"Good wine! The taste of this wine is truly top-tier!"
Corbin's loud shout pulled the two of them out of the ambiguous atmosphere.
It turned out the old man had shared a little of the wine in his cup for Duc to taste, and that one small sip had completely won him over.
Duc's earlier disdain for the beastmen had vanished, replaced by a fawning look in his eyes.
He took a step forward, intending to buy this container of wine before the guild leader could. But the back of his neck suddenly felt cold.
Puzzled, Duc looked up, only to see the adult beastman staring at him with a sharp gaze, which seemed to carry a hint of displeasure.
What had he done?
In that brief moment of hesitation, Duc lost the golden opportunity. Corbin was already clutching the bamboo wine container and making an offer.
"This container of wine, in exchange for one hundred cows! The cattle-herding slaves are a free gift! This is the deposit; I will deliver the rest next spring!"
The old man slapped his chest magnanimously, his eyes looking at Eric with longing.
"It would be even more wonderful if you use this kind of wine to pay the remainder next year."
Heartbroken, Duc plopped down, clawing at his head in frustration.
Just one step too slow! The guild leader had used one hundred cows to trade for at least twenty or thirty pounds of fine wine! He was furious!
Hearing the price, Eric's eyes widened, and he froze on the spot. Was this a perk for a foodie who held onto his passions even in a harsh environment?
He silently thanked his own past efforts. Quickly composing himself, Eric nodded his head vigorously.
"Next year, my other types of wine will also be done aging. You can choose one of them to pay the rest, or you can use sugar."
Hearing this, Corbin and Duc wanted to rush over and thank him, but they were wary of the tall Snow Wolf man staring at them from the side and didn't dare to make a move.
Duc jumbled his words: "We will definitely come early next year! You are a genius, almost catching up to the fifth-tier wine master in the imperial capital!"
Eric just smiled shyly.
"Then we'll be leaving. Don't forget my cows."
Because of this wine, they wouldn't dare forget, not even for gold. On the contrary, they were worried this young beastman might get distracted by fun and forget the deal.
Unable to buy the container of wine, Duc's eyes darted around. Disregarding the intense pressure bearing down on him, he leaned close to Eric and whispered: "Do you have any more wine? I'll trade a cart of cotton cloth for it! Or whatever else you want, I'll find it for you!"
Corbin couldn't hear clearly, but how could he not know the ways of his vice-leader of many years?
His face darkened, wanting nothing more than to kick Duc's rear. Later, he would pluck out that man's entire beard, Corbin angrily decided.
Was there such a good deal? Eric's eyes lit up again.
"Cotton cloth is of course good, but I also want some cotton seeds..." he whispered back.
Duc looked a bit troubled. Cotton seeds were strictly controlled by the nobles to maintain their monopoly; workers on the plantations were all searched before they could leave.
Duc's expression immediately told Eric what the problem was. But for a merchant caravan to be able to reach the Illusory Dream Continent, their background was certainly not ordinary. He gently patted the wine container he was holding and coaxed softly: "If you can bring me cotton seeds, I can give you a container of this wine right now. We'll settle the price for the seeds separately!"
"No problem!"
If he hesitated any longer, Duc would despise himself. For the sake of good wine, he would risk it.
After the agreement was settled, Max tied up the cotton cloth and spices with a rope, slinging the bundle over his back with one hand. He took Eric's hand, leading him toward the tribe amidst the reluctant goodbyes of Corbin and Duc.
Eric also smiled and turned to wave at them, but then he felt the hand holding his suddenly tighten. He turned back, puzzled: "What's wrong, Max?"
On Max's chiseled face, there seemed to be a hint of displeasure. Eric was surprised at himself for being able to read his expression now.
"You must maintain a guarded attitude toward humans," Max's low voice rumbled.
So, he was afraid Eric would be deceived. Eric pressed his lips together, suppressing a smile: "Don't worry, I was only treating them well because I saw a good bargain."
Thinking about how he had gotten what he wanted with just a little wine, he couldn't contain his excitement.
Seeing that Max's brow had relaxed a little, he playfully tickled his palm with his finger.
"Later, I'll bring the wine to that goateed man, and my cotton seeds will be secured!"
He looked happily at Max, just in time to meet his deep eyes. His misbehaving hand was gripped tighter, and his voice trailed off.
Like that, the two of them walked closely together, heading back to the tribe.
...
At the merchant caravan's camp, the moment the two Snow Wolves disappeared from sight, Corbin's smile vanished, and he lifted his leg to kick at Duc.
Duc stumbled and then turned to run. Corbin, with nowhere to vent his anger, chased after him, scolding: "You're getting bolder and bolder, daring to conduct private business right in front of me!"
Nimbly dodging a kick, Duc retorted: "Aren't you the same? Don't tell me you're not planning to keep that container of wine in your hands for yourself!"
Corbin's anger boiled over. He hugged the bamboo tube tightly, looking around for a weapon. Seeing that the situation was not good, Duc ran off and disappeared without a trace.
...
After returning home, Eric poured a bamboo tube of wine to bring to Duc later, then poured a large bowl for Max.
"Max, you try some too. It was just recently finished brewing."
Max lowered his head and took a sip from the bowl in Eric's hands.
"It's very fragrant and sweet, much better than any wine I've had before."
Eric's hands grew tired from holding the bowl. Just as he was about to lower it, Max grabbed his wrist, took the bowl with his other hand, and drank it all in one go.