TFA1 4.4 - Winds of Change

  Joker Trading Post, a few km south of Walluo City

  08:15, 16 Jun 2025

  To manage the transactions with Kandez farmers, Amethyst Merchant set up Joker Trading Post next to Jarak Family house. It was manned by a supervisor and three personnel. All of them were residents of Magwurt City because Amethyst Merchant did not have enough manpower for field administration. Five member of Tuscan Guard were also stationed on the trading post to provide light escort.

  In addition to the workspace, reception room, radio communications, two units M1152 Personnel Carrier, and other equipment, Joker Trading Post also had dormitory. After finalizing the contract with Old Jarak, Lt. Colonel Slane decided to stay at the dormitory. He had a hunch trouble would arise and he was correct.

  The five largest farmer families known as the Big Five refused the appointment of Jarak Family as sole representative. They demanded that it was their families who should be appointed as collective representatives. They also complained that the standard quality set by Amethyst Merchant were too strict.

  When Lt. Colonel Slane took a 'Listen and Forget' attitude, the Big Five responded by refusing to sell the harvest from their farmland and ranch. Lt. Colonel Slane then sent an official statement.

  ‘We understand and we won’t force you to sell.’

  When the purchase quota was not met, Old Jarak suggested a renegotiation with Big Five. He was ready to give up his position as a sole representative, but Lt. Colonel Slane casually answered.

  "No worries. Before we come here Amethyst Merchant can fulfill the food needs for Magwurt City. Even if we can’t meet the quota, everything will be fine."

  Then, unexpectedly three days later the Big Five sold their commodities through smaller farmer families, before finally they made direct sales to Amethyst Merchant, but Lt. Colonel Slane strictly prohibited people at Joker Trading Post from celebrating it.

  Even though things had calmed down and transactions with Kandez famer went well, Lt. Colonel Slane decided to stay a little longer. He wanted to talk with Old Dourk one more time.

  And so, when Old Dourk arrived in Joker Trading Post, Lt. Colonel Slane immediately smiled from ear to ear. Honestly, if he had met a gentle-hearted person like Old Dourk a few years earlier, he would undoubtedly ridicule him as an idiot.

  From an early age, Lt. Colonel Slane never thought that this world was a welcoming place. Young Slane hold one believe that people with gentle heart were prey to be devoured. However, after he secured a place in top society, he began to doubt the compass he had been using. Then, slowly but surely his believe and value began to change.

  'In the world of the blind, one-eyed person is king. In a world full of injustice and suffering, people who choose to become human beings are angels to others,' Lt. Colonel Slane muttered as he walked over to Old Dourk and Sturk.

  Old Dourk grabbed Lt. Colonel Slane's hand tightly as he said, "If my memory serves, you give me a month to pay the bills."

  "Did my courier mention something about the bill?"

  Old Dourk shook his head, while Lt. Colonel Slane smiled as he turned his gaze to Sturk.

  "Seems like he feel at home while living in your place."

  Old Dourk smiled broadly before answering, "Working in kitchen isn't easy. So most of kids I help last only a few days, but Sturk isn't complaining and he has the talent too."

  “Really?” Lt. Colonel Slane curiously asked.

  Old Dourk looked at Sturk with pride before explaining, "My wife has been helping me for a decade, but she still can't judge whether the broth has excess or lacking in salt. As for Sturk, I need only once to show that from the shape of the drips he can judge whether the broth needs extra salt or water."

  “…”

  Still with tone full of excitement Old Dourk added, "Sturk has also succeeded in understanding the structure behind the basic spices, and start to learn how to apply it to food ingredients. He also doesn't mind even though I only give him pocket money 5 coins / day."

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  Seeing Old Dourk was so proud of Sturk, Lt. Colonel Slane smiled cheerfully. Actually, he would take Sturk to Magwurt City if the boy returned to street. However, now it seemed like he only needed to help the boy silently.

  "Even though you don't intend to talk about the bill, I already brought the money and will also place a second order, and we'd better hurry because I can't leave the tavern too long."

  Lt. Colonel Slane nodded before inviting Old Dourk and Sturk into Joker Trading Post.

  "Old Dourk, in the future you can place your order or payment here.”

  "Understood."

  Old Dourk then took out several money bags, and Lt. Colonel Slane counted it before making a receipt for full payment.

  "For the next order I need 150 barrels/month and it might increase, while Walluo Castle wants 300 barrels for their first order. Can you provide it?"

  "In two days your order will arrive."

  "So fast, are you sure you don't need more time?" Old Dourk doubtfully looked at Lt. Colonel Slane.

  "Nope"

  While receiving the receipt for payment and a copy of the order he submitted Old Dourk said, "You have a neat way of trading."

  Lt. Colonel Slane received Old Dourk's compliment with a smile before saying, "Now, let’s talk about the reason why I call you."

  Wasting no time, Lt. Colonel Slane took his guests to dining room at the dormitory, where on top of three long tables various commodities packed in glass bottles or jars, as well as cans with paintings of fish, shrimp, and other aquatic products were being arranged neatly.

  "These are Amethyst Merchant’s commodities which related to tavern business. I would like to offer it to you."

  “I see.”

  As an experienced cook, Old Dourk immediately recognized the small jar of salt, sugar, pepper, and various herbs or spices, as well as various bottles of vegetable oil, sesame oil, sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, meat sauce, red wine, rice wine, fruit wine, and other staples that must be available in the kitchen.

  The problem was that the prices listed on each of commodity were too cheap. For example, the price of salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar was only 1/10 of the market price, while each of these commodities had premium quality, not the mixed type as he usually used.

  It took Old Dourk a few moments to calm his heart before he turned his gaze to Lt. Colonel Slane. "Are you sure there's nothing wrong with the price?"

  Actually, the listed price was already covering shipping costs from earth and a net profit of 14%. However, as a genuine trader, Lt. Colonel Slane instinctively ensured his customers made the purchase with a happy heart, full of satisfaction, and without regrets.

  "Amethyst Merchants pay their workers not only in coins, but also with their commodities. Of course, we use a heavily discounted price for them.” Still in a cheerful tone Lt. Colonel Slane added, “And because you are Amur Beer's first reseller, I decide to celebrate it by giving you similar treatment.”

  Big question mark instantly appeared on Old Dourk’s face. "Are you sure about that?"

  “I’m.”

  Old Dourk was loss of words as the shock in his heart was too great, so he chose to examine the glass bottles filled with perry, cider, jam, syrup, and various fruit pickles. And because the labels on Amethyst Merchant products were written in Amstell Language, Old Dourk could easily understand the description.

  Meanwhile, Lt. Colonel Slane opened three bottles of cider, and then cheerfully handed over two of them to Old Dourk and Sturk. As soon as the two tasted it, they immediately stared at the cider in their hands with wide eyes and hanging jaws.

  The cider for commoner was made without sugar, because sugar was rare, expensive, and could only be purchased with gold coins. Meanwhile, cider for nobles had overwhelming sugar content because in Amstel Continent sugar was a symbol of luxury. Old Dourk detested this concept with passion. He believed it would kill the creativity in the craft to make beverage and dessert if apart from the excessive or lack of sugar content no other standard was used.

  'This cider is very innovative, bold, and incredibly delicious. A sweet taste that is not overly sweet and very fresh because it still leaves room for a bit of sourness.' With great admiration Old Dourk assessed the cider in his hand.

  At the same time, Lt. Colonel Slane turned his gaze to Sturk, who just finished his cider and was staring at a small jar of pickled orange on the table.

  "Sturk, you can give it a try."

  Sturk received the jar of pickled orange from Lt. Colonel Slane, but he only opened it after Old Dourk gave him a small nod. Together with Old Dourk, he then tried the pickled orange and the two became dumbfounded one more time.

  'The taste and texture of the orange haven't changed at all. It’s as if you are enjoying a fresh and perfectly ripe orange.'

  Without delay Old Dourk ate another slice of pickled orange and sank into contemplation.

  In Amstell Continent 4 out of 5 women could make cider, perry, syrup, or pickled fruit. Therefore, almost no one had interest to start a business of making those products for commoner. And so, if someone could make those products at a lower price than the homemade version, with a better taste and adequate availability, that person would definitely make a huge profit because he had no competitor.

  'Amethyst Merchant is coming while riding a strong wind of change.'

  Old Dourk swallowed hard while Lt. Colonel Slane handed him a small notepad and pencil.

  "You can try all products on the table. In return, I hope you are willing to give it an assessment. For example, a comparison with homemade local products, suggestions for improvement, marketing prospects, or whatever you have in your mind, and if you have anything you want to ask, don't hesitate to ask it."

  "Understood."

  Old Dourk nodded firmly before starting the tasting with Sturk's help.

  *****