Can I collect my reward now?

[So, how does it work exactly from now on for…]

*Slide*

"Please accept me as your student!"

For some reason, my opponent is on the ground begging.

[What happened to calling me a beggar?]

"I was blind and idiotic! Please forgive me!"

[Antagonizing people, then asking them for a favor is stupid.]

"Yes, it is!"

[Yeah, I don't have time to waste with you.]

"Please!"

[Nope.]

"I won't move from here until you agree teacher!"

[Suit yourself then.]

The manager tries to get him to stop his play, but he doesn't relent.

Oh well, not my problem haha.

[So, how do we go from now on?]

"Would you kindly entrust our shop with selling these gems? We will definitely get you a decent price!"

[Of course! How long will that take?]

"We can buy it at a low price now, but if you give us a week we'll get you the maximum profit."

[Alright, I'll wait then!]

"Thank you very much!"

I mean, to be honest, I still have no clue on the market prices of this stuff.

It seriously is better for me to proceed like that.

Last time I couldn't even conclude a one silver trade by myself.

Eh, I blame the stingy shop for that.

So what if the sword is missing a bit of maintenance?

It still worked well enough.

I mean it was enough to cut that so-called prized weapon of theirs.

Well, not everyone can use divine energy but still.

That is when a man wearing chic-looking clothes comes nearby.

While clearly of high quality, his clothes aren't that eye-catching either.

The only thing that stands out is a medallion with a cartwheel on it.

It looks both simple and intricate.

As in there are extremely fine details, but none that especially stand out.

I kinda feel like I've seen it before.

"Hey there young man! Impressive performance!"

[Thanks I guess.]

"Our merchant group has been looking for an appraiser for a while now. Would you be interested in working with us?"

I have the full-time job of baking, but appraising shouldn't take that long anyway.

[I'd be open to discussing it.]

"How wonderful! How about you visit our guild right now if you have time?"

[That...]

"Of course we will include any accommodation you may need!"

Free food?

Free drinks?!

Count me fucking in!

[Lead the way!]

I can see the kid facepalming in the background.

Seems he's going to go back home to do who knows what.

Please, accepting free food is a rule to live by!

One does not refuse such a thing.

Especially when you are immune to poison haha.

Wolfie follows us.

Still carrying the sign I gave her dutifully.

The young master guy is surprisingly still on the ground kneeling.

I mean he's going to give up at some point.

The manager wishes me a safe trip.

Ah, I also wish the Talion guy not to die.

Usually, that would be seen as cursing someone.

Not in his case.

He will definitely need it.

He says something about waving us goodbye, but that he'll refrain.

Something about his hand not working as well as it used to.

We then take a carriage to reach our destination.

Apparently, these aren't allowed in most streets because of a lack of space.

Makes sense.

Guess that's also why I haven't really noticed many since coming here.

I don't have any intention of owning one in any case.

Ah, perhaps when I extend my business out of town.

But then there will be other issues to consider too.

Like having enough soldiers to guard it.

Or even how to keep pies warm long enough…

So troublesome haha.

I'll just work my way to the top of this city first and that will be it.

"Here we are, young man."

I was expecting a lavish-looking place, but it is similar to the man himself.

Classic style with subtle opulence.

"Would you like to be given a change of clothes and an area to bathe?"

[No need, I'm famished!]

A long, nice bath may be amazing, but eating comes first.

Plus I'm totally going to dirty it later when I bake anyway.

Some would say baking shouldn't be that messy…

Well, those haven't seen me bake haha.

All that matters is that I give it my all in my craft!

As we go in we receive many stares.

Some seem to be wondering about my identity.

I guess the clothes don't help haha.

Some are wondering what is up with Wolfie.

Some seem to pay attention to my guide.

I guess he is a big shot here.

He slowly guides me to a small room where awaits us a small table.

There are really comfy benches too.

"I must admit it is not every day that I see such an impressive performance."

[Not a big deal to be honest.]

"Humble too haha. There is one thing I am wondering."

[Just ask.]

"How would you estimate your success rate?]

[Do you mean for finding gems in rocks?]

"Yes, I'm quite curious."

[100%.]

"*Gulp* 100% you say?! Isn't that a bit too high?"

[*Shrug* I mean I can say 99% if it makes you feel better.]

"How?!"

[It simply takes me one look.]

"Then you were already assured of victory in the earlier challenge?"

[Not really, it could have been a tie if he had gotten 10/10 right too.]

He seems impressed.

Actually, now that I think about it, he could have won.

I'm still not sure about the value of the gems.

While I can confirm not to make a mistake, he could have beaten me in profit.

Still, the chances for that were very low.

[You said something about food, right?]

"Ah, indeed. Let me call a servant."

He rings a bell from god knows where.

The door opens and comes a young lady in a proper uniform.

This is a nice touch.

They are putting professionalism above all else.

Then she approaches with beautiful cups and a teapot.

Elegantly pouring us some.

I take a small sip.

It is surprisingly bland.

Very much so.

"Is the tea to your liking?"

[Should I be frank?]

"Of course!"

[What the hell is this?! Is this amateur hour?! Bring some alcohol already!]

*Gasps*

Was that too frank?

They won't ask me to leave, right?!

Right?!