Capítulo 18: Ch 18: Exam Prep - Part 2
*Ouch*
The earring pierced Layla's ear, but it was done gently so it did not hurt.
Honestly, the anticipation of the pain was much more daunting than the actual piercing. It happened far too quickly, and Layla had her ear pierced before she knew it.
"Is that all, Young Miss? Would you like to see some exotic jewelry before moving on? I can show whatever your heart desires."
The shopkeeper asked as she tried to milk Layla for more money.
Layla's clothes were of high quality, and one could instantly point out that she was from a well-off family.
This was deliberately done to secure the best produce.
Many people thought flaunting their wealth would cause the shopkeepers to show them expensive yet low-quality products, but that was not always true.
In most cases, the ones who were shown limited quality products were poor, and those who did not dress up the part.
After all, there was no point in showing customers something they could not afford.
But simply dressing up the part would not guarantee you the best product. Once you had the shopkeeper where you wanted, the true test of your ability would show.
'Our first battle has been won. Now, it is time for us to choose the best quality product.'
Layla looked at Mary, who instantly gave her a reassuring smile.
"Our miss is looking for something special. Since she got her ears newly pierced, she would like to see your 'Spatial Collections.' Money is not an issue for us."
Mary must have been widely recognized because the shopkeeper did not hesitate to find her words off.
"I see! If so, I will prepare the best money to buy you. Ah, a perfect set recently came into the shop! I hope you will take a look at it."
The shopkeeper smiled mysteriously before she disappeared into the back of the shop.
"Mary, do we have money to afford all this stuff? How much do I need to pay back to the Duke for this?"
Layla asked in a low voice. As much as she did not want to doubt Mary, she did not want to go into debt.
Nothing in life was free.
The price for Layla's upbringing was her performance in the Duke's household, so she also wanted a clear picture of her payment for this.
"Don't worry too much. We can count it as a favor from my side, not the Duke's. Would that work?"
Owning Mary instead of the Duke was not any better. Layla would rather not owe any of them if she could help it.
But if she had to choose, then Mary was the better option.
"I am still unsure if this is a good idea, but I take your generosity this time. However, if your favor will not suit me, I want you to know I won't do it."
Layla was quick to lay out her terms, and the lack of response she got back assured her that Mary knew that as well.
As soon as the shopkeeper returned, the atmosphere quickly returned to normal. He had a small fortune in his hand, and he extended it to Layla and Mary so they could take a look.
"Please have a look at our recent collection. They are all top-of-the-line. Choose whichever one you want."
The shopkeeper laid out about ten choices before Layla, and she quickly looked it over.
'Tsk, I do not have enough experience to tell the energies of such small tools apart right now. Should I ask Mary-'
Layla quickly abandoned that idea when she saw the grin on Mary's face.
Just because Mary had agreed to pay for Layla did not make her the most reliable option to ask for anything.
Instead, Layla chose to trust her system and its activity window.
[Iridescent Earrings. Level F. Item can only store up to 1 sq ft.]
[Nicole's Tear. Level C. Item can store up to 10 sq ft.]
A few level B and mostly level C items were in the mix, but Layla did not choose to grab any of them.
She continued to observe these earrings while noting the shopkeeper's face.
The more time Layla took to choose her item, the more nervous she made the shopkeeper. Finally, once the shopkeeper was convinced that Layla was not a common buyer, she brought out her weapon.
"Miss, do you not like any of these items? It seems like you are interested in premium items. Just for you, I will bring out something special. Please wait here, and I will bring out something even better."
The shopkeeper quickly left for the back again, and Mary gave a low whistle of appreciation.
"Young Miss, you are really lucky. Or, did you know that the shopkeeper had something better to present before us?"
Mary asked with an impressed look on her face.
"I made an educated guess based on what I saw. None of these gems are worth the cost they are selling for, but if this shop still has good business, it must mean they have something valuable for the powerful people to want."
This shop was most likely a front for other activities. But Layla did not need to show that she had noticed this.
Mary's knowing smile was nerve-wracking, but the fact that she was on Layla's side soothed her a little.
It took the shopkeeper five minutes to return, but she had something worth looking over this time.
"How about this item? I am afraid that anyone above this has already been reserved. This is the best we can offer you at the moment."
Layla turned toward her system to check the specifics of the ears.
[Ruby of Iridise. Level A. Item can only store up to 50 sq ft.]
The space and price of this item had considerably jumped. Layla had some concept of money, and even she knew she was being ripped off there.
"Let me take a look at the item, miss. And about that charge…won't you think of reconsidering how much you are asking us for?"
Mary extended her hand to grab the earrings, but the shopkeeper clutched them back in her hand.
_____
I'll republish this in WPC. Until then, I will continue to upload this here.
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