They wanted to write an article about my life, but no one besides me can truly tell my story the right way. That’s right, I’m Malo, and I’m here to tell you about how Link wasn’t the only hero in Hyrule. He may have saved the people from Ganondorf, but I saved the people from unreasonable prices and empty wallets. And you know what, Link couldn’t have done what he did without my enterprising venture. So, let’s start.
I had known Link my entire life. He lived on the edge of my village, and always seemed to be either doing his job at the ranch, spending time with me and the other kids, or training with his weird, kind-of-pointless wooden sword. His training was the reason why his display of skill didn’t surprise me during that one day when we all went to visit him. OK, I was a little impressed by the jump attack, but I knew that he knew what he was doing.
I also wasn’t surprised when he brought Talo back from the dangerous part of the forest. Those pestering monkeys were always annoying, but I didn’t think they were worth wasting my breath to chase that far. Guess I made the right call, like usual, even though both of us sure did get an earful after that from our parents. Still, I gave Link credit for the rescue. He knew how to come through and help people whenever they needed it. We are similar in that regard, though my method is more economical.
I don’t remember how I ended up in Kakariko if I’m being honest. Those beasts captured us, but it’s all a blur. No, I wasn’t worried. They weren’t going to do anything to me. But I didn’t want Beth and the others to feel alone, so I kept up appearances. It was hard though. That Barnes guy, every gripe of his only made me want to climb up and smack some sense into him. How could a business owner lack so much resolve?
At least Renado was there to help keep everyone calm. His daughter, Luda, too. They seemed to have it together. I appreciated that. Too many people let their emotions get the better of them.
We barricaded ourselves in Renado’s hut and waited for help to come. That’s when Colin reassured Beth by telling her that Link would save us. I’m glad someone else understood. We’d be fine. All we had to do was be patient. It was during this time that I noticed, out of one of the windows, a sad, rundown, and abandoned shop. I saw an opportunity.
Link did come, and he saved the day in typical Link fashion. Saved it twice, actually. That Colin, I really do hope the whole experience taught him something. That kid needed to learn to stand up for himself. It’s why I didn’t help him up when Talo knocked him down as we all rushed to greet Link. I don’t know why people think that was mean of me. I was helping. You have to know how to get back up before you can know how to stand tall, like me.
Well, I took command of that store, and before long it was the proud center of commerce for Kakariko Village. I helped improve the relations between the people of Kakariko and the Gorons, aided Link in his quest — even by letting him earn a high-value Piece of Heart — and began a quest of my own. Word had reached me of a business in Hyrule Castle Town that was gouging its prices and holding the people hostage by being the only shop in the city. Regardless of rarity, 100,000 rupees was an outrageous price for a suit of armor. This needed to stop. I made plans with Gor Ebizo, and we put together a fundraiser to help us reach and then buy that unscrupulous business.
Again, Link proved his usefulness. He managed to singlehandedly fund the entire venture. Luckily, they were donations. I don’t know why he didn’t ask to be a partner, but I wasn’t about to suggest it. Fewer people to deal with, the better. Running that new store, the second acquisition and the start of my brand’s push across Hyrule would be simpler this way. The greedy original manager, Chudley, began working for me, and though it probably pained him to see the goods leave at unbeatable prices, the numbers didn’t lie, and the store began to prosper.
If you ever find yourself in Hyrule, make sure to pick up any and all supplies you need at one of my shops. Time is money, so we won’t waste either with worthless trinkets and unfair price tags. Shop smart. Shop at Malo Mart.
