Chapter 48: City Shopping Expedition for Maya Village
Year 0003, Month XI-XII: The Imperium
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Day 163: The City Tour
As the harsh grip of winter gradually loosened its hold on the land, allowing the first tentative whispers of spring to emerge through patches of melting snow, August's team prepared for a crucial expedition to the bustling City of Gremory. The seasonal transition brought with it renewed hope and purpose—they would be gathering essential supplies for the remote village of Maya, which lay nestled so deep within the ancient forest that no other settlement existed within hundreds of kilometers of untamed wilderness.
This carefully planned outing would serve multiple purposes: securing vital resources to sustain the village's growing population, providing a much-needed respite for his hardworking team, and creating opportunities for team bonding. August, understanding the importance of both practical needs and morale, had readily agreed to fund their entire expedition without hesitation.
The morning began with their disciplined routine—physical training sessions that had become second nature, followed by a hearty breakfast that would fuel them for the day's activities. Despite lingering patches of snow that clung stubbornly to shadowed corners, the business district of Gremory had already begun stirring with renewed vitality as merchants prepared for the more prosperous months ahead.
The expedition party had been carefully selected to maximize both efficiency and team development. August led the group, accompanied by his core team members: Angeline with her shy and timid personality, Erik whose steady presence anchored the group, Bren whose enthusiasm and superb observation skills never wavered, Betty whose charm proved invaluable, Adam whose confident competence spoke volumes, and Isabel whose quiet yet strong-willed nature smoothed many interactions. Additionally, two promising individuals had been invited: Milo, who had recently shown increased competitiveness and drive that needed proper channeling, and Nina, whose naturally quiet and introspective nature often led her to work diligently behind the scenes while absorbing knowledge like a dedicated scholar.
August's decision to include Milo and Nina wasn't arbitrary. He recognized that both young people possessed potential that could be developed through exposure to different environments and challenges. Nina, in particular, needed encouragement to engage more socially with her peers, as her tendency toward solitary study, while admirable, could become limiting. This outing represented a perfect opportunity for her to build relationships within August's established team, especially since she was destined to become an integral member of their support squad alongside Adarna and Hiraya in the future.
The carriage ride to Gremory proved pleasant and productive, filled with animated discussions about their mission objectives and lighthearted conversations that strengthened bonds between team members. The landscape gradually transformed from the familiar, well-maintained grounds of the Fernando estate to the increasingly populated and bustling outskirts of the great city, where merchant caravans and travelers created steady streams of activity along the main thoroughfares.
Upon arrival, their first priority was to canvas the agricultural markets for high-quality seeds and farming supplies that would form the foundation of Maya village's long-term food security. The village adults had specifically requested a diverse variety of grain seeds, along with poultry livestock and milk-producing animals, plus the necessary tools and equipment for establishing proper agricultural operations within their challenging forest environment.
The seed merchant's establishment immediately impressed them with its organization and variety. Neat rows of glass jars lined every available wall surface, each container carefully labeled and filled with seeds representing different varieties, origins, and growing characteristics. The elderly proprietor, whose weathered hands and sun-darkened skin spoke of decades spent understanding agriculture, greeted them with the warm professionalism of someone who took genuine pride in his expertise.
"For a forest settlement such as yours," the merchant began thoughtfully, stroking his graying beard while studying their group with experienced eyes, "you'll want varieties that can adapt to different soil conditions and potentially challenging growing environments. Allow me to explain what options we have available."
He guided them systematically through their choices, beginning with Darkgrain—a hardy Buckwheat variety renowned for its resilience and distinctive earthy flavor. Priced at one local gold coin per sack, its darker hue reflected the rich nutrients it contained, making it an excellent foundation crop for establishing food security in demanding environments.
Golden-Tears, the regional Corn variety, commanded a higher price of two local gold coins per sack, but the merchant explained that this premium was justified by its exceptional yield potential and remarkable versatility. The golden kernels could be ground into nutritious meals, processed into animal feed, or consumed fresh, making it invaluable for a developing community with diverse needs.
Common-LoafBarley lived up to its name as the most widely consumed grain among ordinary citizens throughout the region. At one local gold coin per sack, it offered excellent value while providing the essential foundation for bread production, hearty porridge, and even brewing applications that could become economically important for the village.
King's Golden Grain, the premium wheat variety, justified its elevated price of three local gold coins per sack through superior quality and the exceptionally fine flour it produced when properly milled. Traditionally favored by nobility and wealthy merchants, it would allow the village to create high-quality baked goods and potentially establish profitable trade relationships with discerning customers in other settlements.
Finally, Water-Pearl Rice, priced at two local gold coins per sack, offered unique cultivation possibilities that intrigued the agricultural families in their group. The merchant carefully explained how its distinctive pearlescent appearance when cooked reflected its traditional growth in carefully managed flooded fields, though he noted that forest cultivation would require innovative water management techniques.
After extensive consultation with the experienced farming families who had joined their community, August made the strategic decision to purchase five sacks of each grain variety. This diversified approach would allow them to conduct proper testing to determine which grains thrived best in the forest's unique soil composition while ensuring they maintained adequate backup options if certain varieties failed to adapt successfully.
The forty-five local gold coin (LGC) investment represented a substantial commitment, but the merchant's generous offer to arrange same-day delivery to the Fernando estate added considerable value to the transaction and simplified their logistics significantly.
Their next destination focused on acquiring essential tools and construction materials. The hardware merchant's sprawling establishment resembled a carefully organized maze, with implements hanging from sturdy rafters, stacked methodically on reinforced shelves, and displayed in arrangements that demonstrated years of experience serving the community's diverse needs.
They systematically gathered tools necessary for establishing comprehensive agricultural operations: thirty units each of various essential implements. Hammers, priced at twenty local copper coins each, would handle general construction and repair work. Saws at thirty local copper coins each would enable precise woodworking for building projects. Pickaxes, commanding forty local copper coins each due to their specialized construction, would break challenging ground and extract stones. Shovels at fifty local copper coins each would handle earth-moving and cultivation tasks. Axes, priced at thirty-five local copper coins each, would manage forest clearing and lumber processing. Hoes, also local thirty-five copper coins each, would provide essential soil cultivation capabilities.
Additionally, they ordered five hundred kilograms of nails in various sizes at ten local copper coins per kilogram, ensuring adequate fastening materials for extensive construction projects that would inevitably arise as the village expanded and developed.
The total cost of one gold coin, twenty-five silver coins, and fifty copper coins represented a significant but necessary investment in the village's infrastructure development capabilities. Once again, the merchant's promise of same-day delivery to the Fernando estate demonstrated the excellent customer service that established Gremory's reputation as a premier trading center.
With their essential business objectives successfully completed, August made a decision that reflected his deep understanding of team dynamics and the importance of maintaining high morale. He distributed fifty local gold coins to the female team members, making the strategic choice to entrust Nina with managing their group's budget—a decision designed to both help her develop practical leadership skills and financial responsibility while ensuring their spending remained reasonable and purposeful since she knew more of the market prices than her new companions.
The immediate divergence in shopping preferences between genders became both amusing and enlightening. The girls, led by an increasingly confident Nina who rose admirably to her new responsibility, headed directly toward the clothing district with obvious enthusiasm and carefully considered plans. Meanwhile, the boys congregated awkwardly nearby, shifting uncomfortably as they struggled to identify anything they might actually want to purchase for themselves.
"So, what do you guys want to buy for yourselves?" August asked with barely concealed amusement, observing his male companions as they scratched their heads and exchanged uncertain glances that revealed their complete lack of preparation for recreational shopping activities.
The prolonged silence that followed was punctuated only by shuffling feet, nervous throat clearing, and occasional confused murmurs. It became abundantly clear that these capable young men, despite their proven competence in combat situations and practical problem-solving, were remarkably unprepared for the challenges of personal retail therapy.
Finally, Milo stepped forward with characteristic determination, breaking the impasse with a suggestion that aligned with their collective interests and expertise. "Young master, perhaps we should visit the weapons and armor district? While I certainly acknowledge that the equipment you've personally crafted for us surpasses anything available commercially, it might prove interesting to examine what's currently offered in the marketplace. We might discover something that sparks our interest while we're browsing through the various weapons and armor stalls."
August readily agreed to this sensible proposal, and the previously directionless group finally had a destination that matched their natural inclinations and professional interests.
The girls, meanwhile, embarked on what could only be described as a comprehensive and systematic shopping expedition. They methodically explored every establishment in the clothing district, with each team member carefully selecting three to five new outfits that would provide both comfort and variety when they returned to their more rustic village lifestyle. Their previously limited wardrobe had been a source of minor but persistent frustration, and this opportunity to expand their options was embraced with genuine enthusiasm and careful consideration.
From clothing, they progressed to cosmetics and personal care establishments, thoughtfully selecting products that would help them maintain their appearance and personal confidence despite their challenging rural environment. Their culinary adventure through the food market evolved into a delightful social event, as they systematically sampled local delicacies, shared opinions on different flavors, and genuinely enjoyed the experience of dining together in the sophisticated urban environment.
By day's end, the girls had spent approximately fifteen gold coins total—five on clothing that balanced practicality with style, five on cosmetics and perfumes that would provide lasting benefits, and another five on their extensive culinary exploration. Their responsible budgeting would later impress August and clearly it demonstrated Nina's growing leadership capabilities and sound judgment under pressure, making her a perfect business personnel representative for their group in the future.
The boys' experience proved markedly different and somewhat frustrating. Despite spending considerable time examining the weapons district's offerings and carefully inspecting various implements and armor pieces, they found remarkably little that appealed to them beyond their current, superior equipment. Only Milo made a significant purchase—an elegantly crafted pendant designed to enhance mana capacity, which demonstrated his growing sophistication in understanding magical enhancement and personal development.
Eventually, practical necessity drove even the reluctant male shoppers to visit clothing establishments, and they concluded their commercial activities with an elaborate meal at an upscale tavern renowned throughout the city for its exceptional cuisine and elegant atmosphere. Their modest total expenditure of five local gold coins reflected their more restrained approach to recreational shopping, though their enjoyment of the fine dining experience was evident.
As the sun began its gradual descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple, both groups reconvened at the city's main square—a traditional gathering place that offered an excellent vantage point for viewing spectacular sunsets. This location had become a cherished tradition for visitors to Gremory, providing opportunities for reflection and shared contemplation at the conclusion of busy days.
They settled comfortably together, watching in peaceful silence as the sun created a breathtaking panorama of colors that reflected off the city's impressive architecture and cast long shadows across the bustling square. The serene interlude provided time for quiet conversation, personal reflection, and appreciation for their successful day's accomplishments.
When their scheduled carriage arrived punctually, the team settled contentedly for the return journey to the Fernando estate. The day had indeed proved remarkably fruitful, not only in terms of essential supplies successfully acquired, but also in strengthening relationships between team members and providing valuable new experiences for their developing colleagues.
August mentally tallied their total expenditure during the peaceful ride home: sixty-six gold coins, twenty-five silver coins, and fifty copper coins—a substantial but entirely worthwhile investment in both practical necessities and invaluable team morale. The successful completion of their mission, combined with positive social interactions and personal growth opportunities, had created exactly the kind of balanced experience he had hoped to provide.
Imperial Currency:
- 34 Imperial Orichalcum Coins
- 1,530 Imperial Gold Coins
- 603 Imperial Silver Coins
- 310 Imperial Copper Coins
Local Currency:
- 6,188 Local Gold Coins (-66)
- 532 Local Silver Coins (-25)
- 233 Local Copper Coins (-50)
The evening at the Fernando estate provided a perfect conclusion to their memorable day. The entire household gathered for an informal celebration, sharing entertaining stories from their urban adventures, discussing their various purchases and discoveries, and enjoying the natural camaraderie that emerged from shared positive experiences. Conversations flowed naturally and spontaneously, with team members recounting amusing moments from their shopping expedition while estate residents contributed their own cherished memories of visits to Gremory.
As the night progressed and natural fatigue began settling over the group, August gently reminded everyone that tomorrow would bring another important responsibility—visiting the beast compound to check on Kirpy and Rexy, their beloved magical beasts companions who had been residing there for the past two days. This reminder served to gradually transition their thoughts from the day's leisure activities back to their ongoing responsibilities and the continuous care required for their bonded companions.
The team retired to their quarters with thoroughly satisfied minds and pleasantly tired bodies, knowing they had successfully accomplished all their objectives while creating positive memories that would sustain them through future challenges. The successful outing demonstrated once again that maintaining proper balance between demanding work and appropriate recreation was essential for preserving both individual well-being and group cohesion in their demanding lifestyle.