After making up his mind, Rowen spent the next hour cleaning the Evergreen Shop from top to bottom.
Months of dust were swept away, and the shelves were carefully wiped clean. Once everything was in order, he arranged the freshly harvested potatoes near the large glass display window at the front of the shop, making sure anyone passing by could easily see them.
He then picked up a small wooden board along with a brush and a bottle of ink.
After thinking for a moment, he wrote a few simple words.
Freshly Harvested Potatoes
10 Federation Credits Each
After placing the sign beside the display, Rowen stepped back and nodded in satisfaction.
"It'll do."
He then walked behind the counter and quietly waited for his first customer.
...
Not long afterward, three middle-aged adventurers walked through the streets of Boulder Town while chatting among themselves.
One carried a large shield on his back. Another had a short wand hanging from his waist, while the last held a long wooden staff carved with intricate patterns.
As they passed a familiar street, the man carrying the shield suddenly slowed his steps.
"Hm?"
The other two looked at him in confusion.
"What is it?"
He pointed across the street.
"The Evergreen Shop..."
The other two followed his gaze.
For a brief moment, all three fell silent.
The old wooden sign still hung above the entrance, just as they remembered. More importantly, an 'Open' sign now rested on the front door.
"I thought the shop closed after Old Man Robert passed away."
"So did I."
The man with the staff smiled faintly.
"Back then, we'd always stop here before heading out on a hunt."
The mage chuckled.
"Old Man Robert always managed to get the freshest vegetables. Monster meat was too expensive for everyday meals, so we bought most of our groceries here."
The shield-bearing adventurer nodded.
"It's been a long time."
He glanced at the Open sign hanging on the door before smiling.
"Come on."
"Let's see who's running the place now."
The other two nodded and followed him across the street.
The small bell above the entrance chimed softly.
Hearing the sound, Rowen looked up from behind the counter.
For a brief moment, neither side spoke.
The man carrying the shield studied Rowen for a few seconds before a look of realization crossed his face.
"You must be Old Man Robert's grandson."
Rowen smiled and nodded.
"Yes. Welcome to the Evergreen Shop."
The three men returned his smile before turning their attention toward the display of freshly harvested potatoes.
One of them picked up a potato and nodded in approval.
"They look fresh."
The other two agreed before their eyes shifted to the wooden sign beside the display.
Freshly Harvested Potatoes
10 Federation Credits Each
For a brief moment, all three frowned.
Twenty federation credits for a single potato was far more than most people would normally pay.
Rowen naturally noticed the hesitation on their faces but remained silent. He had already decided on the price after learning about the potatoes' effect and had no intention of lowering it.
After exchanging a few glances, the man carrying the shield reached into his pocket and took out his wallet.
"We'll take ten."
Rowen was slightly surprised, but he quickly packed the potatoes into a paper bag before handing them over.
The three paid without saying another word.
As they turned to leave, Rowen quietly watched them walk out of the shop.
Only after the bell above the door rang did a smile slowly appear on his face.
"My first sale."
Rowen glanced at the remaining potatoes on the display before looking back at the two hundred Federation Credits resting on the counter.
Looking at the remaining potatoes on display, Rowen couldn't help but smile.
"If I can sell the rest, I can finally afford some monster meat again."
The thought alone made him swallow unconsciously.
It had been a long time since he had eaten any.
Just then, Fern floated over and looked at the silly grin on Rowen's face.
"What are you daydreaming about in broad daylight?"
Rowen chuckled.
"Today's a good day."
"We're having monster meat for dinner."
He looked at Fern with a grin.
"I bet you've never tasted monster meat before."
Fern stared at him for a moment before his expression turned strange.
"You people... eat monsters?"
Rowen looked at him in confusion.
"Well... yeah."
Fern stared at him for a long moment before slowly shaking his head.
"Humans are truly terrifying."