The Supermarket System

Chapter 52: 52. Demon’s face

Just as Kai had thought, selling fried snacks on the side of the road was the best thing to do at night. Because back on Earth, it had been the same way.

People tend to like fried foods because they taste better and are crispier. Even though they’re high in cholesterol, people don’t care.

That night, Kai helped the village girl who had sold him breadfruit the day before set up her stall. He did this by making breadfruit fritters coated in flour.

It wasn’t just Kai—Nicho insisted on joining too because he wanted to gauge the market potential for these fried snacks.

Even Nicho was surprised to see just how incredibly popular the breadfruit fritters and fried bananas were.

Thanks to the never-ending stream of customers, in less than three hours, all the available breadfruit and bananas were sold out.

"I’ve already calculated all the profits, and I’ve also shared a portion of the profits with you," said the village girl’s brother.

"No need—you two can keep all the profits. And I think this young master wants to talk to both of you about something," said Kai, then he patted Nicho on the shoulder.

Confused, Nicho just stared at Kaileon with a puzzled look. Then Kai whispered to him.

"Hire them, because right now you’re the only one who can provide them with flour or cooking oil. I hope you’ll find more people like them and station them at various spots around town—especially at the bars owned by your family. You get it so far, right? Because I’m the one who’ll be supplying you with the flour and oil," Kaileon whispered seriously.

Nicho was truly at a loss for words. Kaileon had left him both bewildered and in awe.

How could he have come up with a plan like that?

It’s true that not all the bars and restaurants in the area belonged to the Verdez family. Other nobles had also opened bars and restaurants, even though all the beer was actually supplied by the Verdez family.

However, that very fact made the Verdez-owned bars less competitive.

Having a stand selling snacks in front of the bar to attract attention was a great idea.

"By the way, this idea isn’t free, buddy... that means you can’t get away from me now and have to always work with me."

Nicho laughed upon hearing this, then gave a slight nod, "Sure, I’d be happy to be tied to you."

While waiting for Nicho to talk to the siblings from the village, Kaileon went for a walk to see the large river that happened to run through the city. Right in the middle of the city.

In fact, according to the story, the town was deliberately built around the river to make it easier for its residents to access water.

Now, the riverbanks had been renovated, fitted with railings and other features to make them look neater and more beautiful. Magical lights had also been installed to illuminate the riverbanks.

Oh, by the way, the city isn’t new, even though Count Verdez is a new noble. It used to belong to another count, who was stripped of his title because his family was corrupt and committed other crimes. So now Count Verdez has taken over that position.

"Why are you just sitting here daydreaming?" Nicho had arrived and was sitting on a park bench with Kaileon.

"There’s a lot on my mind, especially since I have to go back to the coastal village tomorrow, and then continue on to Arslan," Kai said.

Nicho cleared his throat briefly, then asked the question that had been weighing on his mind.

"You said we’re friends, right?"

Kai turned to Nicho and furrowed his brow. "Why are you asking that? Of course we’re friends—you’re my first male friend from the nobility. You also make me feel comfortable when we talk, so I’m happy to be friends with you."

Nicho smiled, "You don’t think anything bad about my appearance, do you?"

"Why would I?"

Nicho shook his head and said, "No, it’s just—oh, never mind."

"Just say it if there’s something you want to say, buddy. Don’t forget to visit me in Arslan—I’ll cook you lots of delicious food!"

Nicho nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, sure!"

***

For some reason, Kai felt heavy-hearted about leaving Verdez, that coastal village... because he was starting to like it.

But what could he do? There were many things he had to take care of in Arslan.

"Keith, once everything’s under control in Arslan, I think I’d like to just go on an adventure. I want to travel around the world and make beautiful memories," said Kaileon.

At that moment, they were taking a break during their journey back to Arslan.

"If you just want to visit each region, you don’t have to be an adventurer—staying a noble is fine too," Keith replied.

"Oh, that’s true..."

"Aren’t you going to the empire to help Lady Jessica start her business? You can go there while visiting other regions, since there are many interesting places we can pass through along the way. "It might take you nearly a month to get everything ready there," said Keith.

Kai, who had been lying back leisurely on the grass, finally sat up upon hearing Keith’s words.

"A month? That’s way too long! What if we just take a flying carpet?"

Keith burst out laughing at the mention of a flying carpet, which annoyed Kai.

"Hahaha—a flying carpet wouldn’t be safe, young master! Besides, if your body is constantly exposed to the wind, it’ll make you sick."

Kai lay back down on the grass, gazing at the bright blue sky dotted with white clouds.

He began to miss Earth, where they had modes of transportation like airplanes.

The Empire was indeed far away. The distance was about a six-hour flight, if it were on Earth. Or nearly a full day by car on the highway.

So, if it took a month for the round trip, that made sense. After all, Kai would be passing through several regions and major cities. Not to mention staying in the Empire to set up Jessica’s business.

Kai could imagine there would be a lot going on.

Ugh, this is all because of the mission, so Kai had to make such a reckless promise to Jessica.

"You can bring Princess Angeline if you want, young master," Keith interjected, noticing the worry on his young master’s face.

"Oh, you’re right—if she’s there, I’ll feel comforted. I need to see some beautiful faces, and Jessica looks more like that witch to me."

Keith chuckled at hearing his young master refer to the Duchess as a witch.

"You shouldn’t say things like that, young master."

"But you agree,don’t you— Keith!"

Suddenly, Kai slumped down, startling Keith.

"What’s wrong, young master? Why are you so panicked?"

Kai turned to Keith with a worried expression.

"I saw his face..." Kai muttered.

Confused, Keith furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"

"That dark shadow, Keith... but he’s vanished again. I think he knew I could see his face. But it feels strange, Keith... he looks just like an ordinary human, except he has horns on both sides of his head. Its eyes were red, its skin was pale white like a corpse’s, and its hair was jet black—I’ll sketch it right now."

Keith quickly stopped Kai, who was about to take out his tablet to draw.

"No, young master, we have to leave immediately if we don’t want to get caught in the rain on the way."

Slowly, Kai’s panic began to subside. His breathing, which had been ragged, was now steadying.

"You’re right. I don’t need to rush, because I’m sure I’ll see him again," he muttered.

In the end, they continued their journey—Keith on horseback and Kai on his bike.

Keith wasn’t very skilled at riding the bike yet, but he’d try again in Arslan later.

In the afternoon, Kai and Keith had just arrived at the pavilion. Not only were the maids and Angeline there, but even his father and Justine had come to welcome him.

The maids had prepared a variety of dishes for their dinner together.

Kai didn’t clean up until after dinner. He soaked in warm water in the large bathtub in the pavilion’s bathroom.

The bathroom there was very spacious—perhaps as large as the master bedroom Kaileon occupied.

There was a circular bathtub with a diameter of about two meters.

Since Kaileon could use water magic, he could also produce hot water simply by imagining it.

Soaking in the warm water, surrounded by the fragrant aroma of rose and lily essential oils, made Kai feel relaxed.

He would have almost fallen asleep if he hadn’t sensed the black figure reappear—even if only for about two seconds.

Kai hurried out of the bathtub, wrapping a bathrobe around himself.

He didn’t want to waste any time, so he immediately began sketching the face he’d seen in as much detail as possible.

Kai was lucky because he had a talent for digital drawing.

An hour later, he was surprised by the drawing he’d created.

It was a portrait of a strange young man with pale white skin, red eyes, black hair, black horns, and a towering figure.

Clearly, he wasn’t human.

"Aren’t you asleep yet, Kaileon?"

Kai quickly turned his head when he heard his father’s voice approaching.

"Father!"

"Haha, actually, I didn’t want to disturb you because you must be very tired. Go to sleep, and we can talk tomorrow—oh, what’s that?"

Kai showed Duke the digital image he’d just created on his tablet, and Duke was utterly shocked.

"THIS—how do you know what the crown prince of the Kingdom of Devirtia looks like?"

Duke, who was already confused, became even more bewildered when Kai then asked,

"So he’s a demon?"

"Are you hiding something from me, Kaileon?"

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!