ushernet Chapter 5.1
Chapter 5.1
“Is it true Arad Stew is that delicious?”
“They’re giving a bowl of it free every day to our guards?”
“Let’s go eat immediately!”
“From now on, route all patrols to start at Jack’s Inn!”
“They’re providing free stew to hardworking civil servants? The poorer clerks will love this. Any complaints from Jack’s Inn will get priority handling.”
At first, the guards and lower-ranking officials in Haven flocked to Jack’s Inn.
—
“Hey, Kuro Family! Why are you still lurking around here?”
“Uh, well...”
“Didn’t I say if I see you here again, you’ll rot in the mines for life?”
“S-Sorry! Let’s go, guys!”
With the authorities frequently visiting Jack’s Inn, troublemakers disappeared almost overnight.
But the effects didn’t stop there.
“Why are the decurions hosting their gathering at such a shabby place? Are you being too considerate of my wallet, centurion?”
“When have we ever cared about your wallet? That place serves stew for 2 coppers a bowl.”
“2 coppers? Are they insane?”
Free Arad Stew for guards and civil servants became not just a perk but a powerful marketing tool.
—
“Captain, have you still not tried Arad Stew from Jack’s Inn?”
“Arad Stew? Oh, that place, huh?”
“Yeah, and they give us guards a free bowl each.”
“Do they? Well, then, let’s go support them. It’s the least we can do.”
Those who tasted Arad Stew began spreading the word to their superiors.
“Is it really that good?”
“Yes, sir!”
“Agreed. It’s so good it kills your jealousy, competitiveness, and even anger.”
“The key is that Arad Salt they use in the stew, right?”
“Think we can buy the recipe from Jack’s chef?”
“Would you sell it if you were him?”
“Of course not. I wouldn’t even tell my kids.”
“Ancestors, grant me the courage and strength to endure this trial!”
The main agenda of the meeting was Jack’s Inn’s secret weapon—Arad Salt, a magical blend of northern spice, salt, and seasoning.
“Has anyone tried recruiting their chef?”
“I’ve approached him a few times, but he’s not swayed by money alone.”
“Word is he promised to stay until Jack’s arm heals, at least.”
“So when will that be?”
“It’ll heal... slowly. Very slowly, I hope.”
“If it were me, I’d fake an injury just to keep him around.”
“Jack must’ve offered some divine tribute to the ancestors to get so lucky!”
The room was filled with deep, frustrated sighs.
“Can’t we sabotage them?”
“We wouldn’t dare.”
“Exactly. All the thugs in Haven steer clear of Jack’s Inn.”
“Smart move, offering free meals to guards and officials. Who would’ve thought of that?”
“And what about that takeout option? Never even heard of such a thing before.”
“All of that came from Arad, right?”
“He’s not just a healer and chef. If we trace his roots, he must come from a merchant dynasty.”
The more they analyzed the situation, the more dire their prospects seemed. If this continued, they’d all be out of business before spring.
“Should we pool our money and bribe the mayor and captain of the guard?”