My bloodline yearns for progress.

Chapter 22: It's all a routine, a routine.

As a dwarf, Micah was very familiar with mead bees.

"You'd better not expose these valuable little guys. It's best to keep them in the wine cellar by contract."

The contract doesn't need to be too complicated; just explain the supply and demand of both parties.

I must remind you that the Fantasy Species are highly intelligent; don't underestimate them just because they are about the same size as ordinary bees.

At this point, Micah changed to a warning tone and spoke solemnly.

Do you remember those dazed night watchmen?

If the mead bee demon were to use illusions to protect itself, you alone wouldn't be able to stop it.

Don't treat them like pets; just think of them as a group of workers who don't look quite like humans.

Micah only said so much because of the two barrels of mead.

Whether Sam listens or not is not his concern.

As for Sam, he patiently noted down these details, but there was one problem he couldn't handle on his own.

"Um, who should I ask to make that contract?"

Sam lacked the necessary connections and could only rely on the adventurers before him.

Upon hearing this question, Micah could only sigh helplessly.

"You can go find a mages who specialize in contracts, or Una, who lives nearby, is also a good choice."

I've ordered quite a few alchemical items from Una; this mage's alchemical skills are quite good.

It's best not to post adventurer commissions, for the reason I just explained: these little guys can be quite valuable if used properly.

Watching the two negotiate back and forth, Otto realized that Micah was planning to make another quick buck off Sam!

Sure enough, Sam looked troubled as soon as he heard Una's name.

"That witch usually doesn't like being disturbed. I once wanted to send a barrel of ale as a gift to my neighbor, but she ended up making my workers get lost in the mountains for a whole day."

To be honest, Sam doesn't like mages.

Most of them are eccentric and conduct all sorts of bizarre research.

Not to mention, their neighbor was even labeled a witch!

"I heard that she was expelled from the mage academy and that's why she was exiled to the frontier area."

Is it true?

Perhaps the trouble was over, because Sam seemed more relaxed and even started asking about his neighbor's past.

But Micah solemnly warned the businessman in front of him.

"Never ask what an adventurer did before joining a guild."

Otto's warning sent a chill down Sam's spine.

But just as the atmosphere was getting a little quiet, Otto spoke up.

"How about we go to Una's workplace and inquire on your behalf?"

With Otto's speech, the new mandate was established.

If Otto and his team succeed, Sam is willing to pay the cost of the production contract and the two's brokerage fee.

Including but not limited to copper Thorn and mead.

After agreeing on the payment, McCam silently led Otto out of the cellar.

Throughout the journey, Sam kept apologizing, but Micah seemed indifferent.

Just like Sam's question earlier, it offended this veteran adventurer.

Seeing this, Sam had no choice but to slip Otto several bronze Thorns as a tip before he left, hoping that Otto would put in a good word for him in Micah.

After all, we're all from Oaktown, so we'll inevitably have to interact in the future.

As for Otto, he simply followed Micah's lead after receiving the money.

But just as he was moving, his "animal friends" were reminding Otto to look around.

The eagle found beeswax in the corner.

Upon seeing this suggestion, Otto immediately wanted to buy a few sticks of beeswax as a souvenir.

Sam was much more generous this time, giving Otto three.

In the end, the two men silently disappeared from Sam's sight with two barrels of mead and three sticks of beeswax.

But it was only after they were far from the winery that Otto asked in a low voice.

"Isn't that far enough?"

Upon hearing this, Micah burst into laughter.

"You made a lot of money this time!"

Clearly, Micah was faking it.

It was all a scheme to trap Sam and make more money and drinks.

"If we let him take on a commission from the Adventurers' Guild, the money we'd get would be far less than what we have now."

Micah warned Sam that once the Mead Bee was exposed, it would likely attract the covetous eyes of others, in order to make Sam wary.

This would persuade him to directly entrust Micah and Otto with resolving the matter, since as merchants, they prefer to issue commissions directly through the Adventurers' Guild, as that would be more secure.

As for Micah's behavior when talking about Una's past, it was merely to gain a dominant position in the game.

Now that the deal is done and they have left the winery, Otto can finally stop pretending.

Just as the two were discussing how to divide the spoils, they arrived at a strange Western-style mansion.

To Otto, the building resembled a Gothic spire, but its exterior was adorned with strange paper birds, seemingly a form of defense.

Micah was already used to this.

He skillfully called out to the paper birds.

"Go and call Una over, we need to talk to her."

Upon hearing Micah's call, the paper seemed to come alive, changing its trajectory and flying towards the house.

Micah simply explained to Otto.

"These pieces of paper are manifestations of some kind of alarm spell."

If guests arrive, they can simply shout at the piece of paper to notify Una.

Micah had been here before, so she knew exactly how to find the witch.

Just as Otto was filled with anticipation, the doors of the mansion were slowly pushed open.

But what came out of the gate was a petite and adorable rabbit doll.

Although this plush toy is only the size of a palm, it is exquisitely crafted and looks just like a real little rabbit.

However, just as the doll approached the two of them, a cold voice came from the rabbit's mouth.

"What's up?"

The sound was like the chill of snowflakes falling on a neck in the dead of winter, making Otto feel somewhat uncomfortable.

But Micah seemed to have gotten used to the other person's way of speaking, and simply said...

"My junior plans to have you make some alchemical tools. You two can discuss the details yourselves."

Oh, by the way, your neighbor Sam asked me to ask if you could make him an Equal Contract to stabilize the Mead Bees. He'll cover the material costs.

Upon hearing this, the doll only pondered for a few seconds before agreeing.

"Come with me."

The rabbit doll pretended to turn around and go back.

Seeing this, Micah simply gestured with his lip, indicating that Otto should follow.

"You can stay here for the night, and bring Sam's contract over first thing tomorrow morning."

Remember to report back to the Adventurers' Guild after returning to town, and also attend class while you're at it.