The next morning, Aldric woke up in the guest room.
Thanks to his talk with the Viscount the day before, Aldric had received a total of 5000 gold coins. It was a huge amount almost as much as a barony's yearly budget. For a small and struggling noble household like his, this money was like a gift from the heavens.
This was finally Aldric's chance to carry out his plan in full motion as soon as possible.
"Sir Cooper!" Aldric called out loudly.
Cooper, who had been staying in the room next door, rushed in without delay. "My lord, you're awake. Why did you call for me so early?"
"Get ready. We're going on a small trip," Aldric said with a calm but serious voice. "And make sure to disguise yourself as best as you can."
"Are we going somewhere dangerous, my lord? I could prepare some guards or knights to go in your place," Cooper offered.
"No need for that, it's just a casual walk, just follow my orders."
"As you wish, my lord," Cooper replied with a respectful bow.
About half an hour later, Cooper returned to Aldric's room.
Aldric had already changed into a simple outfit. The clothes were plain but clean something a regular merchant might wear while traveling from town to town. It wasn't fancy, but it helped him blend in.
"My lord, I'm ready to leave," Cooper said, entering the room and bowing slightly.
Aldric turned around and couldn't help but laugh. "Uh… Cooper, are you trying to look like an assassin?"
Cooper was dressed in a long, dark robe with a hood covering most of his face. It looked like something a thief or shady spy would wear in the night.
"I'm sorry, my lord," Cooper said, slightly embarrassed. "I've never had to disguise myself before."
"It's alright. I know you tried," Aldric said with a small smile. He pulled out some old clothes from a bag nearby and handed them over. "Try this instead. It looks more like what a proper servant would wear someone from a noble house, but nothing that stands out."
"Yes, my lord. I'll change right away."
Once Cooper was properly dressed, the two of them left the estate and made their way into the city.
"We're heading to the underground market," Aldric said while walking.
The underground market was a secretive place known for trading illegal or rare items. The lords pretended not to know about it as they benefited from the gold it brought into the city.
As they entered the marketplace, they were greeted by noise and chaos.
"Strong slaves for work and battle!"
"Beautiful girls! Well-trained and ready to serve!"
"Fresh meat! Rare spices! Magical tools at half price!"
It was a wild place filled with all kinds of people. Some wore rags, some wore armor, and some were clearly merchants trying to strike gold.
"Hey, young master!" a loud voice called out. A fat man with a long, thick beard walked over. "I'm Sern, best slave dealer in the whole market, are you perhaps looking for something specific today?"
"Do you have any dwarves for sale?" Aldric asked without wasting time.
"Dwarves? Of course! Right this way!" Sern said cheerfully.
He led them down a wide hallway into a huge hall filled with cages and work areas. Aldric looked around with surprise. The slaves didn't look as terrible as he expected. Most of them were clean, well-fed, and even seemed to be working or training.
Some were practicing sword swings, while others carried heavy crates or polished armor.
"You take good care of your slaves," Aldric said as they walked past the arena.
"Of course!" Sern replied with pride. "The better shape they're in, the higher the price! We even teach a few how to read, count, and do paperwork. Makes them more useful to nobles like you."
Soon, they arrived at a section labeled Artisan Slaves.
"Here we are. These are the dwarves," Sern said, waving his hand toward a group.
Aldric's eyes scanned the small, strong-looking figures. They were only waist-high, but they looked tough. Thick beards, broad shoulders, and strong arms. Some were hammering at forges, making swords and tools. Others looked like teachers, watching over younger dwarves and showing them how to work.
"Can you sell me twenty dwarven craftsmen and one master dwarf to lead them?" Aldric asked.
"It's possible," Sern said, rubbing his hands together. "But it'll be expensive, young master."
"Money isn't a problem," Aldric replied. "I want them prepared as soon as possible. My servant here will handle the payment and paperwork."
"Very well! Give me one hour, and I'll have everything ready," Sern said happily, his eyes shining like he had struck gold.
"Cooper, stay here and take care of it. I have something else to handle on my own."
"My lord, I don't think it's safe for you to go alone—"
"I'll be fine. I'll be quick," Aldric said as he turned and left.
Now he was walking alone, Aldric moved toward the mining section of the underground market. This part of the market sold raw materials, ores, and rocks collected by slaves and miners.
He was searching for a special material sulfur, known in this world as yellow stone.
This was Aldric's first time trying to use knowledge from his old world. He wasn't an inventor or a scientist, but he had read enough to know how gunpowder worked.
Back in his old life, he had been just an office worker. But he liked reading about history, weapons, and ancient wars during weekends. Now, that knowledge would finally help him.
The musket was a powerful weapon, especially for a world like this. It was easy to make and deadly in battle. All he needed was gunpowder, which was made from three simple things: sulfur, saltpeter, and charcoal.
The market was full of loud sellers.
"Cheap ores! Magical rocks! Rare metals!"
"Fire crystals! Beast bones! Buy now!"
Aldric walked up to a young man running a mid sized shop. "Do you have yellow stone?"
"Yes, young master!" the seller said with a smile. "Not many use it, so it's pretty cheap. Come with me."
The seller led him to a small storage room filled with crates.
"How much do you need?"
"Thirty kilograms," Aldric said.
The boy's eyes widened. "That's a big amount… but I think we have it. I'll need some time to pack it all."
"How much will it cost me?"
"Twenty silver coins per kilo, young master."
"Fine. I'll be back in half an hour. Get everything ready by then."
"Of course! Leave it to me!" the seller said cheerfully.
Aldric nodded, turned around, and started heading back toward the slave market where Cooper was waiting.