NOVEL NEXT Ch23 - The Treats Are Ready!
Chapter 23: The Treats Are Ready!
The magic shop that Shalti recommended was a large store on the main street. Taichi, who usually visited markets and smaller shops, regretted not coming here sooner.
(I thought it would be a store just for nobles…)
On closer inspection, he noticed that adventurers were also coming and going.
“Oh, but… I can’t bring Luke inside.”
“What? Are you telling me to wait in front of the store…!?”
“Well, it might be better if you wait outside…”
Taichi was conflicted about what to do. He was concerned that leaving Luke alone outside might attract unwanted attention or trouble.
Just as he was considering going back inside alone, he heard his name called, “Taichi!”
“Hm? Oh, Himeli…!”
“Hey! What are you doing in front of the magic shop?”
“Actually…”
Taichi explained the situation to Himeli, who nodded understandingly.
“I see. If that’s the case, I’ll wait with Luke. That way, you can shop.”
“Really? I feel bad asking you to do that…”
Himeli shook her head slowly.
“I was treated to a meal at your café recently. Let me help you with this.”
(So it’s a favor in return for the meal…)
Taichi decided it was alright to accept her help.
“Alright then, I’ll leave it to you.”
“Got it! Leave it to me!”
The only concern now was whether Luke would agree to this arrangement. Taichi glanced at Luke, who showed no attempt to hide his displeasure.
(Maybe he doesn’t like humans?)
“…Luke, I’m going to do some shopping. Please wait here for a bit!”
He clasped his hands together in a pleading gesture.
“Are you intending to leave me with this woman…!?”
“Uh, is it really a no…? If you wait, I’ll make the bead cushion bigger for you as a reward!”
“What!? Really!?”
Luke’s eyes widened at Taichi’s words.
“If you insist that much, I suppose I’ll wait.”
“Great…! As expected of the noble Luke, you understand!”
“Of course, of course!!”
Taichi praised Luke profusely, making sure he was in a good mood. This should hopefully make it easier for Himeli to manage while waiting with Luke.
“Alright, I’m off then!”
“Return quickly!”
“Yes, take your time.”
Upon entering the magic shop, Taichi found it bustling with adventurers and robed alchemists. The first things he noticed were various types of potions in small bottles, which excited him.
There was also a section for medicinal herbs and magical items.
Without any weapons or equipment, the store was more of a specialty shop for fantasy items.
“Interesting… oh, I should focus on the herbs.”
Taichi headed to the herb section, where he found the magic herbs he knew, as well as the coveted moonlight herbs.
The moonlight herbs were exactly as Shalti described: light green leaves with white flowers, which seemed fitting for the night.
“The only issue is the price…”
They sold moonlight herbs in bundles of five, with each bundle priced at 10,000 Chel.
“Wow, that’s quite pricey.”
Taichi wondered how many cookies he could make with one herb and hoped the cost would be around 400 Chel each. He decided to buy a bundle of moonlight herbs and five bundles of magic herbs, which were cheaper at 1,000 Chel per bundle.
Finishing his purchase, Taichi exited the shop to find Luke and Himeli in a standoff. Luke was glaring, while Himeli looked troubled.
“Ah, sorry for the wait. Was everything okay, Himeli?”
“Wow, that was quick! Luke was a good boy, so everything was fine!”
“What do you think of me!?”
Himeli smiled at Taichi’s words, while Luke snorted. However, his wagging tail indicated he was pleased that Taichi had returned.
“Okay, let’s head back and try making the treats.”
“Hey, can I watch you make the treats?”
“Of course.”
With an interested Himeli in tow, Taichi went back to the café.
Now it was time to make the treats.
With all the ingredients ready, Taichi just needed to use his skill.
On the counter were a lot of strawberries, carrots, flour, eggs, and one moonlight herb.
“First, let’s see how much I can make with just one moonlight herb.”
“What kind of treats will it make?”
“You’ll find out when it’s done! Let’s begin with [Snack Cooking].”
Using the skill, most of the ingredients disappeared in an instant, leaving a large number of cookies on the counter.
Fortunately, the cookies were packaged in bags of five each.
“Wow.”
“Wow! This is amazing! How many are there?”
“Let’s count.”
“Okay!”
Taichi neatly arranged the bags while Himeli counted aloud. Her counting quickly reached seventy.
“Seventy bags! That’s impressive.”
Taichi had been worried about the high cost of moonlight herbs, but it turned out to be a non-issue.
He mentally calculated the cost of materials.
(Roughly 40 to 50 Chel each.)
This meant he could sell the treats at a reasonable price. The next step was to see if the Berry Rabbits liked them.
“Alright! Himeli, let’s give these treats to the Berry Rabbits and see their reaction.”
“Yes! I want to give them!”
Himeli eagerly volunteered, bouncing with excitement.
So began the treat tasting time.