Old man Nicholas and company had temporarily ceased further advances to the forest. They were received at Chief Feldor's house ad interim.
"I'm very sorry if these are all what we can offer. As you are aware, the village is poor."
On the table was an antiquated teapot serving green tea. For villagers who lacked the standard for formal reception, this was the best they could proffer. The very definition of poverty could even be seen on the faces of the villagers who were out at elbows.
"No. This is just fine. In fact, I should be thankful to your courteous reception. Oh, this tea is good as well."
Feldor and Nicholas exchanged respectful words as Elder Grucia, Feldor's wife, offered the tea at them. They'd known each other over the years. Feldor knew that Nicholas was not a merchant, but simply a purchase personnel hired by Marquis Goether Kale Miller, who was also his distant relative. As for the lady, she's Celestine Kale Miller—the Marquis' only daughter who was now fifteen.
In the wooden rectangular table were: Celestine, Nicholas, Martin, Enrald, Feldor, and two more merchants whom were unknown to Feldor.
"So, what's your plan now, Sir Nicholas?" Feldor asked.
"I'm still unable to make a definite decision. What's worse, time is not very amiable to us."
"Pardon me, if I may not be intruding too much, may I ask what you really need in the next village?"
"Oh, it's fine, my friend. Actually, we would like to purchase some livestock for meat. Commonly, we purchase from the livestock owners at the City of Millerus. However, just recently, they've been in a state of recession. There's been an unknown disease that's infecting them. Hence, as a substitute, I heard from merchants in the Capital that the Kanto Village's are of high quality."
"Yeah, that's correct. But—." Feldor was a bit upset of the fact that people in the Capital always considered the next village to be the best option. He wanted to yell at him.
We're also selling livestock, you idiot! The people there always deem the surrounding villages to be of low quality. This had been the unyielding prejudice for years. We've exerted our effort, time, and resources in growing them as well, okay? Same with the Kanto Village's pastors. Yes, we understand that they are special. After all, they use magic to supplement the natural growth. There's no other in the kingdom who can cast a magic art similar to the magic user's there. Still, this should not necessarily demean other villages. Now, are you saying ours are not gonna sell? If ever luckily sold—underpriced? What a joke! Of course, we're forced to sell them even in low prices. Especially now that some villagers may not even be able to eat thrice a day. What choice do we have?
Actually, domesticating animals for meat production and other uses had not been easy in the kingdom. Why? Because they were vulnerable. Such as but not limited to: disease spread by magical insects, being attractive food for magical beasts and monsters, and some even died from fright caused by other superior monsters. This was the reason why people had invested money to grow these animals, since the demand was supposed to be high. Then, they should have expected a high return. Unluckily! Only those from Kanto were paid high. The rest were victims of injustice. As a result, he advised all the villagers to desist from selling them for now. Since the price was very low to even make the deal work. Feldor was upset about this.
Can you imagine, even a family without food on their table are still hesitant to sell their livestock—they were like treasures to them. Deep inside, they're waiting for the time when the price would already grow.
He was furious inside. So he wasn't prepared for Nicholas' next words…
"Sir Feldor, I want to ask you a question." Nicholas softly said.
"Yes. What is it?"
"Are you or your people growing livestock?"
"Yes. That's only natural. Kanto and our village are almost the same in everything, you know?"
"Oh, sorry if I'm a bit insensitive here. Uhm…"
Feldor showed a tad irritated face; thankfully, the other party noticed it right away.
"What is it, Sir Nicholas?" He further queried while sipping his tea.
"Hmm. Can I buy your livestock instead?"
When this was uttered, everyone became silent and immobile. They were shocked by the decision. The first to speak were the two other merchants.
"Wait, wait, Sir Nicholas. Are you really fine with that? I mean, the Marquis might…" The chubby merchant reacted.
"Yes. Also, about the quality—." The younger one added.
"You two, what are you saying? There's actually no big difference. The sole nuance is the magic protection casted from each of them to prevent diseases and of the kind. Since there are no known endemic diseases recently on these areas, then the quality of meat should just be practically the same."
"I-Is that true?" The chubby merchant asked.
"Yes. It's not even a secret. Also, we don't have much time." Nicholas wore a bland expression.
"I agree with Uncle's decision." Celestine happily nodded.
They were all in a conversation. Feldor, on the other hand, was still thinking of what the hidden implications of Nicholas decision. Ultimately, he'd concluded that there was none.
"Seriously? You're amazing, Sir Nicholas. You understand." He looked him in the eyes while enunciating his sincere praise.
Only a few can really understand the dire situation of the livestock economy in the kingdom. Maybe some understood but never bothered to address the problem itself. For Nicholas, who was just a purchase personnel, this was a big move.
"So, what do you say, Sir Feldor?"
"Fine. However, I have a condition." I can't believe I'm setting a condition. But, let's get on with this. He thought.
"What is it? Let's hear it out."
"It's simple. For your future purchases, I want our village to be your second choice. I hope this is not asking too much. Please do remember that this is only for the betterment of my villagers. I am not speaking here as a person, rather, as a Village Chief who's only priority and thought should be the villagers' sake.
"No. It's fine. In fact, the Kanto Village don't have surplus supplies all the time. I know your point is well considered. I accept it.
"Thanks." Feldor bowed.
"Shall we put it in writing?"
"Yes, please. Also, while preparing for it, I'm going to tell the villagers.
"Got it."
Everyone moved out. Feldor went to the villagers while the other party went back to their carriages.