Episode 7.3 (2/2)
”Don't need it.”
Lecan stood up as he said that, but then he recalled something that bothered him.
”Doug.”
<TLN: If you're reading this novel at any other site than Sousetsuka.com you might be reading an unedited, uncorrected version of the novel.>
”Ou, what is it.”
”Feels like potions' market prices are kinda high. That'd limit people who can afford them. Also, considering what you just said, do stuff from middle part of the dungeon and below rarely show up in the market?”
Captain Doug had a pained look on his face.
”Would be nice if those potions could go down to a price where farmers, workers and the city populace could afford. But that can't be done.”
”Why”
”It's cause adventurers buy them. Potions are indispensable if you want to explore a dungeon. Moreover, adventurers are a highly profitable field of work. As such, they will stock up potions before going in a dungeon regardless of price. Then they obtain treasures and earn money. Which they use to buy potions and better equipment. Adventurers with money to spare would scramble for dungeon stuff from mid and deeper floors. The rest of those stuff circulate to auctions and become the possession of noblemen and the wealthy. If potions' market price fell, adventurers would buy up every last bit. There are some adventurers who are willing sell potions precisely because the market prices are high, as a result, some people other than adventurers are able to buy those potions.”
Now that he mentions it, Lecan himself will stop at nothing to get his hand on nice swords and protectors no matter how much they cost. His current equipment is the terminus of that creed.
”Come to think of it, I know a merchant at Vouka Town, I hear stuff from dungeons rarely circulate in the market there.”
”Yeah we ain't selling any to Vouka. You know about the current circumstances... no, I guess not. You see, the father of Crimus Ulban, the Vouka town lord, was the first who got in touch with dungeon administrators during the time the dungeon was first discovered here, and was being bought from the discoverer by the royalty. But he was declined. And then the father of Gaionis Douga-sama took the position as a dungeon administrator and was conferred the Earldom peerage. More than 30 years have passed since then, and even though the family heads have changed, these two towns are still not in good terms.”
”So that was the case.”
”That's right. Just so you know, the amounts of yearly tax paid to the royal family, and the tax for the earl's treasury come out as eye-popping numbers. The earl gotta earn all that money no matter what. However, adventurers who managed to get to floor 20 left this town.”
”Captain!”
A soldier rushed in and reported something to Captain Doug.
”And you brought them to the First Reception Room, huh? Alright.”
”I see that you've got a guest. I'm going to the dungeon.”
”Now now, hang on. Keep me company for a bit more. The town lord's second son, Henjit-sama's here. Said he wanted to see you. Good grief. Who woulda thought the second son would come in person. Would rather the knights under him than the second son himself, geez.”