The Mercantile Manuscript is an archive filled with information about the world of Octopath Traveler 2. Players who read through the Manuscript carefully might even discover hints regarding hidden secrets scattered throughout the continent of Solistia. To unlock access to the Mercantile Manuscript, players will need to use Partitio the Merchant complete a somewhat tricky “Scent of Commerce” side quest that requires logical thinking.
This guide will teach you how to charm the legendary merchant Masoud and unlock the Mercantile Manuscript, a record of his journeys. With the help of the Mercantile Manuscript, you can learn more about healing items, weapons, rare monsters, and other fun elements of Octopath Traveler 2!
Meet Masoud the Merchant
The Mercantile Manuscript and its owner, Masoud, are located in the town of Sai in the Hinoenuma region. Sai is found in the southwest part of the Western Continent of Solistia. It can be accessed most easily by heading west from the town of Canalbrine and crossing the desert sands. You will need a total of 6,000 Leaves to complete this quest. If you do not have that, you may want to fight monsters in the surrounding sands or sell items in Sai.
Once you reach Sai, make sure that Partitio is in your party and head to the hill on the eastern side of town during daytime. Partitio will recognize the insignia of the legendary merchant Masoud, author of the Mercantile Manuscript. Talk to Masoud on top of the hill. He will refuse to grant Partitio access until he shows him “A merchant’s greatest treasure.”
Bring Masoud His Daughter
Head to the well in the center of Sai and make it nighttime (press ZR/R2/T). Masoud’s Daughter will then appear. Have Partitio Hire her for 1,000 Leaves and then bring her to Masoud. Unfortunately, that’s not the answer to his riddle. However, it is a necessary step, as Masoud’s Daughter will give you a hint: a merchant’s greatest treasure should be “himself.” After a short cut scene, return to Masoud while it is still night time.
How to Show Masoud “Himself”
To show Masoud “himself,” approach him at night and use Partitio to Hire him for 5,000 Leaves. Masoud will then congratulate Partitio for solving his riddle and give him the Mercantile Manuscript Archive Key. You can now enter the house behind Masoud and read the information stored in the Mercantile Manuscript. This completes Partitio’s “Scent of Commerce” quest in Sai.
Masoud does stick around after the quest has been completed and can be Hired again by Partitio. He has a useful skill, Silver Tongue, which lets Partitio get a 20% discount while making purchases. However, his Hire price increases to 9600 Leaves after his quest is completed.
Now, you’ve got full access to the Mercantile Manuscript in Octopath Traveler 2. Enjoy learning all sorts of fun facts and secrets about the land of Solistia! Plus, you can check out GameLuster’s other Octopath Traveler 2 guides to learn how to farm rare Octopuff Travelers, obtain the rare Sunshadow Staff, and more!
What fun secrets have you discovered while exploring Solistia in Octopath Traveler 2? Did you learn a lot from the Mercantile Manuscript? Comment below and let us know!
Octopath Traveler 2 is currently available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
