Chapter 83: Ch 83: The Product Exchange

"We are all more than well aware of the true nature of the curse that does not allow us to grow anything. So let’s not blame an innocent person in all of this."

The elder warned his people, who looked just as uncomfortable as he was.

But unlike him, the younger generation was a little less jaded and still willing to believe that they would be accepted.

"We are well aware of this. But still... to depend on outside forces is to risk our lives. That man decided he needs us right now, so he is willing to help us. But what if he decides he does not need us tomorrow? We will be in danger once more—"

"And that is why we will carve out our own place outside. This place will collapse any day, and it will be hard for us to rebuild. So let’s take this chance to find another home."

The elder pointed out, and no one else had anything left to say.

In the end, they were dependent on Aiden for now. But they would repay their debt soon.

...

"Are you looking at the dark energy around our fields? They have been like this ever since I was little. But it is slowly getting worse each year. This year, the fields did not even grow anything."

Seni pointed out as he looked at the fields with a bitter expression.

"I see. Then, do you have any idea what is affecting these fields?"

Aiden asked, and the bitter smile on Seni’s face told him that the half-phoenix knew. But since he was being treated as an outsider, no one believed him or even tried to understand him.

"Hmm, this must have been tough for you. If it ever becomes too much for you, you can leave your settlement and come join us at our village. We will welcome you with open arms."

Aiden could see the longing in Seni’s eyes, but the half-phoenix had more than enough tact not to say anything out loud.

He just nodded and told Aiden he would ’think about it.’

They took a walk around the village for a little while longer before the sun started to set, and it was time for them to head back.

The village elder welcomed Aiden and his company back while taking them to the best house in the village. But even that was falling apart.

"We have prepared a feast for you since you are our esteemed guest. But we do ask for your understanding as well. As you can see, we are not in the best condition to accommodate you at the moment."

The ’feast’ turned out to be three dishes, but the looks it was getting from everyone told Aiden that it was a great honor.

Still, this was far too shabby for Aiden to feed to his goddess.

"I see. I am delighted by your consideration. I also have something as a gesture of goodwill."

Aiden lacked money, but food was practically free in his system. A single coin could buy a lot, and Aiden ended up spending a few coins to fill various tables.

The eyes of the half-phoenixes around him lit up, and their guards dropped at the presence of food.

"Please consider this a token of our future friendship."

Aiden toasted and began to feed. He made sure to only feed the best to his goddess while consuming the offered half-phoenix dishes himself in order not to appear rude.

The atmosphere around the village turned lively once Aiden provided them with food, and he could tell that his impression had improved tremendously with this single action.

Aiden ate a little more and waited for the elder to bring up the important topic. And soon enough, the elder decided to speak.

"Lord Aiden, we have come to a decision regarding your offer. We have talked as a village and decided that we will accept it for now. However, we would also like to offer you something in return, or it would go against our principles."

The elder spoke with conviction.

But even though he tried to make it about fairness and principles, Aiden could see through their excuses and get to the real root of the problem.

’Ah, these villagers are afraid that they might get abandoned once they have served their purpose. This is a misunderstanding I see no point in clearing.’

A little fear was a good motive for people to work hard.

If these half-phoenixes believed that Aiden was offering them a lifeline because he wanted something from them, then they would work hard to ensure they could maintain that lifeline at all costs.

’Not that they are wrong. I do want something from them. But it is not what they are thinking.’

"I see. So you would rather work to earn your keep? You truly are a wise species. Do you have anything in mind? If not, then may I make a suggestion?"

Aiden asked, and the elder shook his head.

"Of course not! If you have anything in mind, please do let us know."

Aiden already knew that the elder phoenix had figured out that the real reason Aiden had offered to help them was because he got something in return. And it was finally time for him to know what it was.

"I would like you to open a potion brewing industry near our village. Don’t worry about the ingredients since I will be providing them to you. I will also provide you with new recipes for the potions. I just need experienced hands handling my potions."

The silence that spread across the hall was incredible, and finally, the elder coughed to hide his discomfort and spoke.

"You say that you will provide us with the ingredients and recipes, but will they truly be better than what we have on the market? The phoenix clan already has a monopoly, and to compete with them—"

"Then, why don’t you try them yourself? I am not the best brewer, but I did brew some alcohol. Why don’t you try this as a sample and see for yourself whether this will hold up or not."