Chapter 133: Cooperation
The quiet elf, finally spoke, "Congrats."
Though he stayed where he was instead of stepping closer. Gara didn’t mind; he still flashed him a smile.
Yet, despite the result, Gara wasn’t satisfied just yet. Even if Rea’s gift wasn’t a Talent, he didn’t know whether this ability was unique to Rea and her offspring or if all creatures capable of consuming poison might have produce the same effect.
Before heading home, Gara called Hilda over.
"I want you to find out what kinds of beasts can eat poisonous food. Also, check whether it’s common for beasts that couldn’t at first to eventually build up resistance of poison. And make sure they’re not too large or predatory, something small, like a squirrel, would be ideal."
Hilda dutifully wrote down his request and nodded.
Once he’d finished giving her instructions, Gara and his group returned to the village in the carriage Hilda had prepared. The carriage wouldn’t be going back to the city, which meant it was now theirs to use.
...
The next morning was clinic day. Even though their mission was complete, Gara still showed up for duty. He also continued to provide water for both the villagers and the camp Liners.
Simply as part of being a good member of the community.
Especially since Narin had no interest in tending to ordinary patients. Without Gara, the clinic wouldn’t even function.
When Narin arrived and saw the clinic already open—with Gara inside—she only rolled her eyes and walked past without a word. Gara said nothing either.
Narin looked different now. Her once well-kept hair hung limp, tied back in the same plain knot every day. The clothes she wore were wrinkled and stained.
It was obvious she no longer received extra water from anyone. So different from before, when she could draw from Loka and take from other men as she pleased.
Gara decided she wasn’t worth his attention.
Time passed quickly while he kept himself busy. Before long, the sun was high overhead, closing time for the clinic. They only stayed open until about noon.
Stepping outside, Gara stopped short. A young woman with short brown hair stood waiting for him.
"I’d like to discuss something with you," Yuvika said softly, almost shy.
He gave a small nod.
At first, his impression of Yuvika hadn’t been good. But over time, he realized she was far kinder than he’d assumed, perhaps even too kind. Since then, Gara held nothing against her and allowed her to use his water.
They moved back inside the clinic to talk, now that Narin had already left.
"First, let me properly introduce myself." Yuvika sat with her back straight. "My name is Yuvika, daughter of Yugo, head of Yugo Merchant House."
Yugo Merchant House. Gara remembered hearing Hilda mention that name.
Do they know I’m the true owner of Alrova Merchant House? But how? Was I too careless with my herb medicines while working here?
His gaze grew sharper.
Yuvika seemed to notice. "I know merchants have a bad reputation, but we’re not greedy swindlers like the rumors say."
Huh? From her words, she didn’t seem to be here because of Alrova Merchant House at all.
"I don’t hold grudges against merchants," Gara replied evenly. "But what business would a merchant house have with a mere Liner like me?"
"Sir Gara, you’re not just any Liner. You’re extraordinary," Yuvika countered quickly. The title ’sir’ sounded odd, coming from a fellow Liner, but Gara let it pass.
She continued, "The truth is, I came because I heard a skilled herbalist was working here. My father has been interested in your medicines for a long time."
One of Gara’s brows arched, making Yuvika fluster. She hurried to explain, "As I said, we’re not shady dealers. We won’t force you. What we want is honest cooperation, you provide the recipes, and we’ll handle the production. You’ll receive profit from every sale."
"And where exactly do you plan to sell them?" Gara asked.
"To other counties. And just recently, we secured permission to trade in Nozama Province. We’ll be sending them there as well."
Gara was no longer completely ignorant about the world around him. Nozama Province was the largest province, home to the beastfolk, the most populous race in the continent.
If he could send his medicines there, the profits would be immense. Any loss of income from a few shop in another counties refusing to cooperate would be easily offset.
"I’ve already granted Alrova Merchant House the rights to sell in this province..."
Yuvika’s eyes widened, and her shoulders sagged in disbelief. No wonder the medicinal herbs at that new merchant house worked almost as effectively as Gara’s own.
"I’m not done," Gara said calmly.
Yuvika’s shoulders straightened immediately.
"If Yugo Merchant House can truly supply Nozama Province, I’ll authorize the use of my herbs."
"R-really?" Yuvika rubbed her ear, unsure if she’d heard correctly. Nozama Province was far more profitable than Swargaloka Province.
Gara nodded. "For further discussions, you can coordinate with Hilda from Alrova Merchant House. The conditions should remain the same."
Yuvika was slightly confused about why she had to meet with Alrova, but she had no time to ask questions. She immediately contacted her father through her crystal ring to relay Gara’s words.
Gara also reached out to Hilda, instructing her not to reveal his identity as Alrova’s owner in front of Yugo.
While Gara’s life seemed to be moving smoothly, the investigation team had hit a dead end.
They needed to finish their exploration, but they couldn’t manage it with just the three of them—or really just two, since Narin kept hiding behind them every time they went up the mountain.
The three members of the investigation team left Camp Liner. Narin dragged her feet, determined not to explore too far into the mountains again after fainting at the sight of a massive snake.
Mohan and Kian paid no mind to her worries.
On the way, a villager came running toward them, panic written across his face.
"Miss Healer! Rima, the chief’s granddaughter, suddenly seized. Please, save her!"
...