Chapter 461

Chapter 461: The Small Trade Caravan

The village nestled in the valley rarely interacted with the outside world. Although a new nation had taken over, it seemed to have made little difference to them.

The only notable change was that the bandits who used to occasionally come to collect rent were gone, and a tall notice board had been erected in the middle of the village.

Upon entering the village, the trade caravan first found the village chief and explained their intention to stay overnight, paying a modest fee for lodging. The chief then pointed out the location of the spring for water and warned them not to enter the villagers’ houses or fields at will before leaving them alone.

“It feels like the villagers are quite indifferent,” Mira said to Loran Hill, sitting beside a warm fire whose shadow stretched long.

“Perhaps it’s due to their past experiences,” the young lady replied, stringing together apple slices she had cut and placing them near the fire to warm up before eating.

“Let me help, Miss,” Mira offered, seeing Loran Hill trying to do it herself.

“No need, it’s not too troublesome,” the young lady shook her head, observing the people around the fire. Several bonfires burned in the open area, with a group of people sitting around them, using the flames to dispel the cold night air in the mountains and dry wet clothes from the day. The aroma of meat wafted from afar.

“That group is cooking salamander meat. I’ll bring some over for you,” Mira said, noticing the toughness of the salamander meat which took a long while to cook thoroughly.

Soon, Mira brought over a small white porcelain bowl containing lightly pink boiled meat slices.

“It might be a bit hot,” Mira reminded her.

Loran Hill tasted a piece; the cooked meat had a decent texture but didn’t have any particular distinction.

As most of the meat was cooked, others began to eat as well. During this long journey, although the food wasn’t bad, fresh meat was still a rare treat.

After satisfying their hunger, the members started chatting idly.

“Hello, we’re members of Lake’s Trading Company.”

Several members of Lake’s Trading Company and Lagatis Trading Company began chatting.

Initially, they thought they had been saved by a few powerful adventurers, but after some explanation, they realized these were special guards hired by Lagatis Trading Company.

As the saying goes, one lie requires many more to cover it up.

These people, thanked by Lake’s Trading Company, began to think hard about how to explain the situation.

“Because the Lagatis Trading Company’s young lady is good, we prefer staying in such caravans,” unaware of the hairpin-clad Loran Hill, who was talking with someone else.

“What kind of business do you do?” the young lady turned her head slightly, curiously asking the girl beside her.

This girl had light brown skin and two slender braids at her ears.

“We sell various things, not focusing on any particular goods,” the girl explained. She was the granddaughter of the trading company’s leader and had followed the caravans since childhood.

“We travel through mountain villages year-round. The residents here don’t have much money, so they won’t buy unnecessary items. We carry a bit of everything, mostly smaller items.”

“Because we can’t compete with big companies, we can only find hidden villages in the mountains and do businesses others overlook. Though the profit is slim, there’s little competition, so it remains relatively stable.”

“You mean the old West Wind? We basically don’t use major roads, so we don’t have to pay tolls. Now Clancia has improved, so we don’t have to take detours.”

“Traveling merchants in the mountains naturally know some martial arts and self-defense, but dealing with such demonic beasts is still too demanding.”

Through conversation, Loran Hill gradually understood their way of life: they had no fixed abode, and the caravan was their home. They lived by traveling and trading.

As the night deepened, after everyone had eaten their fill, they gradually entered their tents to rest. Some would take turns guarding the campsite.

—

The next morning.

Listening to the sparse sounds outside, Loran Hill woke up from the blanket in the tent, rubbing her eyes and sitting up. Her golden hair fell gracefully from her shoulders like silk.

Looking at Mira, who was still sound asleep beside her, she gently touched the furry rabbit ears, causing Mira’s ears to twitch slightly, revealing the soft inner pink lining.

Not wanting to disturb the sleeping Mira, Loran Hill dressed and walked out of the tent.

The small group from Lake’s Trading Company seemed to have risen particularly early. They fetched mountain spring water from near the village and began setting up some things after washing up.

Observing their actions, Loran Hill approached to understand their purpose.

“Good morning, Miss Lacya,” the light-skinned girl she met last night greeted with a smile.

“Good morning. What are you doing?” Loran Hill blinked.

“This is for the performance preparation,” the girl explained.

They not only sold goods but also performed various talents like playing music, singing, dancing, fire rings, and tossing hoops—similar to a circus in the young lady’s memory. However, this group couldn’t afford to keep special animals.

“Performing can earn extra income and attract the villagers’ attention, making it easier to sell our goods,” she added.

Compared to large trading companies like Loran Hill’s former ones, small groups like Lake’s Trading Company had their own survival strategies.

“I see,” Loran Hill nodded thoughtfully. It seemed she shouldn’t underestimate such small caravans. Their survival indicated unique adaptability.

As it neared ten in the morning, a copper gong sounded, and a small stage was set up in the center of Cold Spring Village. A simple performance unfolded in this remote village.

Hearing the music, the lively villagers slowly gathered around, watching the peculiar performers display their skills.

“The mysterious witch who sees all, today will unveil your destiny’s veil.”

A large man with his face painted white waved a sign, inviting villagers into a deep purple tent. Under his explanation, a small payment would grant them guidance from the witch, revealing their fate.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This witch appears and disappears unpredictably. Even our trading company doesn’t know her origins. She appears sometimes like an elder, other times like a young girl, only revealing destinies to those she deems worthy.”

As he spoke, curious villagers peered into the mysterious purple tent leading to the unknown.

(End of Chapter)