Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 108: Trouble in the Store

Meanwhile, Alaric was heading to Vale for a surprise visit to his soap shop.

He had been busy in the past few weeks so he left all administrative duties to Vince.

At this moment, Alaric was sitting inside the carriage, stroking the fur of the Saber-fanged Wolf cub.

This little guy was one of the six cubs they found inside a cave during their trip to Ryvaad. Among the six cubs, this one was his favorite because it was the most obedient.

”My lord, whatʼs its name?” Hershey who had decided to come with him asked while staring curiously at the wolf cub.

”I havenʼt decided yet,” Alaric responded.

She gave a look of disapproval. ”That wonʼt do. We should give it a name.”

”It seems like you have already thought of one. Alright, letʼs hear it.” Alaric smiled faintly.

Hershey nodded her head eagerly. ”This looks like a Saber-fanged Wolf and they mostly awaken abilities related to water or ice. Why donʼt we call it Nix? It means snow in the Elven language.”

Hearing this, Alaric was surprised. ”You know Elven language?”

Hershey smiled shyly at his deep gaze. ”Yes. I usually read during my free time and I happen to read some books about the Elven language.”

”Thatʼs cool. Youʼre very talented, Hershey. All I know is how to fight. I canʼt even manage the territory well like my father does.” Alaric sighed while shaking his head.

”Thereʼs nothing wrong with that, my lord. We all have our areas of expertise. In your case, you have unparalleled talent in swordsmanship that others can only dream of.”

”Is that so?” Her words made him feel better.

”By the way, you can call me by my name when thereʼs no one else around.”

Hershey shyly lowered her head. ”About that… Iʼll try.”

”Thereʼs no need to force yourself. I can wait.” Alaric smiled at her.

A while later, they finally arrived at the storefront of the soap shop.

”We have arrived, my lord, my lady.” Galanarʼs voice drifted into their ears.

The two stepped off the carriage and entered the shop.

Upon entering, the first thing they noticed was the long line of customers queuing up to buy the scented soaps. Most of them were women and there were even some noble ladies who came with their servants.

”My lord!”

Alaric turned his head and saw Josephus approaching him with quick footsteps.

After Charlesʼs death, this guyʼs complexion seemed to have improved. He looked more cheerful now than when his father was still alive.

”Howʼs your job here? Do you find it boring? I can send someone to replace you if you want.” Alaric tapped the manʼs shoulder.

”No, please. I like it here.” Surprisingly, Josephus shook his head.

”I can interact with a lot of new people when Iʼm here.” He explained.

”I see. If thatʼs what you want.” Alaric was glad to see him in better spirits.

It seems like Charles was the reason for his suicide in my past life, but I still need to investigate this more deeply. He is Charlesʼs son after all…

”My lady.” Josephus bowed to Hershey when he saw her behind Alaric.

Hershey smiled and curtsied in response.

”Has there been any trouble here lately?” Alaric asked.

Josephus rubbed his chin and replied. ”Sir Anthony has been sending some warriors to help us keep watch over the shop so there hasnʼt been any trouble recently. However… there was a situation yesterday.”

He scratched his head and hesitated.

”Tell me.” Alaric stared at him inquisitively.

”Actually, someone came here to ask if he could buy the store. Sir Vince was furious and chased the man out, but he said that he would come back after reporting to his lord.”

Alaric frowned upon hearing this.

So they are starting to realize the value of the scented soap. It looks like I need to send more people to guard the store.

He could already smell the trouble that was coming.

I need to ensure the safety of the children. Who should I send here?

At this moment, he suddenly thought of one particular person.

Fredrinn…

The guy had nothing to do at the estate since Alaric hadnʼt given him a task.

Thinking about this, he tapped Josephusʼs shoulder and said. ”Donʼt worry. Iʼll send someone trustworthy to protect the store.”

”Letʼs talk later. I need to speak with Vince. And can you hold this guy for me?” Alaric handed the wolf cub to him and headed to the production room with Hershey without waiting for Josephusʼs response.

”So the famous scented soap came from this store….” Hershey mumbled.

”Oh, I didnʼt know our scented soap had already reached Ryvaad.” Alaric chuckled.

”There are only a few boxes that arrived in Ryvaad and they are mostly sold by passing merchants. The ladies in Ryvaad are crazy about them.” She remarked with a light laugh.

”I can send you a few boxes enough for your daily use.”

”Really?”

”Of course!”

”Then I will gladly accept them!” Hershey eagerly replied.

Soon, they arrived at the production room where the soaps were being made. The facility has already been upgraded so the children didnʼt have a lot to do. They are mostly responsible for checking the defective products and throwing them to be recycled.

Vince also hired some adults to help with the packaging.

At this moment, Vince was busy helping with the packaging so he didnʼt notice Alaricʼs arrival.

”My lord!”

”Lord Alaric!”

Some children noticed him and it was only then that Vince discovered his presence.

The man looked a lot healthier than before and the bags under his eyes had mostly disappeared. However, his hair was a mess and it seemed like he still hadnʼt changed his bathing habits.

Vince grinned at him. ”My lord.”

”Vince, you look much better now, but I think you should take care of your image too. Youʼre a manager now. Itʼs important for you to look presentable in front of our guests.” Alaric reminded him with a bitter look.

”Yes, my lord,” Vince replied with a disinterested look.

”Nevermind. Can you tell me about what happened yesterday? I heard that there was a situation…” Alaric inquired about the matter he heard from Josephus.

”Oh, about that? I asked around and I discovered something interesting.” Vince moved closer to him and whispered.

”It turns out that person was sent by a noble from one of the main cities in the central parts of the empire.”

Hearing this, Alaricʼs face turned grim.