Volume 2, Chapter 26 – Wildly Popular?

With the omniscient map guiding her, Yisi quickly found Mary hiding in an alley. Like a startled bird, when Yisi gently tapped Mary’s shoulder from behind, Mary literally jumped in place.

“Eek!”

“Mary, it’s me.”

“Ah… you scared me to death.”

Placing a hand on her chest, Mary let out a long exhale, her glossy chestnut hair swaying as her face remained full of worry.

“Did Master encounter any danger?”

“None. Though I did give that guy a little lesson on your behalf,” Yisi shrugged. “Next, we’re heading to Darc’s place.”

“Oh ho! If it isn’t Miss Yisi?”

The moment Yisi finished speaking, a cheerful male voice rang out from the alley. Both women instinctively turned around.

The newcomer was none other than the bald man, Darc. Beside him stood a short, green-skinned, pointy-nosed non-human creature.

Recognizing the monster at a glance, Yisi tilted her head.

“A goblin?”

“Ho ho, judging by the little lady’s reaction, this must be her first time seeing a goblin. How unusual that she isn’t afraid of me.”

The sharp voice came from the bearded elderly goblin. Though his tone sounded kindly, his expression resembled a lecherous grin.

Perhaps Yisi had read too many adult-oriented comics.

“Let me introduce you, Miss Yisi. This is a merchant who often comes to me for interesting goods—a Wise Goblin. Don’t let his species fool you; he’s quite the shrewd one. Anything he takes an interest in usually becomes a bestseller.”

When Darc said “Wise Goblin,” Yisi initially thought it was a title, but the omniscient map displayed the creature’s name as literally “Wise Goblin.”

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Must be a peculiar goblin cultural thing.

Yisi’s expression turned slightly odd. She had a feeling names like “Dumb Goblin” or “Short Goblin” might pop up later.

Darc smiled as he looked at Mary.

“And who might this young lady accompanying Miss Yisi be?”

“Mary. A child I recently met.”

“I see.”

Despite his muscular build, Darc scrutinized Mary with the keen eyes of a merchant, though he didn’t press for details about their acquaintance.

Though Mary wasn’t shy, Yisi stepped forward to steer the conversation.

“Actually, I have some interesting goods I’d like Darc to evaluate.”

“If Miss Yisi finds them interesting, they must be quite valuable. I’d be honored to take a look.”

“I’m quite interested as well.”

The goblin chimed in.

“Then let’s discuss this at Darc’s place.”

“With pleasure.”

◇

Soon, the four arrived at Darc’s home. Known as the “Jack-of-All-Trades” in the outer district, Darc often handled requests from various people. Thus, he’d converted his modest living room into a makeshift shopfront with a counter, officially establishing his business.

Plopping onto the cushioned chair behind the counter, Darc gestured for Yisi, the goblin, and Mary to sit before clasping his hands together.

“What fascinating items does Miss Yisi have to show? If I may guess, you’re hoping I can help promote them? While I’m happy to assist, I must decline if it’s something that might harm my reputation.”

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“Of course. What I want to sell is simply alcohol—nothing that would compromise your interests.”

Yisi placed the distilled liquor she’d spent all morning refining on the table. Stored in a wooden barrel, the container forced everyone to crane their necks upward.

Yet the goblin merchant noticed something else entirely.

“No incantation? A storage magic that retrieves items without any grasping motions—this is my first time seeing such a thing.”

“Just a unique storage spell.”

Yisi deftly changed the subject. Having grown accustomed to not hiding her abilities around Camilla, she’d slipped up this time.

Meanwhile, Darc focused on the barrel.

“Alcohol… If you’re trying to promote the vampires’ ‘Blood Blossom’ or the Niru Diocese’s ‘Sacred Nectar,’ I’m afraid that’ll be difficult. While famous, neither sells well here in Celtic City.”

“Why?”

Ever-curious Mary piped up.

The goblin merchant stroked his beard in response.

“Celtic City lies in the northern continent. Its inhabitants lack the vampires’ cold resistance or the Niru Diocese’s climate-regulating Tower of Alexia. So except during summer, people need ways to stay warm year-round. Blood Blossom and Sacred Nectar aren’t strong enough—despite their fine taste, locals only drink them occasionally. In contrast, while ‘Sword King’ lacks refinement, even nobles can’t resist its charm.”

“Exactly. So Miss Yisi, I’m afraid I can’t be of much help.” Darc looked regretful as he rapped the barrel’s side. “And judging by the sound, this isn’t even half full. No one would buy leftover alcohol, even nobles.”

Seeing their skeptical expressions, Yisi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The moment the goblin mentioned “not strong enough,” she’d barely contained her excitement.

Suppressing a triumphant grin, Yisi smiled and stood.

“What I’ve brought isn’t Blood Blossom or Sacred Nectar, but a liquor called ‘Margaret,’ provided by a mysterious individual. If we’re comparing potency, I dare say nothing surpasses Margaret.”

What fermented drink could possibly exceed distilled liquor’s alcohol content? For warming purposes, high-proof distilled liquor would always outperform fermented varieties. If stronger was needed, Yisi could always distill it further. In short, distilled liquor perfectly met Celtic City’s needs.

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“Margaret?”

“The strongest liquor?”

Both Darc and the goblin straightened with interest. Darc even fetched several large wooden mugs used for weak ale and slammed them onto the table.

“If Miss Yisi claims it’s the strongest, as someone who frequents taverns, I must taste it myself. Only by drinking can I confidently recommend it to others.”

His subtext was clear: Open the barrel and pour.

Yisi had no objections, though she first swapped the large mugs for small glass cups from her inventory.

“Margaret should be served in these.”

“Such tiny cups are hardly satisfying. Though this transparent glass must be worth quite a bit.”

Darc carefully examined the glass but remained unimpressed. To him, alcohol was meant for guzzling.

Yisi could only shrug.

“If you insist on your mug, I won’t stop you. But don’t blame me later if drunken words lead to blackmail material.”

“Ha! I’ve never been drunk in my life. You’re quite the entertainer, Miss Yisi.”

Meanwhile, the goblin—who’d been sniffing the barrel—grew impatient.

“Miss Yisi, whatever the vessel, may we begin? Just the aroma tells me this is premium quality.”

“Of course. You’ll both be satisfied shortly.”

“Master, may I try some too?”

“No, Mary. You’re too young. I’ll make you a different drink later.”

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Yisi had already considered this scenario while distilling. Her solution was simple: fruit juice or, if possible, carbonated drinks using baking soda.

Not that she’d object to selling soda as a tavern novelty.

As Yisi poured for Darc and the goblin, the two immediately grabbed their cups. The moment the scent hit their noses, they’d become like kindergarteners awaiting teacher’s praise. Their drinking experience told them this would be an unprecedented, violent sensation.

“Gah!”

Darc spat his first mouthful onto the floor, his expression a bizarre mix of excitement, joy, and sheer discomfort. Had Yisi owned a camera, she’d have treasured the photo forever.

“Something wrong? Does Margaret taste bad?”

“N-no! I’m just… overwhelmed.”

“Surely a tavern regular like yourself can handle this little challenge?”

“Hah… haha… right you are.”

Darc’s forced smile couldn’t mask his suffering. His mouth still burned from the intense spice. While the rich aroma delighted him, he now understood this wasn’t a chugging drink—at least not for “beginners” like himself.

Meanwhile, the goblin—who’d heeded Yisi’s advice and used the small glass—sighed contentedly.

“Marvelous… Good thing I didn’t follow Darc’s example. That smoky tobacco flavor, the sweet silkiness on the tongue… Such a small amount, yet it warms your belly instantly. I can confidently say Margaret ranks among the finest liquors.”

Their reactions perfectly aligned with Yisi’s plans. To sweeten the deal, she crossed her arms and smirked.

“I should mention—Margaret is just the basic version. According to my mysterious supplier, there are even stronger, more refined variants with different flavors.”

“What?! This isn’t the strongest?! cough cough…”

Darc choked on his second sip.

“Naturally. Different ingredients yield different results. As for how to make stronger versions… Well, that’s a trade secret.”