Pelvin and the children hauled the cart and showed it to a merchant nearby, right now it was filled with a pile of cleaned demon claws. They made sure to scrape and wash it well in its every corners, turning it glossy and clean.
Pelvin mustered a shrewd smile, he rubbed his palms, then motioned to the claws on the cart. "Sir, would you like to purchase some claws gathered from the mythical beasts found on the west."
The merchant rose his eyebrow. "What kind of beast?"
Pelvin smiled widely that reached his cheek. "The spirit ones, those creatures the mages used as familiars."
The merchant dubiously inspected the claws, he came forward and turned close to the cart. "For a spirit beast, you acquired this many?" He inquired skeptically.
"Well I found them dead when I gathered them."
The merchant stared at him, then back to the claw, he hoisted it up over his head. "Whether you're lying or not, these are quite quality material. Okay, I would like to get a quarter of what you have."
Pelvin nodded. "I would sell you half for a discount."
The merchant sighed, shaking his head. "I don't need that much, besides it would be a pain to sell that many."
Pelvin's smile fell flat. "I understand."
The money he collected was only about thirty silvers, it was fewer than what he had expected. Pelvin rose his eyebrow. "Sir, this seems to be lacking."
After the merchant transferred the claws to his shop, he motioned for them to turn away. "That was its actual price, you can now leave."
Pelvin's face was unsatisfied, he shot out his words unto the merchant. "One of those could fetch a price for about ten to fifteen silvers."
The merchant took about twenty seven or so claws from their cart, he then faced Pelvin with a stubborn expression. "Look man, that would be its standard price, but since the economy is falling you're even lucky someone bought it for you."
The boys stepped forward and growled unto the merchant. "Hey, that's unfair."
When the merchant recognized who they were, he scowled in contempt, "You damn pilferers, you don't get to tell me what's fair or not."
Pelvin sighed, he spun and was about to leave. "Let's go."
The boys smacked their lips. "But!" They grunted but they let it go and walked away.
They roved the streets as they targetted for their next merchants they wanted to sell.
The boy strutted beside him. "Hey Uncle, where's my share?"
"Calm down, our venture is not over yet."
Currently, they had eighty or so demon claws on their cart, however thus far, only one merchant across the city bought their claws, they were turned down by the rest, they tried every streets until finally they were down to the last merchant.
Pelvin gulped as he eyed the last merchant, he made sure to lubricate the claws for presentation purposes. He approached the last merchant with a friendly and bright smile. "Sir good morning."
The merchant replied with a snort. "Hmmph?"
"I would be selling these spirit beast claws. Of course, they used to cost fifteen silvers, but I'm willing to arrange its price to ten silvers." Pelvin said.
The merchant guffawed his heart out. "Nice joke, but during this calamity no one would spend their money on goods that are not necessity."
Pelvin chuckled as sweat frothed on his cheeks. "I mean come on, the demand for claw necklaces, festoons, designs is still high in the market."
The merchant grunted, emphasizing that he disagreed on his words. "If you're in a different country that is, look around you, the people's spirits are down."
Pelvin paused for a bit as his lips curled, it was true that the people were cowering in fear, the faces they held were masks to keep the morale of the city from falling. Especially, since their children were watching.
"Well everyone of us is suffering." Pelvin said with pain mixed in on his voice.
The mechant's eyes were fixated unto the claws on the cart. "If you're willing to drop it down to three silvers, I might consider it."
Pelvin crossed his arms with a sigh, calculating in his mind. His lips were burdened, but in the end he was forced to speak. "Fine."
The boys jogged to his front. "Hey Uncle, are you sure about this?"
Pelvin nodded, he was forced to trade. Afterwards, he gave up about half of the claws, he eyed the clinking pouch on his arm. Right now he collected about one hundred and sixty silvers, but there was one thing left to do. He glanced over to the remaining claws and figured he needed to exhaust them.
With no one to sell to, he thought he need to change strategy. When a thought struck his mind, he slowed down his pace, he got engrossed on his merchant life that he forgot his objective. That was to capture the girl, especially without that monster on sight it was tempting. But he felt, he needed more opening and preparation, without money after all, he wouldn't be able to deliver her safely to his city. Also as a merchant, knowing he still had resources to sell would leave a hole of unsatisfaction in his heart.
The boy approached his side. "Hey uncle, what do you plan to do now?"
He looked over to the cart. "We're gonna sell those."
The boy smiled broadly. "Then I know where we can set up a shop." He said with glee.
"Calm down, we can't set up without acquiring a permit. Because if we did, we might get charged or taken to the dungeon. I'm not sure how their laws work here though." Pelvin said.
The boy gave a confused noise. "What do you mean? What is the permit?"
Pelvin smiled he crouched to meet his eyes. "Before we can set up a shop, we need a permission from the Lords, and of course pay certain fees."
The boy bit his lip, suspicion were written all over his face. "I don't know about that, that sounds like cheating, why do we have to pay them?"
"Look here young one, if you're going to occupy a property you need to pay the owners. Because the lands are owned by individuals." Pelvin said.
The boy attempted to digest his words, but he seemed dense. "I don't get it, why are lands owned this sounds ridiculous."
Pelvin sighed, well what did he expect from children who never recieved a proper education. But he'd like to teach him step by step, or let them observe for a while how the business world works.
"Anyway just follow me."
As they traversed across the city, they were headed to Lord Sethan's office, he was said to be a brilliant mage according from the other merchants. Aside from being a mage soldier, he was also the director of finances who manages taxes, fees and processes permits towards merchants.
Right now, they were about to acquire a permit.
Pelvin entered the city hall, he inquired where Lord Sethan's office was found and he was quickly guided. He told the children to stay outside while he manages their paper works.
He was now in front the door of the office, when he opened the door, he saw the director of finances, treading lightly assorting documents on the shelves. He was tall and thin, a middle aged man around his forties, he had a monocle that sat on his cheek.
He cleared his throat and politely intruded. "Good morning, good sir."
Sethan gave a weak nod. "Good morning." He said calmly, he motioned towards the chair. "Have a seat."
Pelvin seated himself in comfort, the director, Sethan returned to his desk to attend to his demands.
"I need a permit." Pelvin said.
Sethan nodded as he jotted down on his paper. "We will issue you a permit good for one year, and the fee will depend on how your business operates."
Pelvin stroked his chin, he jerked his knee as he thought about it. "How about only for a few days?"
Sethan shook his head gently, he adjusted his monocle up. "I'm sorry but we don't issue short term permits, we will allow travelling merchants though. But we won't allow any merchants to take a permanent space without a permit."
Pelvin sighed, he straighted up and gave a smile, excusing himself. "Thank you for your time."
After he left, he was now strutting on the streets. Based on what he gathered from the director he was left with no choice but to set up his shop on the cart. If his shop was mobile he won't be charged by any renting fees.
One thing he needed to do was to create appealing products, he had enough money to invest but it would take a lot of effort. He scoured the market and purchased some leather straps. Then he directed the children to carefully hole the claw with their blades. They managed to create some necklaces of claws, they etched its tip to lessen its sharpness. It took about a lot of time, then he visited the smith shops and grinded the other claws, turning them into pure powder. He then encased the powdered ones inside a jar.
He laid out a board atop the cart and used it as table to display his products. Various designs of necklaces of claws win the middle and the jars of powdered claws were on the sides.
"To keep the spirits of negativity from dwelling inside your hearts, buy this necklace. Try it and you will be happy!" Pelvin hollored hoping it would be recieved by their ears.
One woman came forward. "What is this?" She eyed the necklace in confusion.
Pelvin held a steady smile. "Miss right now how do you feel?"
The woman sighed, her face weary. "Umm, scared."
Pelvin acted surprised, he gasped. "I can see the spirits of negativity on your shoulders."
The woman rose her eyebrows. "You're not fooling me?"
"No, no, you see I have unlocked my sixth sense, and I can see that you're having a hard time right now."
"How did you know?" The woman said.
"I told you did I, pretty woman." He gave a charming wink, then proceeded to lend her a necklace. "These things are called the Clawed Necklace of Light, they contained light energies. They were gathered from the claws of the creatures of light, named Hersivana, they were tamed by the Goddess named Melias. It is imbued with light magic that will dispel your sadness. My friends and even the Lord himself tried it, they told me it worked. So why don't you wear it?"
"Really?" The woman gave a smile of hope, she nodded after hearing his words, she placed it on her neck, and after breathing in a fresh air she was surprised.
Pelvin smiled. "How do you feel?"
The woman gasped pleasingly. "I feel light now."
Pelvin nodded as he rubbed his palms. "That will be fifteen silvers."
The woman flitted her eyebrows, somewhat reluctant to purchase it.
Pelvin smiled. "That was its actual price but for someone as pretty as you, I would drop it down to eight silvers."
The woman smiled satedly. "Fair enough." She dropped down her coins and walked away.
The boy jogged close to him. "Hey, is what you said true?"
Pelvin chuckled. "Of course not."
The boy mused him as his mouth turned to O. "How did you do that?"
Pelvin flipped the coin on the air using his thumb. "Some basic psychological tricks, the first one was using complicated words like magic, the other one was assuring her that it worked on other customers, especially to someone important like the Lord of the city, the last one was increasing the price to absurdity, then dropped it down on the last second." He chuckled as he toyed with the coins on his palms. "Oh yeah, I forgot to mention giving it a convoluted name and history would give it a stronger impact."
The boy nodded. "But, did it have magical powers?"
Pelvin laughed lightly. "No, but sadness is also psychological, you can easily fool a person's well being if you play it right. That woman totally believed me, thus her belief fooled herself thinking she was now well."
"Woah, I never thought of that." The boy said ecstatically.
Pelvin stooped low and rubbed his hair. "Young boy, business is a matter of psychology, knowing how people think is just one of the essentials if you want to thrive in the market."
"But, isn't this cheating?" The boy said.
"In what sense? I cured the woman's state and she's happy with it, plus no one would bother to look it up on the history books." Pelvin said. "Well then, why don't we get to work?"
Knowing the city folks were sullen and scared from the external threats, he thought it was best to exploit their emotions.
The sun was at its peak, the tranquil skies conquered the city of Raxins found below, at the heart of the city was the mansion. Beside the mansion was a grassy garden, it was occupied by Celina and Shekurya, who sparred for several hours now. Celina ended up being drove into the corner several times, her blade often slid down from her clasp everytime they clashed blades.
Celina find it irksome at some point, she sighed and rubbed the sweat from her forehead. Her stomach grumbled, she noticed it was almost time for lunch, but at least she wanted to take her down at least once.
Celina yowled. "Geez, I don't stand a chance."
Shekurya chuckled as she gracefully covered her lips. "Don't worry, this will be our last spar, I'm gonna give you an upperhand."
Celina hoisted her blade up on her chest level, she narrowed her eyes, taking it now more serious. She still haven't revealed her trump card in her sleeve yet.
Shekurya nodded, she held out her blade to her side. "I'm gonna allow you to make the first move."
Celina's eyes lit up, she became focused. "Really? Well then, brace yourself Shekurya."
Shekurya replied with a steady and warm smile, her stance straight and undettered.
Celina took a deep breath, her mental energy were focused inside her mind, strength poured towards her arms, she gripped the blade tight. After her eyes flinched, in a flash she zipped towards Shekurya.
Seeing Shekurya in that brief moment, she was vulnerable and didn't put up a stance, Celina swung her blade towards her, however she got startled when her weapon phased through her body. Her eyes widened as Shekurya faded slowly. "An after image?"
After her swing, Shekurya vanished completely, she shook her head, seeking for any trace of her. She heard a chuckle behind her and Celina's back was strucked by a blunt object, she presumed it was a blade's hilt. Celina staggered forward and were dropped on all fours, she turned her head with her lower lip risen to Shekurya, looking upset.
Shekurya went close to her, she lent her arm infront of Celina, she sighed and took it to haul herself up again. "I often hear the technique you just did, what's it called?"
Celina brushed the dust off from her knees, there was a trace of irritation on her eyes. "It's called Zen." Her voice irritated.
Shekurya pinched her cheek, forcing Celina to wake up from her mood. "You're so cute when you get mad." She said teasingly.
Celina rubbed her cheek, she sighed venting her frustration out.
"Maybe let's continue after this noon and why don't you join us for lunch, I know you're hungry." Shekurya smiled, she whirled and trailed off.
With a free lunch offered, Celina felt sated, she tailed Shekruya as she made her way into the mansion. When they were on the table they started having lunch, it was as Celina remembered, the food were too grand for the commoners. She mirthly consumed her food, the marinated meat simmered into her mouth, sending out a pleasing taste on her tongue.
As she was focused on her plate, she got startled, when on her side Shekurya sprang up in all of a sudden, her cheeks puffed looking like she restrained her urge to vomit. Her husband grimaced, he had a concerned look, he left his seat and attended close to her side.
Worry ate Celina as well that she ceased to continue her meal, she approached her, hoping to assist her. "Shekurya is there something wrong?"
Shekurya weakly turned her face to her. "Just a little dizzy." She said exhaustedly
She staggered but was supported by his husband, she was then guided into her room. Celina was left alone, eyeing the abundant food that stood atop the table, just when she thought of bringing some food down the city, now it would feel inappropraite to do so. Then two figures entered the mansion doors, one was a guard, seen from the casually designed armor he wore. The other was a formal middle aged man, which she assumed was a mage.
They passed by her and overheard traces of their talks.
"Lord Sethan this way." Said the guard.
After a few hours, the old mage named Sethan, Lord Helrick and Shekurya have left the room. The couple's vigour were replenished as though their happiness were at its peak. Sethan bowed slightly to the couple. "If you excuse me Lord Helrick."
"Thank you a lot Sethan, you're a very reliable friend." Helrick said.
Sethan rose the edge of his lip, forming a faint smile. "I'm glad to be of your service, anyway my Lord, I have something to report to you. The coins in our treasury may not last us for the next few moths."
"Just use my personal money." Helrick said with a sigh.
"Are you sure about that my Lord?"
Helrick gave a single nod. "I will give anything just to keep this city from falling."
Sethan smiled, amused by his compassion.
Shortly after, Sethan left the room. The air around the couple felt warm as their expressions shone bright. Celine recieved their smiles, she was forced to chuckle seeing their situations.
With zeal, Shekurya jogged towards Celina, she hugged her tight with their cheeks brushed against each other. Celina was left in a trance deducing the situation.
"I'm so happy." Shekurya whispered to her ear.
Celina chuckled, cluelessly. "What do you mean?"
Shekurya moved back, her passionate face stared at her. "I will bear a child, I've been waiting for this through out this years." She said enthusiastically.
Celina's face brightened up, she gasped as she grabbed her hand. "I'm so happy for you."
Then, both girls chatted on a porch of a mansion found on the second floor, they rested their arms on the banister as they exchanged words. Eyeing the vast city, with its jagged figures that some buildings could be mistaken as spears.
Shekurya must have forgotten that they were about to spar after their lunch, right now she became more talkative and energetic. "So Celina you were a mage right?" Shekurya glanced at her white robe.
Celine chuckled. "Well yeah."
"I haven't seen you casting a spell." Shekurya looked at her curiously.
Celina sighed, her head bent low. "Somethings happened."
Shekurya tapped her shoulder, uplifting her spirit. "Don't worry, I'll pray that you can manage. So what do you plan to do now?"
Celina took a deep breath, she clenched her fists. "I'm going to erase all demons, and stop the revival of the demon lord." Her words slapped hard into the air, showing her determination.
Shekurya leaned more unto the bannister. "It must be nice to have such goals." She said with a trace of envy.
"Really? I think it's not, since as a light mage everyone is having a high expectations, yet I only give them disappointment." Her voice turned low. "I think it was better if I was born as an ordinary girl, probably becoming a bar keeper or studying to be a scholar. I'm not strong enough to do this." She sighed.
"Woah you're actually the last light mage? Being the only light mage left means you are the only one who can do it. You may not trust yourself, but I think there are someone out there who believes in you." Shekurya said soothingly.
Celina gasped lightly, she lifted a fragile smile, a certain memory bubbled up inside her head. "Anyway Shekurya I had fun, I think I need to return now, and thanks for the spar."
Shekurya chuckled. "I'm sorry I couldn't teach you further, this will take several months to master."
"It's fine." Celina pivoted her heels away from the porch, she then trailed off with a lively wave. "Bye Shekurya."
Shekurya bowed as she left. Afterwards, Celina left the mansion and entered the streets where she met the throng of people.
Plodding through the crowd, she rubbed her tummy and she felt sated after that meal, hopefully she would be able to find Pelvin and acquire some coins. And speak of the devil, she heard a familiar voice from one corner of the street, heads gathered around that portion. When she came close, inspecting what the noise was, she noticed it came from Pelvin.
Pelvin seemed to be conversing with an old man. "What is this for?" The old man pointed on a jar filled with grey powder.
Pelvin's face turned keen. "Apply this one around your house to shield it from the bad energies that currently haunts the cities." He said.
The old man looked satisfied, he dropped some coins, snatched the jar and sauntered away with a hum.
Celina curiously lifted her eyebrow, inspecting the jars. "What's with this?"
Upon noticing they were regular powder, she casted a suspicious look. "Pelvin aren't you scamming this people?" She placed her arm on her hips.
Pelvin laughed it off as he drummed the wooden cart. "These? If the customer is happy it's not a scam."
Celina curled her lips, her eyes narrowed. "I wonder about that."
Pelvin then tossed a pouched on her palms, it was a moderately sized one, with its weight pressing on her arms it mustered a grin on her face. "How much is this?"
"Three hundred and thirty five silvers. It's all yours." Pelvin said.
Celina lurched forward and hugged him. "Pelvin, not letting you go was the best decision I made."
Pelvin gave a sarcastic laugh. "Well then, I think we have to return to our work."
Celina nodded, her mood were shot up bright. "Thank you so much Pelvin."
Pelvin snickered, he snapped his fingers. "What did I say, didn't I tell you you can count on me?"
Celina tilted her head slightly. "Sure, but right now I think I have to leave."
"Yeah."
Celina hummed as she pranced away, she hugged the pouched tight unto her chest, her eyes were fixated unto the coins as though it was her child. "I can't wait to spend any of these, should I try the Blue berry wine or the Crimson Touch?"
As she tread calmly on the road filled with people that crisscrossed to and fro, she got startled when a figure lurched to her spot, he was carrying a knife. With that in mind her eyebrows fell, her forehead wrinkled, she then curled her fist firmly and threw it upon the man's face.
She growled as her other arm locked upon the pouch on her chest. She snorted in annoyance. "Not this time." She stuck out her tongue.
The person crawled away, he then hobbled heading to the alley but was kicked by someone from the crowd on the groin. Samantha came into view, she was the priestess of the crusaders who stepped upon the man's back, pinning him down on the ground. "You shouldn't let this people roam free without consequences Celina."
"Samantha." Celina scuttled to her position.
"I was heading to the church, you wanna come?" Samantha said.
Celina gave a single nod. "Sure."
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