Chapter 174- Shopping

[Luna POV]

When Skadi and Ophidia came back, we all were ready to depart.  We teleported to Onigashima and went into the city.

“Mio, do you know where these merchants would set everything up?” (Luna)

“There’s usually places near the center of the city for things like that nya.” (Mio)

“So, they should be near the guild then?” (Soleil)

“Yeah nya.  Traveling merchants always hire adventurers to be their guards, so they set up shop near the guild nya.  Something like trying to tempt more adventurers to join them when their previous guards decide they are done or something nya.” (Mio)

“Plus the adventurers guild is a good place to get information from.  As merchants, they need up to date information on the state of things so they know where they should go or if they need to temporarily set up residence in the current location due to things like recent storms or such.” (Skadi)

“Interesting.” (Soleil)

“What kind of merchants are these ones we’re looking for?” (Skadi)

“Fenn race nya.” (Mio)

“Ah.  As a heads up, don’t mention their height out loud.  They get…unhappy when someone mentions it.” (Skadi)

“Speaking from experience?” (Luna)

“Not my own, but…well, just wait and see.” (Skadi)

As she said that, we entered the plaza where the guild was and saw that it was completely different from the usual.  It looked like a scene ripped straight out of something like the Arabian Nights.  Colorful fabrics were hanging everywhere and the smell of spices was wafting around in the air.  I heard the sounds of strange instruments playing somewhere and it all made me excited.

“What’s got you so excited, Luna?” (Velvet)

“I’ve always wanted to go to a place like this, even in my previous life.” (Luna)

“You couldn’t nya?” (Mio)

“No, I couldn’t.  Places like this only ever were on the other side of the world from where I lived.  Not to mention several other reasons that I really don’t want to get into.” (Luna)

As we moved closer to everything, I started to see what I could only assume were the Fenn.  I could immediately tell why Skadi told us not to mention their height.  They were short, like hobbits, but their ears were tall, like, really tall.

“Big sis, they’re so cute.” (Soleil)

“I know what you mean, but remember what Skadi said, don’t mention anything to do with their height.” (Luna)

“I know, that’s why we’re talking like this.” (Soleil)

I continued to talk with Soleil through telepathy while we entered the area of merchants.  It was surreal walking around the place since a lot of the set up shops were shorter than normal, making me feel like a giant.

“I feel like I stand out.” (Luna)

“Well, you are the tallest person in our group.” (Velvet)

“It’s not like I can help that.” (Luna)

As we were walking, we passed by a shop selling spices.  When I smelled the air, I immediately stopped and turned around.  I went up to the shop and its owner smiled at me.

“Welcome miss, can I interest you in some of my wares?”

“Of course.  I couldn’t help but smell the lovely spices you have here as I passed by.” (Luna)

“Hohohohoho.  Then how about a small explanation.”

The merchant then pulled out several small bottles of spices.

“These come from our homeland far south from here.  Each one is special and increase the flavor of anything you make with them tenfold.  Though I must warn you that some of them do make food hotter, so it might be more of an acquired taste for some.”

“Fufufu.  Thank you for your explanation, how much for several bottles of each spice?” (Luna)

The merchant smiled.

“For the amount you want, 50 gold for the lot.  Normally I’d charge double, but as you have a discerning eye and are quite beautiful, I lowered the price.”

“Fufufufufu.  You flatter me.” (Luna)

I handed over the money and the merchant handed over the spices.  I thanked him again and went to join everyone.

“Luna, I think you should have tried to negotiate the price more.” (Skadi)

“Why, it’s not like that even put a dent in the amount of money I have.  Not to mention that I’m terrible at haggling.  Plus, I really wanted those spices.  You don’t get how many things I can make with them.” (Luna)

My last words caused my whole group to gulp.

“M-master, you’re saying you can make even better food with what you just bought?” (Ophidia)

“Naturally.  What I usually make is good, but with the right spices, it can be so much better you wouldn’t believe.” (Luna)

“Should we look for more spices then?” (Velvet)

“Sure, but let’s not only focus on those, there is so much more stuff to look at and buy.” (Luna)

We spent several hours going through the market looking at everything.  We bought several fabrics and clothes, some jewelry, lots more spices.  I even picked up some strange looking weapons to add to my collection.  When lunchtime came around, we picked up some food from one of the shops and found a place to sit down.

“This is so good.” (Soleil)

“Indeed.  It makes me curious to see what master can make with something like this.” (Ophidia)

“It’s so hot but I can’t stop eating it nya.” (Mio)

“Now I wish the Fenn would come to the Beast Kingdom.” (Velvet)

“While I understand your feelings, it’s a bit too far for them to travel.” (Skadi)

“Hmmm.  Maybe I should set up teleport gates in major cities across the world so people can come and go and spread stuff like this father.” (Luna)

Everyone went quiet at my words.  I looked up to see them all staring at me.

“What?” (Luna)

“No, it’s just that people have tried that in the past, but always failed, but you being you, it would probably work.” (Skadi)

“Of course it would, though I think I’d need to get the rulers of ever country on board first.” (Luna)

“Well, you know several of them already.” (Velvet)

“True, but I think I’ll wait until I meet all of them.  At least all of the ones on this continent.” (Luna)

“So, then it’s only a matter if time until then.” (Soleil)

“Yep.” (Velvet)

Just then we heard a loud sound coming from close by.  We looked at where it was coming from to see a metal giant throw a person out of the shop area.

“We’re not short!”

A small merchant wearing a turban was riding on the metal giant’s shoulder and yelling at the person that was just thrown out.

“Is that a golem?” (Luna)

“Yeah.  The Fenn use them to pull their wagons and for extra defense when adventurers aren’t enough.  Also, this is what happens when you call them that.” (Skadi)

This scene reminded me of a certain alchemist duo from my previous life.

“I want to laugh, but I feel like if I did, I’d get thrown like that as well.” (Soleil)

“Yeah, it’s best if you keep that to yourself.” (Skadi)

We continued to eat our lunch as we watched a few more people be thrown around by the Fenn’s golems.  Once we were done, we headed back into the shops to continue looking around.  Once late afternoon came around, we decided that we had enough.  We walked to the Temple of Night while discussing what we got today.

“Fufufufufu.  Look forward to what I make from now on.” (Luna)

“Are you going to make anything tonight?” (Soleil)

“Yep, and I know all of you are going to enjoy it.” (Luna)

Chaos Realm:

Atmos: You think Luna will share some of those spices with us?

I can probably make them here, actually.

Order: You can cook?

Of course I can.  I might not be at Luna's level, but I can outcalss most chefs.

Order: Then will you let me taste something sometime?

All you need is ask and I'll make anything you want.

Order: I'll take you up on your offer later then.

Alright.

Atmos: Can the two of you take this somewhere else?

Payto and Order: No.