Nick

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Nick (尼克)
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Romon’s potion shop; later Tatshaw Territory
Occupation/Role	Potion-shop manager; territorial steward; chief administrator
Status	Active 999
First Appearance	Chapter 8

Background and History

Early life and injury

Nick grew up alongside Romon and Fafier in Rika Town. He initially regarded Romon’s Druid training as an attempt to avoid his old friends, reflecting their familiar and teasing friendship 8.

He joined Romon and Fafier on an early hunting expedition, carrying most of the group’s supplies. During the hunt, he was struck in the chest by a mutated elk’s antlers while trying to block its charge, sustaining severe internal injuries 11. His condition worsened after a later goblin encounter, and Romon and Fafier carried him to Druid Jefa for urgent treatment 13 14.

Jefa saved Nick’s life, but warned that his damaged internal organs required prolonged rest and would leave him unable to safely resume strenuous work. Romon accepted a debt of 300 silver coins to fund the treatments 14. Nick fell into despair as his injury threatened both his own future and the livelihood of his impoverished parents, but Romon encouraged him to retain hope for a higher-level priestly cure 19.

Potion shop

After his recovery, Nick became a central figure in Romon’s potion business. Romon supported him not simply out of guilt, but so Nick could support himself through his own work; Nick’s diligence and loyalty soon made him indispensable to the shop 42 43.

He studied territorial law, potion knowledge, and financial records to defend the business from Tax Officer Bakasi and serve customers effectively. He later purchased additional financial books at his own expense to address gaps in his education 43 48. Nick handled the shop’s bookkeeping and operations while Romon traveled, and remained responsible for its management as Romon’s influence expanded 59 86.

Although later treatment restored him to an ordinary physical condition, the old injury prevented him from advancing in a professional path. A complete cure was said to require Divine Grace or a Ninth-Level Wish Spell 157.

Territorial administrator

Nick’s ability with accounts, negotiations, staffing, and practical governance made him Romon’s steward and eventually Tatshaw Territory’s chief administrator. Romon formally introduced him as both his longtime friend and the territory’s steward during negotiations with the Adventurers’ Guild 152 171.

He helped manage crises as well as commerce. When Black Spider Monster attacks caused panic, Nick issued a public reward notice for information and helped organize the territory’s response 165. He also negotiated the sale of five Black Spider Monster corpses for 250 gold coins, focusing on the immediate benefit to the territory while Romon worried about the Guild’s motives 171.

As the territory grew, Nick supervised finances, infrastructure, personnel, ceremonies, trade, and naval preparations. His workload became so intense that, by age thirty-five, years of internal administration had left him with white hair and an aged appearance 698 761 996.

Personality

Nick is practical, diligent, and strongly motivated by financial security. His concern over debt and wasted resources leads him to find value in unexpected assets, from monster corpses to profitable trade opportunities 170 171. He is also frugal and attentive to the economic burden carried by Romon’s territory.

He is loyal to Romon but does not behave as a mere subordinate in private. He jokes with him, challenges questionable decisions, and offers frank advice on matters ranging from military readiness to family alliances 384 699 1008. As Romon’s status rises, Nick becomes increasingly aware that their childhood friendship now exists within a lord-and-steward relationship, and he urges Fafier to recognize that changed reality as well 781.

Nick is cautious around political and administrative risks. He verifies visitors’ identities, handles royal protocol carefully, and understands that an apparently routine matter can have serious consequences for the territory 761 999.

Skills & Responsibilities

Administration and finance

Nick manages Tatshaw Territory’s accounts, taxes, budgets, project funding, and financial reports.

• Studied law, potion knowledge, and accounting to improve the potion shop’s operations 43 48.
• Oversees funding for territorial projects, including roads and military training 840.
• Reported a 20% increase in annual tax revenue and a doubling of trade volume and profits after sea routes shifted toward Far-Sail Port 699.
• Reviews financial ledgers and plans the territory’s annual spending with Romon 698 999.

Negotiation and commerce

Nick is an effective negotiator who protects Romon’s interests while maintaining proper etiquette.

• Helped negotiate the Adventurers’ Guild’s purchase of five Black Spider Monster corpses for 250 gold coins 171.
• Advised Romon on noble invitations and social connections, including the Demoka Family’s invitation 97.
• Represented the territory at a Love Goddess Temple matchmaking event alongside Fafier 319.
• Managed merchant-guild relations and responded to pressure concerning the navy’s readiness 384.

Civic governance

Nick’s duties extend beyond commerce into public order, personnel, and territorial development.

• Raised Luo Laike’s wages before Romon could suggest it, showing close attention to employees’ welfare 86.
• Issued rewards for information after the Black Spider Monster attacks and helped direct the public response 165.
• Helped establish a cautious promotion system that evaluates officials for ability, conduct, discipline, and loyalty over time 743.
• Organizes formal receptions, banquets, invitations, and royal ceremonies when protocol requires Romon’s presence 329 761.

Relationships

• Romon — Childhood friend, business partner, and later steward. Romon funded Nick’s life-saving treatment and entrusted him with the potion shop and territorial administration; Nick remains one of Romon’s most candid advisers 14 43 171 384.
• Fafier — Childhood friend and fellow member of Romon’s inner circle. They cooperate on territorial affairs but later struggle with the changing hierarchy created by Romon’s rise 19 781 840.
• Nick’s parents — His injury placed severe financial pressure on their household. His mother cared for him during his depression, while his father worked as a lumberjack to support the family 19.
• Jefa — Treated Nick’s critical internal injuries. Jefa’s healing saved Nick, but could not restore his potential for professional advancement 14 157.
• Luo Laike — Coworker at Romon’s potion shop. Nick noticed his difficulties and had already increased his wages before Romon raised the matter 86.