Capítulo 7: Chapter 7. Merchants arrival (2)
The large expanse designated for hosting the merchants bustled with activity as preparations neared completion. A sizeable tent had been hastily erected in the center. It wasn't much—far from the grandeur typical of established cities—but it was functional.
As I surveyed the setup, I couldn't help but remind myself that this was a developing town. Given how far we'd come in such a short time, I was content, though I hoped the merchants wouldn't be too critical.
Four merchants had arrived: three from Verilith Kingdom and one from Aetheria Kingdom. Their arrival was marked by the clatter of wagons, the shuffle of attendants, and the faint scent of exotic spices wafting from their caravans.
The merchant from Aetheria introduced himself with a sly grin as Jack. In my head, I added, Jack of all trades, perhaps? The Verilith merchants—Charlie, Luke, and Bryan—each came from different merchant associations, which explained their barely disguised competitiveness, despite hailing from the same kingdom. Their interactions were tense, with every gesture and glance revealing the undercurrent of rivalry.
I took a moment to reflect on the geography that framed our growing settlement. To the east lay Orelith Kingdom, a mysterious and secluded nation known for its secretive policies and limited interactions with the outside world. The western boundary of our region was defined by the expansive Verilithan Sea, its waters shimmering under the sun. Meanwhile, our town was strategically nestled between Verilith and Aetheria—two kingdoms with a long history of trade and occasional skirmishes. It wasn't an ideal location, given the tensions with Verilith, but it was rich in opportunities. Who comes up with these names, anyway? I mused briefly, before snapping my attention back to the present.
Soldiers began arriving in disciplined lines, carrying heavy chests brimming with mana cores. Ten thousand mana cores—high-quality, flawless crystals—were about to be displayed before the merchants. As the soldiers placed the chests carefully within the tent, I could sense the merchants' growing curiosity. They leaned forward, eager to examine the goods.
Lucia arrived shortly after, her calm demeanor and commanding presence instantly shifting the atmosphere. I gestured subtly toward the merchants and whispered, "Take the lead."
"Yes, Master," she replied with a confident nod.
Lucia stepped forward, her voice ringing clear and authoritative. "Gentlemen, we are offering an exclusive deal. These mana cores are of the highest quality. Let's start the bidding—highest offer wins."
Charlie was the first to speak. "70,000 gold coins."
Lucia scanned their faces, her gaze sharp. "Anyone willing to go higher?"
The merchants exchanged knowing glances. Their silence revealed everything—they had conspired before arriving. Luke, stepping forward as if to justify their united front, spoke up. "You see, Lady Lucia, we're taking a risk here. Mana cores aren't easy to move in the market, transportation costs are steep, and let's not forget the hostile stance of Verilith Kingdom against your town. It's not a small matter."
I remained silent, nodding slightly to acknowledge his concerns, though I couldn't help but feel insulted. Their offer was low, far below the true value of the mana cores. Did they think we were desperate?
Lucia glanced at me, her expression unreadable. I could see she shared my thoughts but chose to remain composed.
"Let's adjourn for today," I announced finally, breaking the tense silence. "Take the evening to reconsider your offers. Lucia, see to it that our guests are treated to a feast."
---
The following morning, the merchants were as obstinate as ever. They arrived at the tent with the same smug confidence, presenting the exact terms as the day before.
"70,000 gold coins," Luke repeated. "And we'll divide the shipment—10,000 mana cores each. We've even brought caravans to transport the goods."
Their arrogance grated on my nerves. I could feel my patience wearing thin. Was this a tactic? Were they genuinely afraid of the Verilith Kingdom's potential retaliation, or was it greed?
I turned to Lucia, who stood silent and composed. "Lucia, show these gentlemen out. Let's not waste more time."
Her lips curved in a slight smile as she addressed the merchants. "Gentlemen, the discussion is over. Please enjoy the hospitality we've prepared for you."
As they left, I took a deep breath to steady myself. Their refusal to budge was frustrating, but I wasn't about to cave to a bad deal. Selling to the system wasn't ideal, but it offered 8 gold coins per mana core—better than the insultingly low 7 gold they proposed.
I checked my resources to calm myself:
Gold: 0 units
Mana cores: 43,200 units
"Alright, Ace," I muttered to myself. "Let them walk away. You've got this."
---
While the merchants feasted in the distance, I retreated to the training grounds. The rhythmic clatter of soldiers sparring filled the air, a welcome distraction from my irritation. Grabbing my wooden sword, I joined the practice, pushing myself to exhaustion.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, I leaned against a tree, reflecting on the day's events. The merchants' stubbornness was troubling, but I couldn't let it deter me. With 43,200 mana cores and a booming town, I had resources they could only dream of.
Somehow, I'd make this work—whether with them or without them.
---
The merchants came back the next day, looking a bit different—like they might be having second thoughts. Once we were alone, Jake told me their offer: 75,000 gold coins.
Not long after, a message arrived from Lucia. She said the merchants of Verilith kingdom had agreed among themselves to pay up to 85,000 gold coins but they still want 10,000 mana cores per merchants.
Looks like they're starting to crack, but I'm not budging. My price is set—I won't sell for less than 90,000 gold coins.
Honestly, their tactics are pretty obvious. Leaving the town? They're clearly trying to make it look like they've walked away for good. They probably think we'll panic, worried we can't sell the mana cores elsewhere, and cave to their lower price.
What they don't know is that I'm not playing their game. I've got the system on my side. They can plot and scheme all they want—it's not going to work on me.
If they think I'm desperate, they're in for a surprise.
At worse, I'll earn 10,000 gold coins less but I won't let this so called merchants rip me off.
And atleast no-one will know when the system rips me off.
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