Chapter 68 - 67: Transaction

Chapter 68: Chapter 67: Transaction

Seda Medicinal Garden.

The moment the apprentices entered the dining hall, they froze in their tracks.

A roaring fire blazed in the hearth. Suspended beside the flames were several small legs of lamb, a sight none of them had ever seen before. The meat glistened with an enticing golden hue, courtesy of a generous glaze of honey. Sprinkled with a blend of herbs and spices, the lamb released an irresistible, mouthwatering aroma. It had clearly been roasting for quite some time; cooked to absolute perfection, the skin looked delightfully crisp.

Nearby, a clean linen cloth was draped over the dining table, laden with an array of side dishes. A massive bowl held a thick, hearty stew of slow-cooked root vegetables—carrots, turnips, and potatoes—garnished with a sprinkle of crushed herbs unique to Hogan City for added flavor. Beside it sat several loaves of wheat bread wafting with the scent of caramel. Compared to standard rye bread, this wheat variant boasted a crusty exterior and a soft, sweet interior; it was a definite upgrade.

To top it all off, a large jug of fruit wine rested on the table. Brewed by farmers in the villages surrounding Hogan City using their own freshly picked fruit, the alcohol content was low, but it was sweet, refreshing, and carried a subtle fruity fragrance. It was a premium beverage.

The apprentices wondered what was going on.

Their minds practically short-circuited. Yet, their eyes instinctively gleamed with a ravenous hunger for the feast laid out before them. Still, they tactfully refrained from making a move, their gazes collectively shifting to Gaode, who stood right by the hearth. It was obvious to them that such an extraordinary meal meant something equally extraordinary had happened.

Gaode swept his gaze over the apprentices, ensuring everyone from the Medicinal Garden was present. He clapped his hands and spoke.

"I have an announcement to make.

"Phil’s Magic Pharmacy, our long-term partner, proposed to acquire our Medicinal Garden a while ago.

"I refused them at the time, and consequently, they severed our partnership and stopped purchasing the Magic Potions our Medicinal Garden produces.

"Given our current financial situation, losing the revenue from selling Magic Potions means the Medicinal Garden can no longer continue to operate.

"Sure, we could have tried looking for another Magic Pharmacy to partner with. But Phil’s Magic Pharmacy is an established institution in the city. They have deep pockets and extensive connections. If we offend them, they will undoubtedly throw every possible obstacle in our path.

"Taking all of this into consideration, I ultimately had no choice but to agree to their buyout.

"Tomorrow, they will come to sign the transfer contract for the Medicinal Garden. In other words, starting tomorrow, the owner of this Medicinal Garden will be Phil’s Magic Pharmacy."

The apprentices exchanged bewildered glances, completely blindsided by this shocking news and unsure of how to react.

Taking in their expressions, Gaode continued.

"However, rest assured. Although the Medicinal Garden’s ownership is changing hands, Phil’s Magic Pharmacy has promised to keep all of you employed.

"That is to say, aside from the fact that I am no longer your boss, nothing much will change. In fact, you’ll even start receiving a steady, additional income." He chuckled. "After all, I simply can’t compare to a massive Magic Pharmacy that can afford to actually pay you wages."

This was the absolute truth. Aside from room and board, the apprentices had yet to receive a single coin for their grueling work at the Medicinal Garden. If this were his past life, Gaode would be seen as a bloodsucking capitalist, the kind who would be publicly crucified.

Hearing that their jobs were secure and they wouldn’t have to leave the Medicinal Garden, the previously anxious apprentices breathed a collective sigh of relief.

"Let’s treat this meal as a celebratory feast," Gaode added. "Here’s to a better destination and a brighter future for all of you."

The next day, the 18th of the Flame Flower Moon.

In the vibrant Seda Medicinal Garden, all kinds of medicinal herbs flourished with life. Dappled sunlight pierced through the thick tree canopies, casting an intricate mosaic of light and shadow upon the ground, signaling the beautiful weather.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.

"They’re here," Amy announced as she pushed open the door to Gaode’s room.

Gaode nodded and led the way out. "Come on, let’s welcome our esteemed guests."

Watching his retreating figure, Amy parted her lips, seemingly wanting to ask him something, but she ultimately remained silent.

In the reception room, which had been specially tidied up the day before, three men took their seats. They were Gaode, the transferor; Oliver, the transferee, clad in a dark robe; and a bespectacled notary holding a quill pen.

"This is Mr. Bellamy from the Hogan City Guild. I invited him to be the witness for our transaction," Oliver introduced.

"Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Bellamy," Gaode said, bowing with measured politeness.

"We already hammered out the details yesterday. All that’s left is to sign the contracts," Oliver said. "Let’s skip the pleasantries and get straight to the process."

Naturally, Gaode raised no objections.

Mr. Bellamy stood up and handed Gaode a thick contract Scroll. "This is the transfer contract I drafted. Both Mr. Oliver and I have already signed and stamped it. Please take a look."

As a guild witness, Mr. Bellamy displayed no signs of arrogance. He spoke quite courteously to the plainly dressed, young Gaode.

Gaode took the transfer contract, his eyes scanning its contents.

"On this day, the 18th of the Flame Flower Moon in the year 9655 of the Nolan Calendar, within Hogan City, under the witness of Mr. Bellamy, this contract is hereby established.

"Transferor: ..... Transferee: ....

"....

"Subject of Contract: ....

"The Transferor agrees to transfer the aforementioned Medicinal Garden, together with all crops, buildings, and ancillary rights thereon, to the Transferee for the sum of 300 Sean Gold Coins. The Transferee shall make a one-time, full payment in Gold Coins to the Transferor upon the signing of this contract.

"From the date of completed payment, the Medicinal Garden and all its associated rights and interests shall belong to the Transferee, including but not limited to...... The Transferor guarantees that the Medicinal Garden is free of any outstanding debts or rights disputes.

".....

"The above terms have been agreed upon through voluntary and equal negotiation between both parties, and this contract is hereby established as proof. May the Holy Light guide us, making this transaction a source of prosperity for both parties."

Penned by Mr. Bellamy, the contract’s contents were incredibly rigorous and specific, covering the identities of both parties, property descriptions, transaction conditions, and breach of contract clauses.

It even included the specific condition Gaode had laid out the day prior: "If the Secret Technique Box does not contain the house deed and land deed, this contract shall be deemed null and void."

At the end of the Scroll, the signatures and seals of the transferee and the notary were already in place. Only the space for the transferor’s signature remained blank.

"Any objections?" Seeing Gaode avert his gaze, Oliver knew the young man had finished reviewing the document.

Gaode shook his head to indicate he had none.

Oliver nodded in satisfaction and handed over another contract. It was the exact same employment document with the staggering twenty-year term that he had shown Gaode at Phil’s Magic Pharmacy the day before.

"If there are no issues, let’s have you sign both contracts at once."

Gaode gave a slight nod. Accepting the quill from Mr. Bellamy, he signed his name on the transferor’s line of the transfer contract and stamped his fingerprint. He then did the exact same for the employment contract.

The transfer contract was drawn up in triplicate, with one copy kept by the transferor, transferee, and notary respectively. The employment contract was in duplicate, meaning Gaode and Oliver each retained a copy.

Once Oliver confirmed that Gaode had signed and stamped his fingerprint on all five documents, he pulled a hand-stitched coin pouch from his breast pocket and tossed it onto the table.