I told everyone to carry the products downstairs and load them onto the cart.
We moved one by one, bringing everything down carefully. Only Roberto stood still.
In the morning meeting, I had forbidden him from lifting heavy things because of his age. But he refused.
"I am not that weak yet," he said.
In the end, I convinced him by saying, "In this village, you must act leader of our group."
That finally worked.
As we carried the goods outside, Aunt Liza suddenly froze.
Her eyes widened.
"W-Where did all these come from? These weren't with you earlier …"
From the staircase behind us, Roberto's calm voice descended.
"Miss Liza, there is no need to be surprised. These are the products we plan to sell in your village."
She looked confused.
"But… they weren't here before…"
Roberto stepped down slowly and said in an elegant tone,
"Miss, have you ever heard of an Item Bag?"
She blinked. "Of course. Only nobles or wealthy merchants use those… Are you people—"
"We are sub-merchants of a larger merchant group," Roberto replied smoothly. "As for the name, I'm afraid we cannot disclose it."
Aunt Liza quickly shook her head. "No, no, I'm sorry for asking!"
"There is nothing to apologize for," Roberto smiled gently. "We trust you. That is why I told you."
Her expression softened.
"I won't tell anyone."
"I know," he replied.
Then he added, "Didn't you want to see the household goods? Please, come to the cart."
As she examined the products, excitement filled her eyes.
"These plates… they are smooth."
"And this pot… such fine finishing."
Roberto spoke calmly beside her.
"You may inspect them carefully. We only sell what is worth using."
Meanwhile—
Moneru whispered to Hasami,
"Doesn't that old man look… different while talking to her?"
Hasami whispered back, "I was thinking the same."
Arim, who was nearby, frowned. "He looks the same as always."
Moneru glared at him. "What are you listening for? You're too young to understand."
Arim snapped back, "I understand more than you!"
"What did you say, brat?!"
"Enough," Hasami interrupted.
I sighed quietly.
"They're troublesome…"
Mac looked at me. "Did you say something, Loid?"
"No," I smiled. "Just thinking."
Aunt Liza bought several items—plates, spoons, fork sets, pots, pans, glasses, cups, bowls—five each. She also bought one axe and one low-quality hoe.
"How much should I pay?" she asked.
"You may pay after we return," Roberto replied.
She nodded and even lent us a large cloth to display our goods in the village square.
The village market was small but lively.
Fruit sellers. Bread stands. Vegetable carts.
We spread the cloth on the ground and arranged our products neatly.
Immediately, people gathered.
Whispers filled the air.
"These look sturdy…"
"Such shine…"
Roberto stepped forward.
"Good people of Mahna! We are the Falcon Merchant Group. Farming tools and household goods—durable and fairly priced!"
A woman picked up a plate.
"How much for this?"
"Three bronze coins," I answered calmly.
She frowned slightly. "Three? That's expensive."
I lifted another plate.
"This one will not crack easily. Smooth edges. Easy to clean. Buy cheap once, replace many times—or buy good once."
She hesitated… then nodded.
"I'll take two."
An old farmer lifted a garden fork.
"How much?"
"Low quality, five bronze. Medium quality, one silver."
"What's the difference?"
I handed both to him.
"Feel the weight. Check the metal thickness."
He tested them, then grinned.
"I'll take the medium one."
Soon the crowd grew thicker.
Mac called out cheerfully.Moneru handled coins carefully.Hasami explained patiently to women inspecting pots.Arim guarded the cart seriously.
Some complained.
"Too pricey!"
We didn't lower prices easily.
"These are fair prices," Roberto would say calmly. "Quality speaks for itself."
Little by little—
Sales increased.
Before noon—
Everything was sold.
Every single item.
We returned to the inn exhausted but smiling.
Aunt Liza greeted us warmly.
"So? How was it?"
Roberto began speaking with her again.
Moneru whispered, "Look at him. He's acting different again."
Mac and Arim stared at Roberto curiously.
I walked toward them with a calm smile.