing brands. Nonetheless, they commanded higher prices than their counterparts. In terms of cost-effectiveness, they might even lag behind.
Yet they sold astonishingly well!
Consider Mercedes-Benz They say the three-pointed star emblem alone is worth thousands of dollars. The same goes for Rolex. People queue up at store openings, grasping for the chance to buy one. But in terms of raw performance, they dont significantly outshine other brands in their class.
If it contains something from the Minotaurus Could it be a potent medicine?
It seems plausible.
Eyes sparkled with anticipation.
What if they ingested it? Could they be imbued with formidable strength akin to a Minotaurus? Amidst this collective interest and anticipation, Raciels speech gained even greater eloquence.
The moment it enters your system, your hearts will surge with vigor. It will disband blood clots and infuse you with enduring stamina akin to a Minotaurus. Taurine, cholic acid, vitamin D, ginsenoside, and protopanaxdiol will vitalize your veins and animate your spirits!
Murmur? Murmur?
The crowds excitement grew.
Taurine? Cholic acid?
Whats Vitamin D?
Unfamiliar terms, difficult to comprehend. Yet, curiously, that seemed to make them even more plausible!
Is it beneficial?
It seems exceedingly promising?
Could it be a form of magical energy extracted from the Minotaurus?
Ears perked up all around. Riding this wave, Raciels speech surged with even greater intensity.
But thats not all. It extends beyond that. It will bestow the most rejuvenating and restful slumber upon weary and insomniac bodies. Revitalized and invigorated, you shall emerge as even braver souls. Just like the tireless Minotaurus! Upon consuming this medicine, you shall experience a rebirth. A metamorphosis into a new existence.
A rustle of whispers ensued.
The claim was that the medicine would imbue them with courage upon ingestion. A ceaseless flood of potency and vitality would replenish their fatigued forms.
However, Raciels torrent of words didnt conclude there. He drew inspiration from a home shopping channel host he often encountered while idly flipping on the TV back in Korea. He employed a succession of artful phrases.
I am genuinely delighted by your presence here today. Your unwavering loyalty and unswerving integrity enable me to convey knowledge of this remedy to the empires populace. And so, commencing today, for a mere months span just one month a Crown Prince Award Edition, replete with opulence and offered at a reasonable rate, will be made available! The gateway to public sales shall be unsealed!
Chatter!
The Crown Prince Award Edition? Were they truly selling such an extraordinary medicine? Raciels words penetrated the attentive audiences ears.
Merely 9,999 Majen! A limited quantity, available for a special sale! A remarkable price, coupled with imminent prospects of depletion! Solely accessible for the coming month! The most exceptional package to ever grace the market, an unprecedented offering! This special product shall be bestowed unto you, free of charge.
He concluded succinctly.
Without superfluous adornment.
He revealed only what needed revealing. He terminated his speech with a sense of novelty. In that very instant, spectators pupils quivered.
A mere 9,999 Majen?
So thats the affordable tag for the limited special sale?
What must the original price be if this is considered reasonable?
It must indeed be remarkably effective. Thats why it commands such a high price.
Its due to its efficacy and value that the Crown Prince is awarding it to the awardees, right?
Absolutely!
I envy those fortunate enough to procure this medicine.
Similar sentiments resonated across their thoughts. A coveted item not easily attainable. A lavish luxury that could be flaunted by mere acquisition. A source of envy. An exclusive Crown Prince edition!
Avarice started to fill the gazes fixed upon the Minotaur-bile Clear Heart Pill.
Ah
I desire it.
Im tempted to indulge.
Their eyes shimmered brilliantly, akin to individuals who impulsively make a purchase after browsing a home shopping channel or scrolling through an online store.
Observing their expressions, Raciel felt assured.
Its working.
Todays award ceremony, his strategically crafted words everything had executed flawlessly. This very success evoked a sense of gratifying anticipation for its swift depletion.
However, he wasnt content with halting there. Concluding the event with the mere promotion of the new medication? That would be an opportunity squandered. His blueprint wasnt yet complete.
Having commenced the affair, I should capitalize on every aspect!
He was determined to extract every ounce of potential from this day. To seize even the intangible. Bolstered by this resolve, he scanned the spectators. He brought forth the next stage of his design, projecting it forcefully into the fray.
(To be Continued)
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