Life Under a Tree: A Closer Look
Lake Hylia, Hyrule – In the fiercely competitive market of the Age of Chaos, one shopkeeper has a unique marketing strategy. Jim Meatson, a fourth-generation merchant, made the bold decision to build a shop underneath a large bush.
“People called me crazy – ” Jim began.
“It was crazy.” his wife Melinda interjected.
After discussing the matter further with both of them, the Meatsons explained that the high overhead of Cave-based shops was discouraging. “Everyone wants a nice shop in a cave, but we just didn’t have enough money. And I can’t use a sword. What’s stopping a Moblin from just waltzin’ in and making off with our whole inventory? So I opened up here where no Moblin will look.”
Indeed, the issue of shopkeeper safety has received increased interest in private security circles, with some mercenaries exploiting the war with Ganon to charge thousands of Rupees for ‘protection money’. For better or worse, Jim Meatson conceived a plan which avoids this whole dilemma.
“I’m relying on the rumor mill to drive in the customers. I told an old man that I was at the dead end and to tell people to look for me.”
“You didn’t say which dead end!” Melinda again interjected.
“People know! I think.” Jim responded.
“You could have at least cleared the bush away so it wouldn’t grow back! We’ve only had one customer.”
“But he bought everything.” Jim said, beaming with pride. And so, together, this couple lives in peace and relative safety, eagerly awaiting the Hero’s final triumph at Spectacle Rock.