Just as Noah finished processing the final purchase from the minor nobility wave and was counting his remaining inventory, the shop’s door opened again with considerably more ceremony than before.
A Duke entered first—Duke Marrick Ashford, head of one of Esta’s three most powerful noble houses. He was a distinguished man in his fifties with silver-streaked hair and the bearing of soone accustod to command. Behind him ca several other high-ranking nobles: Marquess Helena Ravenswood, Viscount Gerald Thornheart, and Countess Lydia Blackwood, each representing families that controlled vast estates and wielded significant political influence within the kingdom.
Accompanying these nobles were several powerful warriors at master rank—personal guards and household champions who had achieved the heights of mortal capability through years of dedicated training. Their auras were carefully controlled but unmistakable to anyone with proper sensitivity, marking them as genuinely elite practitioners.
Noah was familiar with most of them from previous transactions. These were the sa influential people who had purchased his tier 1 items before, using those consumables to break through frustrating bottlenecks that had stalled their advancent for years. So had been stuck at the peak of adept rank for a decade or more before Noah’s Rice Cakes and Energy Drinks finally pushed them over the threshold into the master tier.
The gratitude and respect they held for Noah were genuine—he had quite literally transford their lives and elevated their families’ status through access to his miraculous products.
"Lord Carter," Duke Ashford greeted him warmly, using Noah’s noble title with sincere respect rather than the condescending tone many high nobles employed with lesser ranks. "It’s excellent to see you’ve returned safely. Your absence has been keenly felt by many of us who depend on your remarkable inventory."
"Your Grace," Noah replied with appropriate courtesy, though his deanour remained more relaxed than formal protocol would typically demand. His position as the kingdom’s most valuable personnel gave him latitude that ordinary viscounts would never enjoy. "I apologise for the extended absence. Business took to distant territories, but I’m back now and ready to serve my regular custors."
Marquess Ravenswood stepped forward next, her sharp eyes imdiately scanning the shelves to assess available inventory. "We heard rumours you’ve added new premium items to your stock. The entire noble district has been abuzz with speculation about what miraculous effects they might provide."
"The rumours are accurate," Noah confird with a slight smile. "I have several new tier 2 premium items available, though quantities are limited as always. At least daily quantity is limited, but I restock quite often, as you all know."
The gathered nobles exchanged excited glances. They had brought solid funds, specifically hoping to acquire whatever new products Noah might offer.
"But first," Duke Ashford interjected practically, "I see you still have so tier 1 items remaining. Before we discuss the premium offerings, several of us would like to purchase those."
The remaining tier 1 inventory moved quickly as the major nobles made their purchases with barely any deliberation. Unlike the minor nobility who had to carefully budget and choose a single item, these wealthy elites had more leniency with the amount of money they had available.
Duke Ashford purchased three Protein Bars for his sons, who were training to beco the next generation of family warriors. "Proper physical foundation is essential," he comnted while transferring the three thousand golden coins. "These will accelerate their developnt significantly."
Marquess Ravenswood bought two Energy Drinks for herself and her adept-rank daughter, both specialising in speed-based combat techniques. "Agility is life in real battle," she said pragmatically.
Viscount Thornheart acquired the remaining three Protein Bars for his household guard captain and two promising recruits. "Investing in loyal retainers always pays dividends."
Within a remarkably short span of minutes, Noah’s entire remaining tier 1 item stock was completely sold—all eight Protein Bars and all five Energy Drinks purchased by nobles who barely blinked at spending one thousand golden coins per item.
Noah had earned an additional 13,000 golden coins—$1,300,000—in less than ten minutes of transactions with the upper nobility.
His tier 1 inventory was now completely depleted:
[Auto-ProteinBar: Level 1 | 0.5/Hr | Max Stock 12 | 88/100 EXP] — SOLD OUT
—
[Auto-EnergyDrink: Level 1 | 0.5/Hr | Max Stock 12 | 85/100 EXP] — SOLD OUT
—
[Auto-BeefJerky: Level 1 | 0.5/Hr | Max Stock 12 | 86/100 EXP] — SOLD OUT
—
[Auto-RiceCake: Level 1 | 0.5/Hr | Max Stock 12 | 72/100 EXP] — SOLD OUT
—
The experience gains were substantial across all his tier 1 auto-makers. Several were on the verge of levelling up, which would double production and help him et the clearly overwhelming demand.
With tier 1 inventory exhausted, the nobles’ attention naturally shifted to the premium tier 2 items displayed prominently on the upper shelves—Rose Petal Candy, Herb Tea, Instant Coffee, and the extraordinarily expensive Luxury Fruit Smoothie.
Duke Ashford examined the Rose Candy’s description card carefully, his experienced eyes widening as he read the effects. "Permanent charm enhancent, fifty vitality points, and ten years of extended lifespan? That’s... remarkable. And the price?"
"Two thousand golden coins," Noah stated clearly.
The Duke didn’t hesitate. "I’ll take two—one for myself and one for my wife. This kind of longevity extension is invaluable at our age."
Marquess Ravenswood was even more enthusiastic about the Rose Candy. "The beauty enhancent and charm attributes would be incredibly beneficial for my daughter’s upcoming political marriage negotiations. I’ll purchase three."
Unlike the duke who was not shy of revealing that he was buying one for himself and for his wife. The marquess was, she deliberately hid the fact that she was buying one for herself by using her daughter as an excuse.
The marquess and everyone present knew that, but they didn’t say anything.
The Rose Petal Candy proved extraordinarily popular, especially among the female practitioners and nobles who recognised the multifaceted value it provided. The beauty enhancent wasn’t re vanity—in noble society, appearance and charm directly translated to political influence and marriage prospects that could elevate entire families.
Countess Blackwood purchased two for herself and her niece. Viscountess Sterling bought one after careful consideration. Lady Anastasia Crowley, a wealthy rchant’s wife who had entered with the noble contingent, purchased three without batting an eye.
The Rose Candy sold out completely within twenty minutes—all eleven units purchased by nobles and wealthy elites who recognised its incredible value relative to the two-thousand-coin price point.
The Herb Tea and Instant Coffee moved more slowly but still found eager buyers among the gathered nobles. These items provided substantial benefits and permanent attribute increases that appealed particularly to the various practitioners among the elite families.
Duke Ashford purchased two Herb Teas for his close court knights; the increase in vitality wasn’t low. Marquess Ravenswood bought three Instant Coffees for her household’s magical division. Various other nobles acquired one or two of each, recognising the long-term value of intelligence and vitality attribute enhancents for their family’s lineages.
Both the Herb Tea and Instant Coffee sold eight units each, leaving only four units of each remaining in Noah’s inventory.
However, the Luxury Fruit Smoothie—despite being the most powerful item available—proved incredibly difficult to sell at its five-thousand-golden-coin price point. Even among the wealthy elite, that represented a truly substantial investnt that required serious consideration.
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