CHAPTER 225: FAREWELL PARTY [1]

"Of course, I sold a total of 402 units from the common items—bread and iced tea combined. That generated 2,010 golden coins." Lola explained.

So that’s 4,020 shop points. The bread and tea continue to be steady income generators.

"Additionally, I sold 60 units of the premium items, ranging from protein bars all the way to the new herbal tea. That provided another 600 shop points and 9,000 golden coins total."

...

Sixty premium sales in one evening. That’s extraordinary demand.

The mathematics confirmed the impressive totals reflected in his status. The combination of high-volume common sales and substantial premium transactions had created a perfect revenue storm.

"The customers were particularly excited about the instant coffee and herbal tea," Lola explained with enthusiasm.

"Master-level practitioners who hadn’t visited before due to seclusion came specifically for the new products," she added. "Your reputation has spread far beyond our usual customer base. Everyone in the kingdom knows about the shop and its items"

The evening’s success represented more than just financial gain—it demonstrated that Noah’s shop had become an essential resource for Esta’s magical community. The permanent enhancements he provided were transforming people’s capabilities and prospects.

"Also, Princess Elara and Guild Master Valeria expressed their desire to return later today," Lola mentioned with a knowing smile.

"Do you know why?" Noah asked, curious. Today was his final day in Esta, and if it was something important, it was better for them to arrive early or for him to meet them.

"You’ve done incredible work tonight," Noah told Lola with genuine appreciation. "But seriously, you need to start taking proper breaks. Your contract was part-time, not full-time. You are starting to work harder than me!"

"I’ll consider it," she replied with that familiar teasing tone that suggested she’d continue working exactly as much as she wanted, regardless of his concerns.

This girl...

The evening’s commercial triumph had positioned his business for continued growth while providing Esta’s practitioners with enhancements that would serve them for years to come. The mutual benefit satisfied both his entrepreneurial instincts and his growing care for the people who’d become more than just customers.

Tomorrow brings the tournament. Tonight’s success ensures the shop will thrive regardless of how long I’m away.

With his financial position stronger than ever and his swordsmanship enhanced to level 11, Noah felt prepared for whatever challenges awaited him.

The combination of magical enhancement and traditional training had created capabilities that should serve him well against even skilled opponents.

.....

Noah checked the system interface to determine how much time remained before the forced relocation would activate, regardless of his personal preferences or ongoing activities.

[Time remaining until mandatory shop relocation: 4 hours]

Noah nodded his head in acknowledgement. Four hours provided adequate time for any final business or farewells that needed to occur before his departure from Esta.

He turned toward Lola with curiosity about the timing of their expected visitors. "When did the princess and Valeria say they would return?"

"They mentioned arriving within the next hour," Lola replied. "Princess Elara seemed quite insistent about the timing."

"I’ll wait for them," Noah decided, settling into his chair behind the counter. "Whatever they want to discuss, it’s clearly important enough to coordinate their schedules."

The hour passed with pleasant conversation between Noah and Lola, punctuated by Leo’s playful antics as the young lion entertained them. The familiar rhythm of shop operations continued around them, though no customers arrived during this particular period.

Then, exactly as predicted, familiar voices approached from outside the shop entrance.

Princess Elara entered first, followed immediately by Valeria, whose guild captain authority seemed equally heightened. Behind them came Kip and Alissa, the cat siblings wearing expressions of excited anticipation mixed with obvious sadness.

"Noah!" Elara greeted him with warmth. "You are finally here! We have something special planned for your final evening in Esta."

"Something special?" Noah asked with growing curiosity about their arrival and mysterious expressions.

"A farewell celebration," Valeria explained with a smile that carried both joy and melancholy. "The entire kingdom wanted to express their gratitude before your departure."

Alissa stepped forward with her directness. "We’ve organised a party in the main plaza. Everyone who’s been touched by your generosity wanted the chance to say goodbye properly."

Kip nodded enthusiastically, his cat ears perked with excitement. "It was Princess Elara’s idea, but the whole city participated in the planning. You’ve changed so many lives here."

A city-wide farewell party. That’s... overwhelming.

"Come on," Elara said with gentle insistence, extending her hand toward him. "You can’t refuse when the entire population is waiting."

Lola emerged from behind the counter, her grandmaster-level power completely concealed. To casual observation, she appeared to be merely an attractive shop assistant rather than the second most powerful individual in the entire kingdom.

Her ability to hide her true strength was so complete that even master-level magical senses would struggle to detect her power or demon heritage.

Lola was now comfortable with the group; she no longer needed to be invited to join in on the ceremonies. She basically belonged wherever Noah went.

The group made their way through Esta’s familiar streets, but Noah quickly noticed something extraordinary about their journey. People lined the pathways, not coincidentally but deliberately, creating an informal honour guard that guided them toward the central plaza.

Children waved enthusiastically while their parents smiled with genuine warmth. Shopkeepers emerged from their businesses to nod respectfully. Even random passersby stopped their activities to acknowledge the small procession moving through their city.

Word really did spread throughout the entire kingdom.

As they approached the main plaza, Noah’s eyes widened at the transformation that had occurred during his absence. The usual commercial space had been converted into a festival ground, complete with decorative banners, food stalls, and a raised platform that could only be intended for speeches.

Hundreds of people filled the area—more citizens than Noah had ever seen gathered in one location.

The crowd represented every social class and profession, from common laborers to wealthy merchants, from young apprentices to elderly masters.