Chapter 2: Selling for a Living

Norman leaned back in his sturdy wooden chair, his thick arms crossed as he surveyed the steady flow of customers passing by his shop. It wasn’t a big store, but it was enough. The counter was stocked with fresh monster meat from the surrounding lands: Raging Bull steaks, Big Wild Boar cuts, and smoked wolf jerky.

Business had been good lately, and life, in his eyes, was stable and satisfying. His wife was out with her friends, roaming the farm hills with a Druid to inspect the soil for the next planting season. It was always nice to see her enjoying time with her old companions, all of whom had started as simple farmers before moving on to trades of their own.

Norman chuckled quietly to himself, rubbing his hands together as a small family passed by his shop, waving cheerfully. He waved back, his gnoll face grinning wide and genuine. Life in the United Monster Tribes felt right, and this was one of those moments he cherished.

The day seemed perfectly ordinary until two small arms appeared on the counter, slapping down a fresh slab of wolf meat with a wet thud.

Norman blinked and leaned forward, lowering his gaze to meet the familiar face of the Nameless Girl. She stood on her toes, peeking over the edge of the counter with her usual blank expression, though the smug glint in her wide eyes told him she was up to her usual antics.

“Wolf again,” she said casually, patting the meat like it was a prized possession. “Got another one for you. This one’s extra fat, so it should sell fast. You’re welcome.”

Norman scratched his head, hiding a grin. “You’ve been busy again, haven’t you? That makes three wolves this week.”

“Maybe,” she replied with a slight shrug, her voice calm but carrying the faintest hint of pride. “Are you buying or not? I’ve got places to be, you know.”

Norman chuckled, shaking his head as he reached out to inspect the wolf meat. It was cleanly cut and skinned, as always, with not a trace of waste. The girl’s skill never ceased to amaze him, especially for someone her age.

“You’re something else, kid,” he said, weighing the slab in his hands. “I’ll take it, like always. Same price as usual?”

She nodded, the corners of her mouth twitching upward for just a second, though her face remained largely blank. “Yep. And don’t even think about short-changing me.”

Norman barked a laugh, pulling out a pouch of coins and placing them on the counter. “I wouldn’t dare. Not with you.”

The girl swept the coins into her pocket with swift, practiced movements, giving him a quick nod of approval. “Good. Thanks, Norman. See you in a couple of days.”

“Wait,” he said, stopping her as she turned to leave. “What about the boar meat? Don’t tell me you forgot.”

“Oh,” she said, pausing and glancing over her shoulder. “That’s for later. Don’t get greedy.”

With that, she strolled out of the shop, her small figure vanishing into the bustling street. Norman watched her go, shaking his head in amusement.

“Every time,” he muttered, already looking forward to their next encounter.

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