strokinit Chapter 167 Laurel Wine
Chapter 167 Laurel Wine
Chapter 167 Laurel Wine
"This is a level three magical beast that can only be found in Moonlight Forest. It's very rare. The Iron Hammer Merchant Guild has really gone all out this time."
A hint of surprise flickered in Celia's golden eyes, which seemed to hold the essence of starlight. She examined the two unicorns with interest and then said to Li Ang, "They are indeed unicorns. Although they are not very aggressive and are only level three, they are extremely fast. It is said that they can travel a thousand miles a day at full speed. Moreover, they are naturally proud and extremely difficult to tame. If they were to pull a carriage—"
She estimated, "We should be able to reach Ironforge by tomorrow evening."
Upon hearing this, everyone's spirits lifted, as it meant they could enter the core area of the mission much faster.
The group boarded the luxury carriage, which was even more luxurious and comfortable inside.
The carriage seats were spacious and covered with soft, long-haired animal hides of unknown origin, making one feel as if they were floating on clouds.
All the supplies they had left in the old carriages were piled up in the corners, and there were even more wooden crates and barrels.
Maya curiously opened the box to take a look. It was filled with all sorts of dwarven delicacies: honey-glazed jerky, lamb sausages, cheese, and more.
Olivia's red vertical pupils instantly locked onto one of the packets of honey-glazed meat jerky. The rich aroma of meat and the sweetness of honey made her mouth water, and she immediately stepped forward, picked up a packet, and started eating.
Meanwhile, Maya's attention was drawn to several other barrels that exuded a unique floral and mellow aroma. She opened one of them, and the liquid inside was a deep blue.
"Laurel Brew!" she exclaimed in delight. "This is one of the three treasures of our dwarven wines. Molten Core is the ultimate in strong liquor, and this Laurel Brew is the ultimate in mellow aroma."
"What's the other one?" Rudick asked curiously.
Maya explained, "There's also honey mead, which is extremely sweet and very popular with children."
With the fine wine in front of her, Maya's appetite was instantly whetted. After explaining, she immediately and enthusiastically called out to everyone, "Come on, everyone, have a taste! This is good stuff!" As she spoke, she reached for a glass.
The team members couldn't help but swallow as they smelled the enticing aroma, but their eyes were all fixed on Li Ang.
After all, this was during a mission, and no one dared to touch alcohol unless the captain gave the order.
Maya also realized what was happening and looked at Li Ang with expectant eyes, even though she was the nominal lord.
But the actual command still rested with Li Ang.
Looking at the eager eyes of his team members, and then at the barrels of wine, Li Ang asked Meiya, "Your Highness, is this Laurel Wine—high in alcohol content? In other words—how strong is it? Is it potent?"
Maya tilted her head and thought for a moment before replying, "It's stronger than regular fruit wine, about the same as ale, or maybe a little stronger."
She gestured with her hand to indicate a tiny gap.
Seeing everyone's mouth watering at the aroma of the wine, Li Ang pondered for a moment and nodded: "Alright, in that case, each person shall have only one cup, just a small sip, and no more."
He paused for a moment and then said, "I'll be on guard duty, so I won't be drinking this time."
Eric, upon hearing this, also expressed his intention to remain vigilant.
So, apart from Leon and Eric, everyone else, including Celia, received a small glass of Laurel Wine.
The wine was a clear sky blue in the glass, exuding a complex floral and fruity aroma.
After downing a glass, the team members' faces flushed slightly, but their eyes remained clear and they showed no signs of intoxication. They simply praised the wine for its smooth taste and sweet aftertaste, saying that even their breath smelled sweet after drinking it.
Celia held her small wine glass, taking small sips with great elegance. Watching the others gulp it down, she gently shook her head: "You're really wasting your time drinking like that. In Riley City, a glass of this Laurel Wine would cost at least five silver coins."
"Five silver coins?" Helena and Rudik exclaimed almost simultaneously, their faces filled with heartache as they looked at their empty cups.
This is equivalent to their monthly allowance for five months as apprentice wizards!
Li Ang was also shocked by the price: "So expensive? Is the Chamber of Commerce boss so generous that he gave us a whole five barrels?" He made a rough estimate.
"This bucket can hold at least a hundred cups, right? One bucket is—five hundred silver coins, five gold coins? Five buckets would be twenty-five gold coins?" This is a bit too extravagant.
Gwen, who had been quiet throughout the journey, explained softly, "Captain, this is because Laurel Wine is extremely delicate and has a very short shelf life, only about ten days at room temperature. To transport it from the Dwarf Kingdom to Lelita, it must be kept refrigerated with expensive ice throughout the entire journey, resulting in extremely high transportation costs and losses. That's why it sells for such an exorbitant price there. In its place of origin, the Dwarf Kingdom, the price shouldn't be that outrageous."
Maya nodded in agreement, "Miss Gwen is right. This wine only costs about five silver coins a barrel here."
"Five silver coins?" This time it was Li Ang's turn to be astonished. "From five silver coins to five gold coins—that's a hundredfold difference!"
A brief silence fell over the carriage, broken only by the rumble of the wheels on the road and the crunching sound of Olivia chewing on honey-glazed jerky.
Everyone was shocked by the terrifying profits.
Just as Li Ang and his companions were speeding towards Ironforge in their magnificent unicorn carriage, inside the Ironhammer Merchant Guild in Border Town, the person in charge was carefully slipping a secret letter into the letterbox on the foot of a Swiftwind Bird.
The fawning smile on his face had vanished, replaced by a shrewd calculation.
He gently stroked the feathers of the Swiftwind Bird and murmured to himself, "Hedging your bets is never wrong—no matter who ultimately sits on the Iron Throne, my Iron Hammer Merchant Guild will stand firm."
The Swiftwind Bird took flight, transforming into a gray streak, and once again headed towards Ironforge, disappearing into the darkening sky.
The unicorn wagon sped along the wide road leading to Ironforge. Compared to the rugged and treacherous mountain roads of Thunder Mountain, which could only accommodate one wagon at a time, this smooth stone road, wide enough for three large wagons to run side by side, fully demonstrated the dwarves' remarkable construction capabilities.
The road was paved with huge bluestone slabs that fit together perfectly, and drainage ditches were set up on both sides of the road. The precision and sturdiness of the project made everyone from the Wizard Tower secretly admire it.
This is one of the reasons why the Wizarding Alliance has maintained a close alliance with the Dwarf Kingdom for so long.
The Alliance provides the dwarves with shelter and raw magic crystals, while the dwarves supply the Alliance with top-notch artisans and essential strategic resources such as magic cannons.
Inside the carriage, Li Ang had a map of the Dwarf Kingdom spread out in front of him, his brows furrowed slightly.