For a generation that created statues of naked figures, the people of this era were relatively normal. Regardless of the time period, ordinary people tend to remain normal, while the wealthy ones often engage in eccentric activities like extravagant parties. It wasn’t like the average person could afford a naked statue of themselves.

In the future I was definitely planning on getting a naked statue of myself. Were you even really succeeding in ancient times if you didn’t have a naked statue of yourself?

Whilst strolling through the streets of Tegea, I pondered what was lacking in these times that could potentially bring me profit.

What did the people truly need, aside from magic potions?

Alchemy provided me with options for non-magical products such as Molotov cocktails, high-quality alcohol, and perfumes. But, I had no intention of selling fire bombs to an enthusiastic anarchist. Additionally, there were already numerous skilled alcohol producers, given that everyone in these ancient times indulged in drinking without age restrictions.

Selling perfumes appeared to be the most promising choice. By utilizing transmutation, I could package them in exquisite bottles at practically no cost. Although perfumes existed during this era, none of the modern fragrances had been created yet!

After inquiring around, I discovered the official procedure for opening a stall, which turned out to be quite bothersome. Rather than purchasing one, I had to rent the land on it. Furthermore, I was required to personally meet the King of this city and his equivalent of an accountant during this period.

I did just that and went to the palace, which looked quite extravagant as each stone on the wall was in good condition and big towers and other buildings could be seen even from outside.

The line to meet the king was excessively long. Having to seek an audience with the king for every minor matter seemed highly inefficient. At least the ruler of this city was not the supreme ruler of Greece, as there were kings scattered across the region. I wasn’t exactly sure if Greece was even a thing yet, as most regions were called by different names.

After a couple of hours, it was finally my turn. The King sat upon a towering throne, with narrow stairs leading to it. Guards clad in dark chest plates, shields, and steel spears stood around the throne.

Having little knowledge of military affairs, I couldn't help but question whether spears entirely made of iron were the optimal choice for these guards. After all, metal spears were notoriously ineffective for throwing unless one possessed the strength of someone like Myrina. Otherwise, they wouldn't travel very far. Maybe this could be just for intimidation tactics.

Following cultural norms and class distinctions, I kneeled before the King. I had heard conflicting opinions on whether it was impolite to look at the king without being spoken to, so I leaned on the side of caution and looked down. One wrong move in these times could result in a commoner like me being mercilessly dealt with, and nobody would give it a second thought.

"You may speak, my subject," declared the surprisingly young voice of a man who appeared to have barely reached adulthood. I glanced up and saw a young man in white robes leaning on his chair, seemingly on the verge of yawning.

A boy king? He didn’t look a day over fourteen. He looked like a new level of spoiled brat that the average modern rich kid could never match.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I seek your permission to establish a market stall selling fragrant oils in bottles. However, I do not intend to secure a spot in the bustling Street of Markets due to its high cost. Instead, I plan to open my stall in front of the tavern where I am currently staying. I humbly request your blessing for this endeavor and assure you that I will fulfill all necessary obligations."

The boy king didn’t bother hiding his yawn of boredom, "Very well, Hefner. How much would this venture contribute to our coffers?"

An elderly man, quietly positioned at the corner with a book in hand, responded, "Fifty Bronze Talismans every thirty days."

"Then it is settled. You may proceed," the king dismissed me with a wave of his hand. After acknowledging his command, I rose and departed.

King Cepheus, was a mere puppet ruler, it seemed. I had no intention of getting entangled in the treacherous politics of this realm. Avoiding a Game of Thrones-like situation was my priority.

Moreover, I intentionally kept my plans vague regarding the location of my stall. The authorities were unaware that I could rent rooms in various taverns and establish market stalls within them, or opt for renting taverns along the market road, paying the same fee. However, engaging in wordplay and deceiving the king would be foolish. Challenging absolute authority in such a manner was unwise, as he was unlikely to look at contracts or hold hearings.

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If someone played stupid games like that, their head would be on a pike at the front gate as an example.

…

Making the stall was the easy part; I purchased some wood and used transmutation to weld the pieces together. I then obtained iron and transmuted it into a sword and shield for Budas, my bodyguard. To avoid conflicts, I paid the tavern a copper a day to set up the stall.

With the perfume bottles ready, I set them up, attracting attention from passersby. Budas' imposing presence deterred any troublemakers. Auto, now presentable in clean clothes I bought for her, helped me arrange the bottles and would replenish them as they were sold. We had three crates under the stall, which should cover our expenses to Athens if we managed to sell them.

Before opening shop, I addressed my workers discreetly. "Let's clarify the earnings. Auto, you'll receive ten out of every hundred coins, while Budas, you'll receive twenty out of every hundred."

Since they might not be familiar with percentage measurement, I explained it in simpler terms. Budas nodded, but Auto frowned and asked. “What about your share?”

"I'll receive seventy out of every hundred coins," I replied.

Her frown deepened. "Why do you get so much more?"

"Because I'm covering the rent, stall expenses, Budas' equipment, perfume production, and bottle purchases," I reasoned, omitting the fact that I created the bottles from worthless sand. "I receive a larger share because I'm taking the greater risks. If we don't sell anything, you two won't lose anything, but I'll lose the time, money, and favors I've invested."

Understanding dawned in her eyes, and she nodded, apologizing. "Yeah, that makes sense. Sorry."

Auto grasped the concept easily. If she were born in modern times, she would have been a good student, though education was scarce in this era.

Billy the goat nuzzled against my leg, and I added, "If Billy behaves well, he'll get plenty of crunchy leaves."

He jumped with joy and settled down next to me as we opened for business.

A bystander suddenly inquired, "How much for a bottle?"

He had rugged clothes, and smelled of booze. But a customer was nonetheless a customer, and there was no reason to be rude.

"Ten Bronze Talismans," I replied, and his expression turned sour.

"That's quite expensive. How do you expect to sell anything with that price?" He shook his head.

"If you're not here to make a purchase, please step aside. The line is for paying customers only," I said, and Budas brandished his sword.

The man frowned but reluctantly moved to the side. He reeked of cheap alcohol, a common occurrence in this area. However, my intention was to sell these items, not merely put them on display.

Soon enough, most people became discouraged. Among the crowd were a few well-dressed individuals who admired the bottles and their intricate designs.

The bottles featured carved figures of flies, dragons, serpents, and other intricate designs. Each bottle possessed unique characteristics. This process didn't cost me anything as I transmuted glass. So I just thought that having them look nice would be cool.

"I'll take two," said a rich-looking, overweight man dressed in fine clothes. He had a slight mustache, and a yellow-tootched smile.

I nodded, handed him the bottles, and he paid me. As he took a whiff of the fragrance, his eyes widened in surprise. "Oh! This smells delightful!"

"It's a perfume shop. Why else would you purchase the bottle?" I asked.

The man shrugged. "They looked appealing."

By the end of the day, we had sold 17 bottles, earning a total of 170 Bronze Talismans. This exceeded my initial expectations for the first day.

Leaning back in my chair as we sat on a table, I took a sip of water served by the tavern owner. My mind raced with various ideas, but first, I needed to pay my workers. I paid Auto 17 Bronze, and her eyes lit up with joy.

Budas received 34 Bronze, and his eyes welled up with tears. "I have never seen this much wealth in my life!"

Their reactions seemed exaggerated, and Auto stared at me suspiciously. "You're not planning to take this money back, are you?"

"No," I assured her, shaking my head. Even after paying my workers, I had earned over a hundred Bronze Talismans, which was a substantial amount for a city dweller.

However, today I also learned a valuable lesson—most customers cared little about the contents of the bottles.

Perhaps I should reconsider my business strategy?

No, producing large quantities of bottles would attract unwanted attention. Since I lacked the necessary glass-making tools, I preferred not to reveal my abilities.

"Hey," Auto nudged me and looked around the tavern, "there are no customers around. Last night, this place was packed."

The bartender, who also owned the establishment, was cleaning some tables without displaying any concern about today's lack of earnings.

Something felt suspicious...

"Budas, prepare your sword," I instructed, bringing him out of his euphoric state.

He hastily collected the coins, stashing them in a pouch and putting it under his leather shirt just above his heart, and his gaze sharpened.