Chapter 283
On the road leading from the outskirts to the center, despite the dawn barely breaking, a long line of carriages stretched out. Each one was loaded with huge barrels of alcohol, dried meat, and cheese.
Tavern owners came out to greet the coachmen. The aftermath of the previous night’s festivities still lingered on the streets. People still sipping beer, those passed out and sprawled on the ground, and piles of garbage scattered about were evidence of this.
“This way. Thank you for coming. We’ve cleared out the inner warehouse, so please move everything there. Boys, the goods are here!”
At the tavern owner’s call, the staff began carrying the barrels. The coachman, sipping the soup handed to him, asked:
“But why did you order so much? It’s at least five times more than usual. The horses had a hard time.”
“I know, I know. That’s why I said I’d give you a bigger share.”
“It’s not for me to worry about, but will all this even sell? I heard the selection ended yesterday, and today’s the wrap-up. People don’t drink like this anymore. Even those who came up from the provinces seem to be heading back.”
The owner clicked his tongue at the coachman’s meddling. Neither the one selling the alcohol nor the one buying it had said anything, yet here was the delivery man complaining about the difficulty.
“Don’t talk about things you don’t understand. Haven’t you heard the rumors? They say all the leaders from the three countries are gathering for His Highness Prince Jin’s appointment ceremony, and everyone’s in an uproar.”