4.4 - Winds of Change

Joker Trading Post, a farm and ranch area south of Walluo City

 0815, 16 Jun 2025

In order to manage transactions with Farmers Families on the south side of Walluo City, Amethyst Merchant set up Joker Trading Post next to the Jarac Family house.

The trading post with a semi-permanent wall is manned by a supervisor and three personnel who are all residents of Magwurt City, considering that Amethyst Merchant does not have the manpower to carry out field administration tasks. Five Tuscan Guard personnel were also deployed to provide light escort.

In addition to the workspace, personnel accommodation, radio communications, two M1152 Carrier Personnel, and other equipment, Joker Trade Post is also equipped with a simple dormitory.

The dormitory is intended for ADG or other groups personnel who are interested in holding talks with farmers from Walluo City.

After finalizing the contract with Old Jarac, LtC. Slane decides to stay at Joker Trading Post for a while, and as he is worried, trouble soon arises.

The five largest Farmer Families known as the Big Five refused the Jarac Family appointment as sole representatives, and demanded that their families be appointed as collective representatives. They also complained that the quality standards set by Amethyst Merchant were too strict.

When LtC. Slane took a 'Listen and Forget' attitude, the Big Five responded by refusing to sell their farms and livestock product. LtC. Slane then sent an official statement.

"We don't insist on purchases."

When the quota that Amethyst Merchant requested was not fulfilled, Old Jarac suggested a renegotiate with the Big Five. He was even willing to give up his position as a representative, but LtC. Slane casually answered.

"Please, don't feel guilty. Before we make a purchase here we can meet the food needs for Magwurt City. So even if the quota we ask isn't met, everything will be fine."

One thing that was unexpected was, three days later the Big Five sold their commodities through the smaller Farmer Families, before finally they made the sales directly, and LtC. Slane strictly prohibits Joker Trading Post's personnel from celebrating the victory.

Even though things have calmed down and the transactions with Farmer Families from Walluo City are going well, LtC. Slane decided to stay a little longer because he wanted to talk to Old Dourk one more time.

When the guest he was waiting for arrived, LtC. Slane was smiling from ear to ear.  Truth be told, if he had met a gentle-hearted person like Old Dourk a few years earlier, then he would undoubtedly ridicule that person as an idiot.

From an early age, LtC. Slane had never thought of this world as a welcoming place. If you show weakness, you will fail to survive, and for young Slane people with soft hearts are easy prey to be devoured.

However, after he succeeded in placing himself into the top society, somehow LtC. Slane begins to doubt the compass he has been using, and slowly but surely the values ​​he uses as a guide in life begin to change.

'In the world of the blind, the one-eyed person is king. In a world full of injustice and suffering, people who choose to become human beings are angels to others. '

Murmured LtC. Slane inwardly before walking over to Old Dourk who came with Sturk.

Old Dourk grabbed LtC. Slane's hand tightly as he said.

"As I recall, you gave me a month to pay the bills."

"Did the courier I send mention the bill?"

Old Dourk shook his head slowly and LtC.  Slane immediately smiled before turning his head towards Sturk.

"Looks like he feels at home living in your place."

Old Dourk smiled broadly before saying.

"Working in the kitchen isn't easy, so most of the kids I help last only a few days. But Sturk isn't complaining and he got quite the talent too."

Old Dourk looked at Sturk with pride before continuing.

"My wife has been helping me for more than ten years, but she still can't judge whether the broth is excess or lacking in salt. As for Sturk, I need only once to show that from the shape of the drips he can judge whether the broth needs extra salt or water."

Still with an excited tone, Old Dourk added.

"Sturk has also succeeded in understanding the structure behind the basic spices, and is starting to learn how to apply it to food ingredients. He also doesn't mind even though I only give him pocket money 5 coins/day."

Seeing Old Dourk so proud of Sturk, LtC. Slane immediately smiled cheerfully. In truth, he intended to take Sturk to Magwurt City if the boy returned to the streets. However, for now it seems like he only needs to help the boy silently.

"Even though you don't intend to talk about the bill, I already brought the money and will also place a second order. So we'd better hurry because I can't leave the tavern too long."

LtC. Slane nodded slightly before inviting Old Dourk and Sturk into Joker Trading Post.

"Old Dourk, for the future you can place orders and payments here, I have given instructions to the supervisor at this post."

"Understood."

Old Dourk then took out several bags of money, and LtC. Slane immediately counted it before making a receipt for full payment.

"For the next order I need 150 barrels/week and it might increase, while Walluo Castle wants 300 barrels for the first order. Can you provide it?"

"In two days your order will arrive."

"So fast, are you sure you don't need more time?"

Old Dourk doubtfully looked at LtC. Slane, who smiled cheerfully before answering.

"Nope"

While receiving a receipt of payment and a copy of the order he submitted, Old Dourk said.

"You have a neat way of trading."

LtC. Slane received Old Dourk's compliment with a smile before saying.

"Now we can have the next topic."

Without wasting time, LtC. Slane took his two guests to the dining room at the back of the trading post, where on top of three long tables were arranged various commodities packed in glass bottles or jars, as well as cans with paintings of fish, shrimp, and other aquatic products.

"These are Amethyst Merchant products related to the tavern business, and I would like to offer it to you."

As an experienced cook, Old Dourk immediately recognized the small jar of salt, sugar, pepper, and various herbs or spices, as well as various bottles of vegetable oil, sesame oil, sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, meat sauce, red wine, rice wine, fruit wine, and various other commodities that must be in the kitchen.

The problem is that the prices listed on each of these commodities are too cheap.  For example, for salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, the price is only 1/10 of the market price, while each of these commodities had premium quality, not the mixed type as he usually used.

It took Old Dourk a few moments to calm the turmoil in his heart, before he turned his head towards LtC. Slane.

"Are you sure there's nothing wrong with the price listed?"

The price Old Dourk asked for already included shipping costs from the earth and a net profit of 14%. However, as a genuine trader, LtC. Slane instinctively ensures his customers make purchases with a happy heart, full of satisfaction, and without regrets.

"Amethyst Merchants not only pay their workers in coins, but also with the commodities they sell. Of course, the prices used are heavily discounted prices, we barely even make a profit."

Still in a cheerful tone LtC. Slane continued.

"Since you were Amur Beer's first agent, Amethyst Merchant decided to celebrate by giving you access like our workers."

"Are you sure about that?"

Seeing a large question mark filled Old Dourk's face, LtC. Slane immediately said.

"How many times do you have to ask 'Are you sure?' before you stop doubting me?"

Old Dourk didn't know what to say because the shock he received was too great, so he chose to examine the glass bottles filled with perry, cider, jam, syrup, and various fruit sweets that were neatly arranged on the second table.

And because the labels on all Amethyst Merchant products are written in Amstell Language, Old Dourk can easily understand every description.

LtC. Slane cheerfully opened three bottles of cider, then handed two of them to Old Dourk and Sturk, and as soon as they tasted it they immediately stared at the cider in their hands with wide eyes and hanging mouths.

The cider for the commoner was usually made without sugar. Because sugar is one of the rare and expensive commodities that can only be purchased with gold coins and is a symbol of luxury.

Meanwhile, the cider for the nobles was usually too sweet. Given that in the Amstell Continent drinks and desserts for nobles are made using sugar massively, because the more sugar is used, the more luxurious the product will be.

A concept that was highly contested by cooks like Old Dourk, for the concept will kill creativity in the tradition of making desserts and drinks, because apart from excessive sweetness, no other standard is used.

'A new genre that is very innovative, bold, and incredibly delicious. A sweet taste that is not overly sweet and very fresh because it still leaves room for a sour taste.'

With great admiration Old Dourk looked at the cider in his hand.

Meanwhile, LtC. Slane turned to look at Sturk, who had just downed the cider in his hand, and was staring at the mandarin oranges pickle on the table.

"Sturk, don't hesitate. You can taste it."

Sturk received a glass jar filled with mandarin orange pickles handed by LtC. Slane, but he only opened it after Old Dourk gave him a small nod.

Old Dourk and Sturk then tasted the mandarin orange pickles, and once again both of them were left dumbfounded.

'The taste and texture of the orange haven't changed at all, as if you were enjoying a fresh, perfectly ripe orange.'

Without delay Old Dourk ate another slice of candied mandarin, and immediately sank into contemplation.

In the Amstell Continent 4 out of 5 adult women can make cider, perry, syrup, or pickle fruit. So hardly anyone is interested in getting into the business of making these various foods, or drinks for the common people's market.

Therefore, if someone is able to make these products at a lower price than the homemade product, with better taste and adequate availability, that person will make a huge profit because he has no competitors.

'Amethyst Merchant seems to have come riding a very strong wind of change.'

Old Dourk swallowed hard while LtC. Slane handed him a notepad and pencil as he said.

"You can taste all the food on the table. In return, I hope you are willing to give an assessment. For example, regarding comparisons with homemade local products, suggestions for improvement, marketing prospects, or whatever is on your mind, and if you have anything you want to ask, don't hesitate to ask."

"Understood."

Old Dourk nodded firmly before starting work with the help of Sturk.

*****

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