“Yes, I’ve heard of them.”
Kazlyden.
The Kazlyden family was one of the most prestigious noble houses in the Empire. At the same time, they ruled the black market, amassing immense wealth alongside endless infamy.
“The reason the current Emperor can’t do anything about the black market is because of Kazlyden.”
“I heard the Duke of Kazlyden is related to the imperial family.”
“More accurately, he was.”
Gilbert rested his clasped hands on his thigh.
“A royal bastard openly running the black market. And his influence just keeps growing.”
“From the imperial family’s perspective, I guess he’d be a thorn in their side.”
“Exactly. But the funny part is this—those same royals expelled the Duke from the imperial family, yet they still casually come and go through the black market he controls. They even use black-market goods without hesitation.”
I clicked my tongue.
As expected, every era had its fair share of shameless hypocrites.
“Anyway, if you’re planning to stay here, Kazlyden’s orders are absolute. No matter how unfair they are, you obey.”
“Are the regulations that strict?”
“In a way? Just think of it as: if the Duke doesn’t like you, you get punished.”
…So basically, arbitrary dictatorship.
When I narrowed my eyes, Gilbert merely shrugged.
“The atmosphere right now is actually pretty calm. The Blood Purge ended.”
Cough!
I nearly choked.
Why did that name sound so terrifying?
“W-What purge?”
“Oh. About half a year ago, there was this upstart assassination organization. They got cocky without knowing their place and ended up wiped out. The Duke personally stepped in and erased them.”
As if recalling the memory itself gave him chills, Gilbert shuddered.
“So overall, things have quieted down since then.”
“You mean everyone’s too scared to act up.”
“Sharp observation, Lady.”
“Wouldn’t it be stranger not to notice?”
Gilbert let out a short laugh.
“Anyway, after that incident, all the rumors about the Duke of Kazlyden being a toothless tiger disappeared overnight.”
“I can imagine.”
It must have served as the perfect example.
Feeling the strength drain from my body, I sprawled face-down onto the table.
So this life’s plan is suffering again, huh?
The more I heard, the more exhausting my future sounded.
Whether Gilbert noticed my despair or not, he continued explaining the important rules of the black market.
“So what about selling potions here?”
“Hm. It’s not impossible. But it’ll be hard on your own.”
“Because I just arrived?”
Gilbert nodded.
“The territorial behavior here is vicious, Lady. There are already plenty of shops selling low-grade potions. If you try opening a potion business here, only two outcomes are possible.”
Either you’d be pushed out and ruined—
Or you’d beat the competition and your shop would thrive.
“And if it’s the latter, you won’t stay safe for long.”
“Because the existing potion sellers would threaten me?”
“They’re desperate people trying to survive.”
“Then what about simply supplying them instead?”
“What?”
“Even if I make potions myself, wouldn’t it be fine if a large guild handled the sales? No one except the guild would know I’m the creator.”
“That’s true, but… wait, Lady.”
Gilbert asked cautiously, unease flickering across his face. I could practically see the gears turning in his head.
“You’re not saying you want to sell through our guild, are you?”
“I haven’t said anything yet.”
“But that was what you were about to say, wasn’t it?”
“Yes. Exactly.”
Gilbert pressed his lips together tightly.
From the look in his eyes, he’d already realized there was no point arguing further.
“I did promise to grant you a wish, but getting involved with a merchant guild is a different matter.”
“I know. I’m not planning to ask recklessly.”
Besides, I was still just a beginner.
It would take time before I could make proper potions.
“Later, once I make one, I’ll give you a few samples. You can decide after seeing them.”
“Samples?”
Gilbert blinked as if the word itself was unfamiliar.
Ah. Maybe that concept didn’t exist here.
“You don’t know what kind of potions I make or their quality, right? I’m saying you should examine them before deciding whether to sell them.”
“Oh?”
For the first time, Gilbert’s eyes lit up with genuine interest.
I immediately seized the opportunity.
“What do you think? Healing potions are extremely rare, aren’t they? Wouldn’t it be good to secure another supplier?”
“…Lady, how old are you exactly?”
“Fifteen.”
“Right. Fifteen… same age as our young master.”
“Young master?”
“We’ve got one troublesome brat. If you come to the guild later with those ‘samples,’ you’ll probably meet him.”
At those words, my eyes sparkled.
I didn’t care about the brat part. The important part was what came before it.
“So you’ll accept them?”
“As you said, healing potions are valuable.”
His answer was a strange mix of resignation and a sigh.
Potions themselves were treated like treasures here.
In other words, he was willing to try them even if it meant taking a gamble.
Either way, I’d gotten my chance, and that was enough for me.
“This much is pretty decent, right?”
I pointed to a nearby bottle.
Inside, blue liquid sloshed gently—the exact same color as Gilbert’s potion.
“Hah… fine. We’ll have to verify the effectiveness first, but send them over. If they’re middle- or low-grade, I’ll arrange something separately.”
Saying color alone wasn’t enough to judge quality, Gilbert waved a hand dismissively.
For now, that was enough.
I’ve opened the door.
Mass production could be dealt with later.
“Then I’ll come see you as soon as possible. How should I contact you?”
“I’ll lend you my crow. Just hand your letter to him.”
“Understood.”
Now that the path was open, all that remained was controlling my power.
I need to leave this place someday.
My goal was simple: survive here in Proud until adulthood.
Then earn as much money as possible and get out.
“Besides that… are there any other precautions I should know?”
“Hmm. There is one thing, I guess. But it’s so obvious.”
“What is it?”
Gilbert inhaled sharply.
“Don’t open the door carelessly.”
Even if someone outside sounded injured.
Even if they begged, claiming they were dying.
His voice dropped unusually low.
“This is a dangerous place.”
At the heavy warning, I found myself nodding almost instinctively.
Well, I’d already cast a magical barrier.
As long as I didn’t open the door myself, this place would remain safe.
Two days later, I realized my grand dream existed only in theory.
Reality was on an entirely different level.
Where exactly had things gone wrong?
“I seriously need to beat up that broker.”
They said life was ironic, but at this point maybe I needed an exorcism.
Raking a hand roughly through my hair, I stared down at the sofa.
“Cough! Kgh…!”
The wound, barely stopped from bleeding, rose and fell with ragged breaths.
A face half-hidden beneath tangled hair twisted painfully.
The man looked fairly old too. At this rate, there’d be a funeral before long.
“I’m seriously going to lose my mind…”
Without thinking, I took a step backward.
At the same time, the floor sank inward beneath me.
“Miss!”
God, this is so annoying!