The Supermarket System

Chapter 5: 5. Something new

"I have a special ability to buy items—whether they’re rare or not, even things from other worlds—at bargain prices. For example, a mid-tier healing potion like the one I gave you, I can easily buy for just one large bronze coin. I also bought Nini, furniture, food, and other things. But I only acquired this ability yesterday, after I was on the brink of death. Because of this special ability, I realized I know nothing about this world. That’s why I secretly sent you a request, asking you to become my servant. How happy I was when you arrived, Keith!"

Keith, who hadn’t been able to cry for so long—who could no longer see the world as beautiful—began to be moved by the final words Kaileon had just spoken.

The boy stared at him with hope. A gaze full of sadness and despair.

Keith might never fully understand Kaileon’s feelings. Because even though he was an ordinary person with little money, he once had a warm family and abundant love.

Something Kaileon had never possessed since his mother’s death. Even then, when his mother died, Kaileon was still very young.

As for his father, he cared only about politics and war. A man known to be cruel, cold, and utterly without mercy.

"I promise, I will not betray you, young master. I also won’t tell anyone about your abilities unless you give permission. And... well—I don’t know if I should say this, but honestly, I’ve wanted to leave this castle for a long time," said Keith.

Kai gave a faint smile and replied, "I know. That’s why I offered you the chance to be my servant—because we’re actually the same. We both want to leave this place, but we can’t, right?"

Keith chuckled awkwardly, not expecting Kaileon to be so different from the rumors he’d heard about him.

Well, people just love to gossip. They haven’t even seen or spoken to Kaileon directly—how could they possibly understand that boy?

But Keith felt relieved because he’d decided to accept the job. Even though his other friends had laughed at him when he told the Duke he wanted to be Kaileon’s servant.

In fact, now he was proud of his decision.

After that emotional conversation, Kai escorted Keith to his room. Kai had deliberately chosen a room for Keith that was close to his own.

"This is too luxurious, young master, I don’t deserve—"

"What are you talking about? You deserve it, because you’re important to me, Keith. This room is close to mine, and sorry, there are no bad rooms here. Everyone deserves a nice room. But if you feel this is too much, don’t worry—my room is far nicer than this," Kai said.

Keith chuckled, then accidentally patted the boy’s head out of affection. But after realizing it, he apologized. However, Kai was confused as to why Keith apologized. He was actually happy when Keith treated him so warmly.

After settling on the room, they had lunch. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

It turned out Keith was a good cook; he prepared the meal for them, following Kai’s instructions. Keith himself was amazed; how did Kai know all about spices, which were even considered a luxury item for the kingdom? Even if the kingdom possessed them, they might not necessarily know how to prepare them properly. Because spices were foreign goods, from foreign lands obtained after crossing the vast ocean.

Keith actually learned a lot from Kaileon at that time.

"What was that called again, young master?"

"Hmm? Oh, that’s a rice cooker; it runs on electricity. I get the electricity from this magic stone. Then you plug it into this device—be careful, because the electric current can give you a shock. This rice cooker is for cooking rice; watch me so you know how to use it. I prefer eating with rice, Keith... later we’ll eat the rice with the dish you make."

Keith just watched his young master, learning as he went. Sometimes, he was confused—how did Kai acquire all that knowledge? How did he even know about a food called rice?

Could it be his ability that allowed him to know so many things?

Keith began to worry about his young master. Because if the Duchess found out, she would surely do something terrible to Kaileon.

After the rice and the food Keith had prepared were ready, they ate together on the balcony, looking out at the small lake in front of the pavilion.

"Wow! This looks delicious, Keith! It’s been a long time since I’ve had sweet soy sauce chicken stir-fry with eggplant and long beans. The fried chicken I made is also delicious," said Kai, enthusiastic about the food they’d prepared.

"I didn’t know we could cook like that, young master."

Kai turned to Keith with a puzzled look.

"Hmm, I don’t know what the food here is like, Keith, because until now I’ve never been given any food. Just a piece of hard bread and bad-tasting drinks. My abilities have taught me many things. Sometimes those abilities only come after we’re on the brink of death, right? Oh, and my health was really bad before this, so I’m very grateful now."

Keith knew he was saying that to avoid making him sad, but it actually made him feel even more sorry. It turned out that his situation as an ordinary person was far better than that of the Duke’s own biological son.

It’s heartbreaking.

"Just tell me how to cook it, and I’ll make plenty for you so you can grow up healthy."

"Haha, thank you, Keith! This is delicious! Eat it with the rice—yes, just like that. Tastes good, doesn’t it?"

Keith was amazed because the rice, which originally had no special flavor, tasted delicious when eaten with his dish. It was a unique combination, since Keith was used to eating bread or potatoes.

While eating, Kai talked about his plan to start a business using his skills.

Only then did Keith tell him a lot about the situation in the area.

It turned out there were plenty of business opportunities, especially since only nobles were allowed to monopolize the market.

Since Kaileon was a noble, that was a good enough starting capital. The next step was simply to find a good shop and sell goods.

"I suggest you open a shop selling high-priced goods in the royal capital. That way, you can make a lot of money quickly," said Keith.

Kai fell silent, deep in thought.

"I haven’t thought about the nobility at all, Keith. What about the common people? What do they eat? Can they eat well?"

That question left Keith speechless; he looked at his young master hesitantly, then asked.

"So, what is your actual purpose in doing business, young master?"

Kaileon smiled broadly, then said something that moved Keith deeply.

"Of course, so that no one goes hungry like I did back then, Keith! I can easily buy goods, food, or even affordable medicine. Of course I want to share with those less fortunate. Why would I worry about the nobles who can buy everything for themselves?"

At that moment, Keith knew that his decision was the best one.