Roberto and Liza were still talking about the sales when Miss Liza suddenly asked with a calm smile,
"Mr. Roberto, how much should I pay for the items I brought?"
Roberto replied in a gentle tone,
"Miss Liza, it's a small gift from our group to you."
The old lady shook her head with a thoughtful expression.
"No, I can't accept your gift. You are running a business. Those items must be expensive."
Roberto smiled faintly.
"Well… since you insist, I'll let you pay."
He paused.
"But you must pay no matter what."
We all stared at him strangely.
Liza looked puzzled.
"Alright… I will pay."
Then Roberto spoke seriously—
"You must pay us with the best lunch you've got."
"What?! Lunch?" Liza looked shocked. "But—"
"You can't refuse," Roberto interrupted gently. "We're all hungry, right?"
Everyone nodded immediately.
Arim lowered his voice and whispered,
"I also think he's acting different today…"
Mac nodded seriously.
Liza finally smiled.
"Alright. Wait here. I'll make something good for you."
She walked toward the room in the right corner—most likely the kitchen.
We sat down at a nearby dining table.
Moneru looked at Roberto suspiciously.
"Hey, old man… are you sick or something? You've been acting strange."
Roberto replied expressionlessly,
"You're thinking too much."
Moneru frowned.
"Hasami? Everyone? What do you think?"
Mac looked worried.
"I think so too, Grandpa…"
Arim nodded.
"Maybe he needs a physician."
Moneru crossed his arms proudly.
"See? I told you."
"I'm fine," Roberto said calmly.
"If you are ill—"
Before Arim could finish, Hasami interrupted firmly.
"Stop it. You're disturbing Uncle. He's fine."
I smiled to myself.
That old man must be in love.
Well… love doesn't care about age.
Seems Hasami noticed it too. She's sharp.
Soon, everyone started talking about their experiences in the market.
Roberto and I listened quietly, nodding like a satisfied merchant.
I cleared my throat.
"Everyone, please listen."
They all turned toward me.
"First, thank you for your hard work. Everyone did well today."
Then I looked at Roberto.
"Grandpa, please tell us about the total earnings."
Roberto straightened his back and spoke clearly.
"From farming tools, we earned 186 Silver and 5 Bronze."
He continued,
"From household goods, 83 Silver."
He looked at us seriously.
"Total market earnings — 269 Silver and 5 Bronze."
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then—
"What?!" Moneru almost jumped from her seat.
Mac's eyes widened.
"That much…?"
Arim and Hasami were spokeless.
They began calculating in their heads.
Moneru muttered thoughtfully,
"How much food can we buy with that?"
I wasn't surprised. It was a wealthy village.
But I was slightly impressed by how precisely Roberto remembered every detail.
Good.
I chose a capable subordinate.
I told Roberto to distribute 11 Silver coins to everyone.
He handed the coins out carefully and kept his own share as well. I had already given him all the money earlier since I couldn't use the item bag in public.
I also gave him 3 Silver for today's inn cost.
Then he returned the remaining coins to me in a thick cloth bag.
It was surprisingly heavy — filled with bronze and silver coins clinking together.
I quietly stored everything inside my item bag.
Tomorrow… we would plan our next move.
A little while later, Miss Liza returned.
She placed the dishes one by one on the table.
Hearty Vegetable Stew.
Grilled Chicken Thighs.
Fresh-Baked Rustic Bread.
Pan-Fried Root Vegetables.
Cheese and Pickle Plate.
Herb Salad.
Fruit Preserve.
Spring Water and Mild Ale.
Steam rose from the stew. The aroma of roasted chicken filled the room.
Everyone's eyes sparkled.
The moment the food was served, they started eating immediately.
Even I joined in.
But Roberto…
He was eating slowly, elegantly, like a noble gentleman.
He looked at Liza warmly.
"This tastes like heaven. I have never eaten such a wonderful lunch. Miss Liza… are you perhaps a fairy?"
Liza blushed faintly.
"Oh my… you flatter me."
I stared at him blankly.
That's a love-struck old man.
The others were staring too.
And Roberto, completely serious, continued eating with perfect manners.