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 9

“Wow~, so this is the city…”

As I passed through the gates, the cityscape I’d only seen, read about, and imagined in creative works came rushing into view.

The sight was so overwhelming it left me speechless.

Buildings with an atmosphere that seemed to exist only in fictional worlds lined the streets, and residents dressed in unmistakably fantasy-style clothing walked right before my eyes.

Just looking at it all got me excited.

“Hey, quit standing around and let’s get moving.”

“Ah, right, sorry.”

Snapped out of my daze by Ark’s voice, I began making my way through the city.

Being able to walk through a city like this felt like a dream.

“So where are we heading first?”

“Probably an apothecary. I can’t do anything until I sell some herbs, and I need to pay the city entrance tax too.”

“Hmm. There are several around.”

Maybe he’s sniffing out the scent of medicinal ingredients.

“Then please take me to the closest one.”

“Tch, what a hassle. But I’m feeling generous, so I’ll guide you.”

“Thank you.”

Ark walked slightly ahead, leading me to an apothecary.

“Here we are.”

“Eh, here?”

“That’s right.”

Ark had stopped in front of an overly flashy-looking shop. It seemed a bit too gaudy to be an apothecary.

I know I shouldn’t judge by appearances, so I decided to go in anyway.

“Hello there~”

“Yes, welcome!!”

Inside, a friendly-looking, narrow-eyed shopkeeper greeted me.

Ark came in too, but since no one said anything, I guessed familiars were allowed inside.

Still, even the interior was flashy, with overly ornate decorations on all the merchandise. Could this place really be an apothecary?

My suspicions were growing.

“What can I do for you today?”

“I’d like to sell some medicinal herbs.”

“Of course, of course. Right this way.”

Contrary to my concerns, the shopkeeper had a gentle demeanor and was polite even to someone as young as me. I decided to observe a bit longer.

Led by the shopkeeper, I was guided to the counter.

“So, what have you brought for me today?”

The shopkeeper rubbed his hands together as he asked.

“Well, I’d like to sell some medicinal herbs.”

‘Wait a second.’

‘Eh, what?’

Just as I was about to take the herbs from my basket, Ark poked me to stop me.

‘Do you even know the value of these herbs?’

‘I can tell if they’re rare, but I don’t know the market prices.’

Having spent all my time in the alchemy room looking at real specimens and reference books, I had no idea how much these herbs would fetch.

‘Then just take out the least valuable one.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I’ll explain later.’

‘O-okay.’

I didn’t really understand, but Ark seemed to have his reasons.

Following his instructions, I took out the least valuable herb and placed it on the counter.

“Ohh, this is Milfoze. It’s a valuable ingredient for cold remedies, always in demand. For this amount, how about five silver coins?”

If I remembered right, one iron coin was about 1 yen, one copper coin 100-yen, one silver coin 1,000 yen, and one gold coin 10,000 yen.

So five silver coins would be 5,000 yen. Hmm, I can’t tell if that’s cheap or expensive. Come to think of it, I don’t even know how much the items I’ll need will cost.

Maybe I should have checked out more shops before coming here.

‘This guy’s lying. Don’t sell here.’

As I hesitated, Ark’s telepathic message came through.

‘Eh, how can you tell?’

‘My nose can sniff out lies instantly. This guy reeks of habitual deception.’

‘That’s amazing!!’

‘Tch, humans are just idiots. Can’t even manage something this simple.’

‘Yeah yeah, thanks.’

I had no idea Ark had such abilities. If I’d been alone, I would’ve been completely ripped off.

If I’d brought out something like Fairy’s Tear… Just imagining it sent shivers down my spine.

“I think this is a fairly rare herb. Could you go any higher?”

I wasn’t really planning to sell, but abruptly ending the deal would look suspicious, and there was a chance he might offer a fair price, so I tried negotiating a bit.

“Well, let’s see! Six silver coins, no, seven is my limit.”

“Hmm, I see. Understood.”

Ark shook his head.

Seems he’s lying again. Someone who lies repeatedly can’t be trusted. Probably best not to sell here after all.

“Then we’ll proceed with seven silver coins for the purchase.”

“No, I’ve decided not to sell after all.”

The shopkeeper, misunderstanding, started to take out the money, but I retrieved the Milfoze from the counter and turned on my heel.

“Wha-!? H-hey, wait a minute!!”

“Grrrrrrrrrrrrr!”

“Eek!”

The shopkeeper tried to follow me as he came around the counter.

Ark stepped between us, growling.

While the shopkeeper recoiled and fell on his backside, we made our exit.

After that, we visited several shops with our offer, but so many of them were trying to rip us off.

‘Next one’s the last.’

‘I hope this one isn’t a scam.’

And so, clinging to one last shred of hope, we stepped into an apothecary with a much more subdued appearance.