Seeing the expressions of the people around her, Dahlia couldn't help but chuckle. She picked up another box of lip paper and raised her voice, "Of course, there is also a simplified version. Thirty copper coins per box."
She wasn't surprised by their reactions. The one-silver-coin lip paper was much better at quality, and the red color was much deeper, but it wasn't something just anyone could afford. This was the cheap version of the lip paper. It contained thirty sheets, each of which could only be used once. Although the resulting redness wasn't as pronounced as the premium version, it was still incredibly alluring—and above all, it was cheap.
"The simplified version... if it's thirty copper coins, then I'll take a box." The female dwarf who had asked about the price earlier hesitated for a moment before finally making up her mind to buy it. While thirty copper coins wasn't exactly cheap, it was acceptable. After all, those alluring red lips were simply too beautiful; no woman could resist the temptation of beauty.
Seeing this, Kasi stepped forward, picked up a box of the simplified lip paper, and handed it to the female dwarf.
"I want one too! Give me a box!" Seeing this, the other dwarves gritted their teeth and began scrambling to buy them.
Although it was a scramble, the dwarves didn't dare to get too unruly. After all, the armor-clad soldiers surrounding the stall did not look like people to be trifled with. In no time at all, the lip paper was completely sold out, as they hadn't brought that many to begin with.
"My apologies. Quantities were limited, and today's lip paper is already sold out." A faint smile tugged at the corners of Dahlia's mouth; she had long anticipated this kind of scene.
"Ah? It's already gone?!" The female dwarves who hadn't managed to buy any immediately began complaining in disappointment.
"How did it run out so fast?"
"I also have a few bottles of lower-grade Whispering Dawn here. Only one hundred copper coins per bottle." Dahlia signaled Kasi, who immediately popped the cork on a bottle of the lowest-grade Whispering Dawn. Instantly, the aroma of alcohol diffused through the air once more, though it wasn't quite as potent as the bottle Elisa had opened earlier.
"So this is called Whispering Dawn. The aroma smells even more enticing than Fragrant Wheat Ale," A dwarf marveled.
"One hundred copper coins... I'll take a bottle! So what if I have to live frugally for the rest of the month!" A male dwarf gritted his teeth and said with fierce determination.
He had been audibly gulping earlier, desperately wanting to taste the Whispering Dawn, but one silver coin a bottle was simply far too expensive. For these commoners, even though they loved alcohol as much as their own lives, the price of a silver coin still scared them off. Now that there was a cheaper version, they could actually afford it if they just gritted their teeth.
After receiving the bottle, the male dwarf couldn't wait to open it and poured a mouthful down his throat. The moment the liquid entered his mouth, the fragrant aroma filled his nose and mouth. A second later, the fiery liquid traveled from his throat straight down to his belly, inducing an intoxicating warmth.
"So refreshing! It's absolutely delicious!" The dwarf's eyes widened, his face full of pleasant surprise. He then took several massive gulps in succession, a look of pure enjoyment and satisfaction washing over him.
"Is it really that good? Screw it, I want a bottle too!"
"Give me a bottle as well!"
"Refreshing! It really is delicious, way better than the Iron Hammer Tavern's Fragrant Wheat Ale!" After tasting it, the other dwarves who had bought the wine cried out in astonishment, completely unable to stop themselves.
In no time at all, the lowest-grade Whispering Dawn was swept completely clean. This left the slower-moving dwarves beating their chests and stomping their feet, deeply regretting not acting faster.
Seeing this scene, Dahlia didn't find it surprising at all. She was simply waiting—waiting for their target to appear.
*
Meanwhile, in the Northern District of the Deepstone Royal Capital, inside the main hall of the Ducal Estate, Muller was currently drinking with his father, Michael.
"Father, this Fragrant Wheat Ale really doesn't taste as good as that Whispering Dawn." Muller shook his head, his mind completely preoccupied with the Whispering Dawn he had tasted yesterday.
Sitting opposite Muller was a middle-aged dwarf with greying hair. This man was the Dwarven Duke, Michael, Muller's father.
"Indeed. I have never tasted such strong liquor. It's a true pity that there was only half a bottle of such fine alcohol." Michael swallowed hard, currently reminiscing about the taste of yesterday's Whispering Dawn.
When Muller returned home yesterday, he immediately sought out his father to share the remaining half bottle of Whispering Dawn. Michael, who loved alcohol as much as his own life, instantly fell in love with the strong liquor called Whispering Dawn after just one sip. Under Michael's questioning, Muller briefly explained what had happened. Unfortunately, Michael had never heard of Sedona City or the name Whispering Dawn, which left Muller feeling deeply disappointed.
"I heard there's alcohol even better than the Whispering Dawn," Muller suddenly spoke up.
"Is that true?!" Michael's eyes widened, a look of sheer excitement on his face.
"Yes. I already sent people to gather information. We should know the situation very soon," Muller nodded.
Step, step... A dwarven knight walked in from outside. Looking at Muller and Michael drinking, he first offered a respectful bow.
The dwarven knight reported in a deep voice, "Lord Viscount, those people we were investigating yesterday are currently setting up a stall in the Western District."
"Setting up a stall? What are they selling?" Muller asked nonchalantly.
"Alcohol, along with some strange and novel items that have never been seen in the capital," The knight reported truthfully.
"They have alcohol! Quick, hurry up and go take a look. Buy a few more bottles and bring them back!" Michael immediately urged. The 'alcohol worm' in his belly had long been hooked; otherwise, he wouldn't be drinking so early in the morning.
"Yes, Father," Muller said respectfully. Even if his father hadn't said anything, he had planned to go take a look himself and witness the alcohol that was supposedly better than Whispering Dawn.
"Lead the way," Muller ordered in a deep voice.
"Yes, sir!" The knight responded respectfully. The two exited the Ducal Estate and headed toward the Western District.
However, just as they stepped out of the estate, they were blocked by an oncoming carriage. The carriage was luxuriously decorated, at least by the standards of the capital. The driver lifted the carriage curtain, and a dwarven girl poked her head out. Her face was a bit plump and dotted with a few freckles, but judging by her attire, this girl was undeniably wealthy and noble.
Upon seeing Muller, a smile immediately bloomed on the dwarven girl's face. "Muller, where are you going? Why haven't you come to meet with me lately?" With the help of the driver, the girl stepped down from the carriage and approached Muller, a look of grievance on her face.
"Princess Daisy." Muller looked at the pitiful-looking woman in front of him, a trace of a bitter smile on his face.
That's right, this was none other than the Princess of the Deepstone Dwarf Kingdom, the very same one the King intended to betroth to Muller. The two had grown up together as childhood sweethearts, and their feelings could be considered mutual. The only thing that troubled Muller was that Daisy was simply far too clingy.
"Princess Daisy, something has come up. I was just heading over to the Western District," Muller hastily replied.
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