"Leader, these are the four items I've brought for you to inspect," James said, gesturing toward the goods held by the veteran soldiers. Among them was a bundle wrapped in coarse burlap, containing frozen vegetables that glistened with frost.
"Bring them here," Perry instructed her servant, her eyes alight with curiosity as she studied the array of items. The prospect of new goods from the human traders piqued her interest, especially after the promising discussion about salt.
"Yes, my lady," The servant replied promptly, retrieving the four items from the soldiers and placing them carefully before Perry on the sturdy wooden table.
Perry's gaze swept over the collection: a sleek black ceramic bottle, a burlap sack, a sealed clay jar, and a mysterious package wrapped in an unfamiliar material. "Which one is the salt?" She asked, her voice tinged with intrigue. The ceramic jar caught her eye—its polished surface gleamed subtly in the dim light of the tent, a craftsmanship rarely seen in her tribe's rugged encampment.
James pointed to the sack. "That brownish-yellow package is the salt," He said quickly, sensing her eagerness.
"This is the salt?" Perry picked up the package, her fingers brushing against its smooth, unfamiliar texture. It didn't feel like the rough burlap she was accustomed to, and her brow furrowed in puzzlement.
"The bag holding the salt is made of something called paper," James explained. "It's specially treated to be waterproof. Each bag contains exactly one pound of salt." His explanation was brief but confident, as if he'd rehearsed it to ensure clarity.
Perry nodded slowly, her mind grappling with the concept of this "paper." It sounded sophisticated, almost magical, though she didn't fully understand it. Deciding to see for herself, she reached for the small knife on the table and sliced open the bag with a swift, precise cut. Her eyes widened as a cascade of snowy-white salt spilled out, shimmering like fine snow in the firelight.
"This is salt? It's so… white?" Perry blinked, her eyes glinting with astonishment. She dipped a finger into the granules, tasting a pinch. The sharp, clean saltiness hit her tongue, causing her to wince slightly, but she swallowed it down. Unlike the coarse, bitter salt she'd known, this was pure, almost delicate.
"This is our young master's specially refined salt," James said, his chest puffing with pride. "It's free of the usual bitterness you find in common salt."
Perry nodded approvingly. "It's excellent salt." She recognized its quality instantly—it surpassed even the salt she'd tasted at the royal palace in Valtoria, where only the elite dined. To think that a mere pound of this pristine salt cost only thirty copper coins was astonishing. Unbeknownst to her, in Sedona City, commoners with identification could purchase it for a mere five copper coins per pound—a fact that would have left her speechless.
Taking a sip of water to cleanse her palate, Perry's attention shifted to the black ceramic bottle. "And this?" She asked, her tone curious but guarded.
"That's Spirit wine," James replied, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "A top-tier wine, the finest you'll ever taste."
"Spirit? What an odd name," Perry mused, her expectations tempered. She'd sampled the finest imperial wines at the Valtoria beastkin palace—could this human concoction possibly compare?
Without waiting for her command, the servant uncorked the bottle. A rich, heady aroma of fermented grains and subtle spices wafted into the air, enveloping the tent. The scent was so intoxicating that everyone present—Perry included—swallowed hard, their mouths watering. The beastkin knights, standing stoically nearby, couldn't suppress their audible gulps, much to Perry's embarrassment. Her cheeks flushed a faint red. How mortifying for her warriors to lose composure over a mere whiff of wine.
The servant poured a small amount into a cup, sampling it first as protocol demanded. Her eyes widened briefly before she poured a full cup for Perry. "It's good wine," She said softly, her voice tinged with awe.
Perry took a delicate sip, and her eyes lit up like twin suns. The wine was smooth, robust, with a warmth that spread through her chest. "Exceptional wine," She declared, savoring another sip. It outshone even the imperial vintages she'd tasted in Valtoria. "Truly a first-class wine."
James's lips curved into a proud smile. "This, too, is crafted with our master's secret recipe. Sedona City is the only place in the world where it's produced." He gestured toward the clay jar. "Please, Leader, open the other jar. It contains a delicacy perfect for pairing with the wine."
Perry's curiosity surged. "Open it," She commanded, her voice eager. The servant complied, carefully prying open the clay jar. A savory aroma of fish and fragrant spices filled the air, triggering another round of audible swallows from the knights. Perry's own stomach growled softly, betraying her hunger.
"What is this?" She asked, her eyes locked on the jar's contents. The scent alone was enough to make her mouth water, her appetite roaring to life.
"Fish meat preserves," James said, licking his lips unconsciously. "Another of our master's exclusive recipes, produced only in Sedona City."
The servant spooned some of the fish onto a plate, cutting a small piece to taste. Her cheeks flushed as she took a second bite, then sheepishly placed the plate before Perry. Using her knife, Perry speared a small chunk and popped it into her mouth. The rich, savory flavor exploded across her taste buds, a perfect blend of tender fish and aromatic spices. She couldn't help herself—she took another bite, then another, her restraint crumbling as she savored the delicacy.
James watched, his lips twitching with amusement. The Leader, partially obscured by the burlap curtain she held to shield her face, was devouring the fish with unabashed enthusiasm. He couldn't quite make out her features, but her fervor was unmistakable.
Catching his odd stare, Perry forced herself to slow down, reluctantly setting down her knife. Her eyes flicked to the final item—the burlap-wrapped bundle. "And this last one?" She asked, her curiosity now fully ignited.
James chuckled softly. "Open it and see, Leader. I doubt anyone could resist this." His tone carried a hint of mischief, as if he knew the frozen vegetables inside were a bait no one could refuse.
Perry leaned forward, her fingers trembling slightly as she untied the burlap knot. Pulling back the fabric, she froze, staring at the frost-dusted greens within. Her hands shook as she lifted a single frozen vegetable, snapping off a piece and popping it into her mouth. She chewed slowly, her eyes widening in disbelief. "This… this is really a vegetable?" She exclaimed, her voice trembling with awe.
"Indeed," James said, seizing the opportunity to praise his lord. "It's only through our master's divine craftsmanship that we can cultivate fresh vegetables in the dead of winter."
Perry chewed thoughtfully, her eyes shimmering with lingering shock. The crisp, vibrant taste of the vegetable was a rarity in the harsh winter months. Her mind raced, captivated by the mysterious Lucas. What kind of man could produce such extraordinary things—pure salt, exquisite wine, savory preserves, and now fresh vegetables in winter?
"I want to meet Lord Lucas in person come spring," She said, setting down her knife and wiping her mouth with the burlap. "We'll discuss the deal for twenty thousand sheep, as well as the salt, wine, fish preserves, and these vegetables." Her voice was firm, her mind already envisioning a long-term partnership.
"I'll convey your request to our young master," James said, bowing deeply. His mission was nearly complete, and he felt a surge of pride at the success.
Perry nodded, then shifted topics. "What about draft horses? How many do you need?" The sale of horses was another lucrative opportunity, especially in winter when they consumed precious fodder.
"For now, one hundred draft horses," James replied. "We need them to transport the sheep meat."
"Only one hundred? That's awfully few," Perry said, frowning. "I can offer a discount on the price." Her tribe had surplus horses, and selling them now would ease the strain on their resources.
"One hundred is enough for now," James said calmly. "We'll purchase more next year." The horses would be used to haul the meat back and then serve in Sedona City's shipyards. Buying too many now would only strain their limited winter vegetable supplies.
"Next year again?" Perry raised an eyebrow, sensing a larger plan at play. "Where would I meet Lord Lucas to discuss these deals? Here, in our tribe?"
"We propose Riverden City," James said quickly. "It's conveniently located halfway between the Sahara Grasslands and Sedona City."
"Absolutely not!" The servant interjected, her voice sharp with suspicion. "Who knows what tricks you humans might pull?"
Perry raised a hand, silencing her. "We'll discuss this later," She said, her tone measured. "For now, you may rest. I need time to consider." She gestured to the beastkin knights, who stepped forward to escort James and his men.
"I take my leave," James said, bowing once more before following the knights out of the tent.
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