Chapter 456: Grey's Mini-Adventure (pt. I)

"Carrots! Potatoes! We're selling for cheap! Just 20 kiels each!"

"Young Man, would you like to buy some pork?"

"Wholesale! We're selling wholesale just for today!"

The morning was young, and the sky had just turned bright blue. The bell had just rung a few minutes ago, yet the whole city was already buzzing with life. Merchants, adventurers, civilians, workers, and office workers were abuzz, busy as can be.

It was yet another sunny day, yet another day to enjoy. Smiles were abloom all over the place, happy expressions playing out left and right as giggles and laughter drifted in the air. There was only peace and warmth, everyone going on with their day.

CLOP CLOP CLOP CLOP CLOP

On such a busy day, a single figure walked aimlessly along the wide streets, his head turning left and right, his eyes swimming all over the place. There was a notepad in his hands, a magical pen dancing atop of it, ink scribbled on the pieces of paper.

What kind of shops were present, what kind of items were sold, what items people purchase, what they skip out on, what are considered luxurious, and so much more. He jotted down all the details he could, the notes filled up one after another.

Of course, he wasn't just observing either. He also took his time to experience the shopping experience himself, tasting all sorts of food and trying all sorts of services, paying coin after coin, bright glimmers shining throughout the journey.

"Mister, I'll have some of these mangos, please." ［Grey］

"Mangos, was it? Which kind would you like, Young Man? Sour ones? Sweet ones? We also have new red mangoes which are a little tart."

"Ohh! I'll have some of those as well, then... Hmm... I'll have 10... No, 20 kilos each. Is there enough for that, Mister?" ［Grey］

"Hahaha! Of course! Looks like we have a big spender here!"

As usual, that young man was none other than Grey. He is now in the Royal Capital, touring around the market and visiting the shopping districts scattered all throughout the city, stopping by from time to time as he jotted down notes.

Whilst the vendor was packing the mangos in a small and light wooden box, Grey's eyes continued to wander around the market, observing ever so carefully and making sure he doesn't miss a single detail about which stalls are busy and crowded.

He isn't just in the Royal Capital to enjoy himself, but to do some market research to see what kind of things people usually need and what shops they should build inside the mall, and what partnerships they may need to build based on the data.

They're already done with Galderia's market, so he's now familiarizing himself with the other cities as well. With so much traffic and a booming economy, what better place was there other than the Royal Capital? It was perfect!

Of course, Grey didn't just go out as is. He once again veiled himself with illusion magic, his hair now painted green, his eyes the color of amber, and a clear pair of spectacles resting on his nose bridge. It was a simple yet effective disguise.

"Mister, can I ask you something?" ［Grey］

"Hm? Sure, go ahead..."

"Then, I won't be holding myself back then." ［Grey］

Grey didn't waste any more time dilly-dallying and asked the stall owner the same questions he asked other vendors and merchants before, making sure to expand the sample size as much as he could and gathering as much data as possible.

Thankfully, due to Grey buying quite a hefty amount of mangos from him, the stall owner was quick to cooperate with a smile on his face. He answered all of Grey's questions as best as he could, his tone light-hearted as can be.

As for Grey's question, they were nothing out of the ordinary. He simply asked about what kind of products are quick to sell and what items the stall owner himself uses in his daily life. He also asked some tips and tricks while he was at it.

Just based on these questions alone, not only would Grey be able to determine what products to sell, but also what items from his previous life to develop in order to fulfill the needs of the people. Thousands of words were already noted down.

"I see... So utilities are a must, huh..." ［Grey］

"Hahaha. What a diligent Young Man. Are you a new merchant or something?"

"Well... I guess you could say that. I want to open a store, but I'm not sure what items to display. So I'm just trying to see which items are worth selling... Well, I'm not that experienced yet though." ［Grey］

"Hahaha. Experience comes with age. Don't rush things, young man. With how diligent you are, I'm sure you'll make it big someday."

"Hahaha. I sure hope so." ［Grey］

The stall owner laughed heartily, soon handing over the box of mangos towards Grey with a smile stretching from ear to ear. They were huge and heavy, but with Grey's Inventory, they didn't pose a single problem at all.

Soon, he handed out his payment to the stall owner, a couple silver glimmers shining ever so beautifully. At the same time, a sudden thought popped out in the former's mind, reminded of items which are actually really popular right now.

"Oh, but if you're truly looking for popular items, then there's one kind of thing that comes to mind. They've been quite popular these days."

"Popular... Don't tell me..." ［Grey］

"That's right! It's the Heroes' signed merchandise! There have been many collectors searching for them these days! They are all crazy for it!"

"I... I see... That's interesting..." ［Grey］

"Right?! They go for quite a hefty price too! Just some time ago, I heard someone bought a shirt with Lord Grey's signature for over a hundred thousand kiels! It's insane!"

It was a valid answerー No, actually, it was an extremely valid answer. However, it was not one Grey wanted to hear at all. It wasn't just the stall owner before him, but many of the ones he interviewed before also said the same thing.

It seems like some people, really extreme and fanatical fans, have been going around collecting all the little things connected to Grey, Yuna, and the other heroes for such exorbitant sums and treating them as treasures.

Grey was happy that someone appreciates them, but at the same time, it was a little overbearing that someone is too obsessed with them. He doesn't even want to meet them, nor does he want to see their collection. It was sure to be unsettling.

Grey made sure to remember about this incident and took a mental note to himself. He will never, and by that, he means NEVER, sign items carelessly once again. Just the thought of it being used for something unsavory sends chills down his spine.

"Actually, my neighbor happened to have a signed shirt by Lady Yuna a few months ago. They aren't planning to sell it, but I'm sure it's precious."

"It's just a signed shirt though, isn't it?" ［Grey］

"Just...? Just a signed shirt?! Hahaha! Did you perhaps come from the countryside, Young Man? Any merchandise with the heroes' signature is worth its weight in gold! Some even reach the millions if they're rare enough!"

"R-Really...? They must be pretty amazing then." ［Grey］

"Of course! They're merchandise from the heroes who saved us, after all! The ones with Lord Grey and Lady Yuna's signature are especially amazing! After all, not just Alfrione, but they're also heroes in other countries. Did you know..."

And once Grey asks any further about their signed items, the other party immediately starts becoming gung-ho, taking praises about them as if they're idols. It was really embarrassing hearing it first hand, Grey feeling dead inside.

He came to buy mangos and ask some questions, but he ended up with a 30-minute long informational speech filled with all things about them, both filled with truths and exaggerations. It seems like there are already big fans of them, and it was scary.

"Hahaha! Sorry about talking too much! Come back again, Young Man!"

"Y... Yeah... I'll be sure to do so..." ［Grey］

One way or another, Grey was able to get away, a wry smile blooming on his face. The day had just started and he was already drained of energy, his knees feeling weak and his mind sort of broken. It was simply too much,

"Haah... It was good that I didn't bring Yuna... Otherwise, her reactions might have just given away..." ［Grey］

He mumbled, walking away ever so quietly, genuinely happy that his fiancée was not with him and was still in Galderia. After all, there are still many things to settle back there, and they need at least one of them there for the negotiations.

Speaking of negotiations, Grey and Yuna have been able to secure themselves a huge plot of land just by the market. It was originally the spot of the theater, but one way or another, they were able to secure it for themselves.

As it turned out, the owner of the theater and a majority of the actors were actually huge fans of them, and after they proposed that they be moved to the 3rd floor of the mall in exchange for the plot of land, they quickly agreed without second thoughts.

Well, it wasn't just simple monetary payment either. Grey and Yuna also allowed them to write a script based on them with the two of them helping with the details, making everyone gleam with glee and jump with joy.

Lastly, it was a little ambitious, but Grey decided to make a project with the theater to make the first ever movie theater in Merusia, and with that, the first ever movie. It will be the product of magic and modern technology. A new era of entertainment.

"A movie, huh... Did I bite more than I can chew...?" ［Grey］

『Is something the matter, Master?』 ［Sirius］

『No... I'm just reflecting on my decisions. Anyway, how is Yuna doing with the negotiations? She isn't too stressed, is she?』 ［Grey］

『The Mistress seems a little tired, but I do not think it is something she cannot handle. Lord Cedric and Sir Marcel are also aiding her.』 ［Sirius］

Well, it isn't just Grey who is undergoing a difficult hurdle. His beloved is also working hard with Cedric and Marcel to crack down on the negotiations and make the matter about the mall as successful and smooth as can be.

They have just finished dealing with the gaming center to establish an arcade by the 3rd floor with new games made from Grey's ideas, and now, they are dealing with various furniture companies to fill the 2nd floor.

The area of the mall is a little over 15 thousand square meters, so there are quite a lot of spots to fill in. Thankfully, due to the reputation of everyone participating, things have been going smoothly and the negotiations have been successful thus far.

『I see... Just make sure she doesn't push herself too hard. And make sure to give her enough sweets to go on for the day. Can I leave that to you?』 ［Grey］

『Please do not worry, Master. I will make sure to help the Mistress. The others are also with me, so I am more than sure that we can support her.』 ［Sirius］

『That's a good thing to hear... Then, I'll be cutting off the call now. I still have a large portion of the city to explore, so it'll be a long day.』 ［Grey］

『Understood. Please take care, Master.』 ［Sirius］

『Yeah. You too...』 ［Grey］

The call was soon over, and Grey is now back to business. He stretched his hands towards the sky and stretched his back along with it, preparing himself for a long day ahead of him. He soon walked towards the horizon, disappearing soon after.

Just like that, Grey continued exploring the capital, and asked a handful more people about the same things he asked the ones before them, making sure to gather data as much as possible, identifying their needs one after another.

He used the same tactic of buying a lot of things and easing the mood before asking questions again and again, working like a charm each and every time. Though, it was also because of it that his Inventory is now cluttered with all sorts of random items.

"I wish we had more beauty products. My skin has been so dry as of late."

"It's gotta be liquor, boy! Nothing beats a long hard day like booze!"

"Baby products would be nice. Babies are a lot more delicate than adults, after all."

"Candies! I want lots of candies～!"

Though, because of that, he's been able to gather a large amount of data from all sorts of people from the populace. Be it men or women, young or old, married or single, the gentry or commoners, and everyone else. There's data from everyone.

Of course, Grey didn't just ask the merchants and civilians, he also asked people from other professions such as adventurers, guards, blacksmiths, alchemists, inn owners, gardeners, and all sorts of people he could find.

All of them have different kinds of answers, but there were also common grounds between them. It seems like products which could improve the quality of life are a must, and luckily, it was something Grey and Yuna specializes in.

It wasn't just simple needs either. It seems like some people also want to buy things just for the sake of collecting them. Pieces of art, rare gemstones and items, ancient relics and antiques, and many more. There are all sorts of interests.

Before long, Grey found himself in large establishments where he knew a couple of people from the higher-ups. Somehow or another, he was also able to meet the Guildmaster of the Adventurers' guild without exposing his identity.

"So you're building a shopping mall, was it...?" ［Velzier］

"Yeah. That's why I'm gathering data from as many people as I can." ［Grey］

"Hmm... I see... It seems like Your Highnesses really have golden hearts. I did hear about this from Your Majesty, but it's still surprising..." ［Velzier］

"Hahaha. You're praising us too much." ［Grey］

"Well, it's praise well-deserved. Not just anyone would do this for strangers, after all. You ought to take more pride in yourselves, Your Highness." ［Velzier］

The Guildmaster said with a calm and gentle expression on his face, and there was nothing else Grey could do. He could only nod with a subtle smile on himself. Being humble was good, but too much humility is something else.

After all, there was nothing wrong in taking pride for the achievements they rightfully accomplished. Right now, a lot of people are relying on them. If they lower themselves too much, it would be no different from insulting the trust others have put on them.

"Yeah... I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Guildmaster..." ［Grey］

"Hahaha. It's just me rambling, Your Highness." ［Velzier］

After giving a bit of advice to Grey, the Guildmaster then thought of Grey's previous question long and hard. The former had asked him what kind of items adventurers really need, something which many would be flocking to buy.

There are already potions, equipment, armor, and all sorts of common things usually associated with adventurers. However, like previously mentioned, they are common. Not only would there be a lot of competition, they might rob others of livelihood too.

The Guildmaster thought long and hard, thinking back to the days when he was adventuring actively. And amongst them, one recurring experience stood out in particular, an answering soon popping inside his mind.

"Hmm... If it's an item every adventurer wants, then there's one thing... It would be good food, wouldn't it?" ［Velzier］

"Good food...?" ［Grey］

"Yes... We already have meat jerky, dried fruits and nuts, hard bread, maybe some biscuits, and fresh fruits from time to time. But you see... Most of them... Well... The taste is a little... They aren't really appetizing..." ［Velzier］

"Right... That's how it normally is, huh..." ［Grey］

"Well, yes... I'm sure you've also encountered such a moment, haven't you? It's truly unfortunate when you think about it, right?" ［Velzier］

"Y-Yeah, sure... Yeah..." ［Grey］

Or so he says, but never had Grey and Yuna been able to experience such a thing even when they were back at the forest. Rather, all they ate were hot and delicious meals which were still steamy. They dined like kings during their adventures.

And that was all thanks to Grey's Inventory. However not everyone possesses such an ability, nor do they have the money to buy storage rings which cost a few thousand at the very least, cost leaping several bounds each increase in grade.

Moreover, even if they did happen to purchase one, most don't even have time flow interference enchantments. It is only starting at Superior-Grade that it becomes a bit noteworthy, slowing down time 5 times than usual. However, the costs... Well, one is 200 million kiels at the very least.

Grey and Yuna never had such a problem so it never occurred to Grey that not only adventurers but travelers as well were dreading over such an unfortunate fact. One really only knows how blessed they are after seeing the misfortune of others.

"Food, huh... Aren't there many tasty but also long-lasting foods which can be used during travels? I remember seeing them somewhere." ［Grey］

"That's true, however, they are also much pricier than others. Not many adventurers have the capacity for such luxuries." ［Velzier］

"I see... So that's a problem, huh... Instant foods would be niceー !!!" ［Grey］

However, it was a situation Grey was all too familiar with back in his past life. Foods which can last a long time and don't need a lot to prepare. They were his best friends during his time of dire need... Instant foods!

While it took until the early 20th century for proper instant foods to be invented, Grey knew full well the basics of the logic behind them. All he needed to do was dehydrate the foods and seal them in an airtight container to prevent contamination.

It was a difficult task to perform back on Earth as advanced technology demanded it. However, in Merusia where magic is present, all Grey had to do was use water magic to dehydrate them and use wind magic to create airtight containers.

It may be a hard concept to grasp for people in Merusia, but for Grey who possesses modern knowledge, it was child's play. The concept of molecules, bacteria, chemical reactions, and many more. He may not be the smartest, but it was more than enough.

After which, all that's needed to do is add hot water and everything would be done. For dry instant foods, he only needs to sterilize and seal them in airtight containers, and the rest would follow easily. It was easy as one, two, three.

"Hm? Pardon me, Your Highness, but... What are you doing...?" ［Velzier］

"An idea just popped inside my mind. Mind if I use the table a little bit?" ［Grey］

"No, not at all... Please go ahead." ［Velzier］

There was no time to waste. With the idea still intact in Grey's mind, he then took out a pot of still hot and steamy stew Yuna made just this morning. Just its scent alone is more than enough to arouse one's appetite... Scent which disappeared soon after...

There was nothing more about it. Grey simply used water magic to remove the water molecules from the stew, dehydrating each and every ingredient until there was nothing left but dryー no, an extremely dry pot which isn't even a stew anymore.

Grey then used wind magic to crush the broth of the stew into powder, all the while separating the solid and chunky bits into a different plate. For the future, it would be best to separate everything else before dehydration.

"How curious... I wonder what this is..." ［Velzier］

"Well then, I'll show you, Guildmaster... The answer to our problem." ［Grey］

A smile on his face, Grey then took out a couple bowls and neatly placed some of the dehydrated meat and powder into them. With a flick of a finger, he created water with water magic and boiled it with fire magic, then pouring them into bowls.

Just a couple moments later, and the stew was back to how it was before, the meat looking tender and juicy, the vegetables looking colorful and tasty, and the broth looking viscous and steamy. The fragrance was undoubtedly delightful as well.

"Please have a taste, Guildmaster." ［Grey］

"... Yes... I'll be intruding on your kindness, then." ［Velzier］

Curious as a cat, the Guildmaster didn't waste any time and took the spoon Grey prepared for him. He scooped a bit of stew and fed himself a little bit, a harmonious and wonderful explosion of flavor filling every corner of his mouth.

The broth was rich and flavorful, the meat was savory, juicy, and exploding with a flavor enhanced by various spices, and the vegetables go well to compliment the whole stew. No matter what one says, it was an exceptional dish.

"Delicious, isn't it? Yuna made this herself." ［Grey］

"Yes, it really is. It seems like Her Highness is also talented in cooking... But... I don't see why it's relevant to our topic..." ［Velzier］

"Hahaha. It was just a quick demonstration, after all. But... Guildmaster, would you believe me if I say this can last a few months in stock?" ［Grey］

Revealed Grey with a bright smile on his face. However, the same couldn't be said for the Guildmaster whose face is now filled with shock, a cling and clang resounding in the air as his spoon fell from his hands. He was frozen and speechless.

While it may have just been done on a whim, Grey had already ascertained with his Appraisal that the instant food he made in a hurry could be preserved for at least half a year. It was an astounding success.

"Well, I just made it in a hurry, but if I practice a little more and I seal it properly, it should be able to last a couple years. Pretty neat, isn't it?" ［Grey］

"..." ［Velzier］

"... Umm... Guilmasteー Err?!!" ［Grey］

He was frozen, speechless even when Grey asked him of his thoughts. However, as soon as he snapped back to reality, his hands immediately reached towards Grey and grabbed him by the shoulders, a different atmosphere looming over the office.

"Your Highness! Please tell me everything about it! This is amazingー no, it is a revolutionary invention! This is the invention of the century!" ［Velzier］

"Yes...?" ［Grey］

"I'm sure of it, Your Highness. Not just adventurers, every single traveler will pine for this magnificent creation! There will be lines upon lines of people who'll wait patiently just to get their hands on it! I assure you in my name as the Guildmaster!" ［Velzier］

He wasn't just eager and enthusiastic. There was a scarily passionate flame burning in the depths of his eyes. His heart was racing and his eyes were sparkling in great excitement, a scarily exhilarated smile blooming on his face.

Needless to say, Grey was interrogated like a criminal by the Guildmaster, questions asked at rapid fire. He just awakened an eager spirit laying dormant in the Guildmaster, and now, he has to deal with a situation even more than exterminating monsters.

Ah, the blue skies sure are beautiful...

CHAPTER 456 END