Natsuki Subaru had no choice. As the Chief Mage of the Dragon Kingdom, Count Mez's estate had been established on the outskirts of the royal capital to guard against invasions from the Demon Beast Forest.
Most families in such borderlands struggled merely to feed and clothe themselves, often going without their next meal. Slums were everywhere.
Expecting families like that to pay five Saint Gold Coins for a seemingly fancy cup of noodles was absolutely a fantasy.
Natsuki Subaru had also gained a rough understanding of the Dragon Kingdom's currency system. Ten copper coins equaled one silver coin, ten silver coins equaled one gold coin, and two gold coins equaled one Saint Gold Coin. However, because Saint Gold Coins were extremely scarce, their actual purchasing power was greater. The values of copper and silver coins fluctuated slightly as well, but overall, the system was fairly stable.
One copper coin could buy two apples. Under normal circumstances, one Saint Gold Coin could buy four hundred apples.
Five Saint Gold Coins... Natsuki Subaru was confident that he could buy out every piece of fruit from that fruit stall uncle and still have money left over.
So how could this seemingly insignificant cup of noodles be sold for five Saint Gold Coins?
The poor people on the border were out of the question. Old Man Rom's fencing den might be worth trying, but a place that operated on the edge of darkness... Old Man Rom had an extremely sharp eye.
A trivial bowl of noodles for five Saint Gold Coins—Natsuki Subaru could completely imagine what would happen if he said that. Old Man Rom would definitely pick up his enormous "baseball bat" and give his head a good smack!
Like a watermelon being hit by a speeding truck... Natsuki Subaru did not dare