The Great Sage Who Did not Remain in Legend - 4.1

“I’ve relied on Tabasa a lot. If I hadn’t met Tabasa when I came to this country, I couldn’t have even entered.”

“She grew up in hardship, so she couldn’t abandon those in need. Thanks to her, even the people in the slums manage to get by.”

Tabasa, acting as a client, persuaded a high-ranking official from her country to implement regular food distributions and policies to protect orphans.

“So, are you planning to leave this country?”

“No, not planning to leave as long as nothing happens.”

“Nothing, huh… Is that why you’re not trying to get citizenship?”

“Well, I’m pretty talented, right? It’d be a hassle if I became an official employee of the country.”

“That’s true.”

“Well, normally someone would make a comment about being talented or something.”

Mergin felt embarrassed when his talent was acknowledged without any teasing.

“No, you really are talented. Or rather, too talented. If the country found out about your abilities, they’d surely try to recruit you, so maybe not getting citizenship is the right choice. Or becoming a hunter.”

Registering as a hunter would free him from the duties of a citizen and impose duties as a hunter.

“I only plan to be a lazy bookstore owner. Hunters get stuck with annoying requests.”

“You could make good money as a hunter.”

“I have enough to eat and drink every day.”

“You’re lecturing us while eating free meals here.”

With a snort, they laughed and ate the burned Orcan meat before returning to the capital.

Returning to the city, the major said three portions of Orcan meat were enough, so they decided to bring the rest as a gift to Tabasa’s brothel.

“Oh, Mergin. You finally came out.”

“Shut up, old lady. Here’s a gift. Have the workers eat it.”

“Heh, this little bit won’t feed everyone. Next time bring twice as much.”

With a curt reply, the savvy old lady accepted the meat and they left the brothel.

“If I’m going to the fishing port town, I won’t be back for a while.”

Mergin informed her he would be away for a while.

“In that case, bring back lots of souvenirs when you return.”

“Sure thing.”

Mergin waved his hand lightly and left the brothel.

(Mergin, thanks to you, Tabasa looks happy when you go. Thank you…)

The brothel owner whispered her thanks to Mergin as he left.

The next day, Mergin headed towards the fishing port town. From the capital to the fishing port town, it’s a day’s ride on a direct carriage, or three days on foot. There was no rush, so Mergin leisurely walked to the fishing port town. It would be faster to run than to ride a carriage, but it would attract attention, so he preferred to walk leisurely.

As he walked along the road, carts and carriages passed one after another. The fishing port town and the capital had a lot of traffic due to the high volume of trade.

At that moment,

“Hey, lad, wanna ride to the next village?”

An old man on a slightly faster cart called out.

“Is it okay? I don’t have any money.”

“No problem. I don’t think anyone walking on the road has money. I’m just bored alone, so I could use some company.”

Mergin accepted the old man’s offer and got on the cart. The bed was muddy, so he sat next to the driver’s seat.

“I’m called Kenpa. What’s your name, lad?”

“I’m Mergin. I run a magic bookshop in the capital.”

“Oh, you deal with magic books. You’re quite talented despite your appearance.”

What does “despite your appearance” mean?

“Well, they hardly sell at all. Are you a farmer, old man?”

“Yeah, I am. I’m on my way back from delivering potatoes to the capital.”

“Potatoes, huh. Not very profitable, I guess?”

Potatoes can be used in cooking but are primarily considered a staple food, so they’re relatively cheap in terms of unit price for agricultural products.