[Transaction confirmed.]

[150 silver coins have been deducted from your wealth.]

[Please stand by as the knowledge transfer begins.]

Leonard blinked. "Wait, stand by? What do you—"

Before he could finish talking, his head snapped back slightly as a sharp pulse of light flashed before his eyes. A wave of dizziness hit him all at once. It felt as if something had burst inside his mind.

All of a sudden, hundreds of unfamiliar words, images, and processes poured into his thoughts, flooding his mind.

His knees almost buckled. "W–woah! Hold on!"

He clutched his head tightly as if that could stop the rush of knowledge forcing itself in. Strange terms and clear step-by-step instructions flashed one after another. There was fermentation, yeast activation, temperature control, distillation timing, sugar conversion, aging in barrels, and countless more; he didn't even know what it was.

It was overwhelming.

For a few seconds, the world spun around him. Then, slowly, the dizziness began to fade. His breathing returned to normal, and the pain in his temples became just a faint throb.

"What the hell was that?" he muttered under his breath. "It's like someone dumped a whole textbook inside my head!"

When he opened his eyes again, everything was clearer. Somehow, he now understood— like he could almost see everything in his mind.

It was as if there was a Y*uTube video playing directly in his brain about how fruit could be crushed, fermented, and aged into wine. How grains could be boiled, malted, and turned into rich ale.

'…Damn." A slow grin spread across his face.

"Heh. So this is what it feels like to know everything," Leonard said, tapping the side of his temple proudly. "Not bad, System. Not bad at all."

[You're welcome, Host.]

Leonard chuckled softly, the corners of his lips curling higher.

"Alright then… time to make history."

He turned back toward his den. His step felt lighter now. After a few days of getting bored, he could feel the genuine excitement filling him again.

If this is a success, then he's not just a simple gambler anymore. He'll also be a brewer.

The two will make him the greatest merchant in town!

- - -

By the end of the day, the shop became noisier than usual. More customers came in than the 4 could handle, so Leonard decided to jump in and help them already.

It was exhausting, but then, with his excitement, he seemed to have so much energy.

When the last customer left and they were done, Leonard finally gathered the four of them near the counter.

"Well," he began, brushing his hands together, "looks like business is growing faster than we thought."

Ferio glanced at the day's earnings on the table and gave a low whistle.

"Yes, Boss. We barely had time to breathe today."

Eric stretched his arms and groaned.

"My back's killing me, boss. I don't think I even had lunch."

Leonard chuckled. "That's exactly why we need more people. If this keeps up, we'll burn out before the end of the week."

The group straightened, listening closely.

"So here's the plan," Leonard continued. "If you know anyone trustworthy, maybe your friends, cousins, whoever, bring them to me after three days. Tomorrow, we'll open for half the day so you can talk to them."

"Seriously? We're hiring more?" Ferio's eyes widened.

"Yeah. We need extra hands, and I'd rather they come from people we trust." Leonard nodded.

Eric grinned, leaning forward.

"I've got a few in mind, Boss. My friends have been curious about this place anyway. Especially after hearing how well we're getting paid."

"Same here," Ferio added, his grin matching Eric's. "Guess it's time to brag a little."

"Do that. Make them jealous enough to join." Leonard smirked and chuckled with them.

Gareth, who was standing off to the side, crossed his arms also answered, "I can talk to some of my men too. A few of them are looking for good work. They're reliable people."

"That's perfect. I'll look forward to meeting them." Leonard met his eyes and nodded.

Just then, Anika let out a tiny huff. "Hmph. I don't really know anyone, Leonard. Guess I'll just stay with you then."

Leonard sighed, rubbing his forehead. "You don't need to sound like it's a bad thing."

Anika just smiled, "I didn't."

'This girl…' He chuckled under his breath and shook his head.

"Alright then, Anika. You can come with me tomorrow."

"Eh? Where are we going?"She blinked.

Leonard's lips curved into a faint grin. "You'll find out soon enough."

Her brows knitted suspiciously, but he didn't elaborate further. The others exchanged glances, but none of them asked further.

For now, the plan was simple in Leonard's mind. They need to hire more people, expand, and keep the business thriving.

And while doing that, he will have to start with the brewing.

When everyone finally left for the night, Leonard stayed behind in the den. The room was quiet now.

He leaned back on one of the chairs and exhaled, letting the silence settle in. The day had been long, but his mind refused to rest.

His eyes drifted toward the counter where the day's earnings sat neatly stacked. They earned a lot today, just like usual.

And for sure, with his current money, he could afford to start this new venture of him already.

'So… what's the best thing to start with?' Leonard crossed his arms and thought of it.

Immediately, his mind pulled out an answer. Grapes.

They were common, sweet, and easy to ferment. He could already picture a small batch of wine aging quietly in the back of the den.

But then another idea popped up after that. Strawberries.

They were fragrant, colorful, and would probably stand out more. Strawberry wine… that sounds fancy enough to sell fast, he thought, smirking a little.

Still, he knew that wasn't enough. If he wanted something with a stronger kick, he needed grains, too.

Barley, wheat… whatever he could find from the nearby farms. Those would be for ale.

'Yeah. I'll need to buy those soon.'

He nodded slowly to himself, as if confirming the plan with someone only he could hear.

'Tomorrow then. I'm already planning to start this. First step? I need to find the best fruits and grains I can get my hands on in this place.'

The thought made him grin. The excitement stirred in his chest again.

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