merchant of Kuttenberg, of Kuttenberg
“I sell chalk, salt, and grit to the bakers. Honest measure, not a copper less or more.”
Things Fritz Hartmann had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Thursday before Whitsun, at Sext
I took old Menhard a fresh loaf this morning. I have almost the full sum for his stall lease. Nickel Hahn stood across the square grinning, but a slow man cannot close a bargain. I just need Wolfgang to open his purse.
Nota scribaeHe counted on his fingers the entire time he spoke.
the third day of Easter week, at None
A miller complained that my chalk was too coarse today. I told him he gets what he pays for. I never cheat on the weight, and my father taught me better than to give extra for free. My scales are true.
I watched your sacks while you argued with him. No one touched them.
the feast of Saint Gregory, at Prime
Frost on the sacks this morning. My fingers were so stiff I could barely count the pennies. Still, better to be cold in the square than stuck under Claus's leaky roof like poor Erhard.
My roof is no business of yours, Fritz. Just weigh the salt.
Nota scribaeDictated in the market square while rubbing his hands together.
the Friday after Saint Matthias, at Vespers
Soldiers on the road mean fewer bakers coming into town, which means less silver in my purse. A man cannot build a business when the king's brother brings Hungarians to eat our grain. I locked my goods away early today.
Patience, my son. The market always returns when the soldiers march on.
Candlemas, at Terce
Old Menhard went blind before winter, and now he must sell his lease. We agreed on a price at Michaelmas. It is the best spot in the mud, right where the millers pass. I swear on my true measures I will have it.
You and Nickel will tear each other apart before old Menhard dies.
Nota scribaeHe spoke quickly and asked me to write it twice to be sure.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
He promised it to me on Saint Andrew's day, Fritz. Save your bread.