Wood from the Death Valley

"If I may ask, can we also buy the Fire Glove that you're wearing?"

After completing the transaction and retrieving his daughter, Veronica, Nicolas couldn't help but ask the thought that crossed his mind. Seeing another magical item, who wouldn't want to own it?

Unfortunately, Cien immediately objected, stating that the Fire Glove he was wearing was his personal property and not for sale.

Nicolas wasn't upset; in fact, he already believed the same thing. However, there was no harm in trying his luck. Even if he offered a considerable amount, Cien still rejected the offer.

"If I ever come back here, there might be another magical item that I create. I will come to the Amary family to offer it, I hope you won't refuse my presence," Cien said with a friendly smile.

"Of course. Although I'm not fond of your manners, your creations are more than enough to meet my standards," Nicolas replied arrogantly.

Veronica, who was beside her father, held her forehead, feeling embarrassed by her father's current behavior.

For Veronica, of course Cien's attitude was inappropriate considering his social status. However, right now, Cien was not an ordinary person. There was something special that made the little girl wary of the mysterious merchant.

Nicolas glanced at the other items on Cien's stall, but none of them seemed valuable to him. He bid farewell and turned around to leave. However, when he turned, he noticed his wife's eyes focused on the items he considered worthless.

"What's the matter, dear? Is there something you want?"

Shiwa wakes up from her small world, constantly pondering the strangeness of the weapons on the table. She briefly glanced at Nicolas with a look of curiosity before turning to Cien.

"Respected merchant, may I know your name?" Shiwa asked politely.

Cien and Nicolas were taken aback, not expecting a Viscount's wife to be courteous to a humble merchant. Cien then smiled and bowed while introducing himself.

"My name is Cien Millard, Lady Amary."

'Hm? A family name? Is he a noble?'

Shiwa smiled and looked at Cien seriously.

"Mr. Millard, may I hold those spears?"

Cien tilted his head, becoming more confused. If she wanted to hold them, she could just hold them.

Shiwa didn't need his permission. Cien started to think that the people of Huntara seemed to be very respectful of etiquette.

Unfortunately, Cien's assumption was wrong. Shiwa only behaved politely and respectfully towards those she considered valuable.

To Shiwa, Cien was an extraordinary craftsman. She simply wanted to establish a good relationship with the seller.

Cien handed the Hellteak spear to Shiwa.

The middle-aged woman played with the spear, observing it closely. She was impressed by its balance and relatively light weight. Although the spear's power was slightly reduced due to its weight, its speed could increase rapidly.

However, there was one thing that mattered most to Shiwa.

'What kind of wood is used for this?' she wondered.

Shiwa twirled and swung the spear like a master while contemplating the quality of the weapon in her hand.

After satisfying herself, she turned to Cien and asked, "How much is this spear?"

"Three hundred Tia," Cien replied curtly.

Shiwa paused for a moment, while the people around, who heard Cien's words, were surprised.

"Three hundred for a wooden spear?! Are you serious? Who would buy such a..."

"Gary, give the money to Mr. Millard," Shiwa interrupted Gary, instructing him to pay.

The assistant didn't know what to say. He looked towards Nicolas, seeking his master's approval, which was met with a nod from the Viscount. Gary took three hundred Tia and handed it to Cien with a disgruntled expression.

Once paid, Shiwa turned to the royal guard standing nearby. She immediately flows her mana through the newly purchased spear.

"Raise your shield!"

"Huh?!"

Swoosh!

Without waiting long, Shiwa immediately thrust the spear towards the guard, who reflexively lifted his shield.

"!!!"

Everyone was shocked by Shiwa's action, but they were even more surprised when the seemingly ordinary wooden spear managed to penetrate the guard's iron shield.

The tip of the spear pierced through and stopped right in front of the guard's eyes, leaving him frozen with cold sweat running down his body.

Shiwa withdrew the spear from the shield, twirled it around, and nodded in satisfaction. She smiled brightly and then turned to Cien with an unstoppable curiosity.

"Mr. Millard! May I know what kind of wood you used to make this spear? Ah, and does this spear have a name?"

Cien was impressed by Viscount's wife this time. Not only did the woman possess exceptional spear technique, but it seemed she was aware of the unusual material he used.

"It's called Hellteak Spear, My Lady. As the name suggests, the spear is made from Hellteak wood."

"Hellteak?"

Not only Shiwa, even Signa and the people around had no knowledge of the wood mentioned by Cien.

"I've never heard of such wood. Is it real or just your fabrication?" This time, Signa, who had been silent, also spoke up.

"This wood is rarely heard of, or maybe no one else has discovered it. Because Hellteak is a type of wood that only exists in Death Valley."

"..."

Shiwa fell into silence, lost in thought.

"Are you joking?" Gary felt once again that Cien was belittling his master.

"No."

"Who in their right mind would take wood from that cursed place?!"

"I would," Cien then turned to Shiwa and Nicolas, "I've told you before, haven't I? I'm not a merchant like the ones you know. You said I couldn't leave this town. I'll say it now, you won't be able to capture me. When I'm gone and you need my services, you can visit my shop. In Death Valley."

"..."

No one could say a word, and suddenly the atmosphere fell silent.

No one believed the boasting of a person like Cien, declaring that he lived in the most dangerous place in Kastia. But the seriousness in the man's expression made it impossible for them to refute him.

"Why did you open a store in Death Valley? Are there any visitors who go there?" Shiwa asked, trying to remain calm and logical.

"I have my own special circumstances, but if we have to be logical, I can say that Death Valley is a paradise for craftsmen. There are many unusual and special materials there. One of them is Hellteak wood, which forms the basis for that spear," Cien replied.

Those who heard him still felt skeptical about what Cien said. Only Shiwa and Veronica knew that the merchant was speaking the truth.

Shiwa then glanced at some other items in Cien's place.

"Could you tell me if all these items are made with materials from Death Valley? If that's true, could you please explain? I might be interested in buying them."

"Ooo!"

Cien smelled the scent of business from Shiwa. Without hesitation, he immediately explained all the weapons and items he had brought.