The following day, Marcus remained in his temporary nest, too tired to stir. Considering the upcoming royal banquet, where the dragon planned to make a grand debut, it was just as well for him to remain unseen for now.
Only Miaomiao, who looked like nothing more than a small black kitten, perched on Michael's shoulder as they ventured out. The party mbers who had never been to the capital joined him, eager to explore.
Once outside, Michael separated from the group, moving independently. Following behind him like a silent shadow was Isper, now a loyal familiar of House Crassus. Unlike Leonardo, Isper retained his original appearance, as his work as an assassin required him to remain as inconspicuous as possible.
While the others wandered off, laughing and shopping for trinkets, Michael headed for a specific destination.
The inn was located near a vibrant market district, with shops lining the streets and bustling crowds. The streets radiated out from a wide main road, with narrow alleys branching off like veins. Being so close to the palace, the area was clean and orderly.
The market stalls were packed tightly together, displaying an array of goods to tempt passersby. rchants set up colorful canopies over their stalls, their voices ringing out to attract custors.
"Fresh bread! Hot out of the oven!"
"Soft, warm wool at the best price!"
"Top-quality iron tools right here!"
Elsewhere, stalls overflowed with fresh fruits and vegetables: rosy apples, plump pears, and crisp greens neatly arranged to showcase their freshness. The fruit vendor cheerfully handed out samples to potential buyers.
The thriving comrce caught Michael's attention. As soone about to develop new lands, he noted the bustling activity with interest.
His destination, however, was an herb shop where he planned to sell the mandrakes they had collected. Most of his party mbers had agreed to convert the mandrakes into cash, except for Hope and Leonardo, who wanted to use a portion for experintation. Michael had taken charge of the transaction.
Having inquired about the most reputable and fair herb shop in the area from the innkeeper beforehand, he quickly found his way there.
Outside the shop, exotic spices in small pouches and bottles emitted a strong aroma, undoubtedly ant to entice custors. Inside, herbalists sorted various plants and concocted dicines, explaining the unique benefits of their products to curious patrons.
Michael entered, and the shopkeeper imdiately hurried out to greet him upon hearing he had mandrakes to sell.
"Oh, welco, welco! Such a rare treasure! You have no idea how difficult it's been to acquire longevity herbs like mandrakes these days. It's not just mandrakes, either—everything from the Drago Mountains is scarce right now. If you have more to sell, I'll gladly take it off your hands," the shopkeeper said eagerly.
Michael's instincts tingled at the comnt. Mandrakes were always valuable, but the shortage of all goods from the Drago Mountains was concerning.
Feigning casual interest, Michael replied, "Is that so? I could sell more if needed. What items are particularly in short supply?"
The shopkeeper, wary yet intrigued, darted a glance at Michael. He seed unsure whether Michael's claim was true but answered nonetheless.
"Beast hides and byproducts are valuable, but items requiring freshness—herbs, magical beast at, and blood—are especially scarce. Even the mage towers are scrambling for supplies."
Michael watched the shopkeeper closely as he continued, "The mage towers are in desperate need of these items, are they?"
The shopkeeper lowered his voice, glancing around before speaking. "Well, you know how mages are. Always conducting strange experints. High-grade magical beast blood and materials? They'll pay a fortune for those—especially if they're fresh. Living specins? Even better. By any chance…"
"I don't have anything on hand right now," Michael interrupted smoothly. "But I could look into acquiring so. Now, about the mandrakes—what price are you offering?"
The shopkeeper nad a generous price, which Michael accepted. As he finalized the sale, he discreetly surveyed the shop. While most shelves were stocked with herbs, he noticed several conspicuously empty spaces.
After leaving the shop, Michael strolled through the market, lost in thought. The streets were lively, but as he looked more closely, he noticed several closed shops scattered among the open ones.
Sothing feels off, he thought.
This wasn't just a supply shortage. To Michael, it felt like the subtle tremors of an impending war.
Upon returning to the inn, Michael requested a private eting with his father, Dominic, and Baron Kensington. The three gathered in Dominic's room, the largest in the inn, making it well-suited for discussions.
After hearing Michael's observations, Dominic let out a deep sigh, the lines on his forehead furrowing with concern.
"You may be right. It's hardly a secret that the herbalists in the Drago Mountains are actually soldiers assigned to the Pamir Plateau. But for the supply of herbs and magical beast byproducts to dwindle so drastically… the situation doesn't look good."
Baron Kensington nodded gravely, his expression equally serious. His eyes reflected the cautious vigilance borne of years of experience.
"Indeed," the baron agreed. "If it's not the threat of war, then it must an high-grade magical beasts are causing havoc."
Michael quickly dismissed the idea.
"If it were a magical beast, Miaomiao and Marcus would have sensed sothing when we entered the mountains. No, this is either preparation for war or efforts to shore up defenses against an invasion."
As Kensington nodded thoughtfully, Dominic added his own perspective. Though the baron and Michael were now close enough to address each other as brothers, Dominic's voice carried the weight of his authority.
"Our kingdom certainly wouldn't be the one instigating a war. Frankly, we lack the strength, and we're not foolish enough to provoke a fight. It seems likely that the Pamir Empire is up to sothing."
Baron Kensington chid in, his voice laced with concern.
"With the emperor growing older, he may wish to secure a final achievent. And considering the rumors of the crown prince's debauchery, there are likely other sons eager to build military reputations for themselves."
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