Chapter 29: Shopping

"Time to go shopping," Ghaz said as he unlatched the door and stepped outside, Nila following closely behind.

The animal sinew would be easy to obtain—he could simply ask Eluex for it. The butcher was known for selling freshly hunted wild game, with most of his clientele being nobles and retired adventurers who paid handsomely for quality meat.

As they walked, Ghaz considered setting up a daily supply of groceries. Now that they no longer lived at the inn, cooking for themselves would be far cheaper. With proper planning, they could save a small fortune in the long run.

Without thinking, he extended his hand and gently held Nila's wrist as they walked toward Eluex's Butchery. No matter the world, she was still only nine years old. Her being his student made her his responsibility—both in and out of the clinic.

After walking for some time, they finally reached Eluex's Butchery.

"It's been some time, Ghaz," Eluex greeted them with a grin, his broad arms coated in blood as he worked on butchering a slab of meat.

His shop was nearly empty—a sign that he had already sold most of his stock to customers who ordered in advance.

Ghaz walked over and sat down on a nearby bench.

"How is everyone?" he asked casually. Ghaz knew Eluex well—the man was a regular at the pub, often stopping by to drink and meet his friends.

Eluex wiped his hands on his apron and grinned. "More than fine. My wife's pregnant again."

Ghaz's eyes widened slightly. "Third child?" he asked, patting Eluex on the back. "Congratulations. Bring her to my clinic when the time comes."

Eluex raised a brow. "Wait. You opened a clinic?" he asked, clearly surprised.

"Yeah," Ghaz replied with a nod. "With the help of Iron Bone. They're sponsoring me with the shop and instruments. I don't charge them for services—just for the herbs used."

A familiar voice hummed in Ghaz's mind.

[No, no, no. The clinic isn't officially launched until you cure Gorrock,] the system reminded him smugly.

Ghaz's eye twitched. "I will heal him. You better have a good reward for me," he shot back mentally.

[Or what? You gonna punch me?] the system taunted, its tone condescending.

Eluex, oblivious to Ghaz's internal argument, wiped the sweat from his brow. "Well, good for you. But what brings you here?" he asked, pushing the freshly butchered meat into a container and sharpening his cleaver with a slow, steady rhythm.

"I need some animal sinew," Ghaz replied, brushing off the system's mockery. "Specifically, some from the hind legs of a wolf and some from a boar near the spine."

Eluex raised a brow but didn't question it. He nodded and began sorting through his stock.

Various tribes considered different animal parts as delicacies. The Blood Root Tribe, for example, prized the veins of the heart as a rare dish.

While Eluex worked, Ghaz turned to Nila.

"Wolf sinew is durable," he explained, crouching slightly so he was eye level with her. "The hind legs are even stronger because they bear more weight, making the sinew tougher."

She nodded, absorbing the lesson.

Ghaz gestured toward the boar meat. "Boar sinew, on the other hand, is softer and more flexible—especially near the spine. It has more elasticity, making it perfect for binding."

Eluex glanced over. "Wait, you're using this for medicine?" he asked, surprised, as he packed the sinews with a large leaf.

"Yep. How much?" Ghaz asked as he reached into his pocket.

Eluex shook his head. "No need. Nobody buys animal sinew—I thought you were planning to cook it or something." He handed the bundle over.

Ghaz smirked slightly. "Speaking of eating, I need dried meat delivered daily—two kilos."

Eluex stroked his chin. "What type?"

"Anything that costs less than three silvers per week. The clinic is near the Iron Maw Den," Ghaz specified.

The butcher chuckled. "I'll send my oldest over in the morning."

Ghaz nodded in appreciation and left, heading toward the alchemy shop near The Silver Stag Inn. The inn didn't allow orcs, but he wasn't there to drink—he was there for maggots.

If the alchemy shop didn't have them, he'd have no choice but to pay the slum kids to collect them from the fields.

Ghaz opened the door, and a strange smell hit him immediately. It was as if every type of tea and herb was being boiled at the same time. The pungent scent clung to the back of his throat.

"You. What do you want?" came a hoarse voice from behind the counter.

Ghaz turned to see a short rat beastkin standing there. The creature's gray fur was matted, and its whiskers twitched as it eyed him suspiciously. Its beady eyes narrowed, clearly sizing Ghaz up.

"I need maggots," Ghaz stated flatly, pulling a pouch of coins from his belt.

The rat beastkin's ears twitched. He scratched its neck, clearly confused. "Maggots? What for?"

"Medicine," Ghaz replied, keeping his tone firm. "Do you have them or not?"

The beastkin's whiskers twitched again. "I… might." He turned and scurried toward the back of the shop, disappearing behind a shelf of tinctures and dried herbs.

Ghaz glanced at Nila. Her nose was scrunched in disgust from the overwhelming scent of herbs and the musky odor of the beastkin.

After a moment, the rat beastkin returned, holding a small wooden box. He placed the box on the counter and unlatched it, revealing a writhing mass of pale maggots inside.

"How much?" Ghaz asked.

The beastkin eyed the pouch of coins, then smirked, revealing yellowed, crooked teeth.

"40 copper coins," it said, His voice scratchy and smug.

Ghaz's eyes narrowed. "No. 30 copper coins." He reached into his pocket.

The beastkin's whiskers twitched. "No, at least 35."

Ghaz's eyes darkened slightly. His voice lowered into a deep growl. "Nope. 30 copper coins."

His tone was firm—borderline threatening. He didn't bully the rat, but 30 copper coins for a box of maggots was still a high price. Besides, he was an orc. Intimidation worked very well.