Chapter 65:Breaking through
Vandemir Empire...
The moment Loreno returned, he wasted no time. With a merchant’s drive and pride burning in his chest, he began distributing the wine samples across noble districts, offering them as tokens of goodwill and opportunity.
Unfortunately, being a merchant of low standing in the eyes of high-ranking nobles meant doors remained closed. Most didn’t even bother uncorking the bottles and some mocked the provincial barrel juice and shooed him away with smug sneers.
Loreno, though humiliated, kept his smile sharp and his head low. He took mental notes of every noble house that turned him away. "One day," he promised himself, "they’ll line up and pay tenfold for a sip."
Still, his connections weren’t entirely useless. A merchant friend who worked with the wine cellars of Earl Valtor Dravien, a well-known connoisseur and retired warrior, whispered a word on Loreno’s behalf.
Earl Dravien, curious and ever on the hunt for something that could stir his dulled taste buds, agreed to taste.
In the grand hall of his estate, beneath glimmering chandeliers and surrounded by vintage bottles older than some kingdoms, the Earl poured a glass of Apus Wine. He swirled it gently, letting the bouquet bloom.
He brought it to his lips.
A single sip.
A pause.
Then, a smile.
He smacked his lips cheerfully and set the glass down. "Haha... finally! Something that doesn’t taste like wet bark or sour wind."