*****
NOVELASIUS
- TL: the guild
- Discord: https://discord.gg/GBKEa55867
- Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/topasius
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ENJOY~ PYUUN~
*****
Fall Harvest Festival (1)
Late November
The Fall Harvest Festival had begun.
A week-long celebration, from Monday to Sunday, marked the biggest event of the year.
The grand start came with the arrival of tourists from the city and surrounding towns. The academy, usually closed off, opened its gates once a year. The Festival and Harvest Festival. People did not miss the opportunity to meet the future heroes of this era.
“Korin, have the supplies arrived?”
“Not yet, boss. What about the charcoal?”
“It’s all set up. Ron! Start setting up the stall!”
“Yes, brother!”
From early morning, Korin and the wolf siblings were busy preparing for their business.
With so many students participating in the sales event that lasted six days, each participant was only allowed two days to sell. During these six days, the total sales and net profit would be tallied to determine the top three winners.
“But can we really win? There are so many competitors, it feels like our chances of winning are slim.”
“It’s not as bad as it seems.”
Korin, handling the burning charcoal with tongs, explained to Ren, who looked puzzled.
“When there are so many competitors, what does that mean? It’s a red ocean, meaning they’re all about the same.”
“Exactly, so why would people flock to our stall?”
“Heh heh heh… just focus on the food prep. I’ll show you some magic.”
Ren and Ron, who were helping as kitchen assistants, found it hard to understand Korin’s confidence.
Korin’s stall was positioned right in the middle of the main road of the academy. Although it wasn’t a bad spot, there were dozens of competing stalls nearby.
How did he plan to differentiate and attract customers in such a crowded market?
Just then, a group of people pushing a cart appeared from a distance. Korin waved them over.
“Over here, Brother Bae!”
“Oh, Korin! It’s been a while! How have you been?”
Rushing over to Korin was Bae, a merchant from the East who did business in Mercabah City.
“Please, drop the formalities, just call me brother. We’re partners, aren’t we?”
“Haha, if you say so, Brother Korin. Anyway, here are the goods you ordered.”
“Ooh~ Let’s take a look.”
Bae proudly unveiled the goods, which were tanks filled with live eels.
“Wow, look at these strong ones! You got them just in time.”
“It wasn’t easy, given how few fish farms are around. But here they are, over 300 eels in total. Are you sure you can sell them all?”
“No problem.”
Ren glanced at the price list attached to the stall. Half a grilled eel with chive salad was priced at two silver coins per meal. It wasn’t cheap by any means.
Would something like this really sell at a student festival?
But soon, her doubts were dispelled.
“Korin! I’m here!”
“Oh, is this the stuff that’s supposed to be so good for men?”
“Hey there, brother! Oh my, this stall is so cute and minimalistic!”
One by one, they started to gather.
And in no time, the numbers swelled.
“Wha…?”
“Who are all these people?”
“Kids, do you know what’s important at a school festival?”
“The price…?”
“Nope, at festivals like these, people tend to spend more freely. And they always go to people they know first.”
Who was Korin Lork?
He was one of the most famous people in the city, in the entire kingdom.
Not only was he known for taking on various missions from the city’s mission board, but he had also been helping townsfolk with their needs as a guardian.
Plus, over the past three weeks, he’d been spreading word of mouth while leading exercise groups, generating enough buzz to draw in the crowds for this special day.
“The taste is just okay.”
“Hahaha! Who’s expecting gourmet food at a festival? They’re here to see me, not just the food!”
“Hmmm… I almost feel bad for the other stalls.”
People weren’t just coming to Korin’s stall for the food; they were there for him.
“Hello, mister knight!”
“Hello, Anna! Is your butterfly still running away?”
“Oh~ You’re selling this kind of stuff? Can I get a chicken breast salad?”
“Sure thing, Mielle! I’ll come by for cake later.”
“Grilled eel? Smells… nice.”
“Professor Danua, I’ll give you a discount. Stop eating just greens and try some of this.”
“Can I really?”
Business was booming.
So much so that they were soon running out of the pre-prepared meals, and grilling the eels became a hectic task.
“Wow… this is really all selling.”
“See? Everything’s going smoothly.”
“It feels like first place is pretty much guaranteed.”
Ren was impressed. This wasn’t just baseless confidence.
“Well, this isn’t my first time.”
“Have you done this before?”
“In a way.”
Korin had done something similar in the previous timeline. He had helped a senior sell skewers, and his friends had started gathering, leading to a surprising sellout.
‘The chicken skewers weren’t even that great.’
What started as a small attempt to build memories had turned into a surprisingly successful event.
“But why are these eels selling so well? Is there a reason?”
“I spread a rumor that eels are good for men.”
“Huh? Just for men?”
Ren didn’t catch the nuance behind his words. Her background hadn’t provided her with that kind of education.
“There’s something about it. It’s supposed to be good for men.”
“Is it true?”
“Actually, it’s just a rumor.”
“What?”
Ren looked shocked.
“So, you’re lying to sell food?”
“Technically, the real benefit comes from the chives, not the eel.”
“Then why not just sell chives? Why bother with the eel?”
“Chives are cheap. There’s no profit in selling just that. And who’s going to buy just chives at a festival? It’s the eel that makes people spend.”
“Wow…”
Ren was both astonished and impressed by his shrewdness. This man, with his quirky personality, might just be a natural at business.
Korin’s stall boasted impressive sales, finishing with flying colors.
Although the festival had begun, some people still stuck to their usual routines. Alicia was one of them. Although it wasn’t exactly true—she was feeling a growing sense of crisis.
The 32-player match in the morning had been easy. Most of her opponents had made it to the main event by teaming up to take down stronger players in the preliminaries.
But the round of 16 had been tough. She had barely managed to defeat Dorron Warsky, the swordmaster.
“Ouch, ouch…”
In the private room of the training room, Alicia swung her sword a few times, then undid the bandage on her aching shoulder.
‘The next opponent is…’
The quarterfinals, semifinals, and, if she made it to the final, there was a high chance she’d face the Saintess.
Estelle Hadatha El Rath.
Thinking of the overwhelming power Estelle had displayed in the preliminaries, Alicia knew she wouldn’t be an easy opponent.
‘It’s going to be tough.’
She would lose. Objectively speaking, she knew it. Even if she hadn’t been officially evaluated, she could tell.
Estelle was as strong as her sister. She was one of those extraordinary individuals, known as the “special” ones, who defied common sense.
She would lose. Maybe she’d lose miserably, unable to withstand even one of those punches that had shattered the arena…
‘But Korin asked me. He asked me to bring him the winning prize.’
So she had to do it. She wanted to do it. She didn’t want anyone else to take on that role.
Estelle had entered the tournament to take away even that role from her.
“I can’t… I can’t let that happen.”
Alicia wasn’t particularly ambitious.
But she wasn’t about to back down from love.
Isabelle Kirmine, a third-year student at Mercabah, didn’t have a high opinion of the auction event.
The auction was like a celebrity dinner date event back on Earth.
If you won the bid for a student, you’d get to spend the day with them as your personal knight.
The event was designed to fulfill the romantic ideals of chivalry, and it was surprisingly popular.
However, it was often a mix of pure and… not-so-pure intentions. In fact, it leaned heavily toward the latter.
“Buck is coming out today!”
“Kyaa~! I have to win the bid!”
“I heard that Jane from the first year is participating.”
“Wow, that’s awesome. So, if you win, you get to go on a date with her?”
“Ugh… my wallet…”
The chatter around her was all about students aiming for a chance to spend time with their crushes.
If someone they fancied was in the auction, they were willing to spend a lot of money to win.
When it comes to sweet, romantic notions, people can lose their sense of reason. Isabelle’s close friend was no exception.
“Isabelle! Please, I’m begging you!”
Isabelle still couldn’t quite believe the ridiculous request her best friend Marie had made.
“You want me to bid on Korin at the auction? Why don’t you just do it yourself?”
“Korin told me not to participate! But I can’t let anyone else take him! Isabelle! You have to win him for me!”
“Are you serious? Do we really have to go this far?”
“Aren’t we… friends?”
“Sigh…”
Marie, having been warned by Korin not to participate, was now desperately asking her friend to do it for her.
“I guess I have no choice.”
Isabelle, who had already received a significant amount of money from Marie, decided she would bid for Korin herself.
‘Most of the students are just looking to make some pocket money, so the maximum amount they can bid is probably around ten gold coins.’
Of course, there were exceptions like Korin Lork. First-year students who had earned money through the mission board or those from wealthy families.
The former usually didn’t participate in such events, and the latter… well, the ultimate one was Marie, so there was nothing to worry about.
‘Considering Korin’s popularity, there will be plenty of competition, but the maximum should be around fifty coins.’
“This way, please. I’ve saved a seat for you.”
“Ahem…”
“Which number is he?”
“Last, I believe.”
Despite expecting the auction to be a small event with few participants, the room was surprisingly packed.
The auction was held in a small auditorium, and it was filled to capacity as the auction time approached.
“Good evening, distinguished guests.”
A fourth-year student acting as the auctioneer greeted the audience with a bow.
“Thank you for joining us today at Mercabah Academy…”
After the introductory speech, the applause followed. The student wasn’t a professional host, so the speech was brief, and the proceedings moved quickly.
One by one, the students were auctioned off, and soon the highest bid of the night was announced.
“Yes, third-year Lunia from the Knight Department has been sold for thirteen gold coins!”
Isabelle frowned as she watched the auction. Spending that much money for just one day?
If not for the fact that the proceeds went to charity, there would have been accusations of promoting gambling.
“L-Lunia, will you spend the day with me?”
“Oh, Jun, it’s you? I didn’t expect that!”
The student who won the bid for the third-year senior was a first-year newcomer. Oh, so this is how the seeds of romance sometimes sprout. No wonder Marie was worried.
“The next auction is for the talk of the town! The man who stood against an entire army by himself! The hero who saved thousands of lives! The future Grand Knight of our academy, Korin Lork!”
The fourth-year student’s voice was filled with pride. He introduced Korin with great enthusiasm as Korin stepped onto the stage.
“The pride of our Knight Department! He entered as a fifth-rank knight and advanced to the first rank within just one semester, an unprecedented achievement! His duel with the swordmaster Lunia Arden was nothing short of legendary!”
“He played a significant role in the subjugation of the Iron Mountain King, a top-grade magical beast, during last year’s event.”
“He also led his team to victory at the Boramae Academy Festival! The legend of Immotan Lork is still widely discussed.”
“This year, he apprehended numerous notorious criminals and was promoted to first-rank judge! We can’t forget the famous Dana Shu subjugation incident.”
“He stood alone against an army of over thirty thousand to clear the misunderstandings caused by some radical werewolves! The Knight of the Sun!”
“He defeated great knights and mages, and in his final battle, he even altered the map! The legendary video recording of that battle is still being traded for a premium price. The last official sale was for five platinum coins, if I’m not mistaken.”
As the auctioneer listed his accomplishments, the audience was left speechless. Even those who knew of Korin couldn’t help but be impressed when hearing his feats summarized like this.
He was just a second-year student, soon to be a third-year, yet the records he had set were legendary, shaping an era.
Everyone in the room instinctively realized.
Just as 80 years ago was the Era of Ascension,
And 40 years ago was the Era of the Swordmaster,
Now, the Era of Korin Lork was dawning.
“So, Korin, what are your hobbies?”
“Please, just call me brother, Ron-dun.”
“Haha! If you say so. What are your hobbies?”
“I have quite a few. Spear training… but I’d get called a nerd for that, right?”
“Haha, this isn’t the time to play coy.”
“I’ve been into cooking lately. You know how our academy has an abundance of potatoes? I’ve been learning different ways to use them up.”
“Haha! Yes, our academy’s potato warehouse is famous. It’s a shame Marie couldn’t join us here.”
Despite the auctioneer’s unexpected questions, Korin deftly handled the conversation, keeping the audience entertained.
“Do you know third-year senior Elza? She’s showcasing some clothes she made. They’re on display in Free Hall, Building B, on the second floor. You should definitely check it out.”
“My classmate Mielle is selling desserts starting tomorrow. I highly recommend them—they’re delicious.”
“My friend Lark is hosting a showcase of daily magic grimoires. If you’re heading to the Magic Fair, make sure to stop by.”
Rather than just promoting himself, Korin also highlighted his friends’ events, making the conversation enjoyable for everyone listening.
“So, let’s start the bidding. Korin, how much do you hope to be sold for?”
“Can I be honest?”
“Of course!”
“I’m the last one up, and I saw that third-year senior Lunia went for thirteen gold coins. I’d be happy with fourteen. That’s enough for me.”
“Oh~ You’ve got some pride, huh?”
Isabelle noticed Korin’s eyes meet someone’s in the audience. That someone was a girl with golden hair that shone brightly in the dimly lit auditorium.
‘Oh~ So you plan to bid for yourself?’
It seemed he had some backup. No wonder he was entering multiple events; he really intended to win five golden ribbons.
“Alright! The bidding starts at three gold coins!”
“3.1!”
“3.4!”
At first, the bids rose gradually, with small increments. But soon, the bidding escalated quickly into whole gold coins.
“Five!”
“Six!”
“Nine!”
It didn’t take long to reach the fourteen gold coins Korin had mentioned. The girls had clearly formed an alliance, and the bids were rising rapidly.
“Huh?”
Isabelle noticed that among the bidders were not only girls but also a group of boys. She could read the jealousy and competitiveness in their eyes.
– I can’t stand the thought of him eating with girls again!
– Hehe… Korin, you’re eating with us!
– We won’t let you steal the girls anymore!
Oh… such pathetic jealousy. Isabelle was amazed at the boys’ pitiful display of unity.
Do they really think the girls will pay attention to them after this?
She would have liked to just let them have it, but Isabelle was supporting her friend’s love. In the heated atmosphere, she raised her hand.
“Twenty.”
– Oh! 20 gold coins! 20 gold coins have been bid!
The sudden appearance of Isabelle made a few people turn to look at her, including the blonde wolf girl, Ren.
“Hmm?”
Korin sighed as he met Isabelle’s gaze, seemingly understanding the situation. Yes, it was a bit much.
“Twenty-one!”
“Twenty-two!”
The bidding war between the boys and the girls intensified. It was getting out of hand, but the second-highest bid had been thirteen gold coins.
Considering Korin Lork’s popularity, paying double that amount wasn’t outrageous.
“Fifty gold coins.”
Isabelle casually dropped a bombshell, causing everyone to gasp. Spending fifty gold coins on a simple dinner date?
Even Korin Lork was taken aback by the sheer amount.
“Isabelle, I get it, but… isn’t this a bit much?”
‘Just go have your date with Marie.’
After the bid reached fifty gold coins, there were no more bidders. It was an astronomical amount for an auction like this, but for Marie, it was less than a day’s allowance.
Just as it seemed like the auction was about to close with the highest bidder…
“One platinum coin.”
A madman… no, a bigger spender had just entered the fray.
*****
NOVELASIUS
- TL: the guild
- Discord: https://discord.gg/GBKEa55867
- Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/topasius
*****
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