Chapter 73: Transaction

Seda Herb Garden.

As the apprentices entered the dining hall, they all froze.

In the dining hall, the stove burned fiercely.

Several lamb legs, none of the apprentices had ever seen before, hung beside the stove.

The surface of the lamb legs gleamed with an appetizing golden hue.

They had been brushed with honey.

Additionally, a seasoning blend of herbs and spices had been sprinkled over them, filling the air with an enticing aroma.

The lamb legs had clearly been roasted for a long time, the heat perfectly applied, the skin crisp.

On a nearby dining table lay a clean linen cloth.

Upon it were arranged an array of side dishes.

A large pot of thick stew made from carrots, turnips, potatoes, and other root vegetables, slowly simmered for hours, topped with a sprinkle of local herbs unique to Hogen City to enhance the flavor.

Beside it lay several loaves of wheat bread, emitting a caramel-like fragrance.

Compared to rye bread, wheat bread had a firm crust and a soft, sweet interior—an absolute upgrade.

Also on the table stood a large jug of fruit wine.

It was fermented by farmers from villages around Hogen City using fruit they had picked themselves.

Low in alcohol, yet sweet and delicious, with a faint fruity aroma, it was an excellent beverage.

What kind of scene was this? The apprentices’ minds nearly shut down.

Yet their eyes instinctively glowed with longing for the food before them.

Still, everyone wisely held back, their gazes fixed on Gao De, who stood beside the stove.

Clearly, they understood that the extraordinary meal signaled something even more extraordinary had occurred.

Gao De scanned the apprentices, confirmed everyone from the herb garden was present, then clapped his hands and spoke:

“I have something to tell you all.”

“The Phil Alchemy Shop, our long-term partner, recently proposed to purchase our herb garden.”

“I refused at the time, and afterward, they cut off all cooperation, stopping their purchases of our herbal products.”

“With the garden’s current situation, losing this income from selling herbs would make it impossible to continue operations.”

“Of course, we could seek other alchemy shops to partner with, but the Phil Alchemy Shop is an established shop in the city, wealthy and well-connected; offending them would mean constant obstacles in the future.”

“After considering all this, I ultimately had no choice but to accept their offer to buy the garden.”

“They will come tomorrow to sign the transfer contract—meaning, starting tomorrow, the owner of this garden will be the Phil Alchemy Shop.”

The apprentices exchanged glances, stunned by the shocking news, unsure how to react.

Gao De observed their reactions.

“But don’t worry—although the owner has changed, the Phil Alchemy Shop has promised to continue employing all of you.”

“In other words, aside from me no longer being the owner, everything else will remain largely unchanged, and you’ll even gain a stable additional income.”

He chuckled, “After all, I can’t match the big shops—they can pay you wages.”

The truth was, beyond food and lodging, the apprentices had never received a single copper coin for their work in the garden.

In his past life, Gao De would have been a heartless capitalist, condemned by all.

Hearing their jobs were unchanged and they wouldn’t have to leave the garden, the apprentices, who had been anxious, instantly relaxed.

“This meal is a celebration feast—to celebrate all of you having a better future,” Gao De said.

The next day, Flower Flame Month, 18th.

In the vibrant Seda Herb Garden, herbs thrived everywhere. Fine sunlight pierced the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground, indicating a fine day.

“They’ve arrived,” said Amy, entering Gao De’s room and informing him.

Gao De nodded and stepped out first. “Let’s go welcome our guests.”

Amy watched Gao De’s back, opened his mouth as if to ask something, but ultimately said nothing.

In the reception room prepared the day before, three sat down.

Gao De as the transferor, Oliver in a dark robe as the transferee, and a notary wearing glasses and holding a quill.

“This is Mr. Bellamy of the Hogen Guild, whom I invited as witness to this transaction,” Oliver introduced to Gao De.

“Thank you, Mr. Bellamy,” Gao De bowed respectfully, neither humble nor arrogant.

“The details were settled yesterday; all that remains is signing the contract. No more words—let’s proceed,” Oliver said.

Gao De had no objections.

Bellamy rose and handed Gao De a thick contract scroll.

“This is the transfer contract I drafted. Oliver and I have already signed and sealed it. Please review.”

As the guild’s witness, Bellamy showed no arrogance; he spoke politely to Gao De, who wore plain clothes and was young.

Gao De took the transfer contract and scanned it.

“On this day, the 18th of Flower Flame Month, Year 9655 of Nolran, in Hogen City, witnessed by Mr. Bellamy, this contract is established.”

“Transferor: . Transferee: ”

“.”

“Subject of Contract: ”

“The Transferor agrees to transfer the aforementioned herb garden, along with all crops, buildings, and associated rights, to the Transferee for 300 Sein gold coins. The Transferee shall pay the full amount in gold coins to the Transferor upon signing this contract.”

“From the moment payment is completed, the herb garden and all its rights shall belong to the Transferee, including but not limited to the Transferor’s guarantee that the garden has no outstanding debts or rights disputes.”

“.”

“These terms have been mutually agreed upon voluntarily and equally by both parties. May the Holy Light guide this transaction to become a source of prosperity for both.”

The contract document, written by Bellamy, was precise and detailed, including descriptions of both parties, property, transaction terms, breach clauses, and more.

Even the condition Gao De had stated yesterday—“If the secret box contains no deed or land title, the contract is void”—was included.

At the end, the Transferee’s and Notary’s signatures and seals were already complete; only the Transferor’s signature space remained blank.

“Any objections?” Oliver knew Gao De had finished reading.

Gao De shook his head, indicating no objections.

Oliver nodded in satisfaction, then handed over another contract.

It was the twenty-year employment document he had shown Gao De the day before at the Phil Alchemy Shop.

“If there are no issues, sign both contracts now.”

Gao De nodded slightly, took the quill from Bellamy, signed his name on the Transferor’s line of the transfer contract, then pressed his fingerprint.

Then he signed and pressed his fingerprint on the employment contract as well.

The transfer contract was made in triplicate—one copy each for Transferor, Transferee, and Notary.

The employment contract was made in duplicate—one copy each for Gao De and Oliver.

After seeing Gao De sign and fingerprint all five documents, Oliver pulled a hand-sewn money pouch from his chest and tossed it onto the table.

(End of Chapter)