Manmulsang was, quite literally, a person who sold all kinds of things. Due to the nature of his profession, traveling all over the country, encountering Manmulsang was not so easy. Especially due to the strenuous nature of the journey, visits to rural areas were particularly irregular.

Sharti had also met Manmulsang only earlier this year.

“Oh, Miss, thanks for the water. You drank it well.”

Manmulsang, who entered the log house, chuckled and set down the water glass. A Manmulsang of similar height to Sharti had a stomach as large as the baggage on his back, a face covered in fur, and an eye patch over his right eye.

“But what’s bothering you? You haven’t done any painting today.”

In response to Manmulsang’s question, Sharti hid an awkward smile under her hood. With his unique sense, Manmulsang immediately changed the subject.

“Oh, right. About the ointment you made, it’s incredibly popular. I couldn’t resist my intuition. So this time, I plan to buy a lot. There are quite a few people looking for it after all.”

Unknowingly, Sharti clenched her fist. As elusive as he was, Manmulsang had plenty of money on the move, and he compensated well for the value.

‘How much was the deal Manmulsang made earlier this year? It must have been well over 10 silver.’

It couldn’t be compared to selling medicinal herbs or collected herbs. Manmulsang was Sharti’s biggest customer among those she had met.

‘I might be able to buy more ingredients or mana stones.’

Sharti’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. Meanwhile, Manmulsang, taking the opportunity to sell the medicines she had made, quickly entered the herbal medicine room.

With enthusiasm ahead, Sharti, about to display her goods, hadn’t taken a single step and screamed internally.

‘Ah, it hurts…’

The aftermath of the convulsions from the hallucination still lingered, causing her entire muscles to contract. Sharti grimaced, moving her fingers.

She hadn’t realized what she had tightly clenched. Her fingers became stiff and didn’t move well.

‘He had to come when I was struggling with the ointment…’

Sharti glanced outside. She was concerned about Ren hiding in the utility room.

‘…He seemed angry.’

It was not at all like Ren to forcefully open the bedroom door without knocking.

Sharti closed her eyes tightly. Thinking of the blazing embers in the fireplace still made her heart flutter.

‘Fortunately, Uncle Manmulsang came at just the right time.’

As expected, Sharti deliberately avoided talking with Ren, who had been surprised. Despite being cowardly and unpleasant, there was no other choice.

‘Showing symptoms of mental disorder, having seizures, and… even revealing his face.’

How far would he find out about her? How much more weakness would she reveal here?

Although she should have comforted the surprised Ren, she chose to avoid it. It was embarrassing and frightening.
How much would she be exposed to him? How many more weaknesses would she reveal here?

She should have comforted the surprised Ren, but she chose to avoid it. It was embarrassing and frightening.

“Criannet’s destruction is still rumored among the nobles. Be careful, Sha. Nothing related to Criannet should be revealed. Don’t give people a reason, even in jest.”

Vireta’s plea echoed like a warning.

Sharti frowned.

She couldn’t say anything to him. Even if her secrets and vulnerabilities were exposed, she couldn’t reveal her past.

“……. ”

Suddenly, the apricot-colored flower she received from him came to mind.

Sharti swallowed the emotion that choked her heart.

It wasn’t Ren who had to be treated like trash. While suspecting him as a wanted criminal, as a sinner, she was the one who committed the sin.

“Miss, are we still far?”

When Manmulsang loitered in front of the room, Sharti regained her composure.

Sharti sniffled, wiping her runny nose with her trembling hand.

‘Come in.’

Sharti called Manmulsang into the herbal medicine room.

It was embarrassing to show a messy room, but it was better than dealing with muscle pain.

“Is this your workshop…?”

Manmulsang’s expression, looking around the untidy room, was strange.

Especially, his gaze examining the prescription and efficacy written on each medicine bottle was sharp.

“Uh-hmm…”

Lost in thought, Manmulsang grinned, swallowing his laughter with a snort.

Sharti watched his reaction with a tense face.

“Miss, you haven’t attended the academy, right?”

Sharti nodded, and Manmulsang let out a fake laugh.

Unable to comprehend his response, Sharti swallowed her anxiety.

‘Is it showing that I’m like an unlicensed doctor?’

Sharti rolled her sleeves.

Her muscles tensed from nervousness.

“I mentioned last time, it hasn’t been long since I started trading with you. I bought only the things I would try to sell as a test. And it turned out to be a huge hit.”

“…?”

Manmulsang, who turned his head abruptly, stared at Sharti piercingly.

His eyes gleamed as if he had found treasure in front of him.

Sharti remained motionless, and Manmulsang took out a money pouch from his arms.