The Apothecary Noble Lady Treated Like Trash Was Executed — After Being Pushed Off a Cliff, She Regained Memories of Her Past Life, So She Abandoned the Kingdom and Decided to Enjoy a Carefree Life in Another World" - Episode 10

“Hmph, what do you want?”

The gruff old man glared at me.

But compared to Ark’s intimidating presence, this was like a gentle breeze.

I confidently walked up to the counter and placed the medicinal herbs down.

“I’d like to sell these.”

“Milfoze, three silver coins each. You’ve got ten, so that’s three gold coins.”

Ark nodded his head.

This old man didn’t seem to be lying. Impressive. That’s over four times what other shops offered.

Maybe they looked down on me because I’m a young woman. While that might be unavoidable, trying to cheat someone you assume is naive is unbecoming of a proper merchant.

“Understood. Could you appraise the rest as well?”

“Show me.”

I took out all the items from my basket except for the Fairy’s Tear and had them appraised.

Ark nodded at the results.

It seemed he gave fair prices for everything. Maybe I can trust this person.

“Is that all?”

“No, could you look at this last one?”

I lined up the Fairy’s Tear on the counter.

“W-what is this?!”

The old man’s eyes widened as he abruptly stood up.

“Yes, it’s a Fairy’s Tear.”

“I never thought I’d see one of these again.”

After regaining his composure, the old man awkwardly sat back down.

From what I gathered, Fairy’s Tears are even rarer than the encyclopedia suggests, hardly ever seen in provincial towns.

This was his first time seeing one in several years. I’m really glad I didn’t sell it at some shady place. I’ll give Ark lots of pets later.

“Will you buy it?”

“There isn’t an apothecary who wouldn’t buy this. Of course, I’ll take it.”

“Thank you.”

“No, thank you for showing me such a treasure.”

I went to accept the payment but realized I had nothing to carry it in.

Carrying gold coins loose in my basket would be way too risky.

As I pondered this, the shopkeeper handed me a leather pouch.

“Sorry, and thank you.”

“With that one around you should be fine, but be careful.”

“Understood.”

I put the pouch in my basket and had Ark carry it in his mouth.

No one would dare lay hands on Ark.

“Would you bring medicines next time?”

This place seems trustworthy, so it’d be good for selling medicines.

“You’re an apothecary? You’re always welcome here. Judging by these herbs, your processing is proper and the quality excellent. I’ve never seen herbs in such good condition. Proof you’ve studied well. Impressive for your age. I’d expect good medicines from you. Bring them anytime.”

“W-wow, thank you!”

The normally taciturn old man showered me with rapid praise.

I think this might be the first time anyone’s praised me so much.

In my past life, I was sickly and could only make my family force smiles. In this life, I was scorned and constantly scolded by my family.

My chest feels warm and fuzzy. What is this emotion?

“H-hey, what’s wrong?”

Suddenly, the old man looked flustered.

“Huh…?”

The old man’s face that was just clear is now blurry. And I can’t speak properly.

What’s… what’s happening to me?

‘Hey! Are you okay!? Where does it hurt!?’

I could hear Ark’s panicked voice too.

With my Super Health, I shouldn’t be sick or injured. What in the world…

“I-I’m… f-fine”

I try to reply to reassure them, but my nose is stuffy and I can’t speak properly. Then I feel something warm trickle down my cheek.

Gently, I touch my cheek.

It’s wet! Ah, I’m crying.

I finally realized tears were streaming down my face.

In my past life, I stopped crying because I didn’t want to worry my parents. In this life, I stopped because I knew no one would help me even if I cried.

So, I thought my body had completely forgotten how to cry.

“H-here, wipe your face.”

“Th-thank you!”

I accept the towel from the old man and cover my face.

But that wasn’t it. I was just holding it in. I must have wanted someone to acknowledge me.

The me who just made my parents sad from a hospital bed, being nothing but a financial burden. The me who received no useful skills, was persecuted by family, and was ultimately executed for false charges.

In both lives, I was always useless.

That it’s okay for me to exist. That I’m not useless.

That’s what I wanted someone to tell me.

So, when the old man acknowledged me, I was genuinely happy.

“…I’m sorry.”

After crying for a while, I finally calm down and bow to the old man.

Crying in front of someone you just met must have been awkward. I’m truly sorry.

“Don’t worry about it.”

Lastly, I purchase the bare minimum of tools needed for medicine preparation.

“Well then, I’ll come again.”

“Yeah, I’ll be waiting.”

I bid farewell to the kind old man and leave the shop.

At first I thought he’d be hard to approach, but not at all. He was really kind. Before I left, he even recommended various good shops to me.

‘Ark, thank you for everything too.’

‘Hmph! I couldn’t care less if you cry!!’

‘But you seemed pretty panicked?’

‘Your imagination!! Let’s just get going!!’

As he marches ahead, Ark’s tail sways happily.

◆ ◆ ◆

Meanwhile, at that same time.

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Norman Boardless, an apothecary.”

“Ahh, welcome. I’ve heard you’re quite skilled.”

“I’m not that remarkable.”

“Nonsense, no need for modesty.”

“So, you’d like to hire me since your previous apothecary quit?”

“Indeed. The last one merely followed recipes without understanding. We want someone of your caliber.”

“I have no objections. I’d be honored to work for you.”

“Splendid, splendid. With your skills, I expect far greater results than that predecessor.”

“Of course. You can count on me.”

And so, one apothecary was hired by a certain household.