A solemn silence settled over the room for the mont.
The dealer's eyes twitched a few tis, and he coughed awkwardly, trying to break the tension.
"Sir, how did you know that?"
"Was it supposed to be a secret? If so, how did so many people co to know about it?"
"I see!" He mused and then spoke slowly.
"It seems you are soone from the upper circle. With a face like that, it's hard to believe that you hail from ordinary roots."
I wanted to refute that not every good-looking guy hails from a powerful family, but on second thought, I thought that it was better to let the misunderstanding brew. Even if he figured out the truth later, it wouldn't be a problem since I hadn't done anything dangerous or illegal to provoke trouble.
"I will take a fair asurent," the dealer said, beginning to pick up the stones.
His eyes glowed a bit as he examined each stone from different angles, tracing the contours of the rocks with care.
One by one, he picked the stones and examined them before keeping them aside. At first, his expression was calm, but as he continued, amazent and shock started to flicker across his face. Though he tried to conceal it, it was obvious that he was impressed.
"I have examined everything. A few of them contain precious stones. Altogether, they would be worth about 100,000 Crypts."
After saying that, he paused, watching for my reaction. But upon seeing the blank look on his face, his confidence faltered.
Raising my hand, I drew a line across my forehead. "Is there sothing written on my forehead?"
"Not that I can see?" he answered, puzzled.
"Then why are you treating like an idiot? Do I have a mark that says I am one?"
"What do you an?" his eyes slightly narrowed.
"Do you think I don't know what's in there? Or is it just because I am a kid that you think you can scam ."
"Cough… cough…"
"Dear custor, don't get upset. I will raise the price. How does 200,000 sound?" he offered with a strained smile.
"Tsk!"
I clicked my tongue, massaging my forehead.
Folding my legs, I assud an authoritative stance, trying to act as coldly as possible. I kept my tone calm but firm, imitating the deanor of soone with high power while still maintaining a charismatic smile and acting benevolent.
"Listen here, man, we both know what it's really worth. As a rchant, I know it's your job to make profits for yourself, but I don't have ti for all this bullshit"
"Listen here!"
SNAP!
I snapped my finger and pointed at a square-shaped stone.
"This one contains an Ignis—about 15gm, isn't it…?"
The mont I said this, the dealer's eyes sprang open in shock, as if he had seen a ghost.
Ignis gems were fiery bright red stones used by people in cold regions. When infused with mana, they would emit warmth, keeping your body hot even in freezing cold.
Compared to the thod of using mana, it saves a lot. They were efficient and valuable, although not priceless, they were certainly precious.
"This alone is worth twice what you are offering. Once polished, refined, and crafted into jewelry, it can fetch almost a million in an auction. If I wanted to, I could just take it and sell it by myself. Frankly, I wouldn't even co here if I knew you were such a scamr."
"Sigh! I thought you could be so good guy."
The dealer kept quiet as if I had hit the nail.
Yes, that's what I wanted.
That guilt, anxiety, and nervousness of wondering the identity of the person who had referred him to and had even disclosed his power.
Everything you think now is gonna weaken your resolve.
As for thoughts of letting it go, it won't occur since he knew he would lose millions if he didn't make a deal with .
Finally, the man stood up and gave a small bow. "I apologize."
"No need for that," I said coolly. "I just need sothing in return. I know you need to make a profit so here's the deal."
"I want a set of daggers—one sharp and the other poisoned. And I also need a pair of guns."
Guns, though not commonly used, were carried as a secondary weapon for quick ans to escape danger.
But it was rarely used because the bullets were too costly. Normal bullets won't work and a single novice bullet was already expensive and prices climbed steeply for the advanced types.
Thinking about this, I knew I needed to build a growth-type gun later.
"What types of guns and ranks of daggers do you want?"
"Give the dagger of Novice rank. As for the guns, give a pair of semi-automatic, one-hand pistols, also with Novice rank bullets. By the way, is it possible to enchant them?"
"That would be difficult sir," the dealer replied, making sigh.
I didn't want to head to the church outside; it would be crawling with specters and wraiths.
I requested a few more items: storage rings, cartridges, survival kits, and beginner and interdiate potions.
"After all this, transfer 200k to my account," I said, placing my smartphone on the counter.
The man nodded and was about to leave to fetch the items, but I stopped him.
"Wait. Let's get to the main point."
The dealer froze, his expression imdiately alard.
"Main point… what is it?"
"You have heard of the Emberhearts, right?"
"Of course, I know. Who wouldn't know of it?" he replied, nodding cautiously.
"Then you must know that the Duchess's lovely daughter is entering the Arcadia Academy?"
"Umm… sure, but what of it? Are you looking to buy so information?"
"No," I said, leaving in closer. "Rather, I want you to give a very important piece of information."
After saying that, I pulled him closer and whispered into his ears.
"WHAT!"
The man recoiled, his face pale upon hearing my words.
"What! Are you kidding ? I can't do that! I refuse. If this is false, my head would be displayed all over the world—after they cut it off!" The dealer scread and backed away in panic, but I grabbed his arm firmly.
"Listen here, Samuel… Umm… is that your na, whatever…"
"Don't miss this opportunity. This is a once in a life-ti opportunity, you can't miss it."
His eyes nervously darted.
"Just think about it. You aren't taking the risk, rather it's , after all, I am the one who provided the information. If it turns out to be false, they won't do anything to you, and will co after ."
Samuel's eyes flickered with uncertainty as my smile widened and I started whispering like a devil tempting a soul, showing him the prospect of the future.
"I will even guarantee it. You can even disclose my identity if necessary."
"If the information turns out to be true, just wonder what it could an to you. You will gain Emberhearts' trust. With their backing, you could expand your business, becoming a world-renowned rchant. So think. You can even step into the black market which you aren't able to because of the lack of noble support."
Samuel's eyes quivered and his Adam's apple twitched as greed, caution and anxiety played across his face.
"Just think…" I urged.
"Is this… true?" he asked, still skeptical.
"Of course it's true," I nodded with a grin that grew wider with every second Samuel hesitated.
"If you believe that I am lying, take my pic and na for future reference. Also, you can find in Archeon Academy. You can even reveal to her that it was who provided the information."
"Just do it—and be her savior." I added, my voice dripping with reassurance and patted his hands that were trembling violently from fear and excitent.
"Uh… Okay…" he stamred. "I will send the ssage."
'Good!'
I raised my thumb in approval.
With this, the first piece was placed on the board. And the ga had finally begun.
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