A Beekeeper in a Magical World

Chapter 165: Traveling Merchant

Huayu Town at this time was filled with ice and snow elements.

For instance, crystal ornaments hung at the entrance of every household.

And snowmen piled up in front of doors.

These added a rare romantic touch to this sturdy mining town's atmosphere.

In the town center square stood a goddess ice sculptureabstract in design, roughly crafted, barely revealing a humanoid shape.

It was evident that an amateur had worked on it.

In reality, it was crafted by experienced miners.

They used their mining picks and broad axes to chisel it out.

Refinement was a bit of a stretch here.

Night fell, and the celebration began.

The square buzzed with people, alive with song and dance.

The ice sculpture was surrounded by torches and the crowd, the celebration to last until the sculpture melted away.

The town's only troubadour played a tune by the bonfire.

He didn't hold any instruments, just used his slender fingers to pluck the air, conjuring melodious tunes.

Accompanied by his enchanting voice, a beautiful movement unfolded.

Amidst the revelry, two small figures cloaked in brown remained still, resembling bags filled with goods, only revealing pairs of keenly rotating eyes, proof of their living nature.

The bright orbs reflected the fire's glow, sharply observing the crowd.

From the larger "bag" came an aged voice, "Look over there, that lad with freckles all over. What do you think he currently 'needs'?"

The smaller "bag" beside replied in a more juvenile tone, "Hmm... dressed in attire unsuitable for this weather, meticulously groomed hair. He must be interested in someone here... See, that girl with the brown braids; her attention is entirely captivated by the troubadour's voice, completely unaware of him. Maybe he needs a beautiful flower or some other suitable gift to express his feelings... Am I analyzing this correctly, Master?"

"Mostly right, but you're overcomplicating it and getting away from reality. Look closely at him. In this freezing weather, wearing only a thin garment, shivering just for style. I bet he can barely open his mouth by now."

"Oh, I get it! He most needs warm clothing!"

"But that conflicts with his need to maintain his stylish appearance. Plus, the profit from a warm outer garment is nowhere near that of a warming talisman."

"Makes sense, but Master, would he really spend so much money on a talisman?"

"Don't underestimate human courtship desires, especially young lads. They'd do anything for a chance... Look, you've got an example right in front of you."

A young couple emerged from the dancing crowd, hands clasped, faces flushed with happiness, kissing passionately while slowly moving away from the crowd.

"What do you think they need the most right now?"

"Uh, a bed? Hehe."

"Hehehe...?!"

The lovers caught sight of two "bags" on the ground and instinctively sat on them.

Unexpectedly, one of the "bags" jumped up, waving two sturdy short arms, shouting, "Look properly!"

The woman gasped, focused, and realized the two "bags" stood up, two dwarves under brown cloaks.

Blushing, the couple apologized repeatedly and slipped into the crowd, holding hands.

"How impolite."

Grumbled the young dwarf, discontent.

Looking back at the lad who cared more about style than warmth, he had long disappeared.

Probably couldn't bear the cold any longer and headed home.

Leaving the place unfulfilled, full of regret.

The little dwarf sighed in disappointment.

"Don't be disheartened. As long as you observe, needs are everywhere in this world." The old dwarf paused, adding, "Besides, if there aren't existing needs, high-end merchants can create them..."

The old dwarf paused, stroked his beard under the cloak, squinting, gazing in a certain direction within the crowd.

The young dwarf recognized that gaze as spotting a target.

Instantly followed his line of sight.

A dashing gentleman stood at the outer edge of the crowd, enjoying the troubadour's performance, a graceful smile on his face as he clapped with others.

His hands adorned with rings of various colors.

"A mage." The old dwarf, relying on his seasoned experience, made a confident judgment.

It was widely known that mages were wealthy.

No matter if they were low-tier or high-tier mages, magical instruments were essential.

And various materials required for spellcasting all demanded money support.

"No, there doesn't seem to be anything he lacks." The young dwarf analyzed but found the other party flawless.

"Like I said, high-end merchants can create their own needs. Follow me, don't speak randomly, just observe. I'll teach you how it's done."

The old dwarf moved, traversing through the crowd towards the mage.

The young dwarf followed closely.

...

"I'm a traveling merchant from Lapau, Glad Wheel. And this is my apprentice, Wooden Basin."

The old dwarf removed the hood, revealing a weathered broad face, the grey-white beard tucked into the cloak, possibly trailing on the ground.

The small dwarf beside him also removed the cloak, revealing a typical dwarf face, big nose, prominent forehead, broad cheeks, with a budding beard, eyes reflecting a hint of naive clarity.

When Carter heard that they were traveling merchants, his interest piqued.

The Alchemy Workshop had just opened and hadn't sold anything yet.

Maybe they could make their first profit here.

Traveling merchants, after all, buy from here and sell there.

Carter gave them a nod, introducing himself, "Carter Nio, from the town's Alchemy Workshop, run by me and my companion."

The old dwarf, upon learning about the shop, became intrigued.

He had quite a stock of alchemical items, especially many magical potions, some nearing their expiration.

Perhaps, he could make a hefty profit from here.

As a traveling merchant, making money was the sole purpose. He held no bias against native alchemists; as long as there was profit, they could negotiate.

He promptly proposed, "Why don't we find a place for a drink, maybe discuss business?"

"Just what I had in mind."

...

Most residents were outside reveling, making the tavern quite deserted.

Carter and the two dwarves picked a table near the window and ordered three beers.

After exchanging pleasantries, they subtly probed each other's backgrounds and temperaments, gauging each other's depths.

Carter asked, "The Chaotic Period is approaching, will you continue your travels?"

"Little do you know, the Chaotic Period is the most lucrative season for traveling merchants."

Usually, Carter had little interaction with traveling merchants. This seemed counterintuitive, but Carter quickly understood.

During the Chaotic Period, population mobility decreased, and people tended to have higher demand for traveling merchants.

"You don't look like an alchemist." The old dwarf's slightly cloudy eyes stared intently at him, "If I'm not mistaken, you should be a mage, specializing in wind magic."

"Good eye."

Carter acknowledged his insight.

He probably didn't use any discernment tricks; merely observations based on experience.

Noticing he was a mage wasn't anything extraordinary.

However, deducing that he specialized in wind magic was not that straightforward.

This old dwarf had a keen eye.

Receiving the

compliment, the old dwarf didn't display any pleasure.

"Then, I think you might be interested in this."

The old dwarf reached into his storage bag, taking out a bottle of deep blue potion, placing it on the table.

It looked different from the common potion bottles found in the Torun Kingdom market.

Not the usual round-bellied magic potion bottle but a square one.

"The Windwing Elixir, obtained in the Shield Kingdom. As far as I know, this kind of potion isn't yet popular in Torun.

"It substantially boosts the power of the consumer's wind magic. As a wind mage, you should perceive the abundant wind elements within."

Pausing there, the old dwarf waited for his inspection.

When Carter picked it up for examination, the old dwarf proudly continued, "The best part is, its toxic side effects are far less than similar types of magic potions available in the Torun market. After consumption, apart from a slight decrease in resistance to cold, there are almost no other side effects. And according to experiments, you'd have to drink a dozen or so bottles continuously before any significant signs of poisoning show."

Leaning back into the chair, the old dwarf gave a confident smile, "Have you seen a more perfect magic potion?"