Chapter 547: History Lessons from a High Elf (1/2)

Zero didn't know if the effect of his unique title [Tea Lover] would still be effective now that he learned the art of womanly charms. Besides, this strange bark tea that Arvin served didn't make Zero feel comfortable. It smelled odd and looked murky even after Arvin strained it. Yet, the doctor took the leap of faith and drank it out of courtesy before promptly spitting it out.

”I'm sorry, was it that bad? How strange. I'm sure I did as taught. Why does it still taste so bad after thirty years? Human tea is hard to make.”

Truen, who was about to take a sip froze and slowly put the cup down as Zero spluttered. Bob hid away from the dangerous zone and snuck onto one of Arvin's shelves. The tea smelled foul and the dragon wondered why Zero would drink it.

The doctor wanted to scream. That isn't tea at all! It was simply bark boiled in water. Whoever taught Arvin how to make tea should be flayed! Thankfully, Zero had back up and offered to make them some real tea instead. Arvin didn't stop Zero. In fact, he seemed happy for Zero's help and they bonded over a short tea-brewing lesson.

”Oh? It is a lot simpler than I remembered it to be. Also, leaves? Wasn't tea always brewed with barks?”

Zero deadpanned. ”Who told you that? Most teas are brewed with leaves. Only some are brewed with flowers and fruits. Bark teas are only used to treat ailments. Also, not all barks can be used. You're using the outer bark when you should be using the inner bark.”

Arvin declined to name the one who taught him how to make tea. Instead, he thanked Zero for the help and apologised for his incompetence as the host.

On slightly better terms now, Arvin found himself reserving judgement about Zero and his appearance. This human girl might look like those useless pretty faces who depended on a man for everything but after a short interaction, he discovered how wrong he was for judging a person by their looks. Zero was definitely not your typical bimbo, she had some substance to complement her looks.

”You seem experienced,” Arvin commented and Zero grinned.

”I like tea. I often make tea with my teacher before I started my adventure. It's a custom. Besides, tea has many health benefits. A cup a day is going to do a lot of good in the long run.”

It wasn't a lie but Arvin had no idea what kind of teacher Zero learned with. From her attire, she was a rogue. A rogue and an archer party, these people might not be truly adventurers in the conventional sense. It was highly unbalanced with no healers, close combat support and magic aide. If anything, they could make a very good scouting team instead of an adventuring one.

”So, how can I help you? You wanted information in exchange for some rare herbs from Endow Hill. How did you get them?”

Truen remained silent as Zero entered his business mode. ”Trade secret,” he smiled and maintained eye contact with Arvin, daring him to ask further.

It was the first time the high elf had met such a formidable foe. Zero might look young but there was no mistaking that sharp edge around her fluffiness. Arvin did not know what to think about the scantily clad rogue adventurer. He thought that he had to be wary of the wood elf who radiated a sinister kind of murderous aura from the moment he stepped into the shop but now, Arvin wondered who was more dangerous between the two.

Losing the battle of guts, Arvin backed down. Zero had the upper hand now. Instead, he asked if he could see what herbs Zero had to offer and Zero decided to show his cards. After a short study of the things Arvin had in his shop, Zero figured that Arvin lacked mana plants.

When Arvin saw the herbs that Zero was offering to trade, his jaw fell. Everyone knew that Endow Hill was a place full of priceless treasures from mana beasts to mana plants. Heck, there was even an undefeatable dragon guarding it, preventing people from venturing too deep. These herbs were rumours and only a party of six A-ranked adventurers were able to harvest them. One bushel of each of the herbs Zero had with him was worth a small fortune that Arvin would never be able to afford even if he lived for the next three hundred years.