Quest Around the Multiverse

Chapter 6

I nod my head and say.

"That is right. My name is Jacob Shiff, and you are?"

"Ah, where is my manner? My name is Ferdiad Gurain. I'm the manager that handles all the textile and clothing trading. It is nice to meet you. Anyway, can you follow me to the other room? We need some privacy."

"Of course."

I followed the man to the room not too far away from the entrance. After closing the door, I sat down in front of Ferdiad. I can see him pick up a tea tray before pouring it for me.

"Please enjoy."

I nod my head and take a sip of the tea. Hmmm, not bad. I still prefer green tea, but this tea is not bad. I guess my tongue is already used to green tea and likes it more than black tea.

"How is it?"

"Not bad. The tea has a particular aroma and taste. I think the tea leaves are too dried up and lose a little bit of their taste. I'm guessing the people that produce this tea do it to make the tea darker when it touches hot water." |AN: I did not know anything about tea. I made this up. Put down the fork and torch!|

I take another sip and say.

"This type of tea is good when you add some sugar and milk. You can serve this type of tea in the afternoon with some biscuits or other cake. I still prefer bitter tea, which is why I like green tea more, but black tea is also good for certain associations."

I look at Ferdiad, who looks at me with widened eyes before smiling at me a second later.

"Hmmm? Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing. It was just a test. Many people want to sell me expensive clothes and silk that is not theirs. Most of them are bandits that stole it from other merchants. I make this test to test if they own the clothes and other goods. Not a stolen one."

"Oh? Isn't this test too easy?"

"Oh, you would be surprised how many people fall for this trick. Bandits will complain about the bitter taste and how disgusting the tea was, and a low-level merchant will grimace but hold themselves together and say the tea is delicious."

"And for the rich merchant?"

"Will ask me for some sugar, milk or honey. You are the first one who has that reaction. I'm impressed. You must know a lot of tea, huh?"

"Thank you, and yes. I'm a tea collector, and I also collect some rare alcohol I can get."

"Hahahaha! That is true. Tea for the morning and afternoon and alcohol for the evening! That is the way of life."

I raise my cup of tea at that statement and see him sit down on the chair.

"Anyway, do you want some sugar?"

"And milk, please."

"Of course."

I see him walk toward the cupboard and take out a tray of milk and sugar.

"How much?"

"One cube will do and a little bit of milk."

We both enjoy our tea for a few minutes before I decide to break the pleasant atmosphere by saying.

"Anyway, should we go to business?"

"Ah! I almost forgot about that. It's been a while since I had someone who knows their tea. Let's get to business, shall we?"

I can see the man in front of me change. The kind and excited man I saw before is gone and leaving a businessman that is ready to get the best deal for himself.