Knock! Knock!
Rowan was woken up by the noise coming from the front door, and looking out the window, he could see that it was early in the morning.
'It's probably Eoghan's people coming to pick up the chocolate.' Rowan thought as he got up and made his way groggily towards the door. He saw the chocolate still floating in the air, and realized that it would float there indefinitely unless it was out of range, even if it melted it would stay suspended in that form. He made the bars land on the ground, he didn't want anyone in this city knowing too much about his skills after all.
Opening the door, he was greeted by a group of burly men, most likely workers sent to get the bars.
"Good day to you sir Rowan, we were sent here to receive the goods." The workers sent by Eoghan were told to treat Rowan respectfully, but they weren't exactly sure how. He was neither a merchant, a noble, and anyone of significance. Regardless, they treated him with respect, normally they wouldn't even go to procure the goods themselves, it was brought to them. In all their years of experience though, they learned to trust in Eoghan's words and intuition, he usually had a good eye for people.
"Of course, I left it inside." Rowan directed them to the chocolate bars lying neatly on the ground, still with no indication of melting. And, hopefully no bug or rodent came into contact with it. Rowan didn't find it too problematic though, hygiene didn't seem to be a big thing during this period.
The workers started loading the chocolate into several boxes and chests, and left shortly thereafter.
Rowan sighed in contentment, it would be payday soon, he was running a little low on coins lately. When he was with Eoghan and the nobles the other day, one of the nobles actually owned some clothing shops, and agreed to send over some clothing directly to Eoghan, for a price course. The clothing wasn't too expensive, but Rowan bought a good amount of it. That would last him for a long while.
As per usual, Rowan went to the pub for breakfast, eating some stew with bread today. He listened to the conversations happening around him, this was a great place to get information, albeit sometimes it was a bit exaggerated or false. He was fine with that though, once he had more money he could easily get information from reliable sources, Eoghan might be one such source; he had many connections across the city as a successful merchant.
Rowan learned the backer of Viscount Adam is Prince Declan, the eldest amongst the princes and princes, as well as the one with the highest chance of becoming the king. That was before the system came along, of course, now his good sibling have a chance as well. Now, his way to the top is anything but smooth, with obstructions from many sides. The city of Minitrysa houses many, many nobles who support Prince Declan, both financially and militarily.
The recent attacks - both openly and covertly - on the supporters of Prince Declan, seem to be orchestrated by some of his siblings whom seem to have formed a temporary alliance on him. Yes, they planned to gang up on him first, then fight amongst themselves after. Prince Declan was just that powerful, before they had practically no chance at the crown, so how could they miss this God-given opportunity. Apparently, any city that supports Prince Declan is getting the same treatment. He was definitely not having a good time.
'Sucks to be you, man.' Rowan didn't really care about this whole sh*tstorm, but he was dealing with one of the Prince's supporters. The best option for Rowan, would have been to move to another city that was neutral or more peaceful, but the only city close by was Duloc, he was definitely not going back there.
Rowan finished his meal and left, the price went up a bit, but he didn't mind it too much. It must have to do with the sh*tstorm, was how he chalked it up as. He headed off to the bathhouse to enjoy himself, head home and then sleep. He really planned to head out of the city, to farm some experience after receiving his pay.
Meanwhile, on Eoghan's side…
Eoghan received the chocolates, and started sending them out immediately. The nobles who got a taste of the bars Rowan had given initially loved- no, were hooked on it. Then, they told their friends, and they told their friends. Almost all of the nobles knew about it, some were excited, others were indifferent or interested.
Many of the nobles actually reached out to Eoghan, to get try and get their hands on some. For those people, he would receive the money coins first and then send out the goods later, when he received them. He sold each bar for a gold coin, even charging for delivery. If Rowan were here, he would describe this as a 'preorder.' Eoghan, in all his years as a merchant, knew that people were more prone toward expensive things, so he obliged. Truly a merchant at heart.
A couple hours later, and most of the chocolate bars were sent out, with the remainder quickly following.
Eoghan didn't know the commotion that this would cause, even catching the attention of the princes and princesses alike. He casually poured himself a mega pint of wine, gulping it down vigorously.
"Ahh, this is the life." Eoghan sighed in contentment, and started counting all of his money, coin by coin.
While Eoghan was doing that, in a luxurious looking room, an old man could be seen holding something. It was the chocolate bar, which had cost him a whole gold coin. He knew it was going to be worth it, just from the cost.
There was no wrapper or anything like that, so he just broke off a piece, taking a bite in the next moment.
"Ohh.." The man's eyes widened, as he sighed in satisfaction. The chocolate was bitter, containing a rich and slightly sweet note. He didn't know it was dark chocolate, but he probably wouldn't care. He was immediately captivated by the taste, and before he knew it, it was all gone. He needed more, and now.
"Angus!" He called out, and a man on the side immediately went up, kneeling before him.
"Yes, my lord." Angus replied promptly, ready to carry out his lord's orders.
"Go seek out Eoghan..." The old man was desperate for more, and there were many such reactions happening throughout the city. The crunch from the chocolate, the rich and sweet notes, made the nobles, who have never tried such a thing, hooked.
It might seem ridiculous, but this was very similar to the Rowan's previous world. People from around the world would consume vast amounts of these sugar-packed confections.