Chapter 150

Chapter 150

"Willingly," Fael said with a smile, turning his gaze. At his gesture, the waiting members of his team ran over and stood next to each member of Ian's group.

"If you pick an item you like, they will explain it in detail. Feel free to look around and ask questions."

Fael smiled at Ian as he spoke. "I will personally assist you, sir."

Ian nodded and turned to Mev and Philip.

"Don't forget what we discussed yesterday."

"Of course."

"I'll choose without holding back, sir."

Mev and Philip walked toward the wagons at the back. Charlotte, who had closed the sealed box, stood beside Ian.

"I'll look at it with you, Ian."

As you wish.

Ian nodded roughly and walked toward the wagons. Swords, daggers, axes, spears, and maces, as well as all kinds of defensive gear and auxiliary equipment, were abundantly displayed. There were also magical items and cosmetic equipment.

"Do you have any weapons made of silver? Preferably swords or maces."

"We have a few silver-plated swords. Would you like to see them?"

"Show me all of them."

"Understood. Please wait a moment." Fael spoke politely and quickly turned away.

While waiting for him, Ian glanced at the two in front of the other wagon. Mev was calmly nodding as she listened to the team member's explanation, while Philip was eagerly examining the wagon's contents.

Soon, a team member approached him with a round shield. It had a smooth metal surface with a gentle curve and several raised bumps in the center to enhance durability and deflect attacks more effectively. Philip, having strapped the shield to his arm, laughed and commented on its balance.

That kid is pretty excited.

Ian chuckled softly as Fael returned. He laid out three swords in front of Ian.

"These swords are thickly plated with silver, but their edges haven't been sharpened yet. As you know, they're more decorative than practical."

Ian nodded as he examined the swords. All three were standard-length longswords. They had ornate scabbards, cross-guards, hilts, and pommels. After confirming the silver blades, Ian nodded again.

"I'll buy them all."

"All three of them?"

"Is there a reason you can't sell them all?"

"Not at all...! They are all yours now. Ah, I thought we could handle the payment altogether with the others. Is that acceptable to you?"

"Do as you wish."

"Thank you. Haha, indeed."

Fael laughed as he pulled out a piece of paper and a quill from his pocket.

"Bor was right. It's best to follow your words unconditionally, sir."

He chuckled and began writing on the paper. One of the team members whispered something in his ear, making Fael's smile broaden. It seemed Philip had purchased the round shield. While everyone was busy, Ian leisurely looked at Charlotte.

"Two of these swords are yours."

"They seem too soft for me to use."

"But you'll need them against those creatures. I've mentioned it before."

"...!" Charlotte, eyes widening, nodded.

Vampires could also be killed with weapons made of silver.

"They'll also be effective against specters, so always carry one. You used to handle dual swords right?"

Charlotte grinned, revealing her fangs. "Alright. I'll sharpen yours as well. I'll make them sharp enough to cut through people too."

"Do that." Ian nodded and turned to Fael, who was once again looking at him.

"Show me the strongest sword made of Imperial steel and all the magical items."

"I'll present them immediately." Fael signaled to one of the team members and quickly turned away.

The approaching team member carried away the three silver swords. They seemed to be gathering the purchased items together.

"Do Imperial merchants always trade like this?" Ian asked Charlotte.

Charlotte shook her head at Ian’s question. "Only when dealing with royalty or high nobles. In Javier's case, he wouldn't serve anyone less than a king like this."

This is truly first-class service.

Ian nodded and watched the busy team members and Mev. She was holding a shield, a small round shield commonly known as a buckler.

She was explaining her requirements to the team member, asking if it could be attached to her wrist guard instead of being handheld. The team member nodded, indicating it was possible. Philip, beside her, was trying on a helmet that covered not only his head but also his nose and cheeks.

Though he had spent almost all the gold he had saved, it was a satisfactory purchase. There were many items he couldn't have obtained even with money if not for this opportunity. Moreover, it was just in time for the battle against the vampires.

"Will you be wearing the items right away? Or shall we move them to the inn for you?"

"Load them onto our carriage. We'll be departing soon. Gather the items, and let's meet in front of the stable in about an hour."

"In an hour? That's good. I need to sort out the remaining items too. I see you then," said Fale.

Nodding, Ian turned away. As the busy team members moved away, Mev finally spoke up.

"No matter what, I can't shake this uneasy feeling. You've spent so much of the money you risked your life to earn."

"Then just fight that much harder for me," Ian replied nonchalantly, glancing at Mev and Philip before grabbing the inn's doorknob.

"Money can always be earned again. Let's get ready to leave."

***

Before they knew it, it was afternoon. While most people were heading into the city, Ian and his group had finished their preparations to leave. The members of the Ark Caravan were carefully loading the items they had purchased onto the wagon. It seemed they planned to distribute and organize the goods after leaving the city.

Fael, who had been waiting for the process to be completed, finally walked towards Ian, who was now seated in the wagon. From his perspective, it was clear that they were about to embark on a dangerous mission akin to a war. Otherwise, there would be no reason for just four people to purchase such a large quantity of weapons. He suspected they might be planning to join a war, perhaps having been hired by Lu Sard.

If that were the case, the power dynamics at the border would once again shift. Despite these thoughts, Fael couldn't help but smile wistfully.

"Why not stay another day? We should have a drink to celebrate a successful transaction."

"We have a long journey ahead," Ian said, leaning back in his seat, his expression showing no particular regret, just as he had looked when they met in the North.

"Then let's save it for next time. I don't know why you're heading to Lu Sard, but after your business there, please visit Borta. I will give you a grand reception." Fael spoke sincerely.

It was only natural; Ian was someone who had helped him every time they met. He even wondered if this was a fate decreed by Lu Solar. A good merchant never ignored such Intuition.

"If I get the chance, I will. Of course, that depends on you safely completing your journey."

Ian's added words made Fael nod. He felt Bor's gaze on the back of his head. It was an unspoken pressure to not take this lightly. Regardless, Fael had already engraved Ian's warning in his heart.

"Don't worry. We'll finish as scheduled. Oh, and this."

Fael handed Ian a small wooden box.

As Ian accepted it, Fael added, "Gratitude should be shown with good liquor. This is a masterpiece distilled from our local grapes. Just one sip and the fragrance will linger until the next morning. It's quite strong, too."

A smile spread across Ian's face. He opened the box to see the bottle inside and then shrugged as he looked at Fael.

"I'll enjoy this. I should have spent some of my remaining money to buy a few more bottles...."

"When you come to Borta, I'll make sure you can have it by the barrel."

"In that case, I'll definitely visit." Ian chuckled.

Fael continued, "Speaking of which, may I ask one more thing? I didn't get a chance to ask yesterday."

Ian looked at him, indicating he could ask.

Lowering his voice, Fael inquired, "The Dragon Slayer of the North. Do you know who it is?"

"...."

"I thought you might know, given your connections."

A low growl came from the coachman's seat. Charlotte, catching Ian's gaze, pretended to yawn widely. Mev lowered her face guard with a cough, and Philip looked away at the sky, lips pressed tightly together. Ian eventually shrugged and turned back to Fael.

"If you ever go to the North, ask the Northerners directly. It will be better for you."

"...?" Fael blinked in confusion.

Ian smiled and said, "Well until we meet again. Farewell, Fael of Borta, and Bor."

As Ian exchanged eye contact with Bor standing behind Fael, Charlotte flicked the reins. The large, thick-maned Northern horses began to move powerfully. The two riders who had nodded to Fael quickly followed alongside the wagon.

"...After this job is over, let's take a long break and then head to the North," Bor said suddenly from behind.

Fael turned to him with a smile. "Why, hearing about the Dragon Slayer of the North makes your blood boil?"

"You heard what he said. Hearing that name in the North would be good for our leader."

"He did say that... but I don't understand what he meant. Maybe he knows the Dragon Slayer personally?"

Surprisingly, Bor nodded in agreement. "It seems likely. They all seemed to know who the North's hero was."

"...When we get to the North, we'll have to use his name. If we're lucky, we might meet the Dragon Slayer. If that works out... next time, one bottle of liquor won't be enough." Fael muttered, looking back at the city gate.

Ian's wagon had already disappeared outside.

"Before that, we should make sure to come back alive. Many people are as greedy as you, our leader."

At Bor's admonishment, Fael chuckled and turned around.

"Don't worry. We'll reach Orendel safely and return alive.”

And at that time, a new merchants' guild would be born in the Empire.