Crucial decision

Since Ryan purchased the "Preservation Wax" prototype from the "System Shop," which provided him with information and recipes for the product, he didn't need to do much research. However, it still took him two days to experiment and create small batches of the wax. With the help of his servants, they were able to produce high-quality preservation wax.

The "System Shop" had already supplied all the necessary information regarding "Preservation Wax," including the basic formula and methods for combining the ingredients effectively.

Ryan was also thankful that the Thornvale region had all the required ingredients for the preservation wax, including beeswax, pine resin, and natural oils from local plants, along with other essential herbs he was unaware of but found locally.

Once the batches of preservation wax were ready, Ryan used the wax on the fruits and vegetables stored in the castle's pantry. He also introduced the preservation wax to businesses in the narrow street markets.

After Ryan took control of the city by imprisoning the officials and elders, their businesses also fell under his jurisdiction and control.

---

While wandering through the street market, Henrik, accompanied by his son and a group of hired adventurers, noticed that many fruit and vegetable vendors displayed produce that appeared unusually fresh and glossy.

Henrik, drawing on his extensive experience trading in the city of Bathsheba's street markets, remembered how the produce at the vendors typically looked quite worn and never quite fresh.

In fact, before the introduction of the wax by the current lord Ryan, some of the fruits and vegetables showed slight signs of deterioration, such as bruising, slight wilting, or a dull appearance that made them less appealing to customers.

Walking through the street market, Henrik couldn't help but be amazed by the vibrant and fresh appearance of the fruits and vegetables at the vendors' stalls. Each time he asked about the reason behind their exceptional quality, the vendors attributed it to the assistance from their lord.

This piqued Henrik's curiosity about the city's current ruler, who was also the infamous bastard Prince of Valthorn, Ryan Fitzroy.

Originally, the goods in Henrik's wagon were intended for the city officials and elders, who were potential buyers. However, with those officials and elders now out of the picture, Henrik and his companions had no choice but to offer their goods directly in the street market. Unfortunately, most items in their wagon were decorative or simply not practical for daily use, leading to limited interest from the vendors, who preferred money transactions over trading for what they considered to be less useful products.

Henrik, thoroughly impressed by the fresh appearance of the fruits and vegetables, made several purchases, much to the delight of the vendors involved in the transactions.

While examining a potato he had bought, Henrik noticed a thin layer covering it, something unfamiliar and intriguing, sparking his curiosity.

Meanwhile, the other merchants accompanying Henrik also engaged in trade or purchases within the street market. Henrik was growing increasingly curious about meeting Lord Ryan, the city's ruler. However, just as they wrapped up their business and prepared to leave, soldiers approached them. Henrik and his companions tensed, ready for confrontation as the hired adventurers braced themselves against the soldiers. But the tension dissolved when one of the soldiers spoke up, "Esteemed sirs, I am here to convey that the lord of the city wishes to meet with you."

Upon hearing the soldier's message, Henrik and the other merchants were taken aback but intrigued.

Henrik, along with his son, Fuego, Sean, and two other merchants, decided to take a moment to relax at a tavern, bringing their hired adventurers and coachmen with them. They secured a spot to regroup and deliberate.

Gathered in a private room, they debated whether to accept the city lord's invitation.

Sean, looking around the tavern and noting the absence of certain entertainments, couldn't help but express his disappointment, "Ah... What a pity. No ladies to lighten the mood here."

Fuego chimed in, reflecting on the city's transformation, "The city's changed so much after the officials and elders were locked up. Even the women who used to bring joy are nowhere to be found."

Henrik, listening to his companions lament, offered a gentle reprimand with a sigh and a shake of his head, "Guys, let's focus on what truly matters. The lord of the city has summoned us to his castle. That's our priority."

Lore, one of the merchants, voiced his concern, "I'm not so sure about this. We should be cautious, as we're not familiar with the city lord."

Dev, puzzled, interjected, "Not familiar? But isn't he the notorious bastard Prince of Valthorn? As well-known as any other prince, right?"

Sean clarified for Dev, "What Lore means is, while we've all heard of Prince Ryan, we don't really know him personally. That's the concern."

"Yeah, maybe we should just steer clear of that bastard. Who knows what he's plotting? I've even heard he locked up the city officials and elders out of the blue. What if Ryan tries to spring a trap on us too?" Fuego mused, noticing the agreement in the nods around him. He then turned to Henrik, who had been unusually quiet, and asked, "What's your take, Henrik? Don't you think the same?"

Henrik appeared to be deep in thought. His mind was replaying the vivid images of the fresh and appealing fruits and vegetables he had purchased from the street market, particularly recalling the thin layer that coated them.

Snapped back to the present by Fuego's repeated question, Henrik looked up and said, "I see no harm in meeting with Lord Ryan."

This stance surprised Fuego and the others. Fuego challenged him, "Henrik, have you lost your mind? How can you say there's nothing wrong? Think it through—it might be a trap set by the Lord himself!"

Henrik calmly responded, "If the Lord wanted to detain us, couldn't he do so at any time in the city? Remember, we are within his domain right now."

The room fell silent until Sean argued, "But Ryan wouldn't dare make a move against us in public, not with his subjects watching, and certainly not with our hired adventurers by our side. The only way he could harm us would be through an ambush."

The others nodded in agreement, but Henrik let out a sigh, pondering, "But why would he want to ambush us in the first place?"

Fuego quickly said, "For our goods, for money! Isn't that obvious?"

Seeing that none of his companions were inclined to meet with the Lord, Henrik sighed again.

Honestly, Henrik wouldn't have even considered meeting the lord if it weren't for his curiosity about the secret behind the remarkable freshness and quality of the fruits and vegetables. Initially, Henrik suspected it was merely an external facade, but his opinion changed when he tasted an apple he had purchased from a vendor in the street market. To his surprise, not only did the apple look fresh on the outside, but it also tasted incredibly good.

Seeing his friends' lack of interest in meeting the city lord, Henrik quietly resolved to go ahead and meet the lord on his own.