"No, this definitely isn't a scam."
Mr. Madison shook his head, holding his wineglass.
"The Thaumaturgy is certainly real. As for whether the ritual truly has to be this complicated, I don't know. I only know that the last person who learned this Thaumaturgy did it this way too. It was a story, and the story itself described the ritual."
Shade was quite familiar with such things. The Sea Burial ritual had also been hidden within a nursery rhyme.
"In fact, I believe that most fairy tales, ballads, and poems passed down from ancient times conceal elements of occultism."
Mr. Madison added.
"You were lucky that Shade came to investigate, but what will you do afterward? Since The Church has already noticed you, even if there's nothing wrong with the spices themselves, you'll sooner or later become a person of special interest."
The Doctor asked again. Mr. Madison sighed.
"Then I can only leave Saint Song Square for the time being and sell spices in the countryside. It wasn't easy finding such a good spot, and to avoid paying protection money to the gangs, I... Forget it. Safety comes first. I'll just have to get up early every day and work as a Traveling Merchant in the countryside. Mr. Hamilton, please write in your investigation report that I simply vanished. This way, neither your friend nor I will get into trouble."
"No problem."
Shade nodded, while the Doctor asked again.
"What is the effect of your Thaumaturgy?"
Only true friends could ask such a question. Mr. Madison did not mind Shade being present and said with a sigh:
"Merchant Instinct, corresponding to the Spirit Rune of Trade. It's a passive Thaumaturgy. Once I master it, whenever I discuss the price of goods with anyone, whether buying or selling, I'll instinctively