How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending - Chapter 19.1

The young man was unnecessarily busy. He wiped the chair several times with a handkerchief, then even laid his coat over it. After that, he hurried behind the curtain and returned holding a steaming cup.

“Here, this is warm tea. I hope it helps warm your hands, even a little.”

“…Thank you.”

It was unexpected to be served such fine tea in this remote land at the edge of the northern sea. After receiving such hospitality, I felt it would be disappointing for the young shopkeeper if I left without buying anything. I took a sip of the tea and glanced around the interior while lost in idle thought.

Despite the shabby exterior, the shop was tidily arranged. Various northern goods were displayed here and there.

One of them unexpectedly caught my eye. Setting the teacup down, I stood and walked toward the display. Tristan, Sir Gehardt, and Sir Mildred, who had been quietly drinking their tea, followed me naturally.

They were bundles of colored fabric neatly hung along one wall. The hues were vivid but not gaudy, and the texture under my fingers was surprisingly soft. Thin yet warm, with a subtle sheen across the surface.

It wasn’t as slippery as silk, but it felt far cozier.

“Who would use something like this? For color and texture, silk is better, and it’s nowhere near as warm as fur,” Gehardt muttered with a puzzled look.

Next to him, Sir Johannes—who had recently inherited his barony and joined the fleet—nodded repeatedly beside the silent Sir Mildred.

“You’re heading to the Imperial Capital, aren’t you? The nobles there wouldn’t even touch this kind of fabric…”

Tristan’s expression showed a faint trace of concern, as if he didn’t disagree. But I had a different thought.

In about ten years, northern wool would become the height of fashion throughout the Empire. What I held now seemed to be one of the earliest examples of that trend.

‘This might actually have market potential.’

When I carefully asked for the price, the number that came back was far cheaper than I had expected. I couldn’t help tightening my grip. Then the young shopkeeper, still awkward in speech, stammered out a comment.

“Uh, um… It, it suits you very well, sir. Especially with your fair skin. Yes, it looks truly good on you.”

His face flushed red as he scratched the back of his head, unable to meet my eyes. I felt awkward as well.

It wasn’t as though I planned to wear the cloth myself. I intended to sell it for profit, but saying that outright would only make things more uncomfortable.

Still, I needed to bring up the idea of purchasing in bulk. I cleared my throat quietly, but before I could speak, a familiar window suddenly appeared before my eyes.

I instinctively held my breath. For the System to issue a quest directly meant this product truly had potential for profit. After a moment’s hesitation, I turned to Tristan, having made up my mind.

“We should buy this.”

Gehardt’s face immediately darkened, and the others did not look pleased either. The silence grew cold, and I swallowed nervously.

But unexpectedly, Tristan gave a light nod.

“Let’s do that.”

“Truly?”

“Yes, I’ll follow your judgment.”

With the Grand Duke’s approval, no one could object. I stepped forward and began to negotiate with the shopkeeper.

“How much stock do you have? I’d like to purchase it all.”

“Y-yes? I’m sure you’d look wonderful draped in this fabric, sir, so I’ll prepare plenty of—wait, all of it?”

He repeated my words blankly, then suddenly widened his eyes in shock. I added quickly, feeling a little embarrassed.

“…It’s not for my own clothing. It’s for resale. Of course, your product’s quality is the reason I’d like to buy it in bulk.”

“Ah, yes…”

“…”

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